what kind of dog should we get?

Question

My family and I want to adopt a dog from the humane society, but we dont know whats the best kind of dog for us. we live in a smallish- medium-sized -ish home with two stories and a medium-sized backyard. could we get a big dog? or should we get a small dog, or how much does size really matter?

Answer 1

The Scientific Ball Test. I have a police K9 German Shepherd and two longhaired mini Dachs. BTW they all get along. The shepherd is excellent in obedience and entertainment. It is an excellent protector. The dachs love everyone, but they are stubborn sometimes. What type of dog do you want? Take a tennis ball with you and ask to go outside in a fenced area with the dog . Throw the ball a few times and see if he or she is interested in playing fetch with you. How does the dog respond? Does he or she tire or become bored before you do? We choose our K9s simply by playing with them first. If this dog is to be family pet, make certain that all members are a part of the selection process.

Answer 2

You have the set up to pretty much choose the breed/mix or size you want.

Now, the factors that very are important and have to be considered are:

Children - if so, their ages..Some breeds are great with kids of any age, some only with older children.

How active are you - hang out in the den or do a 25K run or somewhere in between? Some breeds need a lot of exercise which means you too (for example a border collie/lab cross is going to be on the go.)

Is the yard fenced? Some breeds LOVE to run - most of the hound group and some of the terriers.

Now, to understand what it means when you go to the shelter and they say " its a border collie/airedale" mix or "porbaly some Great Dane and maybe some boxer" , go here and read about the different breeds.

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

Now, when you click on the picture of the dog and go to the page for that breed, on the left is a column. At the bottom of the column, is a link captioned "National Breed Club". Click on it - that takes you to the link to the National Club for that breed that sets the breed standards. The Clubs' websites will give you an ENORMOUS amount of information about the breed - the good, the bad, and the why or why not to get that breed.

Good luck! And that is GREAT you are going to adopt from the shelter. Dogs who have been abandoned often are more devoted and bond more closely to you than dogs who have had the perfect life so far nce they know that you won't leave them.

Answer 3

A medium-size dog is fine (you don't want a very large dog, say a Mastiff, Great Dane, St. Bernard or Irish Wolfhound in that environment.) However, I would rule some breeds of medium dogs out (for example huskies, and most types of hounds (Basset being one obvious exception) )for they need a lot of exercise. German Shepherds also fall into this group. Also, I would not recommend a Chow, Shar Pei, or Akita (probably any dog of Asian ancestry) as they tend to be loyal only to one person and can be violent towards other members of the family.
Golden Retrievers are great family pets, as can be Schnauzers, or Boxers, and things along that line. I would not reccomend a very small dog if you are in a family--some dogs (like Pomeranians) too can become fiercely attached to only one person in the family.

Answer 4

Size doesn't matter as much as breed, temperment, and exercise level. We have a Great Dane that NEVER goes outside except to potty. She cares nothing about playing, running, etc. she's perfectly happy to take over the couch and watch soaps all day. Now, I have pug puppies that like to run around like maniacs. Once they hit about a year old they calm down drastically. No matter what you get, if it's a puppy it will be pretty active. I know that shelters have lots of black lab mixes, and they almost always turn out to be great dogs. Find an organization that gives a trial period. The rescue I foster for gives a two week trial on all adult dogs. Good luck to you guys!

Answer 5

It really depends on your families lifestyle and personality,
most people think that smaller dogs are better for indoors, but most smaller dogs are really hyper, Larger dogs eat a lot more, Labs really like to chew and drag things around. Longer fur on dogs is harder to keep up, and if you live where the weather is warm you will have to keep it groomed shorter. And from our own experience, herding breeds love to chase cars if they get out of the yard!
you should pick out a few different breeds that you like and do a little research on them before deciding.
We have a doberman and an English mastiff in the house and they are fantastic.
As long as your dog gets some exercise each day you should be fine.
This book is great it shows pictures of different breeds in their category(sporting, hounds, etc.)how much exercise, food and grooming they need and a lot of other interesting facts about each breed.

Answer 6

I'd be what I am now, a well ol' American combined breed. I'd be critical, have a well paintings ethic, and wish to reside in a well operating house. If I had been saved as only a puppy in a fenced backyard, I'd be digging significant holes and barking because of the shear boredom of all of it. I'd wish to be taken areas, to be taught new matters, and to look humans. I'd be pleasant however reserved and now not competitive. I'd be very dependable to my loving proprietor and to the my household. My appear could be time-honored. No extremes, might be a medium or double coat. Much like a move among a spaniel and a shepherd. Color black might be brown with a bit of white trim. I'd be enjoyable to appear at and great to contact. I'd problaby weight 50-60#.

Answer 7

I think a medium sized mut would make a nice family pet. Remember a large sized dog means lots more dog food to be eaten, bigger footprints to wipe up off the floor, more dog to wash, and who is going to take the dog for a walk. I think you might read about the different breeds of dogs as many have their own health issues. Who will be taking care of the dog and who will be training the dog?

Answer 8

We were in the same situation. We have the same sized home as what you are discribing. We ended up saving a dog-it really is the best way to go. I say go to the nearest SPCA. They have cheep dogs and ours and my friends got their dog their... we love our dogs- they dont chew anything, they are VERY smart, and they are a joy to have even knowing that you saved a dog. Also if you do get for example a very expensive animal that are around $1,000 which is what my dog would of been, but we got him from the SPCA and he was nutered, had shots-everything- for only $150!!!

If you dont decide to go with the SPCA, then i say go and i say get a lab. Chocolate, yellow, or black. Do not go with a sheep dog or even a shepard-definately not a bernese. If you are not interested in labs-by the way, they are one of the best dogs you can have!!! Then go with a dog smaller than a lab. BUT if you are not able to be home with your dog all day or not able to take him to work, then get a cat. Or something else, but dogs need to have full time attention, or else you wil have a huge problem, TRUST ME!!!!!



Good luck!!!

Answer 9

I have 2 basset hounds in my medium sized home. They have plenty enough space. They are the most adorable dogs! They are 2 years old and weigh 54 pounds each. They like to play with each other and they love treats! Dogs do need a lot of attention though, so make sure that you will be able to spend time with your animals.

Answer 10

Size matters less than your family's commitment to exercising your dog several times a day. I just heard that dogs really need to be walked; they apparently enjoy that activity and it's not enough to just let them have a run in the yard,
Get the dog you fall in love with! My experience in adopting pound dogs (and bless you for that!) is that there are always one or two who seem to make an instant "connection". Maybe those dogs are just really good "operators" (after all, who wants to stay in a pound!?!) but I think it's more than that.
Good luck!