First-time dog owner?

Question

What are some good dogs for first-time owners. We want a dog that is good with strangers and children. Also we want a dog that does not shed a lot. We don't want the dog to be too big. Which breed is best for us?

Answer 1

portuguese water dogs are medium build, friendly, and shed very little.

Answer 2

You do not state if you have a house, apartment, condo, etc. You do not state if you live in the city, the subs, the country. How many children and how old are they? Strange as it may seem what sex are they? All of these, and many others, factor into the pet you purchase.
I am at ([e-mail]), I can provide more info with more info. You may consider a Border Collie if you have the area for the dog to pace. It is historically docile but protective of children. A minature Schnautzer is a good small area pet with an affinity toward protection. For what it is worth, I had a basset hound that would bite the hand of anyone that came near me. The neighborhood kids loved the dog, but, in the event of an attack that dog would bite and not let go. Good Luck

Answer 3

i suggest you go to your local humane society or dog pound and take everyone in your family along. take you time and look around. they have rooms where you can take dogs in to spend some one on one time and see if it is the dog you are looking for. pure breeds are the only good dogs, mutts or mixed breeds are just as good, and who knows maybe you will show a dog who had a rough life exactly how a dog is supposed to be treated.


another suggestion is if you aren't sure about which type of dog you want then perhaps you and your family could become foster parents and help socialize dogs to be placed in good homes (and maybe you will find one or two to keep to yourself)


sorry to say all dogs shed in one way or another. most dogs coats change between summer and winter. they will have to shed one to grow the other.

Answer 4

If you're a first time dog owner, don't look for a dog by breed. "Breed" specification will give you a particular look and size, but will not tell you anything about the temperament of the inidividual dog you'll be getting. (Temperament and socialization skills varies greatly by dog and the amount of training the dog has had.)

We suggest that you look on-line at the following sites for various dogs in the size range you want. (You can also specify your city name or zip code to find dogs closest to where you live):

petfinder.com
pets911.com
1-800-save-a-pet.com
nextdaypets.com

Then go an visit with the dogs that look like what you want. One-on-one visits with the dog will give you the opportunity to see first hand what the dog's temperament is like and if it's the sort of dog that will fit within your family structure.

Answer 5

If you are looking for a dog without the shedding issue than once of the many poodle variations will be good. As for a dog that is good with children and strangers, that is decided by how ;you and your family socialize and train him

Answer 6

a lab is a really good beginner dog.
they're pretty hyper as puppies but definitely easy to train and good with children!! they go with the flow so if you either live in an apartment or on a huge farm, you'll do fine! they don't really shed a lot, they blow coat around twice a year but it isn't TOO much. Labs are a good dog you could trust! especially for first time owners.

Answer 7

try AKC.org for a list and breed description of each breed.


I dont know what your definition of "too big" is, but you make look into getting a labradoodle. I dont normally promote the buying of "designer dogs" but there are many benefits to owning one. They've got the friendly personality of a lab (and labs are very good family dogs) and the smarts of both the labs and the poodle. They aren't prone to shedding very badly either.

Buuuuut with ANY dog you get, you need to make sure you invest lots of time in training your new family member.

I would definately call a vet's office and get the lowdown on how much you should expect to pay for vaccines, ask them what the best dog food is (trust me, there is a BIG difference in dog foods. feeding some could make your dog live a longer life), and then call a local kennel and see if they offer puppy classes (if you want a puppy) or adult classes.

you dog needs lots of socialization.

Answer 8

You can look into miniature schauzers, my mother has one and she is a very sweet dog. They do not shed and are highly intellegent. Here are some info on the breed. I suggest after you find a few suitable breeds, look for some breeders and ask lots of questions. You can also go to the breeder's place and see the dogs for yourself to decide if you really like the breed!

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/miniatureschnauzer.htm

Also, here is a quiz that you can take about suitable breeds for you. You can select all the things you are looking for in a dog, and it'll show the most compatible breeds.

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/search.htm

Good luck!

Answer 9

I have a bichon/poodle and he doesn't shed. I think they say bichons are the only bred of dogs that don't shed. He is also really good around people and love little kids. He's not big at all, he's about 12 lbs now.

Answer 10

well for the friendliest dog i would go with a mixed breed from the shelter. they will be thankful forever more. as for one the doesn't shed when you go to the shelter they would best explain. even better when you get a shelter dog you are saving it from the terrible fate of being put to sleep. over 1 million dogs are put to sleep a month. if you get one from a store or breeder though all you are doing is taking it away from its family and friends. so my suggestion is go to the shelter and thats where you will get all the info you'll need.

Answer 11

Please... go to your local animal shelter. There are so many wonderful dogs there that will do anything to be a part of your family. At the shelter, tell what you are looking for. The assistants are knowledgeable and can help you. My best dogs have been strays or shelter dogs.