The right dog for my family?

rose on Mar 13th 2010 08:11 pm edit

  • Hi YA!
    I'm finally getting dogs ... after years of waiting for financial stability first.
    I've done research and am now asking you what breed you would suggest: (I will be getting 'pound dogs if possible, rest assured. Plus we give to the aspca regularly, so please don't waste your time with that kind of advice)
    My dogs will need:
    even temperaments
    to be able to be indoors most of the time, but outdoors in a kennel on good weather days
    Can be alone (with eachother) for up to 10 hours a day occasionally,
    but will usually have someone home with them.
    be loving with all animals, even cats
    easy to be trained with the basics (sit, get the **** down, stfu, and come)--
    small enough to fit in a regular house, but big enough to not be injured by getting sat on
    looking for and happy to give all kinds of love

    We have no kids, but we do have cats, and will eventually have guinea pigs and birds as well.


  • Hm. Well, to be honest I think your best bet would be is to describe your situation to the SPCA personnel, they know their dogs and could place a dog with your family according to your needs and experience.


    There isn't really one or two dogs that would fit into your criteria, as each dog is an individual and not classified by breed. However, there are some breeds that tend to have dogs with certain characteristics. According to your wishes, I find these dogs would fit you-

    Labrador Retriever
    Golden Retriever
    Poodle (Miniature or Standard, Toys are great dogs but tend to be fragile)
    Beagle (although most beagles I know have problems with the 'stfu' concept, they're generally good dogs)
    Pug (Beware of high vet bills!)
    Miniature Schnauzer
    Boston Terrier
    Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
    As for shelter dogs, I'd think you'd do best with a retriever mix. (possibly lab/shep or lab/border collie?)

    I'd stay away from the very small dogs (chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, Dachshund, etc.) as they tend to be temperamental and hard to housebreak, and not suitable for outdoor living.

    Herding breeds do not make good first dogs (border collie, Australian Sheepdog, etc) as they are VERY smart and can easily outsmart the novice trainer.


    Any dog, when introduced early, can be friendly with other animals, although some larger and wolf-type breeds (such as German Shepherd, Husky, Malamute), tend to have a higher prey drive.


    Good luck!


  • i think u should take this test:
    http://selectsmart.com/DOG/
    but i suggest a wippet.


  • american pit bull terriers meet all your criteria and will be easily found in shelters!


  • a jack russel

    my puppy is the biggest softie in the world around kids and babies too.. but when he doorbell rings or he can see someone he dosent know outside he barks loudly until one of us comes down too him, he is quiet at night and learn basic trick in two weeks (time was invested in him though)

    he is a lovely friendly dog. I would recommend a jack russel for you.
    he also is best friends with a black cat from next door and the two of them are always playing with his toys and he never barks at the cat.

    Good Luck, Merry Christmas!


  • definitely a Labrador retriever.
    They mostly get along with all animals and they can learn things pretty easily.


  • Dachshunds would be a perfect choice. I have two and they meet all of the regulations.My Dachshunds get along great with my neighbors cat, they are a good size and they have never bit anyone.Here are some good websites about Dachshunds.
    http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/dachshund.ht...
    http://www.akc.org/breeds/dachshund/


  • My best advice for you would to get an austalian shephard. I rescued a aussie/border collie/ blue heeler mix about 3 years ago and with in a year of having her that dog saved my life (literally). they are very smart dogs and some have highly active but mine is very mellow and listens very good. They are easy to train. That is just my opinion but if i were you i'd look into getting one..


  • Try this web site:
    http://animal.discovery.com/breedselecto...







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