My son has been wanting a dog for about 2 yrs, but I have not decided on a breed; my son is very loving and out going and is very excited to get a pet; should I just go to the local animal shelter and find one or find a breeded to get a good temperment and healthy puppy.
2006-07-25 11:49:16 · 24 answers · asked by BmoreBabe 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Go to petfinder.com. Try to find a dog that is in a foster home so that you are able to ask the foster mom/dad about the dog's personality and behavior. Dogs and small children are often not a good combination, and will need constant supervision.
2006-07-25 11:55:40 · answer #1 · answered by sim24 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Definatly adopt if at all possible! Once u decide on a breed visit rescue sites, like poodlerescue or greyhound rescue, or labrescue and find a dog thru them, that way u get a dog and help out! If u can not find what u want that way and are not finding anything at the pound, try breeders, whatever u do, do not buy a dog from a pet store, most of these dogs r from puppy mills! they are often sickly.
I would suggest a poodle. This is not usualy a first choice for a dog, but they have many benefits: they do not shed, they are smart and usualy quiet, they love kids and are sweet. They do need haircuts now and then from a groomer, but thats better than shedding everywhere! They also come in many sizes, standard poodles are the size of a german sheppard and are extremely smart (they can learn to open doors), regular poodles are the size of the dog on fraizer(jack russel size), toy poodles are they size of a chihuahua, and tea cup poodles are too little to have if u have kids. Good Luck and have fun!
2006-07-25 12:00:32 · answer #2 · answered by lizardlover150 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The most important thing to realize about all dogs is that *there is no such thing as a dog that requires little up keep*. Sorry. All dogs require food, water, love, atttention, exercise, mental and physical stimulation. It wouldn't be fair to the animal to adopt it and not provide it with these necessities.
That being said, a great way to find a dog with a known temperment is at the animal shelter or through you local Junior Humane Society (they keep their dogs in their homes). The keeps will know how the dog behaves around other animals, children, cats, etc; how it behaves on a leash, in a crowd, at a dog park, off of a leash, etc; how smart it is, how much it barks, if it has a bladder problem, etc. They will also be able to tell you how much exercise and stimulation the dog requires.
Not to mention the fact that humane societies take very good care of their animals, so you shouldn't worry too much about the animal having "extra" problems from being in a shelter or in a foster home. In fact, shelters and foster homes can provide great socialization for the dogs.
2006-07-25 11:58:06 · answer #3 · answered by Allison G 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Beagle or Cocker Spaniel. Both breeds are exceptional family dogs. On the smaller side but not typical small breed temperment or hyperness. Both are tough and sturdy. Both are sweet and loyal. Will play fetch with your son and cuddle up with your daughter. Cockers do require some grooming periodically but the cost is affordable. I would go with a male. Nothing against female dogs but they have a tendancy to bond to one person. Whether you go to a shelter or breeder is a personal choice. Once you decide on a breed why not check out both? Its about the perfect dog for you and your family, where ever you may find one.
2006-07-25 13:07:08 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A poodle mix would be great for your son and you, too. Poodles are high energy and like people, especially kids. Poodles don't shed which is a blessing because with a 1 year old, who needs dog hair all over the place?
2006-07-25 11:54:10 · answer #5 · answered by Buddelia 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I suggest a dachsund. they are very fun and have short hair. Animal shelters mostly have big dogs but they are very loveable so i suggest researching which dogs are good for your kids and then look at the pound with your kids and seeing what they like.
2006-07-25 14:52:05 · answer #6 · answered by gellie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the best dog is a beagle their small and is really good with kids it's a family dog their really smart and can since dangeroues animals besides dogs .Talking about dogs they R really good with all kinds of dogs.U know U should really check out the website www.puppiesforsale.com to make search and find the perfect dog 4 U
2006-07-25 11:57:45 · answer #7 · answered by Fashion puppy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Poodles are the best since they are hypoallergenic and do not shed.
You can get them in several sizes (standard, mini, toy, teacup) and they are great with kids. A poodle can be groomed at home or proff. about every 3 -4 weeks.
I have had several in my life and I love them to death....although I just got a beagle...goodness....hounds are great with kids too, but tend to take more grooming (I give mine a bath 1 time per week and brush her daily) because they do shed.
You may want to make sure your children aren't allergic to any animals before getting them a pet they may be allergic to. (just ask your dr. about some allergy tests).
hope this helps! :)
2006-07-25 13:47:39 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
shelter dog is the answer i like best. but that may lend you more problems than you are ready for at this time.
jack russels are great dogs, i own one. but be sure it is a pup who has a chance to get used to kids as he grows. and they are very fierce protectors.
they are fun loving and love to be the butt of the joke if its a chase game.
2006-07-25 12:00:03 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A shelter dog. (There are puppies there too) you can see the dog and play with it(with your family) and can usually tell right there if it will be a good dog for you or not.
2006-07-25 11:54:18 · answer #10 · answered by ralahinn1 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋