What type of dog should I get my boyfriend for his birthday?

Question

He has been hinting like crazy that he wants a dog, but he never told me what type. He is very athletic and wants a dog that can keep up with him; he has free time now that he’s in residency so the dog will get plenty of attention. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

Get a mutt from an animal shelter. They're healthier than purebred dogs generally, and you could be saving its life!

I adopted a mixed breed dog 7 years ago (boxer/lab mix, we think). It took some effort to train him (he'd been on the street long enough to be protective of his food), but it was worth it. He's a great dog now, gentle and affectionate, active and friendly. (Added bonus--they hardly cost anything, too, compared to a purebred dog!)

Answer 2

I agree that giving a dog as a present is never a winning recipe, and also agree that getting a shelter dog is the best idea. I do have to respond to the first poster who suggested a greyhound, they are NOT energetic and not the best dogs for very active people. It's true greyhounds are athletes but they race for 30 seconds (literally) after which they do not train or even go for extended walks for 48 hours because they are too busy sleeping. Labs, Retrievers and Terriers (for starters) have the stamina to keep up with an athletic human.

Answer 3

Stuffed- with an homemade certificate tied around his neck. or a empty dog bowl & collar with the certificate. Then he can go with you and help pick out breed, personlity, ect.


THere was a recient commotion on a breed email list when a breeder would not let a pup go as a suprize gift (but honest he asked for one...) without speaking to the recipient. Someone else from a another state did. Less than a week later, a third breeder came on- she had rescued that 8 wk old pup - already homeless.

Answer 4

I agree not to get a pure bred. They are beautiful and great but so are mixed breeds and they are alot cheaper and live longer. Since he is athletic Id definately go for a working dog. I have a gsd/cattle dog mix who loves to run, walk, catch etc...Labs and retrievers are nice also.. Pick out a dog that matches his personality. Sometimes we buy dogs just cause their cute, and forget they have own personality too and sometime humans and dogs clash cause we both want different things...

Answer 5

DOn't just go out and buy him one. That is never a good idea. What you can do, however, is either take him to a lacal animal shelter or to petfinder.com and tell him to pick out a dog, but you will pay for the adoption fees. Adopt rather than buy; save a homeless dog's life. Besides, unlike many pet stores (who only let you hold or play with pups you are going to buy for like $400), shelters will let you take the dog for a short walk, play with the dog, and it will even come fixed & with shots. If you let him pick out a dog, he can find the perfect one for him. If your boyfriend is anything like my dad, he will be like a kid in a candystore with the prospect of going 'dog shopping'.

Good Luck (dog-shopping is fun!!!!!)

Answer 6

A mutt!! They will be unique and loving. You can get really young ones too, like 8 wks old if you want. Or if that is too much of a handful, try 4 months old.

www.petfinder.org - search the shelters and foster groups in your area.

It sounds like a lab mix or shepherd mix would fit him well.

Answer 7

You should never give a living thing for a birthday present or any other present but i would recomend golden retreivers.
They're great dogs.

Answer 8

Get something like a greyhound. A larger running dog with lots of energy. That dog can run and run.

Answer 9

there is books with test that will tell you what kind of pet you should have. i forgot the name but i found the perfect pet i wanted. i was looking for a loving swimming dog.

Answer 10

a husky~ they are loving and caring! they are also so beautiful! they have blue pretty eyes! or and airedale