Korean Job Discussion Forums

spark05 · Joined: 08 Sep 2005 Location: Jung Dong

We want to get a dog and it will be our first time. The most important things I know I'm looking for is that the dog will be able to get along well with an almost 4 year old and be fine living in a 24 pyung apartment. My son and I are home all day and I'm willing to go outside for exercise as much as necessary (although I don't know about going off leash) so does anyone have any tips for what to look for in a dog? I like the idea of adopting from an animal shelter, but with a small child maybe it would better to start with a puppy? I don't want a tiny teacup dog, preferably a small to medium sized one since we don't have a yard.

We're going to keep the dog for the long haul so I want to make sure we get one that's going to work with our family...but since we've never had a dog I don't know what I should look for in a dog, and also advice on where to look. Thanks!

canuckistan · Posted: Thu Jan 26, 2006 9:48 am Post subject:

Med-size poodle?

They're not stupid dogs either.

SuperFly · Joined: 09 Jul 2003 Location: In the doghouse

I'm partial to aussies, shepherds (Frisbee dogs) or border collies...

SuperFly · Joined: 09 Jul 2003 Location: In the doghouse

OH THEY LOVE KIDS Wink

EFLtrainer · Joined: 04 May 2005

Golden Retriever. Hands down the best breed on the planet for their combination of beauty, intelligence and a gentle nature.

Good luck finding one here, I suppose.

krats1976 · Joined: 14 May 2003

Rock · Joined: 25 Feb 2005

If you're in Korea, and living in an apartment, YOU'RE FIRST OBJECTIVE SHOULD BE TO GET A SMALL DOG, BECAUSE IF IT BARKS, YOU'RE IN TROUBLE!

I knew a guy who had a beautiful Siberian Husky, had to get its vocal cords cut because he lived in an apartment. People complained too much.
What's more, YOU DON'T WANT A MONSTER DOG IN YOUR APARTMENT ALL DAY. HE'LL BE A DRAG TO GO OUTSIDE WITH, SEEING KOREA'S SO SMALL AND LACKING IN SPACE, and you'll be stigmatized, as well as the dog, for being scare-mongers.

Maybe find a 20,000 won pup at the open markets. I bought one, as a pup, and it turned out to be the best I'd had. But you'll have to make sure this dog won't get stolen in the summer and that it's not the eating type, though all dogs in Korea can be.

Best bet otherwise, is to do your research on dog breeds or buy one of those miniature tea-cup's.

Whatever you do, don't post cute dog pictures on here. Beware a dog's dilemma in Korea, and maybe give buying one a second thought. The veneer of vanity is glaring here in this department, as some of the pictures all ready shown on your thread display.

chiaa · Joined: 23 Aug 2003

http://www.akc.org/future_dog_owner/find_breed.cfm

There is also a "dog calculator" somewhere on the site. It will help you pick the right dog for your family.

Grotto · Joined: 21 Mar 2004

Border collie. Good all round dog. Perhaps only beaten by a heinz 57 dog.

krats1976 · Joined: 14 May 2003

red dog · Joined: 31 Oct 2004

Rock wrote:

peemil · Joined: 09 Feb 2003 Location: Koowoompa

I always get hungry after reading a thread like this.

Demonicat · Joined: 18 Nov 2004 Location: Suwon

I used to work at a vets office as the undertaker. I saw quite a few dogs get put down due to not being suited for a family. If I may suggest:
1) do NOT get a small dog. Yes, they can be sweet, but they also have a higher "defensiveness" level- read, they are more likely to bite.
2) Similarly, avoid terriers- they were trained to kill rodents, and sometimes that aggression shows through.
3) Avoid spaniels, their is a rare (5-10%) condition that develops called Rage syndrome (http://www.cockerspanielrage.org.uk/) that essentially turns Fido into Cugo.
4) Look for dogs in the "working" breeds. Sheep dogs, retrievers (golden and labrador), STANDARD poodles, border collies, etc. These dogs were bred for a more relaxed temperment. Notice that I did not say Great Dane or mastiff, you want a dog that isn't going to get much larger than 35-40lbs.
5) (my personal druthers) Look for a female. They tend to be a bit more docile and home oriented.

Lemonade · Joined: 04 Jan 2006 Location: South Korea

Any larger breed of dog scares Koreans, especially women and children, half to death. They are not good dogs to have in Korea. Yes I love them and I certainly miss them back home but they are not suitable around small children living in cramped apartment quarters.

I strongly recommend a Shetzu as I have been borrowing/taking care of a friend's and she's wonderful. Koreans love her everywhere we go drawing large crowds who get a kick out of her clothes, booties and adorable face that is irresistable. These dogs are smart as a whip and LOVE people. They don't have a tendancy to bite or bark much. There's a reason why this breed is so extremely popular here in Korea! Remember..... Koreans' LOVE the Shetzu!!!! This is a laid back easy going dog and easily trainable to use a rug, towel or mat inside to do their business should you not make it home in time to take the dog for a walk. God, I'm going to miss this dog when I have to give her back Crying or Very sad

. I need my own puppy. This is such a good country for having a small pet dog!!! My experience here in Korea thus far has been incredibly enhanced by having this dog to come home to and sleep on my bed every night. She has given me more confidence to walk about a new foreign town than I can put into words. Before, I got her I was afraid of getting lost... NOT anymore. I'm really going to miss her Crying or Very sad

Imbroglio · Posted: Fri Jan 27, 2006 12:31 pm Post subject:

http://www.bordercollie.org/lwbc.html

If you want a dog who...

Is medium-sized and natural-looking.

Has a handsome, easy-care coat.

Is very athletic and thrives on TONS of exercise and training

Is exceptionally versatile -- when well-trained, can learn and do almost anything.

Will play fetch for hours and hours.

A Border Collie may be right for you.

If you don't want to deal with...

An intense athlete who can drive you up the wall with obsessive and destructive behaviors if you don't provide lots of exercise and creative outlets for his boundless energy

Compulsive chasing and nipping at things that move: children, joggers, other animals, bikes, cars -- CATS!

"Separation anxiety" (destructiveness and barking) when left alone too much, Shyness or suspiciousness toward strangers or when not socialized enough...

Shedding

A Border Collie may not be right for you