What are the best puppy breeds to get for a working couple?

Question

My partner is currently free but may start work within the next few months. We would like to get a puppy but are wondering whether after the first few months, it can stay on its own for the day. Breeds we have in mind are Goldern Retrievers, Cocker Spaniels, Yorkshire Terrier and Labradors.

Answer 1

Get a dog that never needs to deficate, urinate or wants for attention. Make sure he can dial the phone too, in case the building catches fire.

Answer 2

I have a 6 month old pup that I got when he was 8 weeks old. Puppies require alot of attention and time. Sometimes I would wonder what the heck I had gotten myself into.

If you really want one, I would suggest getting an adult from a shelter. They will be calmer and out of that puppy stage. But keep in mind that being alone all day really is hard on a dog. They are not made for being alone alot. Maybe get two dogs.

Answer 3

I have seven dogs and they sleep most of the day. When the kids leave for school they curl up and I don't see them move until the school bus arrives. If only people that stayed home all day could own dogs very few would have them. Puppies need to have interaction during the day. They also need to be walked frequently to housebreak properly. Make arrangements for the pup until it reaches an age it can stay alone for longer periods. Perhaps a doggy day care or a neighbor could help? If you own your own home perhaps you could install a doggie door? I am home everyday but, in my home office. They don't even know I am here. I only see them when I go in for lunch. They do just fine snoozing away. Good luck

Answer 4

fine to WANT a puppy but getting one when no one is going to be home isn't fair to the animal to satisfy a want. A pup would have been torn away from its Mom and siblings to be locked in a crate or confined to an area for over 8 hours of the day is just unfair to the animal. It is not easy taking care of a pup when you are working, first then need a lot of attention and deserve it to be well loved, trained and set the foundation for a good , adjusted , well mannered adult dog. It doesn't happen by itself. Ready to get up in the night, early morning to take it out, rain, snow, cold - not just sunny days. If you have a strong need, in your spare time, help out a rescue center, walk a pound dog, use your spare time to help find homes for dogs that have been abandoned, abused, isolated, mistreated, whose owners didn't realize that a dog barks, pees, poops, or who didn't train and now have a misbehaved animal. When it comes to animals, we need to think of more than just ourselves to provide a good environment. Don't believe me take a look at all the dog faces on Golden Retriever rescues, cocker spaniels rescues etc; read their heart breaking stories, they were once wanted as a pup now look where they are; lifelong commitment - be fair to the animal as well as yourself.

Answer 5

I would really stick with a smaller, less active breed than a retriever. It would be cruel to leave it alone all day. They are very active and really need activity throughout the day. If you get one, you might end up with a dog with alot of problems like hyperactivity from being "coped" up. You could adopt a older retreiver that has gone through the more active years but it sounds like you want a puppy. Cocker Spaniels are also too active. I personally don't like them. They have a tendency to be agressive, believe it or not. A Yorkie would be ideal. Any of the toy breeds like poodles, pomeranians, pugs (have you seen puggles?), and papillions would be good. Have you thought about a french or english bulldog? They both don't require heavy exercising. Do you have the money to take your dog to doggy day care? If so, you could probably get a more "active" breed. Could you have someone come over for atleast an hour while you're at work to play with your dog? I would also seriously consider getting 2 puppies. I have 2 Sheltie puppies (a gorgeous but extremely active breed) and when I can't be around (I don't work), they keep each other company. They don't have to be the same breed but should be similar in tempermant and size. Even a kitten could keep a puppy company. Check out the AKC website. They have so much info. on all the many breeds out there. You could also consider rescuing an unwanted puppy or dog from your local shelter or animal foster care. Many people have gotten some of the best dogs this way. Did you know almost all the smart, adorable dogs you see on television and moviest that aren't purebred were rescued? Whatever the case, make sure you spend plenty of time with your puppy before and after work to bond. I also recommend puppy kindergarten to help you guys bond and learn basic skills. Also, take your puppy to your local dog park if you live in the city. So, in sum, DON'T GET AN ACTIVE BREED UNLESS YOU CAN FIND SOMEONE WHO CAN KEEP IT ACTIVE WHILE YOUR GONE (breeds include retrievers, spaniels, sheperds, dobermans, rottweilers, aussies, border collies, etc.) . WHATEVER YOU DO, DON'T KEEP YOUR DOG IN A CRATE ALL DAY, THIS IS VERY CRUEL. It's like not sending your five year old to school and locking him in his room all day and expecting him to spend all night in there as well. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THE TIME AFTER WORK TO DEVOTE TO YOUR DOG. If you have an active social life, it might not be the right time for a puppy or you may consider a cat or older dog. DO ACTIVIES WITH YOUR DOG TO STIMULATE IT AND MAKE UP FOR NOT BEING WITH IT ALL DAY like dog obedience and long walks. GETTING MORE THAN 1 PUPPY (though a big commitment and expensive) CAN KEEP YOUR PUPPY LESS LONELY. Also, based on my personal experience, my puppies still are very bonded with me inspite of having each other. I make sure to spend alot of time with both at separate times. Also, it is finacially possible for your partner to work part-time? I would recommend that you get a puppy ASAP while he isn't working to start house breaking. GOOD LUCK.

Answer 6

If you can't get home at lunch to let him out I would probably wait. Having a puppy stay in a crate for 8-9 hrs just isn't good on it's bladder. You can teach some dogs to use a doggy little box, but I wasn't successful with this or the puppy pads. My dog just wanted to go outside and that's all to it.

Answer 7

depends on your circumstances. cockers and terrriers are fine for apartment dwellers, but retrievers need room to run and play. stretch them long legs. please go to a shelter and get a young dog, 6 months to 1 yr. they've already got the idea at least of housebreaking, at 6 months you'll have an idea of the size it'll get to and the employees can usually hook you up with a dog that match your lifestyle. and with the Christmas season upon us, you can do a good deed by giving a homeless dog a new home. i don't get why people are so stuck on purebreds. i love all animals, but you get so many health problems with purebreds that you don't get with mixes.

Answer 8

Stuffed

Answer 9

Get the invisible breed kind. Since you two will be very busy, why bring another life into the house that will end up being neglected?

Answer 10

Dogs take a lot of care no matter what breed. I've found that cats are a whole lot easier and more independent.