What is the best kind of puppy to buy my son? He is 8, never had a dog before. $100 and under. Playful...?

Answer 1

I work at an Animal Hospital part-time and I must say that the best dogs, in my opinion, are the rescue dogs. Have you considered going to your local Animal Shelter?

If you're looking for a puppy... I would say a lab or a lab mix (generally easy-going and energetic enough to keep up with a kid for a while). Mutts are wonderful too though! There are great websites online that go into great detail about various breeds and their dispositions/needs.

http://dogbreedinfo.com/ready.htm

http://dogs.about.com/cs/breedprofiles/a/choosing_a_dog.htm

http://www.thepetcenter.com/imtop/match.html

Hope this helps. Best wishes!

Answer 2

Unless you have your heart set on a dog with a pedigree let me suggest something that will give everyone a chance to feel really good and do something for your son and an animal that probably faces euthenasia if you or some other generous person acts.

Go to your nearest animal shelter and pick a mixed-breed dog that your son likes. Let him pick the dog. And--by the way--many of these dogs are puppies. Your cost may be the cost of spaying or neutering and basic shots.

These tend to be intelligent and very loving animals, without the inbreeding problems common in purebred animals. Spaying or neutering will assure a calmer animal less apt to stray and likely to be healthy longer.

You want a healthy animal, so have it checked out by a vet as soon as possible once you adopt.

Answer 3

Sometimes a mutt is the best choice dog for anyone. They seem to be more evenly tempered. Consider your child's personality, is he rambunctious, quiet, etc. and try to match that up with the temperament of the dog/mix. I would try to stay away from the smaller breeds and look more for the medium/large breed. Going through rescue shelters you can usually get a puppy for around $100, which usually includes, shots, spay/neuter, and micro-chip, and it saves a puppy's life!

Answer 4

Get the dog YOU like. You will be doing the majority of the work. Search "Dog Test" online and it will help narrow down you wants and needs to a good fit for you and your son. Please try to go through the pound or even a local vet. Saving a life can also be a great learning experience for your boy. Do lots of reseach and don't be in a rush!

Answer 5

Please don't BUY him a puppy until you've exhausted your options with your local shelters. Bring your son with you and see which dog he hits it off with. Also consider young adult dogs that already have already been housebroken. Puppies are cute but very time consuming. An adult dog that was already living with a family might fit right in and be a lot more manageable.

Answer 6

I agree, Go to the animal shelter and get a boy that never had a puppy of his own, a puppy that probably never had a boy of its own..lol.. It'd make both very happy and probably save a life to boot!

Good Luck.

Answer 7

Get a shelter mutt.
They really make the best pets. Shelter workers can help you find the perfect puppy. You get lots of "extras" for one low price and you are saving a life.

EDIT
Chow chows and Dalmations are two of the hardest breeds to own and train. They really don't like kids either.

Answer 8

Playful huh..... a Jack Russell Terrier. They have unlimited energy and are great dogs.

Answer 9

Get a rescue dog, it's not only mongrels that you find there but pure breeds and puppies aswell.

Answer 10

a labrador the puppys are very frienldy i just got one 2 days agon and he has never barked or bit! never peed or pooped on the floor either so good luck to you and your son!