What breed of dog should I get?

Question

I'm looking for an energetic dog. Size doesn't really matter. I prefer a small-medium or a medium-large dog.

Answer 1

Do NOT buy from a pet shop as these dogs tend to come from puppy mills. Also, I don't recommend buying from a backyard breeder (someone who bred their dog to some dog down the street just to have puppies and make money). Reputable breeders and rescuing are the best choices.

With puppies, you tend to get what you pay for. Buying a puppy that is a bit pricier from a good breeder is usually better than buying a cheaper dog from somebody who bred their dog to the other dog down the street just to have puppies or make a little money. Reputable breeders know what they're doing and have experience in the breed and they probably show their dogs and take better care of them. And if you do get a cheap dog from a some puppy mill or backyard breeder, you may end up spending tons and tons of money for vet bills because you have a very sick and genetically inferior puppy.

They have some dog breed tests to help you decide what breed of dog is best for your type of lifestyle.

Some dog breed selectors. This is a good way to look at some new breeds that you might not have thought of. I suggest you try these out and see if they come up with a breed you like.
http://www.purinaone.com/dogcare_breed_selector.asp
http://animal.discovery.com/breedselector/dogselectorindex.do?clik=animal_leftnav
http://www.selectsmart.com/DOG/
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/search.htm

If these pages arent popping up...then do a search for "dog breed selector" on yahoo. Seem to been having trouble with the pages.

Here's a great site to read some information about the breeds:
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/purebred.htm...

And here they have dogs listed in categories. You can look under “Jogging Companions”
http://dogbreedinfo.com/searchcategories.htm

There are SOOO many breeds! Too many to just list. Labs, Golden retrievers, rottweilers, pit bulls, American bulldog, boxer, Australian shepherd, Doberman pinscher, Australian cattle dog, border collie, even poodles, and so on. Breeds are listed into categories. Generally, the herding group tend to be high energy, very very intelligent, and great companions, though they do tend to “herd,” and may try herding a group of kids at a playground lol. Little nips to try to herd is common. The sporting group is very good too. You can also looking in non-sporting and working groups. Terriers, too, though they tend to be stubborn. But if you like that in a dog, then great!

You said you want a dog with energy, and there are MANY! Too many to narrow down because i'm not sure what else you are looking for. But do look through the breeds and read up on them.

There are many differences between these breeds. Look for characteristics you like and can live with. Don't just go for a dog because you like the way it looks. Look at common health problems! For example, pugs are prone to breathing problems so you want to make sure that the puppy's parents, grandparents, and so on had minimal breathing problems and such. You don’t want a dog who can’t breathe right! Also, do not get a puppy if it hides behind a couch and is shy...this could lead to a neurotic, shy, maybe even a biting dog. Look at the parents and see how their personalities are. You don't want a neurotic dog.

Find some books and do an online search for puppy care. Do searches online for reputable breeders. Or save a life at a rescue organization. If you rescue a dog, they will be forever grateful. Dogs are no dummies. They know when they have got it good, especially after going through their own version of "hell" and mistreatment and abandonment. You'd be an angel to adopt, and you will be the dog's world.

There are many differences between these breeds. Look for characteristics you like and can live with. Don't just go for a dog because you like the way it looks. Look at common health problems! For example, pugs are prone to breathing problems so you want to make sure that the puppy's parents, grandparents, and so on had minimal breathing problems and such. Also, do not get a puppy if it hides behind a couch and is shy...this could lead to a neurotic, shy, maybe even a biting dog. Look at the parents and see how their personalities are. You don't want a neurotic dog.

Here's some site to help you:
http://www.canismajor.com/dog/tchoose.html
http://www.dcn.davis.ca.us/vme/DrSue/picking.html
http://www.thepetprofessor.com/articles/article.aspx?id=67

There's lots of info on the net. And get some books. Books will come in handy when you have an emergency and don't know what to do, like if your dog has a hypoglycemic attack.

Good luck on your new pup (or adult dog). If you want to email me then feel free to do so. [e-mail]

Happy puppy searching...(it's lots of fun!)

Answer 2

Try a Beardie Collie,they are energetic,medium to large! A lot of Beardies end up at a rescue centre,because people get them knowing nothing of the breed,not realising they ARE energetic dogs and keep you on your toes!!

Answer 3

Lhasa Apsos are very energetic. They are small, and are extremely good watch dogs. I reccomend that breed.

Answer 4

Go to http://www.akc.org/breeds/index.cfm?nav_area=breeds to look at different types of breeds but I agree you should go to your local shelter. There are great dogs there as well. Also Petfinder.com will help you find a pet in your area too.

Answer 5

Schnoodle

Answer 6

Go to a shelter and see who speaks to your heart. That's the dog you should get. Those dogs are dying for homes.

Answer 7

If you want a very high energy, easy to train, work-a-holic (and believe me - you had better want high energy to get one of these) is a Border Collie. I am a former trainer and trust me - they will work themselves to death. You have to stop them!! I could not keep up with one and I have 10 shelties!!

Answer 8

A pug sounds perfect for you, they are energetic and so ugly they are cute.

Answer 9

my italian greyhound is very energetic, loves to run (for obvious reasons)

Answer 10

Carin terror mine loves to chase things