What Kind Of Dog Should I Get?

Answer 1

That depends on your home and your schedule and your budget and your preferences. Ask youself some questions - Do youhave room for a small, medium or a large dog?

Do you want a dog that requires regular trips to the groomers like a poodle with haircuts and baths every 6 to 8 weeks, or do you want a dog with short hair or would you prefer a dog with long hair that needs a lot of brushing but no haircuts?

Do you want a dog that requires a lot of exercise like at least 2 hours per day or do you want a dog that only needs a short walk around the block?

Do you want a dog with along nose, a short nose, a puch in nose?

Do you want a dog that sheds a lot or a little? One that goes everythere with you or one that stays home and protects the house?

Do you want more then one dog?

Can you afford all the supplies needed when you get a dog - here is a short list of needed supplies - collar, leash, breed appropriate brush and comb, dog bed, dog crate, dog seat belt, dog vest, a 20 foot training lead, dog training classes or a private trainer to learn basic obedience and household manners, food and water bowls, portable water bowl & water bottle, portable treat container,
dog food, dog treats, dog toys, dog bones, dog tooth brush and tooth paste, dog licesne and ID tag, dog micro-chip ID, vet checkups annually and don't forget to spay/neuter your pet, heart worm medication, vaccinations, X-Rays to determine hips and heart are OK, blood tests, urine tests and the physical exam amd fecal exam, and all puppies need to be wormed at least once and probably twice.

I recommend that you check out some dog descriptions available for free on the internet and do some reading to see what kind of dog really would bring you the most joy and then see what the dog needs for it to be happy and ask yourself if you can provide for that dog what it needs to be happy?

For example don't get a lab if you don't like to take long brisk frequent walks and on the other hand don't get a lap dog if you are looking for your dog to provide home protection.

Common sense and some research and maybe a few visits to a local dog shelter and when you find the dog that is right for you, you will just instinctively know it.

one more thing - if you decide to purchase a pure bred dog in stead of adopting a dog from a shelter or a rescue, make sure that you are dealing with a reputable breeder with no complaints logged against her with the BBB and check the lineage of both the mother and father of the puppy you are considering, you want to see the parents and grand parents and great grand parents and to check to make sure that there is no inter-breeding going on - when you find the same sire or damn on both sides of the puppies family - walk away and go to another breeder - inbreeding creates psychologically unstable puppies that are not worth the asking price.

A reputable breeder who is breeding to improve the line will not inter-breed her stock. You can also call the AKC and get a listing of registered breeders. I recommend the AKC since they are keeping DNA samples of all registered dogs now so you can verify the actual heritage of your dog by the DNA on file with the AKC.

Good Luck

Answer 2

It actually depends on your personality. Another factor is the place you stay. Like if you have a large dog in a small house or apartment, you should expect trouble. Large dogs also need there exercise.

Me i have a german shepherd and several pugs. I also use to have a rotty and a black and yellow lab. Also had a **** tzu.

German Shepherds are loyal. And protective to his pack/family. Good all around dog. A friend, guard dog, pet dog. Needs a large place. And lots of exercise/walk.

Labs - are also good if you have children. they are normaly not agreesive.

Pugs - lap dogs. Cute. Does not shed much. Snores. Ugly but i love them.

**** Tzu - this are beautiful dogs but you have to dedicate a lot of time for grooming. So if you dont have the time dont get this.

Answer 3

It depends on what type of dog you like, a big dog, a tiny dog, a dog that can learn agility, a lap dog, a family dog. Big dogs I like are Rottweillers, Golden retrievers, and labs. Small dogs of course Chihuahuas are my favotie, but a guy's macho kind of dog is a miniature pinscher. Great dogs, but pretty hyper. Or a Jack Russell.

Answer 4

A Mini-Schnauzer, they are so darn cute and don't shed! Great family dogs too and sooo sweet tempered. Or a Burmese Mountain Dog, just cuz they're cute. I LOVE DOGS!
I mean as long as it's a dog you can't really go wrong! However I would be careful to not get dogs with oily skin (unless you plan on bathing them everyday...) b/c they get really smelly. :D

Answer 5

Do a lot of research to find a breed that fits you. You don't want to end up with a dog you hate beacuse a friend told you to get it or its name sounds cool.

Answer 6

Pembroke Welsh Corgi. Ours is a great family dog, our baby, smart as can be, and so loving. Great all around dog. Beautiful too.

Answer 7

I have always grown up with Beagles. They are really cute and really playful. they can be a pain in the butt, (but can't all puppies) but if you start training them early they will be good. i have also trained mine to poop in the a certain area of the yard so that there isn't the mess everywhere.

Have fun with your new puppy what ever you get.

Answer 8

Go to the pound and adopt a mutt. Most loyal dog you'll ever have, guaranteed.

Answer 9

if you want a dog who loves to sit in your lap, get a dachshund. but when they are out side they ignore you completely. also get a girl, she is much easier to house train

Answer 10

What sort of dog do you like? Try some of these sites to help you find your dog:
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/search.htm

http://selectsmart.com/beta_dog/

http://www.petnet.com.au/selectapet/dogselectapet.html

http://www.samthedogtrainer.com/Articles_What%20Breed%20Is%20Right%20For%20You.htm

http://www.mydogsbreed.com/

Personally, I think one can never have too many dachshunds. ; )