I was thinking about buying a dog to motivate me with my running. But it has to be about medium sized b/c I live in a condo and must be good with kids. Any suggestions on breeds?
2006-12-27 08:35:52 · 11 answers · asked by ntoriano 4 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Do not buy a dog so that it can motivate you to run because chance are it will not work and then you will end up being sorry you got the dog.
2006-12-27 08:55:58 · answer #1 · answered by Shepherdgirl § 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Any working or herding breed is good. Toy breeds and pug-nosed breeds are BAD choices.
I suggest an Australian Cattle Dog, they are about 30-40 pounds, stocky, and have endless energy. They do okay with older kids, toddlers you have to be careful with because they are herding dogs and tend to nip ankles.
http://www.akc.org/breeds/australian_cattle_dog/index.cfm
Australian shepherds are very similar in temperment, but have longer coats.
http://www.akc.org/breeds/australian_shepherd/index.cfm
A Brittany is another good choice, slightly calmer and less nippy than the Cattle dog.
http://www.akc.org/breeds/brittany/index.cfm
Lastly, a Border collie- they are very intelligent, very sweet, less likely to nip than the Aussie breeds, and have endless energy.
http://www.akc.org/breeds/border_collie/index.cfm
All 4 are medium sized dogs, but will only do well in a condo if given proper exercise- if you buy one, you HAVE to exercise it, or it will become sullen and destructive. Please research any breed thoroughly and consider adoption from a rescue agency over buying a puppy- for one thing, it'll be 6-12 months before a puppy can be your jogging partner! An adult dog is a better choice for children too, so I think that would be your perfect match.
Contrary to popular belief, greyhounds and whippets don't like to go jogging. They were bred for speed, but their heart is that of a couch potato. Also, they were bred for sprinting, not jogging for hours. I would not suggest either breed for your purposes.
Also, don't EVER buy a 'miniature' dog unless it's written in the AKC standard (like poodles and schnauzers). Unscrupulous backyard 'breeders' have begun taking large working dogs, and breeding the runts together to make the pups smaller. These 'new minis' are inbred runts and very unhealthy. Only a backyard breeder or puppy mill uses 'super mini, teacup, teacup-toy, extra small' or any other description of how small a dog is to sell pups- real breeders breed to the size the dog is supposed to be. Border collies DO NOT come in miniature, and neither do Australian Shepherds- they are medium sized dogs, or they are runts. Simple as that.
2006-12-27 16:43:01 · answer #2 · answered by Dreamer 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all you need more reasons to buy dog than just for your running motivation. If you buy dog just because of that, you'll be very surprised and soon overwhelmed and will wanna get rid of it. But if you would buy dog anyways, than Beagle - can be great running partner and they are GREAT with kids, generally its very friendly breed, loves to play. But if you live in condo you might wanna check how your neighbours will react to barking (any dog), and beagle has deep bark of a big dog. And if you have kids and they will play, the dog WILL bark a lot, regardless of the breed.
2006-12-27 16:52:55 · answer #3 · answered by aaja 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to a shelter. There are plenty of good dogs there that can be great running partners. Second, if you get a puppy you would have to wait until it is 18 months- 2years before you run with it so that it doesn't stress and damage the joints as they grow. So even better of a reason to get an adult from the shelter. Third, if you get an adult you will know its temperment and characteristics so that you can find the best match for your family and kids and its ability to live in an apartment. You can also try breed rescues if you want a purebred.
http://www.petfinder.com
2006-12-27 16:42:23 · answer #4 · answered by crazyforboxers 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Any of the Sporting Group would be good, from the common Golden Retriever to the more unusual German Wirehaired Pointer. If those are too big, consider the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, Visla, or Welsh Springer Spaniel. Go to www.akc.org to check them out. When you are ready to buy, find the breed you like club chapter that is closest to you for a reputable breeder that certifies their breeding dogs against known genetic defects (particularly hip dysplasia) for a healthy, well-bred running partner & kid's companion for many years to come. Good luck!
2006-12-27 16:52:22 · answer #5 · answered by mustanglynnie 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
English Springer Spaniels are great med. size dogs with big heart and are great with kids. they do need there exercise. so the running you want to so will be right up there alley. they are from the hunting line and love to please. do your home work before you decide on a breed. and make sure the breeder is a good one. JUST REMEMBER TO DO YOUR HOME WORK!!!!!
2006-12-27 16:43:15 · answer #6 · answered by nidcdot 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could get a Minature Border Collie- they grow to be about a little bigger than a terrier and have the same boy type as a regular collie (good for running) i believe they're really friendly and very smart (they pick up/learn things quickly)
2006-12-27 16:38:23 · answer #7 · answered by Actually it's Ashley! 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
ive had my female lab since she was very young, and one of her specific training points was to be a dog to run with me. all dogs like to run, but not all of them have endurance. id would suggest a lab, since theyre basically considered happy dogs, and ive never met one or heard of one that was dangerou with kids.
2006-12-27 21:41:37 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Shih Tzu
2006-12-27 16:37:40 · answer #9 · answered by Harmonica Wind 2 · 0⤊ 3⤋
How about a lab? They are very friendly and energetic.
2006-12-27 16:38:06 · answer #10 · answered by Ellanora 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋