The best dog is whatever works with your family and living situation.
Please, consider rescuing. With 3-5 million unwanted animals killed every year because they can't find homes - all responsible pet owners should start there. 40% of animals in shelters are purebred AND all breeds have breed rescue programs.
If you just aren't into adopting, then please do not buy from a pet store, puppy mill, mail order 'breeder', backyard breeder, or any other type of breeder that does not have the breed and the animal as top priority. Breeders should breed to improve the line, not for profit and not for fun and not by accident.
I've linked to a few resources for you below. Good luck to you in your search.
2006-07-01 16:44:16
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answer #1
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answered by Anonymous
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Only you can choose the right breed for you! Sorry, but all breeds are good breeds, it all depends on what you're looking for in a dog. Some breeds are high strung and need alot of exercise to 'wear them down' whereas other breeds are quite 'lazy' and would prefer to be a couch potato rather than run that marathon with you. Some dogs need constant grooming to keep their coat healthy and others only need a bath on occassion and a good brushing once a week or so. Do you want a big dog or a small "lap" dog? Your best bet is to think about your lifestyle and then ask around to breeders and your local shelter to suggest a breed that suits your lifestyle.
2006-07-15 03:25:42
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answer #2
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answered by gorfette 3
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Depends on where you live, what kind of people you are and what the purpose of the dog is. For town houses, I suggest Goldien Retrievers if you want a large dog, if you want a smaller one Shelties are good, but lots of grooming, If you are out on the farm Bigger dogs are generally better. As they are likely not to be killed by predators, and will do a better job defending the house while having lots of room to move about. However no matter what breed you go with you will have to look into the special requirements for that breed and be willing to walk it and make sure it isn't bored. Newfies are really REALLY bad for getting bored and haveing too much energy...
And while Rotweilers and Pitbulls and dobermens are wonderful guard dogs, (German Shepards can be included in this too) THey have been known to snap and attack ANYBODY. Including their owners. As well many cities are making laws against owning guard dogs like pitbulls.
2006-07-15 15:58:52
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answer #3
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answered by fuin_elda 2
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first and most importantly BUY FROM A REPUTABLE BREEDER!!!! Do not go to a pet store, as they know very little about the dogs/cats they sell.
next, do your homework. think about the lifestyle you have - are you active? go out a lot? prefer to sit home and watch movies? have kids? have limited space? all that is very important. for instance, i wouldn't consider a breed like a great dane if i lived in a two-room apartment in a crowded city. there are some great books on dog breeds at your library. i recommend Simon & Schuster's Guide to Dogs, but there are many.
finally, be aware that any dog is a full time committment. they require time and love and give back a hundred times what they receive.
personally, i like the big breeds. and my absolute favorite is the german shepherd (my adopted one would lay across the top of the stairs to keep my 3-year-old from falling). and of course rottis and pits. both maligned breeds that would die for their families.
good luck!
2006-07-14 14:39:42
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answer #4
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answered by mjkl1 3
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It really depends on where you live and your life style. Is your place big? Do you have a yard. Are you home a lot or gone most of the day. Do you want a lap dog? or one who can greet the door eyeball to eyeball with the person on the other side. Do you have kids? How old? Cats? Birds? Are you looking for a companion who can learn to actually work for you? Do you want a laid back dog or a hyper pet? Do you run? Play sports? Once you know the general size and personality you want, go on line to kind of shop. Look at what's out there and at all the comments. Then, when you have zeroed in on the breed, meet several to see who really clicks.Look also at the adult dogs who are in rescues. Our Jawsie is a collie Chow mix, likes to run, jumps through hoops, ridee in the car, she sheds a lot, will only eat in our bedroom at night when we are in bed. She demands pee time at 3:30 every single morning. Take time to find yours, just remember to allow his own personality to shine. Have fun.
2006-07-15 15:31:57
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answer #5
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answered by Anonymous
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A good question from a potential dog owner. Do you have neighbors, or are you out of town? If you live in the city, put yourself in the dogs place. Would you want to be couped up in a fence, or on a chain all your life? If you have limited space, consider a Chihuahua, or a Schitzu. They are a small breed, but very loyal, easy to train, & make good watch dogs. If you are looking for family & property protection, consider a German Shepard! They are a very loyal dog, easily trained, and are easily house trained. Try going to your local Animal shelter & checking on the dogs that are there. Ask questions about the dog(s) you are interested in. Good luck with your search, and enjoy the animal! They are great companions!!!
2006-07-01 16:28:26
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answer #6
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answered by farmer112465 1
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Well... you need to shop around and find the right breed for your life style, but remember, Pits and Rotties are not for everone. You should get a dog that will do well on its own while you are at work. But.... If you are a very busy Family, I would suggest you don't get a dog at this time as it will need Companionship and care from you.
2006-07-15 15:53:27
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answer #7
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answered by fourpawsg 3
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Depends on what you want the dog for, and the type of lifestyle you lead. We wanted an active dog and a little bit of a protector, so we got a German Shepherd. Do research on the breed before you buy, and if it is a purebred make sure that it comes with a guarantee on joints, hips and temperament. Rescued dogs are another great option to look into.
2006-07-01 16:15:16
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answer #8
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answered by starryhalo22 3
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I'm patial to labs because I have one, but I had a mixed breed for 13 years when I was younger and she was the best and smartest dog I ever had.
2006-07-15 01:37:21
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answer #9
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answered by westvirginiason 3
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If you want a pet go to the humane society and tell them YOUR lifestyle, and they will help you find the perfect pup, if you must have a purebred do to a rescue they will do the same... if for some reason you dont want to, your question can not be answered because no one on here knows your life style so we dont know what dog it the best... My breed is the German Shepherd Dog but that dog is definitely not a breed for anyone...
2006-07-01 17:23:38
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answer #10
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answered by Anonymous
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