Need guidance on choosing dog/puppy.?

Question

Any suggestions on best dog for me? Want medium size, sweet-tempered dog. Small yard, plenty of exercise. Live in LA.

Answer 1

loud or quiet?
more or less playful?

Maybe a Corgi, a beagle, lab?

Answer 2

Okay, you are going to have to do some sifting of information.

What do you call "medium"? 18 inches at the shoulder, 22 inches? 30 lbs, 60 lbs?

What are you willing to do in terms of vaccuming (long hair)? How much barking annoys you (small yappy breeds and terriers)?

What kind of exercise? Walks, jogging, swimming??

Single or 6 kids??

For example, basset hounds are considered medium sized dogs with easy going dispostions and are kick-back, hang out, go for a stroll types. English springers are also medium size and will run all day with you and swim like a fish - also happy friendly sorts.

Go here and read about the different breeds - their looks, care, temperments and size.

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

When you go into the page n the AKC site for each specific breed, you will see a column on the left.

In it is the link for the breed club dedicated to that breed. Click on it. That will give you even more information and you will be able to locate breeders of that breed nationwide.

The club's website will also have a link to the rescue for that breed. The breed rescue places dogs of their breed who need to be rehomed - lots of reasons for needing a new home, death, divorce, a move. They are very careful to match the specific dog to the right home and provide followup support and help with your dog.. (As does any responsible breeder)

Often breeders will have an adult dog they bred that they are placing for the first time (didn't turn out to cut it in the conformaion ring to get its chanpionship) or are replacing. Responsible breeders insist that if the owner can not keep the dog at any time during its life, it comes back to them.

Adopting an adult spared you puppy piddling all over, teething and other exhausting things.

Consider a mixed breed from a shelter. They are just as sweet and wonderful as purebreds. After reading about the breeds, you will have a good idea of what size and personality that, say, a beagle/retriever cross will turn out to be and you can make a better decision.

Answer 3

I found a great dog at the pound--I went there seven years ago to help my boyfriend at the time find a cat and somehow ended up taking home a 110-pound Shepherd-mix! He's very smart and loving, but probably a little big for your situation. Mutts are always a good bet--they don't have a lot of the genetic issues that some of the purebreds do. A lot of the shelters have background info on the dogs and can help you find a good match based on your needs and the dog's personality. If you must go with a purebred, labs are always a good bet.

Answer 4

Here are a few breeds that you might like:

-Kerry Blue Terrior: Playful, determined and alert. A loving family dog. Can be great with other household pets but must be introduced to them when they're young. Pictures and information on KBT's: http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/kerryblueterrier.htm
-Portugese Water Dog: Loving, playful, loyal, sensible. Excellent with children and other household pets. Cats can be a problem if not introduced properly. Buy from a reputable breeder so it can be tested for hip dyplasia and GM-1. Pictures and information on the PWD: http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/portuguesewaterdog.htm
-Mexican Hairless: Intelligent, noble, affectionate dog. Happy and cheerful with family, reserved with strangers. They are great with children. Very quiet dog, only barks when there is danger. Very protective of it's owner. Not hard to train. Natural vegetarians although can adapt to a meat diet. Must be well socialized. Healthy breed, although, can be prone to skin problems such as sunburn and irritation. Information and pictures on the Mexican Hairless: http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/xoloitzcuintle.htm

Hope this helps and goodluck on finding the right breed for you :)

Answer 5

I agree, definitely a Pug.
I got one a few months ago, and now realize what was missing from my life. My Pug, Luigi, is the most loyal, adorable, friendly, intelligent dog that I have ever owned. You would love having a Pug!

Answer 6

Ur best off getting a staffy.
i know from experience we used 2 have a tiny yard but our 2 staffys still ran round and had fun.

Answer 7

I just asked a similar question myself, and it turns out that petfinder.com is a good place to start (they also let you browse based by size, breed, age, sex, etc). There's lots of dogs in the LA area waiting to be adopted. =)

Answer 8

Here are some fun quizzes, to help you find the best breeds for your family. then you can go to the petfinder for LA and choose the right dog of those breeds! > http://search.petfinder.com/search/search.cgi?action=1&pet.Animal=Dog&pet.Breed=&pet.Age=Young&pet.Size=S&pet.Sex=&location=los+angeles%2C+CA&preview=1&scope=0&x=10&y=8
Just put in your own zip code to find the ones nearest you, then click on any dog's name for more information..Happy shopping!

Quiz> http://www.petnet.com.au/dogselectapet.html
Another> http://dogrescue.net/drn/pages/rightdog2.htm
>> http://www.dog-names.org.uk/dog-quiz.htm

Answer 9

Try visiting your local Humane Society and check out the dogs that are up for adoption.....they seem to know that they've been rescued and will give you years of love and loyalty!

Answer 10

Shih Tzu's are very sweet tempered and make wonderful pets!

Answer 11

You should get a malti. they dont get really big and def. arent too small. very lovable. they can out play you and you can take them anywhere and hold them as much as you want. good luck with picking one!!