Yes,for someone in middle years living alone?
2007-01-30 11:04:15 · 41 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
A Samoyed: Below are the %'s of what it is good at
Exercise Needs 73
Good with Children 90
Obedience Trainability 30
Watchdog Behavior 90
Aggression 49
Guard Dog Behavior 30
Grooming Needs 44
Size (lbs.) 52
Intelligence 90
Intensity 52
Shedding 40
Sociability 40
Emotional Stability 50
2007-01-30 11:13:54 · answer #1 · answered by cyanosis 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
A golden labrador, I say golden because I honestly believe there is the difference in temperament between a golden and a black labrador. I have had two golden and one black. I had my first labrador two years before I had my first child, but there was no jealousy and my son learned to walk while using her as a support.
Labradors require a great deal of patience in the first couple of years, but if you can get through that you will have a friend for life. Also, don't believe that labradors can't be good guard dogs, if anyone had tried to hurt my children or get into my house unannounced, I'm afraid they may not have lived to tell the tale.
If you do decide to have a labrador, then try the shelters, they can be found there and if you get a dog a couple of years old, then they will probably be through that difficult stage.
Labradors were born to love and ask nothing more than to be loved in return. If you live alone you will have the benefit of company, love and safety with a labrador.
Good luck with your choice.
2007-01-31 02:24:21 · answer #2 · answered by mollysadler 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on what your hobbies are, and your living space. I live in a city which is not the most dog friendly (Hong Kong) so, I prefer a small dog. They are easy to bring around, and do not need as much exercise as a big dog. I have a miniature schnauzer and they are by far my favourite breed... they are intelligent, have a sense of humour, cheeky, full of life... real companions. My dog is now 12.5 years old, and he's like a little old man trapped in a body. If only he could talk!!
He has been a true companion, and a city dog just like i am a city person. I bring him around with me, in my car, to friend's houses, for walks, to the dog cafe's, i even sometimes sneak him into the supermarket with me!! He sleeps a lot now, but whenever I am ready to go on an adventure, he is right by my side and raring to go, even if it is late at night or in the middle of the night!!
I think personality is very important, and miniature schnauzers tend to have a great personality! It depends on whether you are an energetic person and can keep up with them or not. If you are outdoorsy, opt for a bigger dog like a lab or golden retriever. But smaller dogs can just run around the house, and sleep in your room, and they are easier to keep clean (i.e. wash). Only thing with miniature schnauzers is their grooming regimen, you need to brush their hair and get them clipped so they maintain their look.
If you have the time, then they are totally worth it. The best breed of dog I can think of!!
2007-01-30 14:05:46 · answer #3 · answered by GabbyL 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that virtually anysort of dog would be suitable - after all it does depend on what sort of person is living on their own ... are they active, do they want to go out for walks, do they just want a cuddly dog, are they into grooming, would they enjoy titivating a dogs hair, do they want a macho looking dog, a big dog, a small dog? etc etc.
That said, I've some friends who own King Charles Spaniels (the ones with the shorter faces - known as English Toy Spaniels in the States) & I think I might be becoming a convert. They feel big on the end of a lead (solid & dependable) even though they are small. They are cuddly yet protective of their owners. They don't need to go out for a walk every day - they're just as happy to sit & watch tv with you ... though if you do fancy a hike, then they're up for it.
Their coats are silky & require only minimal grooming - just enough to remove any tangles & help them to shine. They're also not very yappy. Plus, they've been bred as companion dogs for ages & ages.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_Toy_Spaniel
http://www.hoflin.com/BR/English%20Toy%20Spaniels
http://www.europuppy.com/dog_breed_choosing/king_charles_spaniel_puppies.html
http://www.maynorth.com/
2007-01-30 13:08:52 · answer #4 · answered by Solow 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A Pug. I have had many dogs including: Black Lab, Golden Lab, Doberman, Terrier, Collie, etc. Don't get me wrong I loved all my dogs.. and all died from old age. However my favorite breed is a pug.
I would have never thought of getting a pug. However my husband's grandmother died and we had promised her we would take care of her pug. Well I was doing it out of duty, and really didn't care much for the dog. However within 2 weeks she stole my heart. She was my constant companion. We lost her in a house fire and I cried for 2 months.
The pug is the only dog that has been breed for Companionship. They have no interest in hunting, running away, or being a watch dog. They bark but are not barkers. They are shadows and give unconditional friendship and love.
2007-01-30 12:07:59 · answer #5 · answered by trishnh 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As others have said, it depends on many factors. Another one is how much previous experience of dogs you have. Some dogs are much easier to train than others, others it's not so vital that you are a great trainer. If you've had experience with dogs & want a breed that's devoted to you - a German Shepherd or an Akita, but neither are a breed for the novice.
2007-01-30 19:44:11 · answer #6 · answered by anwen55 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A first cross. Say a labrador, collie or springer spaniel type combination. They're all cheerful dogs and have pronounced characteristics but when they're mixed, it evens out their temperaments. First crosses also have hybrid vigour, don't suffer from particular breed or interbreeding problems and usually look good.
If you get a rescue dog, ask about any problems and if you can see the history before you decide. For instance if the dog is destructive when left on it's own, that wouldn't be a good choice for you but you could give a home to a dog that's not suitable for young children.
2007-01-30 11:47:00 · answer #7 · answered by chickpea 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Other factors may figure into this as well. Is this for city or country? Labs need lots of exercise. Is the person active?
There are some sites that let you input your information and will make suggestions.
That said, Basset hounds are good dog. They're scent hounds, though, so can be difficult to train and are stubborn. They're laid back dogs who don't require a lot of exercise and can be real couch potatoes. Retired greyhounds are another good choice. They're sight hounds.
Animal planet has a good selector:
http://animal.discovery.com/breedselector/dogselectorindex.do?clik=animal_leftnav
They help you decide what size dog, what temperment, etc.
Good luck!
2007-01-30 11:20:18 · answer #8 · answered by princessmikey 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Probably a Labrador as a large dog but I would choose a Jack Russell because they are great fun and love going for walks but also loyal. Personally I think mongrels especially rescued ones are the most loyal of all as they somehow know that they are getting a second chance.
2007-01-30 19:10:05 · answer #9 · answered by jaygirl 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well Mr Happy i reckon I have the answer you ve been waiting for- trust me on this one fella!
Me and my girlfriend went on abit of a mission just over 2 1/2 years ago now because we ( well when I say we I mean my girlfriend) decided tht we wanted to get ourselves a little dog so that we could spend time together going out for long walks etc etc. We searched high and low, all over the country at the time to try and find the dog that we really really had our hearts set mon. But unfortunately despite our attempts we were not able to get one! BUT on getting back home one evening, from wat was ng to be our final trip to search for our pup we noticed a little card board sign in one of those old style Prefab type houses that you see around. " I,m sure i just saw a sign saying that they had a little baby Shitzu ***** for sale Dan?" My girlfriend said 2 me. I turned the car round and we went back and sure enough there was a sign just as we thought. And there, as soon as went through the door we saw our little baby Shitzu for the first time. With her little sandy coat and crooked teeth she really is the most beautful looking and most lovely natured dog you could imagine. She has totally changed our life (not that we have a bad life though!) she just brings so much happiness to all the family. She has endless reserves of energy but she will happily sit and chill with ya if thats what you fancy doing so its ideal really! She is called Ollie! My mum was so taken by Ollie that within 2-4 weeks she went out and got one too - she is called Mollie and is lovely too! Mollie has not only had a great effect on my mums life
but she has been a real good influence for my grandparents who are now stuck in the house 24 /7! She will gladly stay and keep them company for two - three days at a time! Good luck though
Mr H !
Hope you find the right one for you!
2007-01-31 14:52:06 · answer #10 · answered by DAN Coops 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋