What type of dog should we buy?

Question

We are looking for a dog, size 9 pounds to 30 pounds who is a good family pet. This dog would get lots of attention from me since I am home all day, but I have a disability and can not walk the dog. We do have a big back yard however.

I would like a mix between two breeds, with fur that does not shed and is better for allergies. There are so many new mixes now and we wouldn't mind a dog mixed with Maltese, Bichon or similar breed with friendly disposition. I know it can't be assured, but we hope to find one that doesn't bark much.
I am more interested in a lovable pet than a show dog.
Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

Look up poodle hybrids. They can be crossed to make a small dog from a toy poodle, medium with a miniature poodle and large with a standard poodle.
And they are all so cute!
http://www.dogluvers.com/dog_breeds/Poodle_hybrids
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/poodlemix.htm
The second site has pictures.

Answer 2

I would say a bichon would be about what your looking for. I would highly recomend getting a pure-bred from a responsible breeder, since they go for the same price, or a little cheeper than mixed breeds. Maltese is another good choice, but they tend to have more genetic problems, and bark a lot more. A shid tzu doesn't bark alot, but unless your really careful about what you buy they tend to have spinal and respitory problems. If you don't think you want to deal with the difficult cut of a bichon try havanese, they have the same outgoing, charming disposition as a bichon.

They say a poodle has the least body odor, and sheds the least but they tend to be a little high strung, and will bark a lot.

just remember that a dog that doesn't shed needs to be brushed out once a day, or mats may occure, and you will start finding some hair laying around :)

Answer 3

All dogs shed except poodles. Little dogs like Bichons and the like don't need walks in fact they can be tough on their little legs and small feet. However, a good half hour run in the back yard daily will do them a ton of good. They are hyper dogs, and it would be good that you are home to give them the attention they need. They are worse then Labs and Retrievers when it comes to boredom. If you don't give them something to do, they'll make something up. As for barking, you can train your dog not to. I'm a Guide Dog puppy raiser and one of the most important things is that they do not bark. Okay, maybe once every two months but never more then that. Start training at a young age, no matter what dog you get. Don't overfeed and you'll have a companion for life.

Answer 4

the best thing to do is to go to an animal shelter. if you have small kids, be careful with what type of small dog you get. A lot of smaller dogs just aren't good with kids! (Chihuahua's, Cocker Spaniels, etc)
There are, however, many many mixed breeds out there. Go to www.petfinder.com

I don't think you should get a puppy, as you stated you have a disability and puppies are a LOT of work.. you have teething, housetraining, training in general, and they need constant excersize. You should go for an older dog, perhaps 2 years or older.

Dogs usually bark when they want something.. ie, they want to go out, in, they see someone at the door, etc. Some dogs bark more than others, but it just depends on their entire personality. You could have a dog that could care less about other dogs barking and the doorbell ringing, or just the opposite. The only breed that doesn't "bark" is the Basenji.

Anyway I think you should go to an animal shelter.. hopefully you will see something that pops out and you know it's the one for you!

**Ohh also.. goldens DO bark. I have 2 that live next door to me and one of them constantly barks, at 5 AM, in the middle of the day, etc. It drives me INSANE! However the people also just leave him outside and he's barking because he wants to come in**

Do NOT get ANY type of Spaniel! They require extreme excersize each and every day. They are very very active dogs.

Dogs like Yorkies, poodles, chihuahuas, all seem to not be good with kids. From what I've seen, they seem to be intimidated by the size, also with small kids who pick on them it just doesn't work out.

There are also many, many shih-tzus in shelters! You'd be surprised. If you can't find any that you like near you, look up "shih-tzu rescues"
Good luck!!

Answer 5

I would look for some kind of Havanese mix. If your look for a dog that does not shed, and you don't want a yappy dog. These dogs are for the most part quite. And they don't shed. There super cute. A havanese pure breed weighs under 13 pounds. I have a male Havanese and hes much better behaved that my Golden Retriever.

Answer 6

Shih-tzus don't bark much and are one of the breeds considered to be better for allergies, and they were bred as companions so they are very friendly (my 2 don't know a stranger). They do require lots of grooming if you keep them in a longer coat or will need to visit a groomer to get clipped about every 2 mo. or so if kept shorter.

Shih-tzus range from 9 - 16 lbs and I've seen lots listed on petfinder.com before.

Answer 7

well, a good family dog, I think the best is a golden retriever, it has a lot of fur, but if you had a back yard maybe it wont be a problem, they have a great personality, good for kids, lovable, not too much barking, the size it´s something to consider, but think about it, tehy´re great for families

Answer 8

You know, that a greyhound is a lovely pet, that will love you, they do not need too much exercise, perhaps someone could take the dog out for a walk/run once a week for you. Once greyhounds have put on weight they look like miniature horses.

Answer 9

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Answer 10

if u r interested in a lovable pet then u must go 4 samoyeds, pomererians,spitz,pugs,lhasa apso and if u want a good family pet then u must go 4 alsatian,st.bernard,pointer,italian greyhound.the former r very lovable and frndly just like toys and d latter r very faithful.