Would it be safe to buy a puppy?

Question

We want a purebred and my children keep asking for one! I just would like to know if a puppy will get along with a sugar glider (we have one). And what breed loves everyone? Links are acceptable!

I took a quiz and got this for my answer, is that good:
http://animal.discovery.com/breedselector/dogprofile.do?id=2270

Answer 1

There are 2 real parts to your question, I presume: what pure bred dogs get along with children the best? and what pure bred dogs will not eat/tear apart/maim/dismember my beloved sugar-glider?

Sporting Group dogs (such as your Retrievers, Spaniels, Setters, etc.) are usually very good with families, especially those with smaller children. These dogs were bred to hunt, which has made them extremely "touch insensitive" (meaning they won't be as bothered by little kids climbing on them, romping with them, pulling their tails, tugging at their ears, doing all those wonderful things that kids do). Hunting season is when? The fall/winter months = cold weather/harsh conditions. That is why these dogs MUST be insensitive to touch. How good will they be with a sugar-glider? On a scale from 1-10, I'd probably give it a 5 rating just because the hunting aspect of their breed function would worry me a bit (plus their size could cause horrible accidents - dog wants to "play with" the glider and ooops ... 80lbs of dog on 1lb of glider). But I think Sporting dogs are intelligent enough, and friendly enough, to adjust, if needed.

Terriers - bad choice with the glider since, by function, these dogs hunt out and kill small vermin/rodents. So probably NOT the best bet in that category! Terriers CAN be good with kids, but they tend to be nippy and are "pain aggressive", meaning when they feel pain they get aggressive. And will not stop the aggression ... the more pain they feel, the more aggressive they get. I've seen Terriers bump into a cacti, and kept attacking the cactus until the dog was covered in needles! That's why they made good vermin hunting dogs (vermin bite and burrow into rocky holes that the dog follows them into) and that's why they were also chosen as pit fighting dogs, in some cases.

I think the Non-Sporting Breeds might be your best bet, though. A lot of dogs in this group are just happy-go-lucky companion pets. Many are smaller in size, so you won't have the worry about it clobbering your glider (or your kids!). They also don't have a hunting bone in their bodies, which is good when trying to acclimate a dog to small animals that could be perceived as prey. How about a Mini Poodle or a Bichon Frise? Good amount of grooming needed, but both are VERY intelligent, happy family pets that are generally very good with kids and other animals.

Even some (I emphasize SOME) of the Toy Breeds could do very well in your situation, too. Maybe the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Maltese, or Toy Poodle? All are sweet dogs that tend to adapt well in family environments and aren't known as threatening to other pets.

Good luck with your decision!

Answer 2

that's in no way a sturdy theory to purchase from an unknown source. This animal, is quite wholesome, would be with you for 10-15 years, if no longer longer. basically via fact a breeder is identity examined and supplies a well-being assure, does not propose the dogs won't produce different genetic matters no longer considered now. additionally, as quickly as you're taking the dogs, there incredibly is not any assure via fact the breeder would say you uncovered the dogs... Ask for references and make contact with those references. If the dogs does not would desire to be shipped, then i'm assuming you're close adequate to flow flow to the centers. Meet the dogs's mom and father if in any respect attainable. different questions for the breeder contain: how long doing this? Age of the mummy? final time the mummy grew to become into bred? Vet care beforehand of you receiving the dogs? Can the breeder inform you the character features, especially of the dogs you're pondering as that exhibits that they've frolicked with the dogs... what related to the mummy and father. Does it contain papers? There are too many human beings available who're domestic dog generators for all extreme applications. they are breeding to get the $ extremely than attempting to augment the breed. They breed canines that would desire to no longer be bred! Do your homework because it incredibly is an extremely long term investment in time, money and emotion.

Answer 3

You can get a purebred puppy at any shelter or rescue in your area by searching petfinder.com and entering your zip code.

I've worked with 2 different organizations - one a labrador rescue and another a service dog organization. In both cases, we have so many families, breeders, other shelters and emails of dogs waiting to be taken into the rescue that we turn away dogs. It's a shame because we can't help them all. We try but we can only help as many as we adopt out. If they don't have a dog or pup, chances are they can find it quickly.

I suggest starting there. These organizations have experienced volunteers who will discuss your lifestyle with you and help match the dog or puppy with your family. They are very good at it! They want their pup to find a perfect home so they will spend a lot of time helping you find the PERFECT match.

There are other benefits as well. You will save a life and make room for another dog to come into that rescue. You will save money because rescue and shelter dogs are normally much less expensive than breeders and petstores. You will also get a fully vetted dog or pup. Reputable shelters and rescues give all their shots, spay and neuter and some even microchip.

Contrary to what some people think, rescues and shelters don't have messed up or behavioral problem dogs. These are BEAUTIFUL animals, some with AKC papers whose families needed to rehome them for a variety of reasons. Think about this - Allergies - shipped off to Iraq - divorce - Moving - lost a job - kids didn't help take care of the dog - death in the family, you name it. Breeders often give pups to rescues if they can't sell them quickly.

I strongly urge you to start there and see how it goes. Let a rescue volunteer help you. That was my favorite part of the job and I've helped 100's of families find the perfect match. Let them help you too.

Thanks for considering this option!

Answer 4

I would definitely do some research about the different dog breeds. I just bought a puppy and I researched it for over a month. Since you have children, first and foremost, you want a dog that is good with children. Depending on the ages of your kids, small dogs (toy breeds) can be easily hurt by younger children but do okay with older children. If you want a small dog, I would def. want one that is not a yapper. Most small breeds bark a lot and it tends to get old very easily! As far as medium, larger dogs, labs, golden retrievers are great with kids. I would recommend those two for larger dogs. As far as smaller dogs, I would go with a King Charles spaniel. They are under 20lbs, but good with children, mild mannered and loves everyone. They tend to get along well with other animals too. I have a japanese chin and love her to pieces. She is very quiet (not a yapper or big barker this breed), loves to snuggle up next to you and watch tv, and is an all around great companion. My only concern is that with younger children with this breed as well, they can be hurt easily as with all small breeds. Do some research before you get a pup. Don't get a Chihauhua, they tend to be aggressive and controlling and a one person only kind of dog.

Answer 5

A poodle is the best. Get a full size or miniature. All toy breeds are too small for children. They can be hurt easily and will be nervous around the quick movements of kids, which could lead to biting. A poodle wants to be part of the family and will love everyone in the family. Their coat needs aren't necessarily anymore than other breeds. We keep ours in what is called the poodle puppy cut. It is nothing like the fancy cuts you see on show dogs. His body hair is all cut to one length, which is pretty short for us (a #5 on set of clippers), his face, base of tail, and paws are shaved clean. He needs a 5-10 minute brushing every day or so, just like all dogs would. He needs a bath about every 6 weeks, just like all breeds. He doesn't love it, but he stands there and tolerates it. He doesn't try to escape the tub or bite or anything like that. Poodles are very placid and will put up with small children doing odd things to them. My in-laws had a mini poodle who allowed babies to chew on his ear. He didn't mind and he was very protective of the kids. Poodles are incredibly smart, so training will be very easy. Our poodle learned to sit in about 30 minutes. My husband has even taught him to find me in the house. He says "where is mommy, go get her" and he will run to wherever I am in the house. We weren't trying to train him to do that, my husband just thought it was funny to make him run over to me and after a few times the poodle started running to me no matter where I was. I don't know about the safety of the sugar glider. Our poodle would want to play with him. If you moderated the play in the beginning you should be able to easily teach the poodle how not to hurt him. If the sugar glider won't go near the dog though, it may be a recipe for trouble because EVERY dog will chase. It is just the nature of a dog to chase something that is running from them, they cannot help it. Whichever breed you decide to go with, contact your local AKC chapter. They will give you the names of registered breeders in your area. The AKC monitors all breeders and has strict guidelines so you will know that your puppy is coming from quality lines and has the best health outlook possible.

Answer 6

what breed do you like? how big is your home? are the kids good with pets?do you have time to walk and play with the dog? do you all work long hours? will there be someone to care for the dog when you are not around?will it be crate trained or left outside all day? do you have a good vet? after you have answered these questions truly,than you should look for your pup that fits your answers .good luck,i hope you get the best one for you and your family.

Answer 7

Smaller dogs are more likely to "hunt" the sugar glider, especially the terriers.
My pit bull doenst seem to care about the cats, rabbits, goats, but my rat terrier/beagle mix will never stop trying to catch them it seems

Answer 8

i think a sugar glider will be food for any dog :)
perhaps a smaller dog will be better..

i'm sure if they are trained early they can get along

my friends had a rottie with their rabbits.. they got a long fine.. he didn't kill any of them.. although he did like to chase them

Answer 9

why buy a dog? there are so many puppies and dog that need a home . go to your local shelter and see what they have .i get my first male chihuahua7yrs.age he was only 3yrs. old .he is the best-----dog i have ever had .my 2 other chihuahua were gave to me by owners that no longer wanted them

Answer 10

okay if you have a cage for the sugar glider your good any dog will do fine just keep the cage off the floor,some types og dogs that r good are,boarder collie,golden retrevier,yorkie[sometimes hyper],poodle and many other if you have any trouble with pet names go to www.bowwow.com