what breed of dog would you reccomend for a family of 4 (all children over 15), read on please?

Question

we want a dog that is playful, fun, active, and has a long life span. someone reccomended a golden retreiever, dont know why??????????

Answer 1

Golden retriever sounds like a good match for what you're looking for. Or maybe a lab.

Answer 2

the best dog you could get would be one from a shelter. while goldens are great, you can find a full golden or a nice mix pup at a shelter. golden's are easily trained, easy going and great pals. but increased demand for them has led to many genetic issues as well as their temperment is fastly going downhill. with teenages in the house you should have no problem with walking and the dog getting the attention and exercise it requires, unless the are very involved in activities. i would reccomend going to your local humane society and looking there. their staff can direct you to the best fit for your home. if you don't see a dog there that suits you then just wait a few weeks, and keep checking back. new dogs are available every day. but if they know what you are looking for they will call you if that particular type of dog comes in. and often these dogs or pups come already spayed and currant on vaccines. you will also want to enroll this dog in training classes. it will build confidence for the dog and help your family bond better as you learn proper ways to work and handle the dog. the humane society often offers these clases too. plus you'll be saving a life and what could make your family more happy than that? good luck.

Answer 3

You can't go wrong with a Golden or Labrador Retriever. The breeds are very similar, both tend to be friendly and very social dogs. Both have medium to high energy levels (though I find Golden's tend to be a little more laid back). Retrievers are great for people who like sports, as they are quite athletic and love to learn games or just chase a ball of frisbee. Both make excellent watch dogs and will alert to people coming toward your house, any possible threats or unusual behavior around the house. No dog can be relied on to protect their owner should the occasion arise, but these breeds are large enough to deter most criminals. Both of these breeds are quite popular, so you need to make sure you find a good breeder. Popular breeds are more prone to breed related health and behavior issues. This is due to back yard breeding (uneducated breeding). Good breeders will show you proof that their breeding dogs have all been screened for breed related health problems, and that the dogs are of sound temperament. Finding a good breeder is very important with any breed, but even more so with the more popular breeds. It may cost a little more at first, but the money you'll save in vet bills will be worth it! ADD: A Golden Retriever is no more likely to have problems with other dogs than ANY of those breeds you've listed. A well bred one is NOT dog aggressive. That's why you need to find a good breeder. Any breed of dog can be aggressive or have problems with other dogs if it isn't properly bred and socialized.

Answer 4

Definitely go to the dog rescue and look. Don't rush into it. You will find the right dog and the dog will probably find you too. You will both know.
I personally prefer the smaller breeds. Something like a Border Terrier, Jack Russell or a cross between this sort of breed would be a great addition to your family and the smaller breeds do tend to have a longer life expectancy.

Answer 5

Choosing the right breed of dog for your lifestyle and circumstances is very important. It is not a question that can be answered simply by others not fully aware of your personal situation. The best idea is to consult several areas then decide what dog suits best from there. A few starting points would be the select a pet sites on pedigree (pal) or purina, your local canine association (pedigree dogs) and your local veterinarian.
As a dog breeder I often get puppy enquires from people who don't really understand anything about the particular breed they are looking at buying. They see Inspector Rex and want one.
Please choose carefully

Answer 6

Retrievers are 'big dumb happy' dogs an aren't especially playful. They are also very destructive as pups. Unless you want your house chewed up, I'd be wary of them!

It depends on where you are in the world as to the availability, but a good active breed is Boston Terriers. Over the years I have had various dogs. I have always had a dog since I was 7 years old (I'm 34 now) and we've had all sorts over the years. My wife and I bought two boston terriers who are now almost 3 and they are the most fun dogs I've ever had.

They are very easy to train because they are eager to please and because they aren't very big (about 20lbs) they don't cause too much destruction when they are running around. We have a boy and a girl and they love to play football, frisbee and catch. They run for hours but at night they settle down and want to be loved on.

I highly recommend the breed, and they are not difficult to find in most parts of the world, but they are very rare in Europe, particularly in the UK. We bought ours while living in the US and they went through quarantine when we moved to the UK this year, and even that didn't phase them.

Answer 7

Golden Retrievers are WONDERFUL family dogs, very loving and active, plus they tend to be on the submissive side as far as retrievers go (Labs tend to have stronger wills and Chessies can be downright pig headed). You will have to take care of their coat with regular brushing to keep them looking nice and since they are sooo people oriented they are not the sort of dog you just stick in the back yard and only play with once a week. If you want a dog you can take to the park or the lake and toss a frisbee or tennis ball with, this is def a good choice for you.

There are numerous rescues around the country that handle Goldens and other retrievers, your local animal shelter can probably refer you to one. If you are going to purchase a puppy, remember to get your dog from a reputable breeder, NEVER a pet shop! Make sure that both parents were screened for hip displaysia and came back OFA Good or Excellent, as this can be an issue with Goldens, particularly with ill planned litters born to backyard breeders who do no genetic testing at all. Make sure your breeder offers some sort of health guarentee, and do not bring a puppy home that is younger than 6 (and preferably 8) weeks old.

Talk to your vet and the area groomers for advice on the right dog for you. They may even be able to refer you to a dog that needs a good home!

I went and dug this up, remembered it somewhat from back when I volunteered with a shelter. The American Acadamy of Family Physicians ranks Goldens in the top 12 dogs for families. It also ranks Cocker Spaniels in the top 12 dogs for aggressive behavior. I remembered that Cockers ranked #1 for reported dog bites for several years. Just an FYI.

Answer 8

I have a Boxer dog, they fit all the criteria u r looking for, not sure about long life span though. Golden Retrivers r lovely nice natured dogs but dont live all that long as they have trouble with their hips and legs.
Boxers are fun, happy and active dogs, they do need alot of exercise..! They are very good with children.

Good luck..

Answer 9

I, too, would recommend a Golden Retriever. It is the kind of dog you are looking for. The reasons:

1. - They are family dogs that are loving and fun.

2. - They are active dogs that will play with you often.

3. - They are very friendly and good with kids of all ages.

Hope this helps.

Answer 10

Are you looking for a larger or smaller breed dog? I think yes, a golden retriever is a wonderful family breed with a relatively long life span for a larger breed. If you're looking for a smaller breed,consider a pug! They're the funniest little frog faced clown dogs you will ever meet. They will make you laugh and bring you so much joy. Although they're small, they are very hardy little dogs. They are actually referred to as,"Multo in parvo",meaning, A lot of dog in a small space. :) Pug also means to box,or boxer. Because pugs love to use their paws. They'll get with their butt in the air and their front half on the floor and use their arms/paws to play,almost like a cat,it's so cute. Mine also like to lay on their back,with something in their mouth (good idea,I know. LOL) and use their arms and paws to clutch what they have in their mouth,like arms,it's hilarious! You have the convenience of having a small dog that's easier to take places.(and I don't mean toting to the store,lol) They have a 13-15 yr lifespan. Good luck in your search,and have fun! :) -Oh yeah,and pugs are not yippy dogs at ALL.

Answer 11

Golden retrievers and labs make great dogs as they are everything u just described!! the long life span bit can vary from dog to dog i dont think u can just base it on breed if u treat them right they will have a long healthy life. remember to be careful with exercise in the first 6-12 months of life as damage can be done to their growing limbs by over exercise, but after that there is no stopping a lab/retriever!
They are also really loyal and loving and always playful! they are also one of the few breeds that dont seem to grow up! they make perfect dogs if u have the time to exercise them.