Which Dog?

Question

I have 3 cats (2 indoor and 1 outdoor), but now we're also thinking of getting a dog.

I have done some of those online dog selector tests, and i suppose they were ok at giving me a shortlist, but they were superb at giving me an idea of some of the dog's charatiristics.

At the moment, my shortlist consists of... a Saint Bernard, Canaan Dog, Akita, Belgian Tervuren, Boxer, Belgian Malinois, Samoyed, Norwegian Elkhound, Siberian Husky and a Alaskan Malamute.

So my question is for all dog owners (specifically ones who own the certain dogs above), should i consider buying one even if i we have 3 cats?

Answer 1

You know those test are pretty generalized. You should read up and research those breeds that were recommended as well as other breeds before deciding on one from that list because a couple of dogs from that list should only be handled by experienced dog owners/handlers. I think it is great you are trying to do research before getting the dog.
To directly answer your question most dogs will do fine with cats if they are brought in the home as puppies and are raised with them, but older dogs that have not been raised with cats can have problems accepting them.

Answer 2

I have owned an Akita and one cat. I think if they grow up from a puppy they are usually OK, but to be honest I never entirely trusted the Akita with the cat. If he saw the cat running, instinct took over & he would chase it. (He was the most fantastic dog in every other respect). I would also not recommend a Sibe for the same reason, they will & do kill cats given the opportunity. They may be OK if brought up from a pup with cats, but in the same way, instinct kicks in if they see a cat run. They are ususally not in the least aggresive by the way) The Samoyed, being a herding dog rather than working, is probably your best bet (if you can cope with the coat.) Why have you not considered the GSD? Great dogs who would get along with cats.
Whatever breed you decide on, make temperament your priority & make sure you buy from a reputable breeder - go via the breed club.
Good Luck
If you pick the right breed, you can certainly keep dogs & cats together - the cats will always rule the roost!

Answer 3

Any dog can live with a cat if they are introduced carefully and are trained to behave with each other..I had 2 dogs when I rescued our cats (they were not cat fans!)and it took a few months for them to be totally happy but now they all sleep together on the rug!in fact the cats rule the roost now.
Your doing it the other way round so your cats might just be aloof with a dog and not really care .Introduce them gently for a few minutes at a time until you are happy they are ok..just remember you can train a puppy to accept the cats because that is all it will know!
You should be fine if your sensible and you sound like it to me!(and I love all the breeds of dog you have been looking at!!)

Answer 4

Golden Retrievers are my favorite dogs. I've had three already and I haven't found anything wrong with them yet.

To have the best golden I would make sure that they're AKC registered. The AKC registered ones don't have problems that the mutts.

There are two different types of goldens; a golden golden, and a copper penny. A copper penny is more of a showy dog and I prefer them over a regular golden.

They need lots of love and attention. They also make great hunting dogs and are very quiet and kind. They are great with kids.

For a calmer golden I would get an adult puppies take lots of patience.

Goldens are grest with very small children and are one of the most popular breeds.

who ever said you can't buy love forgot about a golden retriever

Answer 5

Hi

Go for it, as long as it's a pup, an adult who is used to cats or if you really have the time and commitment (and preferably no kids to forget to keep them seperate initially) you can opt to train an older dog without prior knowledge of cats.

When I first got my Staffs cross from a shelter he was so aggressive to my cats I nearly took him back. That was 11 years ago.... he's currently sleeping on the sofa with one of the cats!!

All of your potential choices sound great, but watch out for the problems specific to the breeds.. ie heart disease, hip and eye problems etc and remember that bigger dogs aren't as long-lived as smaller breeds.

Have you also considered a German Shepherd? I lost my 12 year old GSD last year sadly... he was a long haired, champagne coloured boy, with the most fantastic temperement and personality I have ever seen in any animal. I can't recommend a German Shepherd highly enough.

Choose wisely, remember the cost and commitment involved, consider a rescue dog... and enjoy your new friend. Let us know what you choose please too!

Milly

Answer 6

Go for the loyal Akita, very loyal dogs. I heard a story about a guy that had an Akita and it would take him to the train and go to get him fromt the train but one day the guy had a heart attack and the dog came, waited for everyone to get off the train but his owner didnt come out, the Akita kept the same routine however till the day the dog died waiting to see if his owner would ever come back. That is what you call loyal, they are oringinally Japanese dogs. Go for any one, but i would recommend the Akita overall.

Answer 7

Sorry cannot tell you anything about the dogs you mention,but we had a 20 year old cat who could be a bit of a so and so!!!!!.
We rescued a rhodesian ridgeback also known as a lion hunting dog(another big dog) he was not a puppy but, the cat put him in his place,and they became the best of friends even sleeping together.
Have to admit your choice is GREAT as I love big dogs.Good Luck

Answer 8

ok i have 3 cats and a dog also. believe it or not he really isnt my dog. hes my moms whom im dog sitting for. i have a one bedroom apartment and they all get along prety well. i love all four of my pets. but i think i have an idea why they get along. the dog is nine and a small breed. he is a lhaso alpso/poodle mix but i have been around him since he got into our family as a resuce dog. just make sure you introduce them one at a time. and do it slowly. bringing a new pet in the pack can really put stress on the little babies.

Answer 9

Pikinese, are like cats, and if you buy a pikinese as a puppie it will grow up to think its a cat. no need to walk a pik dog because general running round the house andback garden is enough, little food required as well. I have 2 of them and there my little cats.

Answer 10

don't buy a dog based on ability to get along with cats. they will all learn to get along... you should be basing your decision on your lifestyle, committment to grooming, exercise requirements etc.. i would suggest you go to akc.org and there you can read about all the different breeds,, what they were bred for ( to help you understand the training needs) how big they are, etc. etc. etc. it is a good place to start. example...... malamutes -large dogs , heavy grooming, bark alot,, tough to train , , i notice alot of your choices are with the working group dogs.... out of your list , my choice would be the malinois,,, somewhat smalled boned then a GSD and quite trainable,,,, you have also selected a few more aggressive breeds