What's the best breed of dog for this situation?

Question

We're getting another dog in a few months and I need your advice on what breed I should get! I'm 14 years old and live in a medium sized house with my mom, dad, 22 year old brother and german shepherd. We have a large yard with grass, trees, and plants and plenty of running room. My German Shepherd is EXTREMELY gentle and sweet and great with any dogs from chihuahuas to mastiffs. I am very dog-knowledgable and responsible and will do most of the caring for the new dog, with my parents supervising and always there to help. I would be with the dog for about an hour in the morning, go to school and get home at about 2:30 in the afternoon. Sometimes I would have drama club or dance classes but I'd always have at least a few hours with the dog after school. I would be able to walk it at least twice a day and spend quality time with it. I'm looking for a small to medium PUREBRED dog or maybe poodle mix. What breed do you suggest for my situation?

And please give details as to why this breed would be suitable!

For the people that question my readiness, here is some info for you.

Costs: My parents will be covering the costs for almost everything, and they will do everything in their power to help ensure a good life for the dog I choose. They don't consider money an issue when it comes to the health and well-being of a pet; they will always do the best thing for the animal.
My parents input: My parents love all dogs and really wanted the German Shepherd so they would like to let me choose this time, as long as it's the right dog for our family.

What will happen to the dog when I go to college: If I continue living at home or move into an apartment or house that allows pets, the dog will stay with me. If I for some reason can't keep the dog with me, my parents would be more than happy to keep it, and I would frequently visit!

Answer 1

a boxer

Answer 2

Since everyone else is throwing breeds out there, I'm going to ask a sensible question (or three).

If you are 14 now, who will be paying for all of the expenses? Almost all purebreds are going to cost a pretty penny to purchase, but there's also the veterinary costs to consider. Certain breeds are prone to more genetic problems than others (like brachycephalic dogs). Keep that in mind as you make your choice.

Also, who is going to take care of the dog when you go off to college in four years? If he's going to end up staying at home with mom and dad, you may want to ask their input on what breed they would prefer to care for. If you decide to move into your own place, keep in mind that most apartment have breed and/or size restrictions, as well as a pet-rent and/or deposit that may vary depending on the breed.

Hope these questions help you pick the right breed for your family!

Answer 3

WOW!!!

I think whatever dog you want, you should have. I have never read a question so well spoken or as well thought out as this one.

If you are really just 14 years old, I must say you sound very intelligent, responsible, and articulate.

Get whatever you want. Don't worry so much about the "breed". Who cares what kind of dog you have, or how much it "cost". Just love it and give it the best life you can. And then, love it some more.

If Mom and Dad have that much money to throw around, go buy a shelter/rescue dog, and donate the rest of the money to the shelter/rescue.

Again, don't worry about breed, worry more about heart and soul. Whether they're pure or mixed, if you love them, they will love you -- they certainly don't care what "breed" you are.

Answer 4

You sound like you like famine kind of dog person. You say you like poodles, poodles are one of the most intelligent breeds. I myself am not a famine dog kind of person, but I think you should stick with your first instinct. I work with a lot of dogs every day. You more than likely want to stay away from the very small breeds due to the very hard in breaking their potty problems, as well as other health problems. A West Highland Terrier might be nice, or a Papillion. Try to stay away from the toy breeds, unless it is a poodle. Your best bet is a small, just not a toy breed. Good luck in finding your new edition to your family. Remember not to buy your pet from a pet store. All most always they come from a puppy mill, most of them will NOT admit it. If you don't know what a puppy mill is look it up, just be cautious on what you might see, it is very sad.

Answer 5

Well because you already have a German shepherd, there is always that choice. But if you are looking for a different breed The golden retriever or the Lab and good choices and are close in size to the one you already have. If you are looking for something smaller, a beagle is fun,(thats the only smaller dog I really like!!!!) If you are into bigger dogs, the great dane is a nice breed and so are the mastiffs(I have heard they are couch potatoes too!!!) Good luck choosing a new puppy, you do sound very responsible!!!! Have fun with the new puppy too!!!

Answer 6

you shound responsible, why not try the humane society or local pound. They always have little to medium mix and purebred puppies and dogs. I'd recommend a dog versuse a puppy thogh unless someone is home almost 24 hours a day. -k- If you don't want a pound puppy, then go with a laid back shorthaired dog, minimal energy, like a basset hound. stay away from terriers and herding dogs, maybe a beagle, but they bark, or a corgi, something along that line.

Answer 7

I have a Brittany. They are very lovable, energetic and playful dogs in the small to medium range. They have generally wavy soft hair and are either white with reddish brown spots or white with Liver(dark brown) spots. Mine is a liver and white

Here's a link to the Amercian Brittany Club

http://clubs.akc.org/brit/

They are natural bird dogs -- bred for their pointing ability. But they make wonderful family dogs.

They love to play fetch and love walking, but they'll quite oftentake the lead (they're huntin' dawg after all). Many times, they'll hold on to the leash like they're pretending to walk you!

They're chewy... so don't leave shoes lying around. Give them lots of things to chew on.

Brittanies don't bark! Brittanies are not barking dogs. They will bark when there is something really exciting going on, but that's it. My dog will go for days without barking.

Their tails are naturally short.

They get to about 45 pounds in adulthood.

It's best to "crate train" them if you're going to have them indoors as they are very active and could get into mischief.

They're great playmates for other dogs. They'll wear each other out and give you a break for awhile!

Answer 8

English bull dogs are good. the're small, and like to play but don't have to play. They would be great to take to an apartment becasue the are lazy and won't run a muk in the apartment. They have really laidback loving personalities too.

Answer 9

I am thinking a rat terrior. You have enough energy to deal with one, and they are smart, alert little guys. They just LOVe to chase squirrels. They come small and medium I believe. A rat terrior personality wise might be a good contrast to your sweet German Shepherd.

Answer 10

A Jack Russel would be a nice choice. They are a breed of small dogs who firmly believe they are huge. This is good, because he wouldn't be intimidated by the german Shepperd. They are very smart and have lots of energy.

Answer 11

A labradoodle. just because they are smart and very easy to look after. Not to mention cute and cuddly

I think because this type of dog is non aggressive it will get along fine with your German Shepherd

You sound very mature to me. I think you will be a great dog owner..Good luck with whatever choice you make..