I am looking for a dog and I don't know what kind I should choose. Can someone can help me decide?

Answer 1

well what are your choices of dogs that you possibly would want to make your lifelong companion since most dogs live for quite a while.

Check your local animal shelter first;



Then look up the breeds that you might want on www.akc.org and www.dogbreedinfo.com and then find out if you want a non-shedder/working dog/ friendly personailty/ or whatever other characteristics that you want in a dog. Then consult local breeders or veteranarians to find out which is the best for you. The Big thing is to RESEARCH RESEARCH & RESEARCH a lot about the breed that you have chosen and if you find out a bit of information that tells you that this isnt the right breed for you look for another breed, you can go to the library or the internet to help you decide also.


If you want you could also take quizzes on diff websites to see if you make a great match with your living conditions./ or ask yourself these questions:

What size is right for you?
Don't just ask for a "good-sized" dog--for some people that means 25 pounds, for others it means 75. If you can't figure out weights that exactly, are you looking for something the size of a Cocker Spaniel or a German Shepherd Dog?

How much space do you have?
This is related to the last question, but not really dependent on it--it's quite possible to keep a large dog in a small space, provided you can give it plenty of opportunities for exercise outside the house or apartment. But keep in mind that if your house is very small, a Newfoundland may take up all the available floor space. On the other hand, some very large breeds are quite inactive while their smaller cousins will be constantly on the go. That Newf takes up the whole living room rug, but he might just do better there than, say, a Jack Russell Terrier, an extremely active small dog.

How much exercise can you give this dog?
Some can get by with a short walk, others need to run for hours every day. Take an honest look at what you're willing and able to do with your dog. Be sure to consider both your schedule and your athletic abilities: If you'd like an active dog but your work schedule keeps you busy 70 hours a week, don't get an active dog. He'd enjoy going for runs with you on weekends but he'd be miserable (and probably destructive) during the work week when you don't have time to exercise him.

Where will the dog live?
A lot of people feel very strongly that all dogs should live in the house, and just about any dog will do well inside if it's given enough exercise. If your dog will be spending a lot of time outside, you must consider your climate in choosing a breed--some cannot tolerate heat, others are equally incapable of being out in the cold. If your dog must live outside, be sure that it has adequate (enclosed, covered, maybe even heated) shelter, and make an extra effort to spend time with your dog. And don't expect your big, black, heavily coated Bernese Mountain Dog to live outside in the summer sun!

How much grooming are you willing to do?
Are you willing to spend the time required to keep a long soft coat free of tangles and mats? How about the money to have a dog professionally groomed on a regular basis -- say, every 6 weeks for non-shedding breeds which need to be clipped? Even dogs that are fairly low-maintenance can go through periods of profuse shedding during which their coats need extra attention. And all dogs, even hairless ones, need to have their nails, eyes, and ears taken care of.

What do you plan to do with your dog?
Do you want a loyal couch potato? A jogging partner? A good watchdog? Or do you want to start exploring the many activities you can do with your dog--things like obedience, agility, hiking, herding, hunting or any of the many others out there? This will affect your breed choice because, for example, most toy breeds just don't make very good frisbee dogs.

What past experience do you have with dogs?
This question shouldn't be taken to suggest that you shouldn't get a dog if you haven't already had one -- everyone has a first dog at some point. But there are breeds that are not recommended for first-time owners. If you have had dogs before, think about what you liked about them -- it can be very useful information, since nobody would recommend a Border Collie to someone who had always loved the relaxed attitude of Mom and Dad's Basset Hound.

If you have children, are you prepared to teach both children and dog to co-exist peacefully?
Children and dogs can make a wonderful mix...or a very bad one. You need to spend time training both the dog AND the children to treat each other appropriately. A common question is "What breeds are good with kids?" The answer is that it depends more on how the dog is raised and trained. Supervision -- even for dogs good with children is a must. Just because a dog is good with children is not licence for children to abuse the dog -- every dog will have its breaking point. If you are unsure of your ability to properly train young puppies and/or children in this respect, you may want to consider waiting until the children are older, or find an adult dog known to be good with children and then supervise.


Here is a quiz:

http://dogbreedinfo.com/search.htm

Answer 2

If you have a lot of time for your dog, a pit bull or a boxer might be your choice, and I mean time enough to take that pit bull on 1 1/2 mile walks every day. If you have an apartment, a small dog like a maltese, shi-tzu, or chihuahua might be your choice. If you have a nice back yard and 7 or 8 year old children, a great dane or a grey hound might be nice. As for puppy or older dog, if you have time to train the puppy and to not have it in a crate for more than 4 hours at a time or 8 hours a day, then a puppy would be good. If you want a more mellowed out dog that's been around the block a time or two and whose temperament is set, a 5 or 6 year old dog would be a good choice. Either way, chances are you want a dog that's spayed or neutered. Nothing is sweeter than a rescued dog or a dog from the local pound. It's nice when you know you've saved a sweet dog's life.

Answer 3

There are all sorts of dogs, there are sites that can help you find ones that aren't as mean or hyper, etc.

But I would suggest a lab or a golden retriever, or even hearding dogs. They're all fantastic.

But some of the best dogs I've ever seen or had were mutts. My last dog was a mutt, and he was fantastic. So I suggest just going to the pound and looking for one that catches your eye, don't just get a dog because it's a pure-breed.

Answer 4

This depends on your personality and your living situation. If you like big friendly dogs who love to play and swim, and at least look like they can protect you, get a Labrador Retriever. If you want real protection, a German Shepard. If you want a very high energy, smart dog who needs to run in open areas a lot get a Border Collie. For a small apartment get a Toy Poodle....There are many breeds of dog out there. They all have their strengths and weaknesses. Do your research to ensure a good fit...

Answer 5

Only you can decide on what breed of dog to chose. I am a bully breed fan so I bought an American Pit Bull Terrier (Red Nose). It all depends on what you can handle. If you dont have a whole loyt of time on your hands get a small dog that you can take with you in a pup pack. If you know that you can devote your time to a larger breed then go in the direction of a medium to large breed. I knew that I was going to have the time to socialize and train my Pit Bull so thats why I got her. Don't get me wrong all pets need love, Just some are more High mantainance in the exercise, attention, training and socialization department. I have owned three Pit Bulls before this one and all of them were haappy and died of old age. I ts up to ypu. What are you wanting to get yourself into as far as what breed to chose. You be the judge. Remember don't pick your puppy, let your puppy pick you. Good Luck On your doggy search.

Answer 6

My fine recommendation could be to mention to seem at your culture.....you may have a big change within the temperment of the ones breeds. I have had each Mastiffs and Aussies (presently am owned through 2 mastiffs) and will let you know that after i used to be younger and unmarried proposal that my aussies had been uncommon however as i misplaced time to loved ones, profession and many others discovered that i with ease didnt have the vigor to deal with them adequately anymore. Springer are extra of a medium vigor puppy (normally however their are continuously exceptions) and borders are energetic to the factor that they may be able to turn out to be neurotic if no longer labored with and stored entertained. Also maintain in brain that neither an Aussie or Border will have to ever be allowed to run do to their propensity for setting up dangerous behavior equivalent to chasing different animals and even autos. Do you propose on having youngsters.....Aussies and Border could want alot of socialization while so much english mastiffs could take to them speedily. Do you require a farm watchdog? If so a bullmastiff is also a satisfactory option. What approximately budget? i will be able to let you know firsthand that mastiffs are enormously pricey to feed good as they require ALOT of top fine meals. Hope that this is helping.

Answer 7

You have to ask yourself:

What kind of time do I have? Do I have enough time for a puppy?

Do I have a fenced yard?

Do I want to brush once a week or every day?

Do I mind shedding?

Do I have close neighbors that would mind a barking dog?

Can I give tons of activities to an energetic dog or do I want more of a couch potato?

Do I want to obedience train or will a more independant dog be better?

Do I have children that I need to consider?



You need to answer those questions before you go any further.
Read up on training (crate, potty) and be honest with yourself when you answer.

Consider a rescue dog- it has been evaluated, lived with, and through that painful puppy stage! www.petfinder.com

Answer 8

Go to the pound and save a Mutt. Just go look and the dog will pick you.. Mutts by far make the best dogs and will love you unconditionally. Besides, you'll be saving a life.

Answer 9

You need to decide:
What you want the dog for (company/walking/training)
What size
Long coat/short coat
Needs plenty of exercise/little exercise.
What type of dog appeals to you (Toy/Gundog/Hound/Spitz etc)
Once you've you've narrowed that down, you can start looking a specific breeds which seem to fit your criteria.
The link below should get you started.

Answer 10

I have a cavalier king charles spaniel and she is the perfect dog ever. She can be playful and energetic when you want to play but she will also cuddle up and sleep with you when your ready to be lazy. She even sleepes with me every night. In my opinion they are the cutest little fluffy dogs ever!