im looking to buy a dog and need to know which breed will suit me best.?

Question

This dog will be around 2 teens, 1 baby, 1 cat, and whatever walks in the door. It will be camping, taken on many walks, and out back a lot, but also will spend a lot of time in front of the fireplace. The dog needs to be calm, friendly, some what obediant, and quiet. The family is in and out of the house a lot so the dog needs to be one that will behave itself and the dog also needs to be smart. The baby will push and pull on the dog sometimes so it needs to be patiant and not agressive and just let the baby puch and pull on it. This dog cannot be very small like a chiwawa or too big like a saint bernard. And the family looking for the dor doesn't like poodles or bull dogs or anything that resembles them. This dog definately needs to be loving and willing to be part of the family.

Answer 1

I would check out your local Humane Society or ASPCA. Mixed breeds are very loving just as much as purebreds.

Answer 2

I'd go with a Labrador or a Lab mixed with something else that matches that demeanor. Golden Retrievers would also be a good breed to look at.

You may want to talk to your local Lab Rescue or All Breed Rescue groups (http://www.petfinder.com - click "Shelter and Rescue Groups" in the upper right) to see if there are any dogs in your area that are being fostered so their temperament is known, especially with regards to kids and cats.

You may also want to consider adopting an older dog (3-4 yrs old), because not only are there a lot of great dogs out there looking for a home, but also it will already be housebroken, be over the "insanely active puppy stage", and will likely tolerate the baby's advances better than a puppy or yearling would.

Answer 3

Labs and golden retrievers both enjoy high energy, outdoorsy lifestyles and get along well with all kinds of people and animals. They are eager to please and therefore fairly easy to train, and they're not usually barkers.

You probably know this but let me mention it just in case: regardless of the disposition of your pet, you shouldn't trust your baby alone with a dog until he is absolutely old enough to understand that he shouldn't be punching and pulling on him. I understand completely that sometimes a pinch or a yank is going to get by you even if you're standing right there -- I have an 18mo old son and 3 dogs! -- but it seems to me the ability to tolerate the harassment for a few seconds until I rescue them depends less on the breed of the dog and more on the individual dog's temperament, as well as how much that dog trusts you to defend him so he doesn't have to do it himself.

There are some breeds who do tend to be excellent with children: bulldogs unfortunately are the first that come to mind, but also labs and goldens, Australian Shepherds, collies, many of the spaniel breeds. Beagles are also really good with kids but they're not usually good with cats and they're never quiet.

The labs and long-haired breds shed like mad but a daily brushing regimen can keep that under control.
Labs and goldens are so overbred you'll have to adopt an adult or research to find a great breeder in order to be sure you're not getting a dog with painful and expensive health issues.

Good luck! You sound like a good dog home, so keep learning and you should be able to make a loving, happy family member of whatever dog you end up with. :)

Answer 4

Most people shouldn't have a dog. You have to be willing to walk your dog and give it attention and take it to the vet, make sure it has water so it won't have to drink out of the toilet, etc. It is a very serious thing to have a pet. You have to teach your child not to be cruel to the dog, such as poke its eyes or pull its hair. Do you like the child to push and pull on your hair? Children need to learn to be kind to pets. Cats can better get away from a child. The dog needs to be fed so it will not take the child's food and then be punished. Also you have to keep things around for the dog to chew on so it won't chew shoes, etc. I think the best dog for children is a lab, they are the #1 dog. Also I believe golden retrievers are good dogs for children. You might ask your vet that question. Good luck. Maybe the animal shelter would be a good one to contact and answer questions for you. Also vet bills are expensive.

Answer 5

I think a beagle mix or golden retriever mix (or purebred) will suit your lifestyle best. Both are good in the outdoors (especially beagles), and both are generally friendly with children, although it depends on the individual temperament of the dog. I suggest you check your local shelter for a good dog, and take time to interact with each one. You can also get the dog temperment tested by an animal trainer to make sure it is not aggressive.

Answer 6

Many different dog breeds can make great family pets -- among the best are golden retrievers and labrador retrievers. Both dogs are naturally friendly, love children, do well with other pets, i.e. cats, and are extremely patient. They also do well outside. I would say you can't go wrong with these breeds, as long as they are properly trained. Many mixed breeds make great pets as well, and I tend to think they are smarter and have less potential for health problems later on. Definitely no chihuahuas or any toy breeds, they don't do well with kids. Good luck with your search!

Answer 7

I rarely recommend Golden Retreivers as they are working dogs who thrive on lots of activity, but it sounds as though a golden would suit you very well! They love being active and going on hikes or camping trips, but they also love hanging out with the family in front of the fireplace.
I also recommend an English Springer Spaniel. They love being outdoors and they are also very loyal to the family.
Both breeds love kids and are very tolerable to them.

Here is some more information on the two breeds for you:

http://www.akc.org/breeds/english_springer_spaniel/index.cfm

http://www.akc.org/breeds/golden_retriever/index.cfm

Answer 8

I think you have described a dog which doesn't exist.

The lab / retriever may work, but I've never had one.

Just remember whatever dog that you get that he/she is a dog and has not been made aware of your requirements.

Any puppy will be rambunctious and pee the floor.

The females of any species may be quieter.

Always remember, every dog is actually 2 dogs. The indoor big suck and the outdoor wild animal.

Answer 9

Lab or golden retriever would probably be your best bet.

-Hounds follow their noses or eyes, and would probably wander off during camping trips.

-Terriers are not good with children or cats.

-Toy breeds would not be suited to an active outdoor lifestyle.

-Pug nosed breeds (which look like bulldogs and therefore you wouldn't want anyway) are not suited to things like camping or other strenuous exercises.

Retrievers, setters, pointers... any of the bird-hunting/gun dog types would be well suited to the lifestyle you described, and they are all generally in the 50-70lb range- a nice solid medium dog, not a giant or a toy.

Good luck!

Answer 10

well there goes the idea of a poodle.. but i would suggest a german shepherd i know a few people who have one and they say they are wonderful their kids doggy angels they protect and play with there kids and very obedient and learn quick and love walks and they also love warmth of there family and the fireplace i would high suggest a german shepherd they are wonderful dogs

Answer 11

If I may suggest you should adopt a dog from a rescue organization or your local shelter, and look for something like a lab, golden retriever, or a German Shepard.