What's a dog that would be easily trained and active, but still calm, for a 16 yr old?

Question

My brother in law is looking for a dog that he can walk and ride a bike with. So a dog that can be active but not hyper. He's already had a German Shepard and is looking for something different. It also needs to be kid friendly as I have a 5 yr old and a baby on the way, my husband and I visit their house a lot. Oh yeah, they have a huge yard, but it's not fenced in, so the dog would also have to be boundary trained easily. This is not a teenager that could handle a dog that has in it's description, needs an experienced trainer, as he is not. So an all round good family dog, but NOT a common dog, like labrador, golden ret. and a dog friendly dog.

A little background on my experience with dogs. Growing my family bred and raised Boxers for 6-7 yrs, never had a problem. Growing up my family also had:the Bordeaux(French Mastiff), the Neopolitan(Italian Mastiff), a Tosa Inu (Japanese Mastiff), and Pressa Canarios. We currently own Three English Mastiffs and an American Bulldog. I am stupid when it comes to dogs and simply am picky beacause I don't want my brother in law to get a dog with too many aggressive tendancies. That's why I have only suggested Boxers to him, because those are the ones I have the most experience with. Pressas are out of the question for me, there are good reasons we don't have them any more. Thanks to everyone so far.

Answer 1

are u sure not goldens? i have a wheaten terrier and they get to be a nice size(around 30 lbs) dont she, and are extremely smart and active. i taught her three commands within the firsat week i had her. plus shes not small and yappy like other terriers and her hair isnt wiry. the only thing is that they are extremely hyper as a puppy.

* i hear nova scotia duck tolling retrievers are great and so r german short hairs
try akc.org

Answer 2

A Pit Bull is a good dog if he wants to be active with it. They don't really require special attention to train, just so long as you aren't aggresive towards them and hit/kick them they will be fine. You have to be careful when you pick one out, though. Lots of them are really hyper dogs but just as many are calm, but active at the same time.

It's just the luck of the draw, I guess. My pit is calm but he gets excited easily and he is always ready to play or go for a walk. My friend has his brother, and that is one hyper dog. It's like it has ADHD, because it will pick up a squeak toy in it's mouth and just bite it over and over and over to hear the noise. It also runs around all the time, won't leave people alone and it poops on the floor sometimes.

I think if you kept him inside he would be even calmer, because he would have attention, whearas my friend's dog is kept outside when people are away from the house. Mine is kept inside at all times, and is very calm and loving.

Don't let criticism against the breed draw you away, either. As long as you love this dog it will love you right back, just as any other dog would. It's the pits that are kept on a chain and tied to a tree in the rain and snow, kicked, fought, and fed gunpowder that attack people. They are like humans, and can only take so much of something before they snap.... That's the most important part: treat him like a member of the family, not an animal.

I'll bring to your attention that the American Staffordshire Terrier that Dark mentioned is a pitbull, except they have a different name in order to register them with AKC, who doesn't register pitbulls (Only AmStaffs). The pitbull can be registered with AKC as an American Staffordshire while at the same time be registered as an American Pit Bull Terrier with other registries.

Answer 3

I have lot of experience with animals especially dogs. And not only that i am in school for Vet asst.
My advice NEVER get a full blood. Get a mutt. The best dogs are the Mutts. I had a blue heeler mix. One of the best dogs i ever had. My first best was my Rottweiler german shep. mix. These are the dogs to stay away from: Pitt Bull/ Doberman/ and any small dogs as they are very agressive, also chows .
Hope this helps. P.S. If you are going to try an Animal Shelter make sure to spend plenty of time with the animal before you bring it home and find out why its there.

Answer 4

Labradoodle. The Labradoodle is not a purebred dog. It is a cross between the Labrador Retriever and the Poodle. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. This hybrid cross is recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club. Not all of these designer hybrid dogs being bred are 50% purebred to 50% purebred. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses.

Answer 5

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, long name but well worth it. They are a great dog for any age. They love activity, but can be happy laying quietly on their human's feet or lap watching television. They do have an awkward chewing phase, so always keeping shoes up would be recommended. Look up the breed characteristics and see what you think.

Answer 6

I would have to say a golden retriever, but they are VERY costly, sometimes they are worth up to 400$. They are can be very energetic, and mellow when you dont want to wrestle or exercise with them. They are very cute, and great with kids. Also, golden retrievers are obediant and fast learners. Just talking to my dog, he already knows what i mean when i say outside, inside, kitchen, rug, and of course no no... He knows more stuff, but you get the idea, =)

Do not get a lab though, they are very very large animals that can be too playful with youngsters. I would know, i have met many people who have them, and they all seem to be the same. =D

Answer 7

those sure are a lot of stipulations. Maybe Lassie could meet that criteria - good luck. The best dogs I have seen around my neighborhood are the golden retrievers - once they are fixed they will usually stay at home and are obedient and friendly. I know that was on your list of "common dogs", but that's all I know.

Answer 8

I would suggest doing a little research your own self. Try going to DogBreedInfo.com -- click on "Find the Perfect Dog" (left column) and then Take the "Breed Selector Quiz." Once you fill out the quiz, go through the list of resulting dogs one by one, where you will find a very helpful summary of each dog breed's temperment.

Answer 9

I think an English Springer Spaniel would be perfect. They have endless energy and can be trained so easily. Its better if they are neutered males, as this does seem to help with their hyperactivity. I have a 6 year old Springer and he has never been hyper, and is perfectly trained. hope this helps

Answer 10

American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Terrier. Good kid dogs, good family dogs, good all-around dogs. I would recommend them as long as they are trained properly from an early age and they are socialized incredibly well.