I am gone a lot about 10 hrs out of the day which is the best dog breed for me?

Answer 1

Honestly, there is not a good dog for you. 10 hrs is too long to leave without creating a problem dog. Wait till you have more time. The only solution is to definately have a "outside" dog, and even then, they need to be occupied, so 2 is better than one. Then the training and behavior problems will be minimal

Answer 2

A stuffed toy dog. If you are gone 10 hours a day, a dog is not for you. Dogs are very social animals and need to be around someone alot of the time. It would be unfair to you and especially a dog if you're gone that much. Get some goldfish instead.

Answer 3

I agree, 10 hours is a bit long. Would the dog be an indoor outdoor dog or could you have someone walk it -Like a pet walker during the week?

If not, would you be able to take the dog to work/school with you and leave it in a crate in the car (assuming the climate permits). I sometimes bring my kiddos with me to work when the weather is nice-they stay crated in the truck in a covered garage and at lunch we go out and walk around Downtown Dallas. It's nice for them, and it's nice for me. I am also lucky, I have a doggie daycare that is reasonable right by my office.

There ARE ways to make a long work day work with dog ownership, you just have to be creative and willing to spend a bit of money sometimes. I understand the people who flatly say "don't get one" are just concerned with the dogs, but if people would open their minds a bit more dogs might end up with nice homes.

BTW-I have chihuahuas, whose exercise needs can be met with a walk around the block at lunch and romp in the backyard at night. I am not physically active enough for a herding breed/sporting breed. In addition to space considerations, the trick is to match your TRUE energy level (not what you wish you had) with the breed.

Answer 4

A cat.

Seriously, if you are away for most of the day and are not there to walk your dog several times a day or have someone who can walk them, a dog is not the right choice of a pet for you. Imagine not being allowed to go to the bathroom for 10 hours at a stretch... a dog just can't manage that. At least a cat has the litterbox.

Also, dogs are pack animals. They need companionship and without another animal, that means you. They are miserable when left alone for long stretches of time. And a miserable dog can be a destructive dog.

Given your lifestyle, a dog just isn't the right pet for you. Seriously think twice before getting one.

Answer 5

I know it is nice to have a pet when you are home, but 10 hours is a long time for a dog to be alone. You will be the dogs pack and with you gone he will be very lonely. Maybe you should consider pricing doggie daycare or something before you take the plunge. I think your dog is going to end up being lonely, and bored and will therefore end up getting destructive (as they do when not stimulated) and will end up in a shelter- like so many others. I am not trying to be mean, just hoping you will think hard about it and be realistic. You are getting a dog for companionship- but that is what your dog is going to be wanting all of those hours you will be away.

Answer 6

No dog should be left alone for that long. If you still decide to get a dog get a full grown dog that can hold it's potty for a long stretch. Making a puppy go 10 hours without being able to relieve itself is just asking for potty training problems, not to mention bordering on cruelty. Or hire a pet sitting company that can come in and let the dog out sometime during the day.

Answer 7

Independently of the breed: If you are absent for 10 hours a day and if nobody else is around, having a dog is out of question. A dog needs company and care. Ten hours alone is too long for any breed - also if you consider practicalities like toilet training.

Answer 8

I'm gone about that much time and my German Shepard and sheltie/chow mix are still fine. Pick the breed depending on the temperament you want, and make the commitment. The dog will adapt to your schedule. Do make sure you spend plenty of quality time with the dog when you get home, and not just collapse on the sofa.

Answer 9

You could get a dog if you have someone that you trust to take it out during the day.

10 hours is a bit long for ANY type of dog to be alone.

Get a dog walker, or a friend who can help you, and then consider getting a dog.

Answer 10

None. Dogs should not be left alone for that long of a period and puppies definately cannot be! If you leave a dog alone for that long, you chance a lot of chewed up stuff and a lot of accidents in the house. Dogs can chew when they get bored and need stimulation. You're better off with a cat or a fish.