Help choosing a dog?

Question

I live in a house with a small yard. There is a wooded area near my house where iI would like to train a dog to go out and then come back. I work 9 or 10 hours a day, and am looking for a companion to take on walks and be friendly inside. I have an 11 year old son. His friends and mine are over a lot. So I don't want a barker or mean dog--one that pretty much accepts everyone. I prefer shorter hair or dogs that don't shed. I also prefer medium to large dogs. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

I don't care what people say about them, believe it or not, a Doberman or a Boxer are great dogs, especially the Boxer. My parents raised Boxers and they are very well mannered, hardly bark, great around kids and very very very sociable.

Answer 2

A golden or labrador retriever are wonderful. They don't generally bark a lot unless they are taught too. They are medium sized, highly intelligent and easily trained to do some amazing things.
My favorite dog is a Manchester Terrier. Ready to run, jump and play whenever you are or quite ready to laze and relax beside you. They need a little more attention when training than the retrievers do but have no stubbornness or nastiness in them. They love people and love being touched. Mine has no trouble being at home alone when I'm at work. They are short coated and simple to groom (2 mins. of brushing) and shed very little. They come in two sizes miniature and standard. Mini is close to a small poodle. The standard is taller than a beagle but more slender and elegant looking. They are a fun pet.

P.S. All dogs bark.

Answer 3

Well, are you able to come let your dog back out during the day while you are at work? Being gone for 9-10 hours a day is going to add up to one frustrated and bored dog. That usually leads to behavior problems, frustrated owners, and dogs in shelters. Now, if you ARE able to make time to come home and be with your dog at least half way through your work day, it would be better. I am a little biased, but standard poodles are a medium to large size dog that don't shed (although do require maintence grooming, which many people learn to do themselves), are incredibly intelligent and easy to train, and are great with families with children. They aren't mean, but will bark to let you know when someone is around. They are generally not "yippie" though. Please don't get lulled into the "doodle-dog" crap, either. You dumb-down the intelligence of the poodle and end up with a shedding, hard-headed, stubborn dog instead. They are money-making schemes and fads. Also, please buy from a reputable breeder with years or experience no matter what breed you choose- someone who shows and proves their breeding stock is best- they know their pedigrees, so therefore know what diseases may lurk in their lines (no breed of dog is immune to disease) and they breed to improve their lines and keep them healthy. But please, make sure you research thoroughly into the temperment, personality, trainability, etc. of whatever breed you get. And don't get a dog if you aren't willing to make the time commitment and take on the responsibility. It's kind of like having another child in the house- nothing to be taken lightly. And if all else fails- try the shelters, there are lots of dogs that need homes there. Good luck!

Answer 4

I would go for an English Bulldog. They are a medium size and love everyone. They do not know a stranger. They do not make good watch dogs though. They will watch someone steal everything out of your house so long as they pet him, even the dog. They may protect you if they see you are in danger, but that may not happen. They just love everyone so they are great for people who have guest over. They must be kept inside mostly, they can overheat quickly and it will kill them in a matter of minutes. They are an awesome dog though, and pretty laid back after the puppy stage.

Answer 5

Dogs in the companion group are generally small...however French Bulldogs and Boston Terrier's are both companion dogs, and they are medium-sized..Boston Terriers range from 10-25 lbs, and they are great with kids ! They are easy to train and can adapt to city, suburban, or country life..their exercise needs are minimal...The French Bulldog ranges from 18-28 lbs and they are very intelligent dogs ! They are also great for people who live in apartments and are sweet-tempered..they don't require any special grooming or exercise needs ....Either choice would be a good one...
Hope I helped !

Answer 6

The Poodle is in my opinion the complete dog for everything you ever wanted in a dog is in the Poodle, especially the Standard. They don't shed, are extremely loyal, loving & trainable. Unknown to most is the fact that the Poodle is a retreiver breed, in fact the 1st curley coated retreiver, have webbed feet & love the water. The breed's origin is Germany not France as is assumed by most. In the German language, Pudel means "to splash about in water". They are also great watchdogs. Good luck.

Answer 7

Personally, I would choose a dog that has the same personality as I do. I would prefer a Shetland Sheepdog. I would probably get a young collie. They are medium sized, smart, and when they're young, they can learn better. See how the dog acts first. Then check the price. If it's okay and you're sure, you should buy him/her. Hope it's what you're looking for!

Answer 8

I have a toy poodle. He's very smart, and very loving. He doesn't make much noise, unless he gets scared. He's only 8 pounds, so he's a small dog. He doesn't shed, and has medium length hair.

However, poodles are high maintenance. You have to pluck & clean their ears every week or two, or they'll get infections. Also remember that their teeth health is important, and clipping their nails is important, too.

Answer 9

miniture poodles would be good for you, or even a standard. If you want more docile i'd go for the standard. Not only do they not shed, but there great with people and pretty docile. Poodles aren't high exersise need dogs, but if you got a standard poodle you would have to exercise it, as in walks or running in the yard. As i said before standard poodles are great with people so having friends over alot would not be a problem.

Hope this helps!

Answer 10

Boxers are great dogs, as the first answerer stated, however, if you are going to be working 9-10 hours a day, I would not advise a boxer. They need companionship, and they crave your company. Without it, they can get into some mighty deep doodoo. They are also high energy dogs and need exercise.

Aside from that, I don't know wat breed to suggest-maybe you could go to your local dog shelter and choose a homeless dog?

Best wishes, whatever you decide!

Answer 11

Well your defiently gonna want a small dog or a medium dog,big dogs and small yards just don't fit.Just by reading your description I would recommened a Sheltie.They look like a mini Collie.They are extremely smart and very fun to have! You could also go to Yahoo Pets and click the breed recommender,that is very helpful.But anyways,hope that helps!