Which is the best breed of dog...?

Question

For a family with children that are over 12 years old in a medium-small house with a medium yard, that will not cover my home in furr (shedding is fine, just not too much)? Thanks :D

I know, i love german shepherds, there amazingly talented and loving. but there too proned to hip disease (i've met many and they all had it)

Answer 1

If you aren't going to show - go to the local shelter or SPCA. There are a ton of dogs that have been "screened" and they can tell you if they're good with kids. Getting a puppy - you can't be certain what you're gonna get. Breed temperments are 'guidelines'...but just as we don't sterotype humans, this is where upbringing comes into play. You can have a very well socialized and behaved Pitbull...or a chihuaha that will tear your leg up. It's all just having a supportive home. You can go to the AKC website for some general information concerning dogs. But ultimately, look to get one that "touches" you.

Also consider "rescue" organizations - you can get a purebred dog (although you wouldn't be able to breed it) - that is older and has been taught basic manners.

Good luck! And thank you for opening your home up to share. I'm sure you'll find a great addition to your family.

Answer 2

I know everyone is recommending "their" breed, but I'm not. You didn't say much else about your family and what you want. An active dog? An easygoing dog? Big or small? There are so many and as suggested - you can find a great one through a rescue organization. I have dobermans and one of them came from Doberman rescue - she is a doll! But not for everyone as she is very active (obedience, agility, etc) She isn't a lay around at your feet type dog.

Many states have Greyhound rescue organizations - the one locally does a wonderful job of fostering and screeing these retired racers. They are usually 2-4 years old and for the most part they are calm, sweet and low maint in the grooming department. Make sure you do the research on several breeds before you choose!

Answer 3

The first thing you need to know is what kind of training you and your dog need. After that locate some good trainers that will take you and your dog, not just the dog. Learn how to train your dog https://tr.im/sG93v

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These are the very same tips that I spent years perfecting, the very same tips that have worked for thousands of dog lovers just like you.

Answer 4

I have a Lhasa Apso and love him!! He's so intelligent...originally bred in Tibet as sentry dogs...or dogs who sound warnings (bark!) when something's amiss. They do not shed at all, however, do require regualr professional grooming. They are very very hearty canines....they live an AVERAGE of 16 years!! They're very curious, by nature, and will love to romp around with the kids to make sure and not miss a thing!! They're very devoted and mine, Barkley, was very easy to housetrain, although the first 5 years of his life was spent with me traveling throughout the entire USA on an 18 wheeler! His antics on the road kept me amused. He'd lock the door as soon as the key popped it up and I'd swear he was smiling!! He learned to get on the dash and pull the chain and blow the air horns if I stayed too long in a truckstop!! He is my best friend!! Good luck on finding the just right new family member!!

Answer 5

I'm really going to get it for this!
American Pitbull Terrier, and you raise it around your kids, and your good to it. They are the best dogs in the world! There are so many people that have ruined this type of dogs reputation due to neglect, and abuse.Most of them have never owned one. If you research APBT's you will see that it is not the breed, it's the people that do this to the animal. When they are brought up in a good home, they are loyal, loving, sweet dogs. Ask any owner. Plus they are beautiful.
I hear that with any dog. You should not have children around a male and female while they are in heat, and as with any dog you should always watch your children around them. I don't care if it's a poodle.

Answer 6

My favorite breed of dog is the Yorkshire Terrier,or Brussel Griffon,both make excellient house pets,very intelligent and easy to train with the Brussel Griffon being the easiest.Would suggest the small type in both breeds.

Answer 7

I tend to recommend the herding breeds or the smaller sporting breeds or some non--sporting breed for a family with children who are old enough to be active and out and about.

Goldens shed - trust me, I had them for 28 years and 36 vaccums.

Is your yard fenced? If not consider an in-ground electric fence or an instant install electric fence. (Find the website for Drs. Foster & SMith - great pet supplier, run by vets and been around for years)

I would stay with a breed that is under 60 lbs, and less than 20-22 inches at the shoulder.

Here are some possiblities

HERDING GROUP

Welsh Corgi (GREAT family/kid dogs. Short hair. Super smart)

Shetland sheepdogs (long hair but they are smaller so there isn't as much of it)

Australian Shepards (they are fluff balls but gorgeous and smart)

Belgian Sheepdog

Belgian Tevuren

(these two Belgian breeds are two of my all-time favorites for intelligence, trainability and general all around good guyness)

Border collie (highly active and obsessive complusive about its work - adores herding, agility and obedience performances)

NON-SPORTING GROUP

Boston Terriers - grew up with them and my one was the second in the breed to get the highest AKC obedience title. They are a blast and great with kids

Schipperke - little dolls and smart as a whip. Now they were bred to guard barges on the canals in Belgium and Holland so they are quick to alert and watchful of strangers


SPORTING GROUP

Cockers

Springers - Welsh or English. Tend to be very high energy and love to swim

Brittany Spaniels - ditto on the energy and water


I would stay away from the Hound Group unless you have a super good fence. They run - and run - and run. Only exception would be a Basset who are so homely they are cute.

Terriers (Terrier Group) are nice. The do have a stubborn tough temperment. That is why the old expression about "getting one's teeth into something like a terrier" meaning hanging in there and not giving up or quiting. Not for the faint of heart to train to basic obedience like heel sit stay and come - particularly the larger terriers.

Go here to the AKC to see the breeds and read about them:

http://www.akc.org/breeds/index.cfm?nav_area=breeds

On the AKC web page for each breed, you can follow the link marked "Breed Club" in the left hand column to the wepage for the club for the owners/breeders of that breed. It will give you even more information about the breed and contacts for breeders who follow a Code of Ethics

Also, each breed club has a rescue for dogs of its breed . Link to the Breed Rescue for that breed is in the same column on the left.

Consider adopting through breed rescue if you find a breed you like. They take great trouble to get to know the dog and match the dog and home. ALso, they are always there as a resource for help with training and questions.

(I haven't named a single breed that I have owned except for the Bostons over 30 years ago and my grandfather had Corgis for 50 years. All the ones named I have handled. trained or taught.)

Answer 8

English Bulldog - I'm a breeder so I'm biased, but they are amazing family animals with a great temperament and a laugh a minute. Be careful who you're purchasing from tho and make sure they're knowledgeable about the breed and ethical as well. Check their references - this really applies about all breeds... :)

Answer 9

Old english sheepdog. About the same size as a german sheppard. They don't shed and great with kids very protective of their families andlove to cuddle. We have a small house so as long as you take them on walks they will be happy. They like the cold. Great family dogs.. oes.org and find a shelter or person near by.

Answer 10

I myself prefer German Shepherds and I do foster them as well. They shed as a rule 2 x per year when the get their winter coat and in spring they should be brushed about once a week but they make great family pets. You can find pure bred GSDs that are up for adoption and often you can find them already trained and house broken. My suggestion is to go to www.petfinder.com there a tons of great dogs that are up for adoption and ar up to date on shots and spayed or neutered. you can also look for any type breed you are interested in. Good Luck in you quest.