choosing a dog?

Question

I am looking forward to getting a dog but wanted to know what type of dog you would get. I wantt a large to medium sized dog which is very friendly and does not bark a lot, i do not want a lab retriever because they are to common.

Answer 1

Go to YAHOO! and type in "dog breed selector" Several questionnaires will come up. They will ask you about your lifestyle and preferences. This should give you a good idea about the breed good for you. Once you get it narrowed down, go to akc.com and look at the breed standard. then you may want to volunteer at a shelter or rescue so you can meet the dogs in person and see if you connect. Another resource might be to go to a dog show. Whatever you do, don't go to a pet shop or a backyard breeder. Happy Hunting!!!!

Answer 2

There are a lot of things to consider when getting a dog. Is this your first dog? Do you live in a house with a fenced yard or in an apartment or condo? Do you walk a lot? Are you a high energy person, or do you want a more laid-back pet? Do you live alone or with someone? Do you have children in the house? Other pets? Will the dog be alone for long periods of time or is someone home during the day? Do you want a companion dog or a "working" dog? The kind of dog you get depends a lot on your personality and your lifestyle. Having a dog is a lot like having a child. It can be a great source of pleasure, but it comes with a lot of responsibility. I adopted my first dog almost 10 years ago and I had no clue what I was in for with my beagle, Cleopatra. I love her with my whole heart, but I wish that I had known more about what was involved with being a "beagle mom" before I made such a huge commitment. As someone once said about her daughter, "I wouldn't trade her for a million dollars, but I wouldn't give you two cents for another one just like her!"

Answer 3

First, get a dog and not a puppy, unless you have the time to spend at home with the puppy to teach it proper manners. Second, go to your local Humane Society. They have lots of dogs wanting good homes. I adopted a Doberman in early '95 (although she may have some Lab in her). She's now 13, and is an awesome dog. She loves everyone, only barks when she sees something out of the ordinary, and when she's ready to come back inside, and that's only a woof, not incessant barking. Her housebreaking is impeccable. I work 12 hour shifts at least twice a week, and never find a mess. She's also cat safe. Even friends of mine that don't like dogs like her. So, that's my shelter dog story.

Answer 4

As a dog owner I suggest you spend some time around dogs before you decide on just one. There are millions of dogs in pounds in the United States. That doesn't mean that you need to get your dog from the pound but it does mean that you can spend some quality time in a number of pounds in your neighborhood and surrounding areas in order to familiarize yourself with different breeds. In terms of specific dogs, Border Collie's can be on the quieter side. They don't bark natuarally but can be trained to do so. But they are an extremely active dog. So although they may be in the medium size range, they require plenty of room to run. Besides narrowing down your selection to friendly, quiet and medium, you need to figure out who is going to be around this dog, how often you can walk it, how long this dog will be home alone on a daily basis and so on. A dog is much like a child who will never grow up but you'll receive years of love and companionship.

Answer 5

I have a smallish mutt (part terrier-poodle-border collie) and she is the love of our life. Mutts rule. They are intelligent (not inbred like some purebreds) and try harder. If you pick a medium to large size mutt, be sure that you pick one with a good-sized skull because if they are cross-bred big dog> small dog and the skull ends up the size of the small dog, then the brain doesn't have enough space and makes for a vicious critter. The medium to large dogs I like are sheep dog crosses. They seem friendly and loyal.

Answer 6

well nothing is perfect, so here goes, this does not fit your description exactly but this is the kind of dog i would get, a corgi mixed with what i do not know, maybe a german sheperd , mine was about sixty five pounds and barked alot, was very friendly, and followed me everywhere, all i had to do was make a sound, or clap my hands and he Brownie would come, walked on the APPalachian Trail with me from Ga to the middle of Va, had five puppies, anyway, people told me the same,they were farmers, would not have anything else, corgies, but you have to go with your likes, and mine did bark alot, but not constantly, when upset or startled, generally was a quiet and friendly dog, good luck hardly ever put it on a leash, but in the city would chase things cats and run in front of cars, so be careful

Answer 7

well that's a big one. l have a St Bernard and it is really uncommon.not many people want a dog like that but they do not bark a lot and are really friendly. and mine is a house dog.plus he has room to run out side safely. they are loyal. But then there are a lot to chose from. so just do a little research and you will find the perfect dog for you.

Answer 8

Get a Briard, they are med. size and friendly, look very cute too! As for barking I don't know, heres a web site-www.briard.com and a little about them--"He is a dog at heart, with spirit and initiative, wise and fearless with no trace of timidity. Intelligent, easily trained, faithful, gentle, and obedient, the Briard possesses an excellent memory and an ardent desire to please his master.He retains a high degree of his ancestral instinct to guard home and master. Although he is reserved with strangers, he is loving and loyal to those he knows. Some will display a certain independence."

Answer 9

we have a lab chow mix and he is the best pup ever! He is very protective of the kids but gentle as a lamb. He looks like a golden retriever. The only down side is he sheds horribly. But we love him so we are willing to put up with being covered all the time.

Good luck, I will tell you one breed to stay away from, beagle. omg they are insane!

Answer 10

Get a rotweiler. Don't think that they are really mean because it is the way you raise them. We have a rotweiler and it is the biggest baby you would ever meet. They are very good dogs when it comes to protecting you they will always let you know when you could be harmed.