I looking foward to getting at dog soon and I need to know which dog is best for me. I don't want the dog to be too big. I have an senior citizen in the house and I don't want the dog all over her. Also I don't want the dog to be too agressive becasue I have little childern over my house most of the time. Which kind of dog is right for me??
2007-01-13 04:50:58 · 15 answers · asked by Dimitrius L 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
go to your local animal shelter, humane society, or SPCA and they will be able to help you but since you say that you have senior citizen and small children in the house I would recommend a small dog along the lines of a miniature schnauzer or poodle or a schnauzer/terrier mix all of these in my experience meet all of your needs.
2007-01-13 04:59:13 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
We can't really give a great answer to this question for you. You haven't told us anything about your work schedule, your financial situation, your lifestyle, your activity level, your home situation, etc. Any answers you get will just be uneducated guesses from children telling you their favourite dog - dogs that will probably be a terrible match for you.
If you have small children around, a toy dog would be a TERRIBLE idea, unless it's already grown and the children are somewhat calm.
Shelties are NOT miniature collies, so can you trust anyone who doesn't even know that much about the breed? They are great around kids, but require a lot of exercise and stimulation. I've known lots of seniors who had them, but they are a lot of work and can be protective.
The best thing you can do is visit a shelter or rescue group and see if a dog fits your needs. http://www.petfinder.com The next best thing is to watch a dog show - they are constantly on Animal Planet and USA and write down maybe 10 breeds that appeals to you. From there, visit http://www.akc.org and go to the "breed" area. On the left will be a link to the breed flyer, breed club, and breed rescue group. Click on each one and learn as much about the breed as possible.
From there if you decide you want a purebred puppy, read sites like
http://dogplay.com/gettingdog/index.html...
and
http://www.geocities.com/bluegracepwd/wh...
to help you find a reputable breeder.
Good luck to you
2007-01-13 13:15:06 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
There are some web sites that might be of help. Try searching "choose breed characteristics" or something like that, wnad you should find a few. They typically have a header "What is the best breed for me?"
They attempt to match your lifestyle and expectations to a breed. They give you a questionnaire asking what is important to you and how important is it and include an option for "doesn't matter" Size, good with children, exercise and grooming needs. level of affection, intelligence, trainability, protection, etc. Of course all of
these characteristics are generalized, a large degree depends on early socialization and proper training. Still, breeds do have characteristics other than looks... and mutts are often a happy combination of traits, without any overbearing trait. Happy hunting!
2007-01-13 13:06:34 · answer #3 · answered by and_y_knot 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I would recommend going to the local shelter and finding a lab-mix, preferably older. Older dogs will have more experience with humans, and will be infinitely calmer. DO NOT PICK A DOG FROM A HERDING BREED. I have a dog like that, and I love her, but she is very hyper and will jump all over everyone though she means well. Good luck finding your best friend!
2007-01-13 13:09:42 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I recomend doing some research into dog breeds and then doing some more research into a few specific breeds which you think will be suitable to your reasons for getting a dog. and remember that not all dog of a breed fit into the breed profiles as they are all individuals. some so called aggressive breeds have had individual dogs which are just big babies. so once you decide on a breed then talk to rescue workers, breeders, to find the perfect dog for your situation. only you can make the choice of which dog is right for your situation.
2007-01-13 13:11:50 · answer #5 · answered by reispinscher 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
you need to go to your local humane society and shelter. there they will be able to match a dog that badly needs a home to exactly what you are looking for. and it will take effort on your part. you will need to train the dog not to do the things you say. enroll the dog in training and follow through and be consistant. make sure you are ready and financially able to keep a dog. the volunteers at the shelter will be able to let you know which dog is bests for you and what you need to do once you get the dog home. listen to them, good luck.
2007-01-13 13:03:43 · answer #6 · answered by cagney 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You didn't mention how much you wanted to pay for a dog, but toy breeds are the best for what you need.
If you are in a larger city area there are most likely dog shows near by on occasion. If you go you can see all of the different kinds and you can talk with their owners after they have shown.
Also, akc.org has info, go to groups and click on the toy group.
Some I would recommend are Chinese Cresteds, Yorkies, Papillions, and Pugs.
2007-01-13 13:06:48 · answer #7 · answered by dog's best friend 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Labs are the greatest dogs. They love kids and seem to know or sense things about people. What I mean is that my young Lab is playful but when he visits my elderly grandpa he becomes very gentle and calm. When my young brother was sick my Lab as a pup would climb up on his wheelchair and sit next to him for hours just to comfort him. They love kids and are great companions for them. My Lab goes swimming with my nephews and sledding with them. They are also highly intelligent and easy to train. They are very affectionate and loyal. You do not have to worry about them around other dogs or kids. I have had tons of different breeds but totally fell in love with the loving lab.
2007-01-13 13:10:02 · answer #8 · answered by TritanBear 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
i would recommend going right to the source (the humane society of the us):
http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_adoption_information/choosing_the_right_dog.html
another great site is: http://www.canismajor.com/dog/tchoose.html
best of luck to you in finding the right dog--i know it will bring a lot of joy into your home and life! :)
2007-01-13 13:04:58 · answer #9 · answered by ctccoord14621 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have a shitzu and there sooo friendly to everyone.In pictures sometimes they show shitzus with long hair...which looks kinda weird to me.But thats just in pictures,in real life most of them have short/medium hair.Or you can get a yorkie those r really cute and friendly.But i love shitzus sooo much.
The pic below is a shitzu
http://monkeyads.com/proofs/_36855_78139.jpg
2007-01-13 13:49:31 · answer #10 · answered by Nicollette 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋