2006-07-04 04:16:04 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
One that fits appropriately with your lifestyle. Do research on the various breeds, don't exclude really large breeds or really small breeds, you might be surprised and find that they're actually a better fit for your life.
Things to consider: How much time do you realistically have to spend with a dog? They're social creatures and NEED attention, excercise, and lots of love - and tons of patience if you get a puppy. The average dog is ok with a minimum of 1 hour exercise when fully grown, some however, like labs need more. Can you give this to the dog? Some dogs are better with one single owner (chows) others are better with a family (retrievers).
You really need to look into your lifestyle to see what will really work for you in the long run. You can use it to help you figure out what mixed breen would work for you as well. My dog's a boxer/GS X, she's a perfect fit, got the best of both worlds with her - activity level above a GS but not hyper like a boxer, fun and playful like a boxer, but protective enough like a GS - without overdoing it, etc... Also, I live in an apartment (I was told she was a smaller x when I got her), but with the excercise I give her (long walks and daily trips to the dog park for an hour or more weekdays, and longer times on weekends) she's great in the apartment. It really depends on the effort you want to put into the dog - garbage in / garbage out.
So, if you find there's a lab/border collie x, you'll know you're getting a hyper dog that's going to need to run alot, if you find there's a really cute bernese/sheepdog X, you know that it will be a big, docile, lump in the living room...
If you google or yahoo 'choose dog' - you'll get tons, I got all the following sources. They all basically refer back to choosing a dog that is appropriate to your lifestyle, not because it's cute, or you think one is better looking than the other - a good fit is most important.
2006-07-04 05:34:03 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
This depends on your lifestyle. What kind of home and yard do you have? What kind of activities do you enjoy? If you have a decent sized yard and enjoy outdoor activities go for a lab or Border Collie. If you have an apartment with no yard to speak of go for a smaller dog. If you want a laid back dog check out breeds like Peek-a-Poos or Basset Hounds...although Basset Hounds will eat anything left on the floor. My best suggestion though is, don't buy a dog from a breeder. Go to a rescue organization or even your local shelter. Most of the dogs I've had were not pure bred and they were the best dogs anyone could ask for.
2006-07-04 12:34:31 · answer #2 · answered by Mama23Girls 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mixed breed dogs are the best. You get the benefit of hybrid vigor, which usually means you have a healthier pet. You don't have to pay outrageous breeders fees, and you can feel good about adopting from a shelter, which are full of mixed breed dogs.
2006-07-04 12:07:41 · answer #3 · answered by rcaroth 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The breed that is best for you depends on the circumstances. If you don't have a lot of time or space, then a small breed with low energy certainly not a Jack Russel. If you have plenty of time, a high energy breed like a dachshund. If you have plenty of space and larger breed like a lab. Check the AKC website to get particulars on each breed. Also, check you local shelter, ASPCA and petfinders.com
2006-07-04 11:21:22 · answer #4 · answered by karen wonderful 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on why you want a dog, and if you have kids and where you live.. If you live in the country big dogs are best . If you have kids, Rat Terriers are not good , they prefer an adult and are a one man dog. Dashunds like kids if they aren't mis-treated. So just because they are little dogs don't mean they are good for everyone. Shelties are loveable, but shed hair, so not a good inside dog. They are smart and make good pets.
2006-07-04 11:51:05 · answer #5 · answered by mad_cow717 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends. Do you live in a house or apartment? Do you have a fenced yard? What are your hobbies (running - hiking - or doing puzzles)? Do you have kids?
Try using the link below. It is a questionnaire that will guide you to breeds that fit your lifestyle, living conditions and personality.
http://www.pedigree.com/community/selectADog/?style=dogsAndPuppies&breadcrumbOverride=%2FdogsAndPuppies%2Fselectadog%2Easp
Good Luck.
2006-07-04 11:25:35 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
the best breed is the one you study and do ur research on how your life will be as well as what you are looking for like temperment, care, and how the dog will react if your with ur kids and lifestyle.
2006-07-04 11:20:53 · answer #7 · answered by meowmixfoods 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A lab, they are friendly, good protectors and great with kids. We have had three and they are the best dogs in the whole world.
2006-07-04 11:19:27 · answer #8 · answered by Jester 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get a mixed breed shelter. It will thank you forever.
2006-07-04 13:26:14 · answer #9 · answered by doglover 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
german shepards they make good pets and protectors..thye arent violent towards you and they only attack if they feel like thier family is threatend. They are good with kids aswell....
2006-07-04 11:19:41 · answer #10 · answered by Lilmisssassy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋