What type of dog should I get?

Question

I am at school and work full time. My boyfriend is not home during the day either so it needs to be a dog that can be left by itself but also loves to be around people. I also want a cute, medium to small dog and one that doesn't shed. I have a cat so it needs to get along with other animals...any suggestions?

Answer 1

Why would you want a dog that you are never going to see? Dogs are social animals and it is just cruel to leave them alone for long hours every day. No breed is suited to this.

Also, how do you propose that you would ever housetrain this puppy if you have no time to spend with it? Get another cat.

Answer 2

A stuffed animal?

Seriously, I'd go to the pound pick a dog around the right size and at least 14months to 2 years old, or 5 years old. You'll know their temperament and they'll be able to hold their bladder long enough while you're all at work. If you can get one that's been fostered, you'll have a better idea if the dog's good with cats, kids, etc. and a bit of history. You have to remember, that even low-activity dogs still require a minimum of 1 hour of exercise a day. They also require a lot of love, training, and attention - regardless.

The size and shedding part should be your last concerns, you need to check and ensure it's the right dog that fits with your lifestyle. If you're not very active, then the larger breeds are actually more docile and will just sleep all day until you get home. Shedding - you just have to vacuum, you do get used to it - after all you have a cat and cat hair is harder to get off the carpet and furniture than dog hair. So you're vacuuming anyway because of the cat.

Good luck!

Answer 3

No offense, but I don't think it sounds like you have time for a dog right now. Dogs that don't get enough time, attention, and exercise end up miserable, with behavior problems and unhappy owners. IIf you insist, then breed isn't as important as finding a dog that can cope with the alone time and not kill your cat. Here is what I think would be your best bet: see if there are any no-kill shelters or rescues in your area and look to see if they have any gentle older (8+ years) dogs that need homes. Kill shelters are also a place to look, but will have fewer older dogs. Shelters should have a good understanding of the temperament of each individual dog (including their ability to be alone and compatibility with cats), and an older dog will usually need less exercise and be calmer when compared with a younger dog (and small dogs are especially known for their energy). Older dogs are adopted less readily than young dogs and puppies, so you should have your pick of a number of fantastic pooches. Keep in mind that it is very possible for a small to medium sized dog to live 15-20 years, so getting a mature dog doesn't mean getting one that is knocking on death's door. My local Humane Society has had some darling older miniature poodles and chihuahuas come through recently that were calm, sweet and enthusiastic, who have turned into wonderful companions for people.

Answer 4

Maybe you should try to get a different kind of pet since dogs dont really like to be left alone and they can be easily stolen if not taken care of properly. Since you are almost never home why dont you get a gold fish then again maybe your cat would eat it. Well what ever you decide let shope you can keep upto the responsibilities of taking care of that pet. But if you insist on getting a dog try a pug it is friendly and loves to be aroung people, plus it doesnt shed hair.These dogs are said to be very friendly with other species. I've got one.

Answer 5

A new pet needs lots of attention. being alone for such long period of times will not make for a healthy well adjusted pet. Cats are different than dogs. They manage better alone for longer periods of time. Imagine having a child without stimulation for that many hours a day. Dogs esp. puppies need more time than you have to give right now. Be kind to animals and wait; then I recommend a German Shepard; gotten as a puppy.. They are great with cats, children and other people.

Answer 6

if i were u , i would get a cute little pug because my household is a lotike yours except the boy friend.pugs are usually small, non-agressive to humans , and most pugs get along very well alone or with another animal like a cat. just be sure that your cat isnt easily frighnened by dogs(my cat isnt and my pug gets along fine with her.)I almost forgot one thing , if your cat is a girl, buy a girl pug, if your cat is a boy, get a boy pug. Good luck and i hope this has been of help.

Answer 7

Dogs really need a lot of attention. I started out with a beagle/dachund mix and found out that she suffered separation anxiety whenever I was gone (even for short periods of time). One time, we left her for about 12 hours to go out of town for the day and came back to a torn up couch. Another time, she tore up half of the linoleum floor in our laundry room.

I have since become single and so she was spending even more time at home alone at my house. I adopted a golden retriever from a bad home and it gave my first dog a companion and she didn't chew things up as much anymore.

But I would really suggest waiting to get a dog until a time where you can be home more to give it attention. Dogs need a lot of your attention and you would feel bad leaving it alone so much.

Answer 8

ok, i have the dog for you....it's a shih-tzu....i have two and they are wonderful...they love all other animals(even snakes) they won't bother them...i have snakes in my backyard and they don't even bother them not even a bark...they love people...all my family and friends that come over they have to greet the dogs first before us, they're just love bugs...they don't shed and love to be brushed...i have a male that is 19 months old..his name is snickers...i got him when he was 9 weeks old and had him potty trained by 5 months...i also have a female, her name is sweet-pea and she is 18 weeks old...she is going through the potty training stage and is doing very well with it...if you want i will send you a pic of them so you can see what they look like to see if it is a dog you are interested in write back and let me know...good luck in your search...oh, by the way, the only get up to 16 pounds fully grown..

Answer 9

either a cute short small dog or a big but u still like n cute that can protect u n love u

Answer 10

it deepens on you, what u like, its going to be you who will have the dog not us :)
from what i know its that dogs and cats come along, when they grow together from puppy's :| like children,bro and sis =)
and if you want a dog u will have to take good care or s/he will damage your house and things.
a friend of mine has a German Shepperd and its going excellent with cats but the whole thing is that he grow up with a cat and trained =) so you decide