what is the best dog?

Question

for my husband? He wants a dog to go with him on the truck.(He's a truck driver) So i need to find a dog that will spend little time alone but needs little exercize.( as far as walks) Of course he will take is out for potty breaks.But is very playful and affectionate. Also it needs to be small to medium so he can pick it up to put it in the truck.He would like one that will bark at strangers ( to deter unwanted visiters) Can anyone help me?! I want to make sure I get the perfect dog for him so everyone will be happy,especially the dog. He is thinking about a min pin but i know nothing about that dog. I don't even know anyone with one. But i have heard they are very high strung and not good with kids. But thats just what i have heard . The dog will be around kids only 6 days a month. PLEASE HELP I DON'T WANT TO GET THE WRONG DOG!!!!!!!!

Answer 1

Your question made me think of Jerry Reed in Smoky & the Bandit. Jerry was the truck driver in the movie and had a basset hound. Seems like an enjoyable dog to have around that doesn't take too much exercise and is pretty laid back.

Answer 2

I would take a visit to you local RSPCA or other rescue centre because that way you can explain your husband's need and they can match a dog up to that. If the rescue centre agree with the match you can rest assured the dog is happy too. Plus you're giving a needy dog a good home!

From what you say you certainly don't want a puppy because they need training and more excersis. So a dog from a rescue centre would be best as they are usually trained and tend to be older dogs that would be ok with less excersise.

Labradors are affectionate but unless they are old then they will need more excersise than you can offer and an old labrador just wants their home conforts, a truck may not be all that homely?

But as a rule any older dog aged 8 yrs + would probably be suitable. A beagle might be an idea they make great companions.
Its difficult to say a breed because it all depends on the individual dog.

I reccommend www.petplanet.co.uk to look up breeds though as it has info. on the breeds of dog and their needs for excersise etc.

Best of luck, its sound like if you do your research on dogs need and owners responsibilities (vaccinations etc) then you will make great owners cause you have the dogs interests at heart.

Answer 3

I would recommend a dog from the sighthound group, like either a greyhound or a Saluki. These dogs are large, but they don't need very much exercise. They are very calm, laid-back and easy going a lot of the time, while other times they can be very active. They don't need a lot of exercise, but they do have to have times where they can vent their energy in a large enclosed area. Salukis and greyhounds are aloof with strangers, so that might be what your husband wants. On the down side, they are quite independent and take a while to housetrain. They shouldn't be allowed off-leash, because they like to chase things.

A basset hound might be good, too. These dogs are low-energy and have a loud bark that will likely deter strangers. They're the right size that you're looking for, in between small and medium. Basset hounds are sociable with people and other animals, and are known to be good with kids. However, they are independent, they shed, drool, and smell, and they should never be allowed off-leash because they will run away if they catch onto a good scent.

My top pick, though, would be a dog from an animal shelter. You can find an adult dog that's already housetrained and proven itself to be good with kids. You can ask for a dog with a low energy level but that still likes to play. A rescue mutt is definitely what I recommend.

Answer 4

Small dogs feel like they are bullied so that is why they dont get along with kids dont get me wrong there are 1 out of 100 out there that do get along with kids. I think a American Pitbull Terrier would be the best I have one she will be 3 in march so I know from experience and training that they are very smart females are I think a little better then some males because males tend to get bigger and territorial. Females depending on the bloodline get anywhere from 50-70 pounds but the best thing is he wouldnt have to pick her up she can jump high enough to get in the truck mine can jump on trees. She also doesnt bark at all unless a stranger is near and she loves car rides cause I started her early so even if I go to the grocery store she is the first out the door. Just do a little research on what dogs you have in mind before buying one that way you wont have regrets or problems and you know what your getting into.

Answer 5

I was going to suggest a min pin before I got to the part about thinking about a min pin....lol They are wonderful dogs. Very smart and affectionate, great companions. They do need a good bit of exercise tho, but as long as he took him for walks whenever he stops he should be okay..They can be great around kids if raised with kids. It might be better to try to adopt one from a shelter that is already grown and out of the puppy stage. I raised min pins for a few years so I am very familiar with the breed. I think the min pin will be a good fit for your husband.

Answer 6

If your hubby wants a Mini pin, then get the one he wants.The doberman breed is very loyal,non hyper and will be a great security guard.They are small enough to fit well in the truck with him and are good companions.I work at a truck scale and see a lot of jack russel terriors in trucks.And a few pit bulls, the smaller breed.I say get the man the one he wants, he'll love it from the start and he will train it so, why not.?

Answer 7

You probably want to get him a rescue dog, because any puppy is going to be high-strung and will need lots of exercise. Get one who is at least 3 years old. they will be settled down a lot.

Check the toy group. Pekingese were bred to be watch dogs as well as some other toy dogs that I can't think of right now.

Stay away from terriers and retrievers as they need a lot of exercise. I have a pug and decided on that breed after reading a book about choosing the right pure-bred puppy.

Answer 8

Consider a Brittany Spaniel they are great dogs to have and low maintenance but 50% of Brittany's aren't aggressive at all and will bark at strangers but won't attack or protect! A Weimeraner (a gray Lab like dog with long ears) is great! They are a little more to handle cus they eat a lot but they will protect and summit and Love kids!

Answer 9

From what I have seen it sounds like a Basset hound would be great. The are very affectionate and are pretty low maintenance. Plus they will protect and bark if someone comes to near the truck! They are great dogs and just funny as hell!

Answer 10

Well, my heeler/bluetick is 6 years old and would be the PERFECT truckers dog. He LOVES car rides, and rides shotgun like a proper gentleman; doesn't bug anyone. But he's not for sale ;) I think you should go to your local animal shelter together and ask about older dogs. By older I mean 6+ Any pup is going to be a horrible truck dog. Herding breeds, in my experience, are great in vehicles, and love going for long car rides.