What kind of dog should my fiance & I get?

Question

My fiance & I just bought or first home and are excited to finally be able to get our first dog together!!! What breed should we look for? Some considerations: we already have a grumpy old cat, we both work 8 hours a day (so the dog will have to be alone at home during this time), and we do have a large fenced in back yard... What do you think?

Answer 1

Try a mutt, your local shelter will be happy to assist you in finding a dog that matches your lifestyle.

Or, check out the AKC website and find a breed that matches your lifestyle. You can always adopt a purebred from a rescue group as well.

Answer 2

the pound is a good choice to get a dog. A mix breed is good. Not too fussy. Get an adult dog or any dog that is 2 and over. A dog that would not mind being around another dog or a cat. When you go to the pound, the people there will tell you after traing themselves to see the temperment of the animal, which dog(s) would be best for you and then pick the one that captures your heart! Good luck and congrats on your new home together!

Answer 3

Dogs are much harder then cats. You will no longer be able to meet right after work to go to dinner, one will need to go home and let the dog out. The dog will tie you down in many ways, like kids do. Before going away for a quick weekend visit you will need to find a sitter, not everyone wants a dog in there house. If I have not made you rethink this, try a smaller dog, one that will not leave fur all over the place. Most people are willing to allow you to bring those dogs over, and less work around for you, and most of all less smell of dog. Only thing you need to either cut them like we do or find a place to do it, but you will have a cleaner dog that way. Sorry if I sound off a little, but you will have lots of time for kids and dogs later, enjoy the freedom you have for now. Good luck

Answer 4

You want to get a dog that is low maintenance. For example a larger breed that need plenty of exercise is not a good idea. Being in the back yard is not the same as walking or running it.
I would opt for a smaller dog, I have a shih tzu and he does fine at home all day while I am at work.

Answer 5

Since you are going to be gone so much, you might want to consider getting an adult dog rather than a puppy. Puppies are babies and need to be taken out constantly and also fed 3-4 times a day. They also have a critical period when they are young where they need to be with the " pack" and be socialized in all kinds of situations so they will be well adjusted dogs.
You can get all kinds of adult dogs at shelters and rescue groups. My personal favorite is the mutt, but there are plenty of purebred groups out there.
There is no right or wrong answer to this question. There are so many different kinds of dogs and even if you get a breed for a particular kind of personality, they might be completely opposite.
Also think about shedding verses non shedders. Short haired and medium coated dogs generally shed a lot, so you have to brush them. But dogs whose hair grows constantly is nice due to limited shedding, but you have to clip/groom them regularly.
Even if you are set on a purebred, I suggest you go to the shelter. That way you can walk and play with many kinds of dogs before you make your big decision. You can get a feel for what kind of dog you want and who knows? You might fall in love.
Kova

Answer 6

Go to your local pound. You can save an animal, you get deals on vet visits, you'll make good friends with the people at the pound which is cool because they are great support. Mixed breeds are usually very smart and the ones at the pound are grateful to get a home....yes, dogs can sense emotions and pounds are not great places to be.
Go for a medium sized dog...an australian shepard size. Large enough to take care of themselves yet small enough for easy care.
Good luck on your new family member.

P.S. You will find yourself doing things like calling home in the middle of work so you can say hello to your dog through the answering machine....you are not crazy.....everyone does this!

KaptainK

Answer 7

Research breeds and get one that you like. If you work then you might want a dog that is low key, and kind of chilled out. The grumpy old cat will appreciate a calm dog too.

Answer 8

i would try a Japanese Chin they are small dogs that are independent like a cat they are small and don't have to much energy and they could keep each other company if you had two you would not want a big dog because they need alot of exercise and you are going to be gone long,but if you where willing to put in the effort then a Dalmatian is a good big dog but don't get a Border Collie are an other high activity dog because then it will cause you trouble.

Good Luck

Answer 9

English Springer Spaniel. Very loyal, luvable, and intelligent. Also if you end up having children they are very protective with out becomming mean. dogs like labs, goldens, poodles, dalmations are very over bred, and they need lots of attention. My springers get along famously with my two stuck up cats. I am also gone for 8-10 hrs a day and they havent had an accident in the house in 6 years.

Answer 10

I would get a dog from the shelter/foster home! They are the most unique, and you get a chance to see what their personality is like.

We found our puppy at 12 weeks old on www.petfinder.org. She was being fostered at a lady's home, and we couldn't be happier with her personality and disposition. Another bonus is that many of these foster dogs have already been exposed to cats and the transition is easier.