I need some help on choosing the right dog breed. Can you help?

Question

In the morning at around 8 I go to school, and my parents go to work. At lunchtime, my mum usually comes home to have lunch, so then she could give the dog some food and let it out in the garden. I come home at about 4, and I can take it for a longish walk.

We have quite a big house and a good sized garden. We live in a nice place with parks and things. So the dog has got a nice place to go for walks.

The dog needs to be good with children(I have a 5 year old brother), needs a medium amount of excercise, doesn't shed too much, is fairly intelligent and a great companion.

I have read about quite a few dogs on the internet and have come up with some. Please let me know about other dogs which I might like and comment on the ones I have selected. They are:
Beagle
Golden Retreiver
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Thank you so much!

And one more thing, how much excercise does a golden retreiver need daily and how much do they shed? Thanx!

Answer 1

all the breeds you have picked are shedders,especially the Golden,big clumps of golden hair will be left all over the place if you dont groom your dog on a regular basis short haired dogs still shed but leave little tiny pointy hairs everywhere,if you dont want the shed factor maybe you should look into the non shedding breeds such as poodle,they dont shed at all,but are fairly active dogs and will need plenty of exercise
A golden needs lots of exercise they are an energetic hunting breed,as are beagles,plus beagles can get very fat very easy as they LOVE to eat,i don't know a lot about the Cavaleir but i am assuming it is the same they i believe they were originally bred for hunting and will need plenty of exercise as well
basicly any dog you get is going to need plenty of exercise to keep it healthy and fit,and most dogs long or short haired shed,so grooming is a nessesity,
my idea for you is to pick out the dogs that you like have a family meeting to choose from the different breeds you picked out see what top dogs are picked and do research,and talk to breeders,most breeders dont mind questions about their dogs,it lets us know that the people are really interested in this breed and are willing to go the extra step to take care of said dog all the dogs you have mentioned are lovely dogs and all make wonderful family pets it is really up to you to do the research and pick what dog its right for your particular family situation

Answer 2

You can look up parent clubs for the breeds you've listed and do some research on the history and function of the breed. Read the breed standard. Also contact the parent clubs and let them know that you want to talk to breeders. Reputable breeders are knowledgeable and will answer your questions and will be honest about whether a dog is right for you or not. They should also be willing to answer any questions you have. Attend dog shows and observe the breed and talk to breeders. Some breeders may have some requirements for prospective homes that may seem odd, but it is because the breeder is concerned for the welfare of the puppy and knows the characteristics of the breed they have very well. For example, I have a high energy, scent driven breed that needs lots of exercise. They will run off when they get scent of something. One of my requirements for the prospective owner is a fenced in yard. This is not because I am hypercontrolling, this is because I want the family to have the pet for many years and not have it tragically struck by a car or run off never to be seen again. I don't think you should have a lot of trouble getting a dog since your home sounds great and you seem to know what you want and what fits for your lifestyle. There are benefits and drawbacks to each breed you have listed. My dogs need at least a 1 1/2-2 mile walk (as adults) or else they will be naughty. Puppies cannot be roadworked as hard, so shorter distances for puppies with lots of play time. A Golden is a nice pet. To minimize shedding, brush and comb the dog a lot so the dog does not accumulate dead hair and leave it all over the place.

Answer 3

Golden Retrievers are very good with children. They tend to be expensive. When we have litters, males are usually 650 and females are 675. So they are on the expensive side if they are AKC registered. They do shed alot if you dont brush them on a regular basis like you should. They do need exercise, every dog needs that. A walk every other day and time for him to run outside each day should be enough. Every afternoon I take turns with my dogs on who is walking with my first. I have 6 dogs total and all get a chance to walk every other day. When I am home i allow them to run around in a pen I have set up for them in my back yard. They are truly great dogs though. And i reccommend them with children. I have a 2 year old brother, a 8 year old sister, a 6 year old cousin, 3 year old cousin and an 8 year old cousin that all come to my house during the day and the dogs love to play with them. Get one from a breeder though, pet store ones might not have the attention and handling that breeders give them.

Answer 4

An adult Golden Retriever needs atleast 1 hour of really good (Frisbee, jogging) exercise a day, broken up into more parts. The more exercise the better. It also depends on the particular retriever: those bred for conformation will need less than those bred for agility, who will need less than those bred for hunting field work.

They shed a TON. EVERYWHERE and on EVERYTHING. The day after I got my Golden, I looked down and my entire body was covered with hair after five minutes. I looked at my husband and we both laughed and I said..."I think I own a dog now." Yeah. They shed a LOT.

Goldens don't do well, especially when young, if left alone. They aren't the kind of breed you can easily have if you have to be out of the house all day. That being said, tons of people do it. Good luck getting your dog!!

(PS: I actually chose between a Cavalier and a Golden in my final "decision" on breeds. Beagles require a TON of exercise. Cavaliers are good dogs!)

Answer 5

Great choices, Golden Retriever and Cavalier K. C. Spaninel would be the best out of the three. They both shed a bit, but with weekly to bi weekly grooming that will not be a problem. Both of these breeds need exercise, and mind stimulating games, but that could be as simple as a nice long walk, to a game a hind and go sniff. These breeds are extreemly willing to please and very drawn to human companionship. Very good dogs, just make sure you get them from good breeders. All you will have to decide is do you want a big or med/small dog. Both are excelent choices. I would however discourage you from the Beagel, they are great dogs, but they need a job, they are genitcally designed to have a job, hunt, sniff, tear up, dig holes, etc. and will find a lot of trouble when left to do their own thing home alone. They need a lot of training to keep their mind fresh, and are excelent dogs for some one who has a lot of time to spend with them or has a specific purpose for them (you can't beat a beagles nose). Another good breed of dog is Boxer, they are very eagar to please, extreemly smart, and love the company of people. They have a lot of energy so a good exersice routiene is needed, but they make fabouluse pets. Good luck

Answer 6

Beagles are fabulous dogs! But may I suggest you adopt an adult beagle - he or she would probably fit in better with your lifestyle, as it sounds like someone would not be home to constantly be letting a puppy outside and socializing it. I wouldn't get a beagle unless your garden is fenced -they WILL run off.

Golden retrievers are also great -real mushes. Again, I suggest adopting an adult - you're saving a life and finding an animal more compatible with your life. I found golden retrievers like exercise, and need it because they will become quite portly! Beagles also tend to become quite fat without exercise. Retrievers are wonderful with kids - I was raised by one in fact! I could do anything with him, and he remained as sweet as ever.

Both beagles and goldens shed tremendously, the only difference is the length of the hair that falls out!

As for the Cavalier King Charles - they're cute, but I've never owned one. I know that they can have tremendous health problems compared to the other two breeds. (I work for a veterinarian)

Ultimately, I would suggest you go to your local SPCA - you will fall in love with an animal, I guarantee it! You're saving a life, can see what kind of animal you're getting,can have it temperament tested with kids, and ultimately, will be saving money.

Answer 7

A golden retreiver is a wonderful dog and good with kids, but they are big shedders. My all time favorite dog is a boxer. We have had 3, all great dogs, very devoted to their family, and although a little rowdy they are very protective of children. They are also very intelligent. Another plus with a boxer is that usually they are not into doing a lot of barking. ( I am sure there are exceptions) All of ours were rare-barkers. I have had and been around several breeds of dogs over the years, but it is my personal opinion that boxers are one of the greatest breeds there are. Love them dogs!!!! They can be naughty when they are puppies though, but most dogs are for that matter!
Good luck with the puppy search!

Answer 8

The ASPCA has published a book called "The Complete Guide to Dogs", ISBN: 0811819043, that lists every major breed, with an easy to understand guide to behaviors, exercise needs, lots of good info. You could go to a local bookstore & browse the book, or buy it for probably less than $15.00.

I would encourage you & your parents to look the local humane society or pound, too, where many purebred dogs & loving mutts end up because people can't care for them, or want to take the time a dog needs.

Answer 9

Spaniels, are really friendly & playful, but are a little too hyper and not as intellgient...Beagles and Golden Retriever are both wonderful dogs,,, and are more relaxed.. Although golden retriever probably sheds a good deal more..

The smartest dog is the border collie,,, its an amazing dog. The border collie is a fast learner,, and a good looking dog as well..Although they are more expensive, but well worth it. I also like the Siberian Huskie,, but its a really strong dog.. It also will require more food..

All these dogs are good....I think you will like any of these..

Answer 10

I suggest that you go to the Purina website and take the questionnaire that they have. It will help find dogs that fit your requirements. Beagles love to dig. Retrievers chew until they are about 2 years old and they will always shed and need to be brushed daily. Cavaliers tend to have heart problems so.... Also go the the rescue society for each of the breeds that you are wanting to check out and you might find just what you are looking for. Check out the website. Good luck.