I really want a pet dog...which one should i choose??

Question

I really want a pet dog, i have a smallish garden, but a garden nonetheless, and loads of time for walking maybe twice a day. I was wondering which breed to go for, as i love Collies, but they are a working dog and need constant mental stimulation. Any advice on what to buy??

Answer 1

I would recommend going to your local dog rescue centre like the RSPCA because they will match a dog that suits you and your lifestyle. Theres lots of things to consider before you get a dog though like;
-Will it be left alone in the house for hours when you work? If so, you won't be able to have a dog unless you get a daily dogsitter.
-Is your garden secure with a high fence the dog can't jump?
-How will you afford the vet's bills, should you get pet insurance at around £10 per month.
-How will you afford its food and injections?

Its great you've though about how much excersise you can give the dog. Two walks a day is really good and means you could get a young dog as opposed to an old one that needs less time.

You may also want to consider getting a puppy, this is whole lot of responsibility they need alot of attention. You would need to go to training classes buy a dog cage etc. Get books on having a puppy if you are thinking of this. I recommend the author Barbara Haywood.

Further the gender you choose affects the personality of the dog. Female dogs(bitches) are less territorial and more easy-going. Male dogs are tend to be more territorial of you and their home. Male dogs are also more likely to not get on with other dogs.

If you don't buy from a rescue centre its best to get the dog neutered/spayed to prevent the hassles of her giving birth. Further this tends to make male dogs less territorial and "agressive".

As breeds go, there is an increase in breeds being available from rescue centres so don't not visit them just because you don't want a mongrel(cross-breed). Its best to get a dog that you know is suitable than to go for particular breeds because you can only stereotype so much.

Having said that breeds that tend to be less work(like a collie is) are small-medium dogs. Dogs that need alot of excersise are golden retrievers/labradors. Younger dogs tend to be more work too.

You said you'd love a collie, well if you got an older collie say 6yrs + that is fully house trained(won't be destructive) and you stuck to giving him/her walks and toys then this would be fine. You could also do dog agility classes once a week; this would mean it was less likely to be destructive out of boredom through lack of mental stimulation, like you say; and its good bonding. Also older collies aren't boring old dogs like some older dogs are because they are so intelligent.

Well, best of luck in your search for a nice doggy, they are the best companions and very loyal. Its nice to hear from someone that seriously considers the responsibilities of getting a dog; its more likely to work out that way.

Not that im bias, but I would strongly recommend going to a dog rescue centre because they will give you lots of advice even after you have the dog if you want it and it means you are giving a nice home to a dog that needs it. Theres so many dogs that need rehoming it seems a shame to go to a breeder; plus its cheaper too ranging from £0-£90.

Its sounds like you will be a great owner!

Answer 2

So you want to get a dog! Things you will need to consider first!


Responsible pet ownership
What are your reasons for wanting a pet
How available are you for the pet (They require several hours a day of your time)
Research the breed BEFORE getting the dog
Make sure it will fit your personality and lifestyle
Does your lifestyle afford the time and money for a pet ($400 or more a year for food and care)
Plan to keep it for it’s whole life
Train the dog (Obedience a must)
Be prepared for vet visits
Spay/neuter
Stops unwanted litters (Close to 2000 unwanted dogs and cats are put to sleep in this valley alone each year)
Better health for the animal

Consider a rescue dog instead of a pet shop dog
Most dogs sold in pet shops come from puppy mills and live in cages being bred until they can’t anymore
Pet shop dogs are not usually the healthiest dogs
The cost of a rescue dog is usually far less than the pet shop dog

Consider an adult dog instead of a puppy
Many are already housebroken
You have a dog you can take places and enjoy right away

Consider a senior dog
The older dogs are much more appreciative of your attention
They learn new routines much faster than given credit for
They are usually more settled and easier to live with

Answer 3

Surely you have an idea (if ever so small) of what you are looking for in a dog breed.
Go for what you want, look it up to see if it fits into your lifestyle and then decide.
You might google the breed you are thinking of and check out its personality and health problems.

This is gonna take some research on your part!

One last note: if possible, get yuor dog at a shelter or Rescue for specific breeds. This is where I got both my dogs and I couldn't be happier if I'd paid $1,000.00 on each of them. Rescure dogs make the best pets and you get the bonus of saving a life!

Answer 4

Get the kind of dog you really like and don't think because a certain breed has published "traits", that's what you'll be getting.

Collies are great dogs (LOVE Border Collies), yes, they do need excercise, but they are VERY adaptable to their situation. As long as you can take him on long walks and to the dog park to burn off some steam once in a while, you would do fine.

Answer 5

I know you said you like collies, but i have a lab, and they are great, they just love attention are great with everyone, love walks, they defintly need exercise, very calm, and playful. I have a 10 month old, and she is great I got her from a bredder in wisconsin, if you go through a breeder make sure they are not a puppy mill, defintly do your research , if you go through a breeder, you should defintly be able to see both parents, make sure the puppy looks healthy!!

Go for a lab---they are great, all they want to do is love you

Answer 6

I have a Minature Schauzer and she loves to play when I want to play with her and she is active whenever I am other than that shes on her own and is never in the way. A really great dog. But collies are great also.

Answer 7

Don't buy a dog. Go to your local animal shelter before you make a decision. There are a lot of awesome dogs that need homes. You may be surprised and find a dog that you bond with right away. Good luck.
Janet

Answer 8

i personally would suggest a smaller breed as they dont mind the space issue, but still love all the exercise. You could go for a terrier, or even a maltese if you dont mind the grooming!
never the less i think a toy to small size dog would be the option.

Answer 9

A talked swan as I saw in a Barbie movie I guess... That would be cool! It would sure give a nice and wonderful view when we put in a beautiful lake, and we could rest near the lake with some cookies and tea... LOL... What an imagination! XD

Answer 10

I would say to go for a german shepherd or a beagle they are both good breeds or another breed is a collie or a shetland sheepdog.