I need help finding the best dog breed for me and my family, and suggestions?

Question

I've grown up with dogs my whole life and want that for my children. I tend to prefer the larger (less yappy) breeds, but having recently lost my american bull dog, which I loved very much, I am having a hard time accepting the shorter life span of the large breeds. I'm really not sure where to go from here. Our home does not have a lot of yard space, but we are close to a park so energy level is not a problem. I also prefer short hair, low maintenance breeds. Anyone have any suggestions for me?

Answer 1

A JACK RUSSEL TERRIER!!!

Answer 2

As for a short hair breed I had a male Rottweiler, very socialized and voice controlled, protective over family and against household intruders unless we let them in and said it was ok. Then he was all tail wagging and " pet me ". But he was a mastiff breed and they don't have long life spans, 10 years is good and that's about how long he lived till he had medical problems. An Akita is a large very family protective, will adapt to apt. life. But they are med. hair and also have a moderate life span. I have had German Shepherds as well, again the hair and more of a consideration is hip and eye problems with this breed depending who and what kind of breeder you get it from. Right now I have a Giant Schnauzer and a Miniture Schnauzer, other than their size and color difference they act exactly the same. And I would assume the Standard ( middle sized ) Schnauzer would act just like them. They do need to be groomed to look like a Schnauzer but they don't seem to shed ( like a poodle ) or have a doggy odor when wet or dry ( like a Keeshound ). You also need to look at what your life style is, are you active or more sedentary. Do you do more water activities, or dry land activities? Do you want a dog that is mostly passive or one that is good natured all the time unless the situation calls for a more protective K9? Do you want one that is easier to train or one that has the genetics to make the decisions and can back up the bark if necessary? There's a lot to put into the decision of big vs little, long vs short hair, male vs female. And what is the K9s function within the family pack? Just remember when it comes to longevity vs quality in life, quality is always more important - even in the animal world.

Answer 3

http://www.selectsmart.com/DOG/#appearance

Here's a link to a quiz to help you narrow it down to what you might consider and can then further research breeds suggested as possible good matches.

We personally picked a Border Collie, but not without doing a ton of research on the breed. They are a wonderful dog, but also a challenge and require proper commitment from their family.

1-They are very smart and active dogs. The daily walk isn't enuf for them, as they also require mental stimulation to keep them happy. Essentially, they need a "job" to do. This can be many things such as frisbee, obedience competition, agility, flyball and herding, as this breed excels at all these dog sports. With our puppy, we are going for agility, obedience, frisbee and considering herding training.

2-They love their people and sometimes don't do well if there is the need to leave them alone all day while at work. They can become bored during long days and often will become destructive in the home to entertain themselves.

I love Border Collies, but they aren't the breed for everyone. If you do consider this breed, it can make a wonderful family pet, but I would definitely suggest persuing some kind of doggie sport. It's fun for you and the dog and will keep a BC happy!

Good Luck in choosing a dog!

Answer 4

Dachshunds are great dogs. I've had friends who had them and I just loved them.

My next little dog will be a west highland terrier - although they have a longish coat that needs trimming every now and then their fur is kinda rough so a quick brush every day will suffice. They are very intelligent and hardy.

I personally have 2 border collies. I consider them a medium sized dog. They are just the greatest. We live on 5 acres so it is plenty for them. If you have just a yard they need lots of runs in the park but they tend to be long lived - 12 -13 years - and are very good with children. They are loyal - meaning that they are not wanderers - they stay very close to home and they are not aggressive. They love chasing Frisbees or tennis balls and will do so for hours. Their coats take little care and I've noticed that they don't have the typical "doggie" odor either.

Answer 5

Every one here is going to tell the breed of dog they have is the best dog for kids, well a lot of them are wrong. You need to research the many different breeds and make an educated decision on what you think is the best breed for you and your families lifesyle. AKC has a web site with descriptions of all recognized breeds of dog. AKC.org You could also read a few books like Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds, or Idiots Guide to Chosing, Buying and Raising a Dog.

If properly trained and embraced as a beloved member of the family, any breed can make a great pet. With that said, some dogs are seen as more “kid-friendly” than others and, as a result, have become extremely popular among families. According to the AKC, the five most popular breeds in the United States are:

Labrador Retrievers are by far America’s most popular dog—more than 140,000 Lab puppies were registered last year with the AKC—and have a reputation for being playful, hardworking and affectionate toward children. The Lab is easily trained and is highly respected for his prowess at many jobs: as a guide dog for the disabled, a search-and-rescue dog, and for narcotics detection.

Golden Retrievers are sporty, easy to train and strong, but their most outstanding trait is character. They are outgoing and devoted companions to people of all ages, happy and trusting. They make great hunting companions, too.

German Shepherd are noble in appearence and character. This breed's courage, steadfast heart, and keen senses have endeared him to families for generations. Active and outdoorsy, German Shepherds are very fond of children and make wonderful companions.

Beagles love being around people and other animals. They are gentle, happy companions who thrive on affection and attention. They are also clever, quick, and, most of all curious. They need plenty of active exercise.

Dachshund has a lively, upbeat personality—spunky, curious and friendly. Originally bred to hunt badgers, Dachshund’s love to dig, romp and run. They are affectionate, especially with children, and enjoy going for walks and other forms of exercise. All of these breeds have a life span of at least 12 years.
You should do your research before you bring any animal into your home and you could even go to shelters and check out the dogs they have for adoption.

Answer 6

A greyhound rescue may be a good choice. They're reasonably large, shorthaired, very gentle disposition and are basically couch potatos when indoors. One of my brothers and his family have 2 of them and now wouldn't consider any other breed.

We prefer german shepherds. They do shed and we have a large yard, approx 100x50 feet for them. But they are terrific dogs.

You might want to check out the typical lifespan for each breed. Sheps for instance, normally live to be around 12, but we had one live to be 15.

I agree, a house just doesn't seem like a home without dogs. And in our case, a cat too!

Answer 7

These dogs are good with children, larger dogs (over 100 lbs), life span 10-12 years with minimal grooming requirements.

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog (lowest engergy level of 3)
Doberman Pinscher (highest engergy level of 3)
Rhodesian Ridgeback

Answer 8

Get a dachshund. They are pretty good with kids, are not yappy, are fearless (bred to hunt badgers) and are good alert dogs (that is, they will growl or bark at hearing certain types of noise).

The only caution I have is about their backs. They can have back problems if overfed or allowed to jump off furniture, especially your bed.

However, a well-care for doxie can live 15-20 years.

Answer 9

Pick a mixed breed from a shelter! They have so many good points without some of the bad points of the pure breeds. They also tend to have longer lives and are generally healthier animals. You'll also be saving an animal from possible death! Please consider it. Go to a shelter and see some of the animals, see if there's on you adn your family all like!

Answer 10

Go to the animal shelter. You and the kids can pick out the one you like best. If it's a mutt, who cares!!! it's still a dog, and mutts are just as good as pure breeds. Remember, the dogs there need your help!!!

Answer 11

If you don't get a pug you're crazy. They are the cutest and have the most amazing, funny personalities. You will never find the kind of closeness and cuteness that they give you. They are good for small areas, but have a lot of energy and love going to the park to be around other dogs. They love all people and would never bite or be agressive. They have short hair, are low maintenance, but they do shed, so keep that in mind.