best dog breed for our family?

Question

iam looking into various dog breeds. can anyone could suggest some breeds that would be right for us. iam looking for a dog breed that is small to med in size, calm/ mellow, does not require or want alot of activity (couch potato) and a great companion for a 10yr old boy who is going thru some depression.

Answer 1

Dogs make the most wonderful companions and they always seem to know how you feel.

If your heart is not set on a purebreed it might be very meaningful for the 10 year old to get to adopte his new friend. there is a wonderful feeling when you know you might have saved a dogs life. There are also purebreed resuces www.petfinder.com is a great place to look for rescues or available dogs. also try www.petharbour.com

I don't press adopting even though I think it is wonderful. I have 1 purebreed that I boughtr one cockapoo that I bought, and one Boxer mix that I just adopted. So I have been all the routes :)

An older maybe around 2-3 might be a better match than a puppy becuase they would still be playful, but also have gotten over puppyhood.

My cockapoo has always a laid back dog and loves to snooze or snuggle up for hours, she did as a puppy and still does, she is an extremely cuddly dog. She always knows when I am sad. she is about 20 lbs and does not shed she does need to be clipped about every 3-4 months.

Answer 2

A great dane is excellent. Theyre the biggest couch potatos ever. Even as puppies theyre not very active, compared to say, a retriever or hound.

Bull dogs are pretty low energy.

Your best bet is to get a mixed breed. You son can save a life, and make a friend. Get an older dog who's better trained. The calmer the dog is in the spca setting, with masses of barking idiot dogs, the better behaved he'll be.

Answer 3

I have always had Shelties, they are great dogs, range between 15-30lbs, and mine is a couch potato. They are very loyal, intelligent, and friendly. They do bark and shed a lot, but would make a great companion for your son. Who knows, maybe he will walk and play with the dog, so they will not be a couch potato.
Another dog I would suggest is a beagle. I have never owned one, but I have heard great things about them. They also range between 15-30lbs.
Please research all the breeds that are suggested here, before going out and buying one. Each breed has a different personality that you may or may not be looking for.

Answer 4

I think the best bet is to go with a mixed breed from a shelter. Think about getting an adult dog because they need homes too! You'll also be able to get a good idea of the temperment of the dog and the people who work/volunteer at the shelter will be able to show you dogs that match your needs and will mesh well with your family. Good luck! Hope the dog helps your boy. I've seen the companionship of dogs do wonderful things! :)

Answer 5

The small dogs tend to be the most dangerous around small kids. Bigger dogs Pit bull, boxer etc tend to have a better temperment when they are raised properly.
Mean evil owners training their dogs to be mean will make any breed a an attack looking for a place to happen.
Dogs have a pack mentality, if they are brought up mean they are more likely to attack but not attack whoever they view as the leader of your house is. So in essence when a mean dog attacks it will most likely be against one of the kids since they are lower in heirarchy. Do yourself a favor when you pick a dog breed buy a puppy deal with the poop and chewing of everything you one and you will at least know you are going to get out of it what you put into it not what someone else put into it.

Answer 6

I always suggest mutts over purebreds if you don't have another reason to have a purebred--there is less chance of birth defects and breed-specific disorders (both medical and personality). That said, it sounds like you should go to the pound and find an animal that is three to five years old (younger=higher energy, older=will die sooner) and that looks like a lap dog (if you are really keeping it on the couch). I've never bought a dog--they always just happen into my life.

Answer 7

Don't worry about the breed. Go to your local adoption and find the personality that fits you. I know you sound perfect for one of my fosters. She wants a boy to to play tug with but she loves to curl up in your lap and roll on her back. She is an australian shepherd and that is not the typical personality for an aussie. Any one of our dogs would be great for you. People have overbred so much that the breed characteristics barely appear anymore. Don't waste your money thinking you are getting a dog with any specific breed characteristics.

Answer 8

Chihuahua
Chinese Crested
English Toy Spaniel
French Bulldog
Japanese Chin
Maltese
Manchester Terrier (toy)
Pekingese
Yorkshire Terrier

Answer 9

I have had a mini-dachshund for 17 yrs. She is perfect for your needs I think. 10-15 lbs....small enough yet not too small. Comes in several coat types. Does not require as much exercise as big dog. Is a companion type animal (lap dogish) and very mellow (at least mine is, no way to generalize about all)

Answer 10

How about a Basset Hound? I agree with the idea of getting a shelter dog. I know when my first dog died it made me feel a whole lot better having another dog that needed me to care for it and cheer it up. It may work for him too. Dogs are great for making you have to get out and do things, and also for meeting new people.