What dog???

Question

i have a 7 year old son, a 7 year old cat and a hamster, really want to get a dog but cant decide what breed? Any suggestions please?
Need one that will get on with my son and the cat, hamster not so much of a consideration really!!! Thinking about a labrador but any feedback would be much appreciated as i dont really know a huge amount about dogs

Answer 1

Have you considred rehoming, you may find the perfect dog for you and your family at a rescue centre, and you will be helping one of the thousands of animals that needing forever homes.

Presonally im not a lover of labs, but they do have a well known personality of being 'the perfect family dog'. When buying any dog, always ask the breeders about the parents, their temperaments etc if possible to, meet the parents.

I have have 2 English Bull Terriers, these are both absolutley amazing pets, they are lovable, playful, loyal and most of all, they adore my 8 month old son.

As you have said though, you havnt got much experience with dogs, so if i were you, i would buy books, search the web and as you are doing, ask people. You need to the the goods and bads of owing a dog, what they are like when at the different stages of their life. If you are looking at labs, buy some books about them - we spent alot of time reading up on Bull Terrers before we got ours, its a must!!!

It all depends on your lifestyle to, longs hours not at home will affect a dog, they need lots of attention, love, play etc

I hope you find your perfect dog, and i hope that you and your family have many happy years together with the dog you chose.

Answer 2

Labs are lovely dogs - usually very good natured & playful. 2 things though - they cast a LOT! Their hair doesn't get longer it just comes out - especially this time of year when the heating comes on. So you either have to brush them a lot or hoover a lot. Also, they really need a fair amount of exercise. But if those two things don't put you off then a lab is probably a good choice. Puppies are VERY lively though!

Also consider going down to your local dog & cat home - I've always found them to be really helpful. They will probably be more than happy to help you find an animal with the right temperment for your lifestyle. There's really no need to spend hundreds of pounds on a pure breed when you can give a homeless dog a new family.

Answer 3

I have west highland terriers, I find them very easy to look after (except that they need bathing and their fur cut regularly) they get on well with any pet that we introduce to the family. We have cats, rabbits, in the past had a hamster and fish and a budgi. The golden labrador or retriever is more placid than the black labrador which can be very lively. Both colours are very affectionate and loyal and would get on well with other pets and children. They would need walking twice a day as they are medium size dogs so need lots of exercise. They seem to train very well. It really depends on what size of dog you want and how much time you can spare to walk and groom them. Hope this helps

Answer 4

Go to a rehoming centre, tell them about your family and the sort of dog you want to live with and they will match you up with what they have, or what comes in.

This way the dog will be neutered and chipped for you and there will always be back up support when you need it. You are in a lovely position to be able to give a unloved, lonely dog a loving, stable, family home which will make their tail wag even more. The centre will have tested them in a family siutation and can advise who will be safe with children, the amount of excersice and food they need etc. Also if you go for a slightly older dog you will not have to do the toilet training, except get them used to their area in your garden.

Dont get so hung up on pure breeds, although they do also need rehoming, mixed breeds and Heinz 57's are just as loving and beautiful.

Answer 5

hi yeah you could re-home a dog but the only thing with that is you dont no its past. some dogs do come from dodgey backrounds.as you have a son i would get a puppy so that they grow up together. the breed of dog i would recomend is a staffordshire bull terrier "The Nanny Dog" they are not to big and not to small very and as puppys adapt very easily to there new homes. the only downfall with this breed of dog is that they are great chewers and up untill they are nearly 2 the will chew anything thats left laying around i hope my input helps kind regards.

Answer 6

Get one from the RSPCA they should vet your home make sure you have good fencing and if you take a dog home and it dosnt fit with the kids/other pets they should take it back. Thay already have a good idea of what each dog will be like with kids cats and other dogs. Yes most of the dogs are mixed breeds but i think there the best. Our RSPCA ***** was a cute ginger we think she was under 2 when we had her in witch case she lived till age 12. When she died Mum got a staffie cross from another rescue home he is also around 2 years old (beats puppy training)

Answer 7

Golden retrievers are great. Labs are, too. Greyhounds are pretty mellow. You should be able to go online and research breeds. I agree with some of the folks saying to consider rescuing a shelter dog. I had one of the mixed breeds and she was a wonder for the 18 years she was here.

Answer 8

Get a mutt. Mixed temperaments due to being a mixed breeds. Go to animal shelter. Give a homeless dog a home!

Answer 9

I have a staffordshire bull terrier , she is soft as **** ! I have a 3 yr old and 7 yr old and weve had our stella since my eldest was 6 months old ! they are not to big , not to small !
The Staffordshire is extremely loving and devoted to people , They are gentle with children and have been called a "nanny-dog" or "nursemaid dog".

Answer 10

Go to one of the dog pounds and get a rescue dog - the pound will help you select one that suits the familly. You will have a grateful, loyal pal and the satisfaction that you have saved a dog from a crap life.....