Please help don't know what kind of dog to get?

Question

Hi I would love to finally own a dog but not sure what breed to get. I know I want something small, that dosent shed alot of hair, or yaps because I work from home as a therapist, I live in a medium sized house and have a communal garden. I would love it for my 5 year old son who gets lonely so walks to the park and throwing a ball with it would be great! does anyone have any suggestions??

p.s I would love to go to a shelter and get a dog but you know they have such strict criteria with home checks my home didnt even pass the criteria check list when i wanted to volunteer for them, so my only choice is to buy from a breeder.

millions of people live in apartments and own dogs....

Answer 1

how about a corgi? They are a small/medium sized dog. If you are looking for a purebreed, check out the AKC website. They not only have a list of purebreeds, but it had their common characteristics, potential medical problems etc.

Answer 2

There is no one breed that is suitable.Individuals within a breed vary even individuals within a litter vary. A lot depends on the breeding, socialization and training. Even though you didn't pass the home check once don't rule out a shelter or adopting . Fins out exactly what you didn't pass on and if possible fix the problems if not check with other shelters and rescues. If you do go with a breeder go with a responsible, reputable, ethical breeder. You need to be very careful since there are more irresponsible breeders then there are responsible ones. Look for one who does pedigree research before breeding, does health testing of parents (not just vet exams) before breeding, socializes puppies and parents, has a genuine interest in the breed, doesn't delibrately breed mixes, breeds to the breed standard (neither breeding too small or too big), gives first vaccinations, deworming and vet exams to all puppies before they go to new homes, doesn't sell puppies under 8 weeks of age has paperwork all in order, etc. Be ware of puppies sold as "registered" that have papers from CKC (Continental or Canine Kennel Club), ACA (American Canine Association),WW (Worldwide kennel Club), among others. These are scam registries and their papers aren't worth the paper they are written on. They are registries set up by irresponsible breeders & puppy mills in order to register anything with 4 legs and make people believe they are getting a registered purebred puppy/dog.

Answer 3

There is a site on the Internet that rates you and the kind of dog you want and I am not sure which one it is....but they take you through a question and answer thing just like these dating questionnaire's and slowly you will begin to find out what type of dog you will need to get (for you)! They narrow it down to just a few and then you pick the one that's of your liking! I wish I could remember which link it is but I can't. But; poodles and miniature schnauzers don't shed at all, and they are great as inside dogs and good with kids. They are also very entertaining as well. You ask a good question on here, it was refreshing to try to answer you back!! The person under me is right on...she has the answer. Thats the site I went too. It will help you pick your dog. GOOD LUCK!!!!!!

Answer 4

I think a dog in the 20 lb. range would be a good choice. The smaller dogs, although quite cute, are mostly very "yappy." Why don't you and your son go to a shelter near you and pick out a dog (or let the dog pick you!) together? This would be a great experience for ALL concerned. Also, you might find a slightly older dog would be a good choice.

Answer 5

I would suggest a chihuahua/dachsund mix. I have one that I bought for my son 2 years ago. He was 4 yrs old at the time. If you were to ask my son his dog is his best friend. She is wonderful with him. I couldn't have chosen a better dog. I recently got another dog and I'm not so sure that I made a good choice this time. I got a Chocolate Labrador. I have found that she is way to big for my son. She is now 40 pounds (3 months old) and overpowers my son. She doesn't get along very well with the smaller dog. I wouldn't suggest getting a chihuahua for your child because they can be tempermental. I have found though with the mix between chihuahua/dachsund they seem to be wonderful dogs.. Goodluck.

Answer 6

Miniature Poodle

Althought you need to keep it brushed, poodles are hypoallergenic. If your having people come over for therapy then it may do you well to have a dog that others wont be allergic to.

Because they grow HAIR not fur, they don't shed much and you can keep them trimmed at the Dog Groom every month.

Miniature Poodles are GREAT pets and very loyal, dont bark or yip much (except to tell you someone's at the door), and they are a great childs companion.

Answer 7

I'm sorry but if a shelter wouldn't approve you, no reputable breeder will either. You don't have a fenced yard which is a big stumbling block as far as you getting a dog. Perhaps at this point you need to find some other type of pet for your son. A dog needs a fenced yard - that's basic, tying them up is extremely bad for their temperaments and they need exercise.

Answer 8

i know you probably don't want to hear this but a bulldog is a very good option for you they are very laid back and good with kids. I recommend a male because they are cheaper and a little more mellow than the females are. Please research your choice before you get your dog. The bulldog is also shorthaired

Answer 9

Labs make wonderful companions for children and adults. Mine have always been very watchful over us. And you would not have to pay a lot of money to have them groomed. Good luck, wagging tails and wet puppy kisses to you. And they love to fetch and play ball.

Answer 10

Lhasa Apsos are great and so is a chihuahua/sheba enu (spelling?) mix.

Lhasas are great with kids and very loving and the chihuahua/sheba enu mix is also great but a bit hyperactive when excited but my sisters chi/sh mix loves kids and gives everyone tons of kisses