What is The Best Breed for My First Dog?

Question

I will soon be moving and for the first time since leaving home i will be able to have a dog again, i have had dogs in the past as a familt thay incliude a german shepard mix, a husky mix and a jack russel mix, i also grew up with a love of walking instaled in me by the husky mix who was my sole responsabilaty since the age of 12, and though i have a full time job the dog will not be on its own as i will be living in a caravan (soon to be bungalow) on the same grounds as my retired dad and grandmouther in cornwall so i won't be whanting anything big

Answer 1

a nice lapdog like a yorkshire terrier

Answer 2

Hi, I found a couple of sites that have quizzes to help you choose the best dog for you. The quiz in the first link below is probably more tongue in cheek as the questions are a bit odd, but the second link seems much more sensible. Why not give them a go & see what comes up?

The third link is to a site that, once you know the type of dog that you are considering, helps you discover whether or not that type of dog would be right for you.

The final link is the the Champdogs site, where you can search for breeders or look at puppy availability of your chosen breed.

However, I'm sure that you've also considered the option of visiting a local rescue centre & seeing what they might have available to suit both you & your lifestyle. At the rescue centre there may be just the right dog, waiting with his heart in his eyes for you to come into his life.

Good luck

Answer 3

You seem to have had a fair number of different breeds, why not go find a shelter puppy that needs you help? It sounds like you probably aren't in a position for a large dog, but any small dog that seems friendly, responsive, and not neurotic (like some small dogs can be), would probably be fine for you. As far as first dogs go, I think Papillions, Bichon, Pugs, and Dachshunds are all great choices. I train and show Norwich terriers, and I will say from experience that often terriers have personalities that are too though for people new to dogs to handle, but a more amicable terrier might also work out really well for you. Maybe a Carin, Border, or a Norwich or Norfolk, if you could find one?

Answer 4

Excellent question! I've had pedigree dogs in the past, and also complete mongrels. Without a shadow of a doubt the best companions have been the 'bit of everything' dogs. Some people dismiss them, but to me they're complete individuals, and blow the socks off the production-line bred dogs. As an aside, they also have fewer congenital problems so cost less in vets bills!

Anyway - that's by-the-by. If you are really intent on having a dog then do the right thing and rescue one from the purgatory that is an RSPCA shelter.

Answer 5

I would go for a rescue dog, about the size of a Scottie (OK - I have 2 Scotties so I'm biased!). That is a nice sort of size and they are quite content with 30 mins exercise a day or a 3 hr walk.
Terrier types are good dogs for companionship too.
There are so many dogs without a home that you would be doing a really valuable thing if you were to take one who needed a home into your family.
Good luck, pleasant walks and woof to your new friend!

Answer 6

I saved my second dog from a puppy mill. She is beautiful! She is a full staff tho. I would definitely recommend going to rspca as the feeling you get for this dog you have saved is wonderful. If you want a staffy you can rescue one www.staffycross.org. There are a lot of staffs looking for love out there and they are not viscious like they are made out to be. When loved properly they are playful and loving. They are good cos they are small (right size for a caravan) but have boundless energy to walk for miles. Plus unfortunately most staffys that are not rescued by nice ppl often end up in dog fighting. :*(

Answer 7

If you want a specific breed then I suggest you pay a visit to your nearest library where you will find lots of books to help you choose.
No-one can CHOOSE for you as we all have favourites!
Mongrels and cross-breeds are often better pets and less costly than Pure-bred. Try a rescue centre or a more specific breed rescue centre (which are increasing all the time) if you really are set on one breed. A good way to find the nearest is to put Breed i.e Poodle followed by Rescue into your search engine.
Good Luck finding your Ideal Dog!

Answer 8

Why not go down to your local RSPCA or canine defence shelter and pick one from there. THey could do with a good home and you only need to pay a donation - this is usually around £50. That way you'll be doin some wee dog a big favour and helpin the shelter care for more dogs that big nasties like us mistreat.

But if your wantin a dog for its temperament then a lab/golden retreiver. If it has to look good then a Weimaraner.

Answer 9

cocker spaniel is intelligent and friendly. Golden retrievers are great temperaments, but big dogs and require much grooming. weimeranas are big too - and don't believe that any dog - Jack Russel included - will 'entertain itself' while you are you - if you are going to have a dog, you need to be in alot! Giving an adult rescued dog from a shelter is a great idea - greyhounds and whippets particularly need help and are great tempered breeds. and you have the bonus of knowing what your adult dogs' temperament will be like!

Answer 10

I would definitely go with an English Cocker spaniel, they are good sized dogs, with just the right amount of energy. They Love to go out on walks and swim and play with you, but at the same time, are just as content to sit beside u on the sofa or curl up at your feet. They Have beautiful temperaments, (specially the males) and are brilliant with children.

Answer 11

I agree with most of the others on this, go to a Humane Society to find one. Most breeds have certain characteristics that you may be able to match yourself to, but you can easily find a mixed breed that can match to you sometimes better than any purebred. We have a purebred Beagle and Shepherd, and though I love them both, they are a bit more high maintenance than the mixed breeds.