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2006-07-12 13:33:19 · 23 answers · asked by Kedah<3 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
If you want a specific recommendation, you'll need to say what your lifestyle is - apartment or house? kids or not? How much time are you willing to spend training, exercising, grooming and caring for the dog? Are you home a lot or do you work 10 hour days? Do you like a quiet or hyper dog?
Find a good breeder by going to www.akc.org or talking to people at dog shows. You can also find info about the breed clubs on the akc site - they probably have a rescue group where you can get an older dog for less money. The best breeders will be members of their breed club, promoting healthy dogs with great temperaments. They should ask you a bunch of questions to make sure their puppy will be getting a good home. If all a "breeder" seems to care about is whether your check will clear, you can be sure he won't care a week later when the pup is dying from distemper or parvo and you want your money back.
Whatever you do, DON'T go to a pet shop, a flea market or buy one sight-unseen off the Internet!!!! You'll pay top dollar for what is usually a poor quality puppy mill dog. And you'll be supporting one of the cruelest industries in the country. The breeding animals are often kept in deplorable conditions - spending their entire lives in small wire-bottomed cages. They probably haven't been vaccinated against contagious diseases or tested for any health or temperament problems or genetic diseases - that costs money and cuts into their profits. A female is often bred every time she comes into heat. When her poor little body can't take it any more, she is often clubbed in the head and tossed into a dumpster or an open ditch. Most puppy mills ship their pups to pet stores at wholesale prices and many pups die before they even get there.
These so-called "breeders" have now figured out that they can use the internet to ship a dog directly to the customer and thus make more money by cutting out the middleman. If you buy a dog from out of state, good luck getting your money back if there's something wrong with the pup. These people count on you becoming instantly attached to the poor little guy and being willing to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars at the vet to treat whatever is wrong with him.
2006-07-12 14:15:28 · answer #1 · answered by Danger, Will Robinson! 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
get a mutt, they'll never let you down...Big priced pets come with big priced vet bills. All pure breeds have medical problems and they tend to have shorter life spans. Call a local animal shelter for some advice...it might just cost you a few dollars in license fees or shots for the puppy
2006-07-12 20:42:00 · answer #2 · answered by Johnny 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Consider adopting a puppy - there are tons available. If you decide on a specific breed you can check http://www.akc.org for rescue groups in your area. If you are not really looking for one specific breed check your local pounds and shelters. I'm sure you'll find something extremely adorable.
2006-07-12 21:29:01 · answer #3 · answered by Greyt-mom 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends.... You should really taylor the breed you choose with your lifestyle and personality. If you are active, choose a breed that has lots of energy (Jack Russel). If you are more laid back then choose a more relaxed breed (most of the larger breeds). If you want a dog that can protect you then Rottweiler, or German Shepards are really loyal and protective of their masters. In short, it really depends on you.
2006-07-12 20:39:44 · answer #4 · answered by Shawn B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are looking for a loving, smart, loyal, comical, sweet, hypo-allergenic and easily trained..Adaptable to apartment life and farm life. Does not need alot of exercise. Get a toy poodle. They are great. I have 2 and 3 puppies--adorable. Anyone with toy poodles--email me: poodlesloved@yahoo.com
I will have 2 female and 1 male for sale the end of August.
2006-07-12 20:47:42 · answer #5 · answered by Denise L 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Speaking from experience, I am actually a dog, a dachshund is by far the most superior dog. They train well, are small, don't require much attention, don't shed much and are very loving and obedient. They are smart, handsome, and loving. They make the best pet and friend in the world.
2006-07-12 20:40:18 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lab was number 1 on a survey
2006-07-12 21:14:44 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say a lab or a boxer. My boyfriend and I have a female boxer and she is the sweetest most playful dog. She is great with kids, and she is very protective over the house.
2006-07-12 20:40:44 · answer #8 · answered by emtbpowell 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you have the room a golden retriever would be a great choice. Amazing attitude, you will be hard pressed to find one as laid back and as good with kids.
2006-07-12 20:37:49 · answer #9 · answered by stephie121 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
goldendoodle, they are great for allergies, this dog is a mix between a golden retreiver and a standard poodle. They are so cute, i have one and he is the cutest dog in the world
2006-07-12 20:38:14 · answer #10 · answered by budski_1991 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋