my mum wants a dog, which breed do you think she should go for?

Question

she wants a breed that doesnt malt and that doesnt bark that much. oh also one that is medium build. good with children a must. has anyone got any ideas.

Answer 1

Get her a mutt from a local shelter. Mutts tend to be the friendliest because they are not inbred.

If she does have her heart set on a purebred, a lab is probably the best way to go.

Answer 2

If malt = shed, then the previously recommended Labs would be a TERRIBLE match. Most labs shed year round along with a complete 'dump' of fur twice a year or so.

Your mom should be aware that dogs shed and bark. If that's an issue, then perhaps another type of pet would be better. But, there is a dog for nearly everyone, so just make sure that she's realistic and she'll probably find a great match.

Visit a shelter and see if you can find a mixed breed that fits her needs. They'll know the dog's barking habits and generally how they are with kids.

There are too many factors that you haven't mentioned that make it hard to recommend a certain breed.

Is she very active? If not, then a 'herding dog' may not be a good bet. Dogs like Aussies, Border Collies, Shelties, etc need tons of stimulation (not just playing) - 2-4 hours a day of 'work'.

Are the kids small or irresponsible? If so, then a hound (Greyhound, Whippet, Saluki, Borzoi, Viszla, etc) or a breed known for 'running' (like huskies) would be bad. A door left partially open or a gate not closed all the way and the dog would be gone.

Is she home a lot? If so, a German Shepherd may love to have her company. They shed, but they are fabulous family dogs.

Remember there are a lot more things to consider than just barking and shedding. The activity levels must be equal. Putting a Weim or Border Collie into a home of an inactive person would be cruel.

The grooming levels must be acceptable. Putting a Dalmatian into the home of someone who hates fur would be a terrible match.

And so much more. Do lots of research or visit lots of different dogs that need homes.


Good luck to you.

Answer 3

The Shih Tzu is small, intelligent, lively and alert. The sole purpose of the Shih Tzu is as a companion and house pet thus he is outgoing, happy, affectionate, friendly and trusting toward everyone. He needs a minimum amount of exercise but the coat does need regular brushing to ensure that it won't tangle. The long crown-hair should be tied in a top-knot to avoid eye infections.

The Shih Tzu must always appear to be compact and solid. The head is round, broad and wide between the eyes. The eyes are large, round, placed wide apart and have a warm, sweet expression. The ears are large, set slightly below the crown of the skull and carried along the side of the head. There is a definite drop off (called the stop) between the skull and muzzle. The muzzle is square, short and should be no longer than one inch from tip of nose to stop. The pigmentation should be black or liver depending upon coat color. The bite is undershot in a broad wide jaw. The neck flows smoothly into the shoulders with sufficient length to allow the dog to carry the head high. The chest should be deep. The legs are well-boned and muscular enabling a smooth, flowing and effortless gait. The top line is level on a short-coupled, sturdy body. The length between withers and base of tail is slightly longer than the height at the withers. The tail is set high, heavily plumed and carried in a curve over the back. The coat is a double-coat that is luxurious, dense, long and flowing over the entire body. All coat colors are acceptable. The height at the withers is between eight and eleven inches while the weight may range from nine to sixteen pounds.

Answer 4

Dont get a hound dog or gundog as they tend to bark alot. what about a boxer, they are great with kids. Huskys dont bark i have one and have only heard her bark a few times, they do howl though espically if left alone too long, they are great with kids but they have a thick coat so you will get quite alot of malting. i would only recomend a husky if she has had experiance with other dogs as they can be quite difficult to train. Basenji's dont bark either more of a yodelling sound and they dont do it often. Dorling Kindersley Handbooks have over 300 breed of dog with good discriptions and pictures, you can get it from pets at home it might be worth buying.

Answer 5

A grey hound is a good natured dog.

They only need a minimum of five minutes walk about three times a day, even though you would think more because they are racers.

They seem to just laze around all day and have adorable puppy eyes. They are very good natured and don't bite!!

I think that the chap saying about dogs biting kids is a little wrong. Some dogs have been bred to fight and that is in there nature, like the pitbulls, so when they see something smaller they see it as a weak and easy win to impress their owner.

Answer 6

That would be either a water spaniel or a poodle. Neither one sheds (dogs shed, birds moult, BTW) and both are intelligent and good with kids, and easily trained.
Otherwise, go to the animal shelter and talk to the people there, I'm sure they can guide your mum to the right dog for her. They know the dogs in the shelter as individuals, their needs, temperament, etc. And besides you'll save a life. However much the shelter asks for expenses will be much less than the price of buying a dog and you will know they are vaccinated and neutered.
Always neuter your dog if you don't intend to breed!

Answer 7

You might want to try local area Animal Shelters because you can get a dog that is already grown and housebroken and you will know the size. As far as shedding goes, ask at the shelter which ones they recommend that shed less. Generally, soft coated dogs and dogs that are poodle or poodle mixed are great when it comes to shedding issues. That and dogs with very very short hair like whippets.

Answer 8

A bichon frise, or a bichon frise mix is her best bet. They do not shed any hair whatsoever, they are non-allergic, excellent with children and really good companion dogs. They don't bark much but they do like to dance as they were circus dogs at one stage! Because their hair doesn't shed, you do need to brush them regularly or their coats get knotted.

They love to be part of the action and cannot stand to be left alone. I had a bichon for 15 years and would recommend them to anyone. I know you said "medium" and bichons are not quite medium so may be a bichon mixed with a larger breed would be a good idea.

Answer 9

Take your Mom down to your Humane Society and let her have a look around there. You may find the cutest dog which will be put to sleep if it doesn't find a home soon. Just think you will help save a puppies life. If you don't find what you are looking for right a way just go back weekly until you find what you are looking for.

Answer 10

this may sound crazy but a doberman

they do malt but it looks like little eyelashes

you may think they are viscious but they arent, i didnt believe it till my uncle bought one, i have two small cousing 1 and 3 at the time of buying and it is the most tolerable and caring dog ever, they sit on top of him in his cage reading books and he often is being tapped on the head with a wooden spoon by the 1 year old.

you can train them amazingly, just make sure you choose the breeder carefully and they know what they are doing. they also dont bark unless trained too, the onlything my uncle didnt like as he wanted it to bark and protect the family while he was away.

DO NOT BUY A KERRY BLUE they eat and kill everything, family had them in the past!