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Question

I live with my mom and sister. We want to get a dog but we can't decide on a breed that will fit our lifestyle. We don't have that big of a house. And i have asthma so we can't get a dog that sheds a lot. My mom leaves for work at 8:30 in the morning and comes home around 8:00 on weekdays. Then my sister and i go to school from 8:20-2:49 on weekdays. Any advice?

Answer 1

Try your local shelter, you can get a healthy, well trained and friendly dog that is well-suited to your lifestyle and is already vaccinated and neutered so you don't have to worry about the huge expense of that.

Answer 2

Any breed under 30 pounds (adult weight) is going to be miserable alone all day. Small breeds were developed to be human companions and nothing else, so they go nuts when they can't be with you.

So, whatever medium-large breed you decide on, make sure he has lots of things to keep him busy while you are gone (fenced yard to run, or some chew toys; Kong toys are the best!). Make sure he gets a leashed walk every day, or he will have nowhere to burn off all the energy built up from being alone all day.

One breed I think would fit your lifestyle well is a retired racing Greyhound. They have short hair, don't shed much, and are used to being left alone in a crate for several hours at a time (provided they get adequate exercise when you let them out). Contrary to popular belief, they are not very high-energy dogs. Greyhound lovers often refer to the breed as an "80-mile-per-hour couch potato". Since retired racing dogs have not really lived in a home before, there are a few things they need to learn about (vacuum cleaners, stairs, etc), but once they get used to your home and lifestyle they are very loving and laid-back pets.

Answer 3

I like the idea of adopting a retired greyhound. It's a good organization to support. So even though I encourage you to do that, I still have to promote the dogs I have. I have fox terriers, and yes I know they're very energetic dogs, but I think if maybe you got a miniature one and gave it a walk every morning before you left, and a walk when you got home, it could work. Just make sure the walks are either long, or it's more of a run. My dogs are outside dogs so we have a fairly big cage for them. We leave them in all day until I get home from school, or wherever we went, then we let them out and play with them. It could definately work. And they don't shed much.

Answer 4

I'm hesitant to recommend any dog to you.

Sometimes it's not just the hair but the danger that will trigger an asthma attack. It wouldn't be fair to get a puppy, and then try to rehome it in 6 months when he's no longer cute (hard to place) and he's bonded to you.

Your family is also gone almost all day. Would you lock him inside for the 6-8 hours before someone gets home to walk him? Imagine having to pee for 6 hours and not being able to! Have you considered a pet which doesn't need as much maintenance & time?

Sorry to be disagreeable. I just dont think a dog is a good match for your family right now.

Answer 5

You need to get a small dog that you can potty train to go on piddle pads. With your crazy schedule, I would suggest you get the dog in the beggining of a school break so you have time for some basic training. I would strongly suggest a Maltese. They do not shed, and I know of someone who has the same situation that you do with asthma. Maltese are the only dogs that work for him.

I would also suggest maybe not getting a dog. They need a lot of love and attention. Perhaps dog sit or borrow a dog for a week, and see how it fits in your schedule.

Answer 6

Definitely a short-haired breed or one that is clipped very closely. I have asthma and five miniature schnauzers who are all basically shaved closely all over. Fortunately, they like it because its cooler and its easier to see if there are any skin irritants like ticks, fleas, or whatever. If you do decide to get a miniature schnauzzer, try to get two because they are a very playful social breed and it will help them pass the time away while you are not at home. Which ever breed you decide on, please have it spayed/neutered if its not already. Too too many abandoned dogs in the shelters unnecessarily. You'll need a fenced yard that protects both the dog and the pedistrians from each other. Chaining a dog is cruel and thoughtless. Lots of love, gentle caring and companionship will pay dividends for both you and your dog. Think of him/her as a four-legged person. They have intelligence (they dream), loyalty and they are very protective. Enjoy.

Answer 7

Don't get a Jack Russell, they are very sensitive and can't be left alone for long periods of time.

Mini-poodle would be best. They are perfect for people with allergies because they don't shed at all- their hair grows like human hair. And you can leave a potty-pad on the floor for them to 'go' on if you're gone all day. And, they're gentle with kids and small so you can take them everywhere, and are mostly quiet, and don't really need to go outside bc they don't require much excersise.

Just be sure you're getting a mini-poodle-- you can look to see how big the parents are before your purchase- that will be a good indication on how big your dog will get. :)

Answer 8

Make sure you do your research on what ever you deside but hear are a few suggestions.
Wesl highland terrier
Pug
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Jack Russell Terrier
I would suggest that you stay away from the pommarainians and chihaua they have a habbit of being snappy and need quiet a bit of attention. Even the Jack russels can get a little distructive if they dont have enough to keep them occupyed.
No matter what you get i reckomend that you do puppy pre school and the pet dog training. this will teach your new bundel of joy manners from the begining.
GoodLuck and let me no how you go.

Answer 9

Your type of lifestyle would be best fitted with a type of terrier or perhaps smaller house dog such as a poodle or a pomeranian. If it's in an environment that does require sounds to be at a minimal, smaller dogs tend to be very noisey and can be an issue even if they are hypoallergenic. A dog such as a small boxer or pug would be of a better choice as they do not bark as much, as well as shed to a minimal.

Answer 10

Ok I would suggest something small like a chiwawaa. And u need to feed the dog twice a day. in morning and at late afternoon like 6:00pm. But just make sure the dog has enough water. They are easy to take care of and they dont shed. I have one and I also have a boxer.

Answer 11

Hairless chihuahua (sp). No hair but maybe a little dander from the skin. Definitely crate train from the time it is a puppy.
They are den animals and they wont mind a bit as long as they are safe and have food and water.
DO NOT GET A PUG!!!!!! They DO shed alot, just the hairs are so small that you dont notice as much. They are good for crate training though.
We have a black pug and the hairs stick in fabric (especially cotton weave) and dont come out! ?The hairs are barbed, so once they are in they stay in until they work their way out the other side.