Getting a dog in August. I live in Maryland in a large house with almost an acre. I go on walks or bike rides in the summer, and stay inside and relax in the winter. I have 5 siblings, 2 parents, and my adult cousin that live with me. I am 14 years & old these are the ages of my sibs:2,4,6,9,15. I am looking for a puppy (6-8 wks) for a companion but it must also be good with cats and children. I am homeschooled, so I'm looking for a puppy that can either sit on my lap to be pat while doing my homework, or lay on the floor next to me. This dog must not be agressive and not be longhair. Must not shed a whole lot because of grandparent's alergies and parent's lack of interest for hair on the sofa. I'm not looking for web sites with pups for sale, and I'm not interested in your puppies for sale. Yes, I am completely aware that this dog will grow and not stay small. I'm looking for a medium-sized dog. I'm getting this dog from a pound (no crits !!!) Also, I've got a friendly male Lab cross.
2007-01-23 08:40:19 · 17 answers · asked by Allissa S 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Here's the best thing to know:
Get a dog from a breeder first of all, and meet both of his parents. Walk out if you donnot even like 1 parent, or if you cannot meet both. Afterall, a puppy's parents will influence them.
2007-01-23 08:43:50 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I know that everyone will disagree with this, but pit bulls are the best family dogs. I have one and she is more gentle with my 3 small children then my lab is. She is very obedient, she hardly has any hair, and she always sits next to me or on my husband's lap. I was very apprehensive when we got her but she needed to be rescued immediately. If you ask other people that have pits you will hear the same thing that I am saying. Buy some books, do some research and you will find they are so many people's favorite dog. Every dog trainer I have ever had always say that pits are their favorites. (The dog whisperer agrees as well). If you do get one make sure that you get it from a breeder and that they are not raised for fighting. You will not be sorry if you welcome a pit bull into your house.
2007-01-23 09:03:31 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
As for what breed to get I suggest you get a "mutt" because they have proved to be the best "breed" of all as for being friendly, compassionate and very loyal too. And bu going to a shelter to look for a good dog and by telling them everything you have mentioned here my money is on them as to finding the best of everything you are asking for here.
I commend you for your consideration of everyone else in your household as well as for the puppy to be too.
I really believe in the shelters for helping anyone to find the "right breed" of dog and you will not be disappointed either.
I wish you and your new puppy the very best.
The reason I have so much faith in shelters is that both of my children have found their pets through them and they have not been disappointed at any time either.
2007-01-23 08:52:52 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Goldens are great with children,as i have one who interacts with my 1 year old niece when she comes over my house.
Theu do have longer hair, however you can brush them, or choose to shave them so they look a little more like a curly coated dog.They are teffiric companion animals and are friendly with other dogs.
golden and labs alike are great dogs, and if you are going to the pound, a lab/golden mix would be nice or a golden/? lab/? mix.
also,if you dont have a local shelter in mind, you can SEARCH here:
www.petfinder.com
this allows you to chose your area,type of animals a breed.it brings up LOCAL POUNDS!
I hope you enjoy your new puppy!
2007-01-23 08:49:17 · answer #4 · answered by expressurnerd 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Good for you! It's nice to see someone else out there trying to help reduce the unwanted pet population. I grew up with labradors and they were all a blast and very mild tempered. As you already have one, you already know that. Avoid Jack Russell's as they are very high strung. You could try a bassett hound mix or a beagle mix.
Good luck with your new pup!
2007-01-23 08:52:36 · answer #5 · answered by koral2800 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was going to suggest a Golden, but that would be too big and they DEFINITELY shed. I would go with a poodle - and don't go by what you usually think of them (being all prissy and cut funny.) I have a toy poodle with a nice puppy cut. She is intelligent, adorable, loyal, and doesn't shed. They're a great breed! I didn't know how great until I got one.
2007-01-23 08:45:22 · answer #6 · answered by accciobrain 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, you are either going to have a dog that sheds or a have to get it groomed, because if a dog doesn't shed, it's hair will grow long. How about a Boston Terrier, a black Pug (they don't shed as much as fawn pugs), or a french bulldog?
2007-01-23 08:53:01 · answer #7 · answered by Monica T 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
shelter dogs ROCK!! please don't limit your search to specific breeds or even sizes...when you spend time at the shelters meeting the dogs, you'll eventually connect with the right one for you. It seems crazy but it's happened for me 3 times. The first time I was looking for a smallish dog (cocker spaniel size) but ended up falling for a german shepherd mix who was my baby for 14 years!! Your heart will help you decide...also, dogs who are young but not puppies are alot less work (not to mention less often adopted!!) Good luck!
2007-01-23 08:53:46 · answer #8 · answered by glessnerbeth 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have a 3month old shih tzu and he is the cutest thing that I've ever seen. He is very playful but he also loves to cuddle and fall asleep on my lap.
However he has a long hair and has to be brushed and groomed alot.
2007-01-23 08:59:24 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Boxers are nice, I wouldn't own any other breed! If you get a pup it will get used to all the people and other animals you have. Their temperment abd behavior is influenced by how they are raised. Boxers make wonderful loving family members.
2007-01-23 08:44:22 · answer #10 · answered by riobob00 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋