what are the best type of puppie or dog to get?

Question

i am getting a dog (or puppy) what is the best type of dog i can get?
i am looking for dogs that will suit a laid back family with 2 kids and 2 cats (kids aged 13 & 7)

Answer 1

here are some fun quizzes that will help you to narrow it down> http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/search.htm
http://www.petnet.com.au/dogselectapet.html
these will help you find the very best type for your family and lifestyle.
Then, go to http://search.petfinder.com/search/search.cgi?action=1&pet.Animal=Dog&pet.Breed=&pet.Age=Baby&pet.Size=&pet.Sex=&location=IL&preview=1&scope=0&x=13&y=6
put in your breed of choice, and your own zip code, and will likely find the perfect companion in your own neighborhood!
Happy shopping!!

Answer 2

No breed in particular. Dogs, like people have personalities. But if you want a laid back kind of dog, go to the shelter, bring the kids and see how different dogs respond to your particular family. I have 4 dogs, and each is quite different. My biggest dog is probably the most laid back...he's chow/mastiff mix. If you have cats in the house, I would stay away from terrier type dogs. Only because there are some things that dogs are bread for that you really can't change. Good Luck, and I hope it works out for you and your family.


HI LORI!!! I LOVE YOU!!!!

Answer 3

hi, i have chihuahuas they are great with my children. But i think you need to look at your own situations, ie.,
how big is your home and garden?
do you like walking, would take your dog out each day?
do you want a big dog, or small dog
are your children good with big / small dogs
have you got another time to groom,wash,walk,feed a dog?
can you afford insurance?
vet bills are huge?
bigger the dog more food they need, very costly?
do you go away on holiday? what about the dog?
what are your cats like with dogs?
how much do you want to spend getting your puppy/dog
are you home during the day.

If you still want a dog try epuz.co.uk they have a list of puppy's and tells you about different breeds. Also the kennel club, they have discovery dogs, which might help. I personally would only have a small dog around young children, especially if the dog when fully grown would be taller than the child. Remember pups like to bite, bigger the dog the more this would hurt.

Good luck finding the right dog, he/she is out there some where.

Answer 4

English Bull Terriers are great they have quite a bad rep but they make the best family pets, they are laid back most of the time (apart from their funny 5Min's) although they will need alot of exercise, very cuddley, loyal and very cheeky they have great personalities. They are fantastic with children and most people who own one will say it's like they are watching over the children. They are very hardy so they will put up with most ear pulling etc (my boyfriend pulls ours around bites her gently etc and she loves it she thinks it's great). If you pick the right breeder you can get nice even tempered Bully's. Ours haven't got an ounce of nastiness in them they just love playing and cuddles and of coarse food. They are expensive however and I would advise getting one from a puppy so don't go into getting a dog lightly. Have you had dogs before? If not do lots and lots of research on whatever breed you get bully's can be quite complex so take your time and happy dog hunting.
P.S Whatever dog you do get they need lots of walks and attention and don't rush into getting one the right dog will choose you not the other way around.
If you want more info have a look on WWW.ENGLISHBULL.CO.UK I bought my Bullys from these people (Engbull)and they are great.

I would not suggest a Border Collie though they are very intelligent and get board easily they need ALOT of exercise they have been known to be snappy towards children and at the end of the day they are working dogs not family pets.

Answer 5

I am casting my vote for the staffordshire bull terrier!! Please think about re homing a rescue dog. Although some were strays and have no knwon background, lots of them are dogs that have been given up/ owner died/ parents divorced etc and have a well known history and the rescue centre will be able to guide you. And you get to have the dog at home for a few visits to make doubly sure you are happy. And you can make sure the children like him and he likes them, in the home environment. And the cats!
We got our little staffy from "The Dogs Trust" and they even pay his vet bills as he is a sickly fella.

Its a massive commitment but so well worth it to know that the poor little dog may have been just waiting for you and your children to give him a happy home. Lots of people say rescue dogs know that you have rescued them and will be forever grateful for this.
Good luck! Hope you find a perfect pooch for your family.

Answer 6

I just now about 3 hours ago adopted a border collie-aust. shep mix and she already herds the kids. We went outside and she made sure all the kids came in and went back out to urge the four year old in. Like a helper with all those kids. She is freindly and seems to be ok with cats at the vet earlier. I am very happy with my choice however I think she was abused and is a little scared. Hopefully soon we can coax her out of that fear. But so far, so good. I'm a single mom and she is fitting in perfectly. I need help sheperding all my kids, I have four!

They are working dogs, so they do need to be worked.

Answer 7

My first suggestion is to look into your local humane society and rescue groups for a new dog. There are always wonderful animals in these rescues and they desperately need a loving home. I'd also suggest the questionaire websites as well. They will help you get some ideas and may even help you identify traits that you hadn't thought about.

Like everyone else, I have my "favorite" breed which might not be a bad fit for your family (check it out and see first, because what's right for me, isn't right for everyone). Norwegian Elkhounds are gorgeous, loyal, fun dogs. They love to snuggle up and watch tv with you, but they also love to romp around and play. Granted, this is my favorite type of dog, so I can sing their praises for days. Check out the link for more info and to see if this breed might be right for you. Even if it's not, good luck on your new dog, and let us know what you pick out! =)

Answer 8

When I first bought my house, I wanted to get a puppy. I did research on the best breed for me for about 2 months before decidin to go with the American Eskimo (mini). This breed is SO smart. They're very family oriented, and so easily trained. They used to use this breed in the circus because of the ability to train them so easily. I now own 3! They come in 3 different sizes too, which is great. The toy, which is very tiny, usually weighs less than 10 lbs and is less than 10" tall (floor to shoulder), miniature, which are between 10 and 20 lbs. and the standard, which are +20lbs but usually not larger than 50-60 lbs. Also, you have to choose what "quality" you're looking for, ie pet, show, breeder. We went with pet quality because we were only looking for companions. I've never regretted going with the eskie. They look like little polar bears or arctic foxes. I have a female and 2 males. I trained my female in about 3 minutes one day to roll over...and I was sick in bed at the time! I cannot tell you how smart this breed is! They do like to play but they also like to cuddle and sleep too. They've very social (as long as they're socialized throughout their lives). They love to go for walks and greet everyone they meet. They love to go for rides in the car, even long 8 hour trips. I also do rescue, so I've had a lot of different breeds in the last few years, that I have rescued, and kept here with me until I found them permanent homes. This list includes pomeranians, border collie, lots of mixes, chow, labs, retrievers, spaniels, etc. While they were all wonderful in their own ways, they just don't compare to the Eskies. I also own an Australian Shepherd, who is a lot of work! I got her at 8 weeks of age, and she's now 6 months old. I'll tell you...I've had 5 mini Eskie puppies, the mother & father, 2 pom puppies and a chow puppy all at the same time and they weren't as much work as this one Australian shepherd. She's very energetic and into everything all the time. She was very difficult to house break too. My youngest Eskie, who is now 3, was housebroken by the time he was 8 weeks old! My other 2 didn't take much longer than that either. Good luck with whatever breed you choose!

Answer 9

The breed of dog for you depends on your lifestyle. No matter what breed you get ALL dogs need exercise and to be mentally stimulated. A dog who never gets out of the house or who is never walked or exercised will be a miserable and bored dog. This is cruel and if your lifestyle is too busy to give a dog two long walks a day, you should get a cat or a hamster. On the other hand, if you are prepared to give your dog the necessary attention, discipline, and exercise than it doesnt matter what type of breed you get because they all will behave for you.


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Answer 10

I would suggest a Staffie Bull Terrier, but they need plenty of exercise as they have a lot of energy, They are a great family dog, they love children, love their long walks and love to chase a ball. but are also happy to chill on the sofa and just keep you company.
Or if your really laid back and want a dog who's just the same I would say get an English Bull Dog, their full of character, very lazy, will go for a slow walk if forced to but love to sleep in front of fire. too lazy to jump on the sofa, ideal for small houses/apartments.
Hope this helps xx

Answer 11

I can tell you what NOT to get for a laid back family. That's a Border Collie. On the other hand I hear that Golden Retrievers are great laid back family dogs, but they still need exercise, regardless.

HI FRANK! I LOVE YOU TOO!