my question was what dog would most suit me?

Question

my last question was i have 2 boys asmall house and i work short hours but wanted to know what dog was best

Answer 1

Under the circumstances, you might ask yourself whether a dog will fit into your lifestyle at the moment. Sounds like you're a very busy person, and you probably ought to evaluate whether a dog will get the attention and training that it needs.

If you have a small house and limited time to work with a dog, you could consider getting an adult, rather than a puppy. A medium sized mixed breed may fit the bill very nicely since s/he would be large enough and strong enough to enjoy the company of two boys. Personally, I love a Collie/Shepherd mix, some of which are medium sized. They tend to be smart, loveable, easily trained, and very intelligent.

As far as purebred dogs go, I'd still stick with a medium sized dog that does well with or without people around constantly. If you can find a smaller Golden Retriever or Lab, they're great with kids, can handle being by themselves, and pick up training very quickly.

I would not recommend a German shepherd or other working breeds like Collies, Shelties, or Border collies. They require a lot of human contact and more room to run than the average small house can afford.

Check your local Humane Society or Breed Rescue organization, and maybe they can help you find the perfect pet for you. Hope you find a real treasure out there! :)

Answer 2

Maybe go to your local all breeds rescue eg Dogs Trust. Even if they don't have the right dog for you there, they can give good advice.

I wouldn't recommend going to the pound. Whilst you MIGHT get the perfect dog from there, it is unlikely that the dog's temperament will have been assessed. A responsible rescue on the other hand WILL have assessed each dog's temperament and they are more likely to be able to match the right dog to the right home. Particularly important for you, having 2 sons!!

In addition - I've recommended this site to a few people now, but I think it applies to you as much as anyone.

Try www.dogpages.org.uk

They have details of dogs needing rescue of all sorts of breeds from all over the uk. They have details also of loads of different rescues, whether all-breed (eg Dogs Trust) or breed specific. Have a look. If you don't find a dog through there that you think would be worth asking about, you can post your own details up. That way, if anyone from a rescue finds a dog they think would be suitable for you, they can contact you via the website.

Good Luck!

One thing to note - I'd suggest you don't go for a pup. They need LOTS of attention in the early days especially. There's PLENTY of young dogs in rescue if age is important to you though.

Answer 3

If you are bothered by shedding (with an indoor dog), shih tzus are great, though they need to be taken to a groomer every couple of months. They are small and active but not hyper. Small terriers are also great pets but more active usually. Of course poodles are good indoor dogs too because of the non-shedding factor. The best idea is to get a good dog breed book and read up on the breeds, find ones you're interested in, then talk to breeders or vets. We didn't have a lot of money to spend when we got our dog in March, so we went to the Animal Shelter and got a great little beagle/terrier mix who is more fun than a barrel of monkeys, and very sweet.

Answer 4

I would be leary of getting a small breed. I won't say that they're all snappy but many are they feel the need to defend themselves because of their size. More bites are from small dogs but it doesn't get a lot of publicity because these cases are rarely fatal. Labs are great if your worried about shedding consider a Standard Poodle No shedding just need a quick body clip regularly and great with kids very smart. German shepherds, Golden retrievers, Basset hounds, Collies all great kids dogs easy training do shed. Good luck

Answer 5

I think the best solution would be a smaller dog. Maybe not tiny like a toy breed, but maybe something along the size of a cocker spaniel. Try visiting your local pound, you can choose from lots of different breeds and they will spay or neuter your animal before you take it home, and also give it it's first shots. Take your boys with you and let them choose together. I got my first dog from the pound, and she is the best animal I've ever had! She is smart and well mannered, and I know you can find the perfect animal there for you. The great thing about the pound is you can make as many trips as you'd like and wait for your perfect match. Pounds have a variety of pure breeds as well as mixed breeds. Good luck in your search!!!!

Answer 6

You can go to Animal Planet's website (www.animalplanet.com) and there is a "Dog Breed Selector" questionnaire that you can fill out and they will match which dogs would be best for you. On the left side of the homepage there should be a bunch of green tabs. Click the "Pet Guides & Tools" tab, then select "Dog Breed Selector". Then just click "Start your search" and away you go! It's fun to do even if you aren't looking to get a dog right away but just to keep the breeds in mind that best suit your lifestyle. Good luck!

Answer 7

Sorry I would say not to get a dog. If you work then what would you do with a pup as it cant be left on it's own for a long time. You would end up with a very unhappy dog.

Answer 8

id stay away from labs to be honest, if you check with police records for 2005 , they have had the most attacks, even though the press havent covered it.

Saftest bet is a mixed/mongrel, they live alot longer, has alot less health probs and are better as family animals,

me and my g/f got a staff mix from the dogs trust , shes 2 years old and is fantastic, took just days to train her, shes great

Please get from a rehome as there are loads of lovely dogs needing homes

collies need alot of exercise and are very very active, and can get snappy when kept indoors for long periods

German shepards are fine, but are one of the most protective of dogs, can have BIG probs with newborn children or new partners moving in

Answer 9

A mutt. Go to the pound and pick out a dog that is around 1-2 years old.

Answer 10

go to the pound and find a small, grown dog that likes you and your kids. puppies would be a lot of work to train, and adult dogs need homes too. if you get an adult, there woudln't be any size-suprises.

avoid the toy breeds, as they can be mean (chihuahua, dashund). something like a poodle mix would be friendly, smart, and good inside.