What type of dog should I get?

Question

It would have to stay outside, but we'd probably get two, so do know any breeds of dogs that get on well together? Also what age should you get them?
Please answer!
Thanks!

Answer 1

I grew up with outside dogs and they were all fine. I also currently have 4 outside dogs and one inside dog. But i live in mid west, western australia where it doesnt get below 16' c. For outside dogs i would suggest medium to large size dogs and max and min temps would dictate the coat or breed i would get. Kennels are also a must, plus a shady spot in the backyard is too. Get puppies, preferably from the same litter. Getting puppies is easier because then you can see the parents and you can see how they interact with each other. Try some sort of hound x eg ridgeback, pointer, retriever. Make sure that it is a low energy breed tho or you will end up with a destroyed yard as they play. Check out www.dogbreedinfo.com and click on the 'find the perfect pet' heading at the top of the page and it will give you a list of situations to choose from.

Answer 2

If you have a lot of space and want a big dog i would suggest two border collies or labs. They do need a lot of exercise but if you have room outside they can entertain each other.

If you don't have a lot of space and want something small i suggest two foxies or other small cross breeds. They are very active and will keep each other amused. They do tend to escape a lot tho.

Dogs i wouldn't recommend are smaller " posher" dogs like king Charles or inactive dogs that just like to lounge around the house. They will hate the outside conditions

I also recommend buying the dogs together, that way this will bond together and become comfortable in there new environment without the new dog feeling uncomfortable or intimidated.

Answer 3

I agree with what everyone has posted. It really is bad to leave a dog outside 24/7. One, they want human interaction and if they are outside unless you spend every waking time at home outside with them, they are isolated. Two, dogs can become very unsocialized and agressive if they are outside. This can lead to a dangerous situation no matter what the breed.

Also, to the person that posted about using a pitt bull outside as a guard dog, that completly ticks me off!! This is why this breed is the #1 breed euthanized at shelters... people like you putting them outside where they become extremely agressive, then they get turned into a shelter and they are forced to kill it because of people's neglect. Pitt Bull's can be the sweetest dogs in the world but putting them outside can only lead to a very very dangerous situation when they are undersocialized.

Answer 4

Don't get dogs. Really, please don't.

A dog needs to be part of your life. It also needs a great deal of training, and depending what kind you get, possibly a lot of grooming too. You have already said you are not willing to have them in the house. I have seen this happen all too often - you get it in the summer and you think you'll spend lots of time outside with him but that soon wears off, 6 months down the track you have a dog that is miserable, barks all the time and is so uncivilised you can't have it indoors or take it anywhere even if you wanted to.

I am not criticising you, there are many different ways to live and I can sympathise with you wanting to keep your house nice, but please take this on board - a dog just doesn't fit into that life.

Answer 5

Then why get a dog at all? Dogs are all pack animals, they are happiest when able to be around the family, especially their pack leader (aka YOU). That seems so cruel to me. Would YOU want to be seperated from your family? Dogs are no different... isolating a dog (or even two) will probably cause the dog to have anxiety and agression. If you can't have the dog in the house, it's best not to get a dog. If you go to a reputable breeder or adoption agency, they will tell you likewise.

Answer 6

First, know that any dog is going to require care, patience and time. Unless you're ready now, you may need to wait until you can give an abundance of all three. Some of your best outside dogs are Beagles. They are loving, happy, play easily together, they adapt well to cold environments as well as hot, and they eat almost anything. Although they are weather adaptable, I'd recommend building or getting them a dog house.

Answer 7

Even if pairs, dogs do not adjust well to being kept outside only. Many dogs who are forced into being kept outside develop behavior problems and have the tendancy towards getting aggressive (including biting). Dogs are pack animals, and people are part of their pack. They do not like to be separated from their pack.

If its a matter of allergies (from shedding) there are plenty of hypoallergenic dogs out there of varying sizes. Look at http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/lightshedders.htm to see a list of them.

But really, do not get a dog, or dogs, if you just plan on keeping them outside. Unless you're an experienced dog owner, this is a really bad idea.

Answer 8

I bought a lab/german shep. last week. She doesn't have too much hair. My other two dogs have more hair and they still get cold when they are made to stay outside. My older dogs are aussies. So, you know how that is in the wintertime. They always are in the house. I noticed the lab.shep. was shivering when she went outside to pee. I assumed that was from lack of hair. Because she quit when I wrapped her in a blanket. Aussies are good dogs but be ready to train if you get them and they are very protective of their owners. Labs are more playfuls and fun. I cannot take my aussies anywhere and they are trained because they are so protective of me.

Answer 9

Get a Border Collie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have 2 dogs and 1 Is a border collie. you need to treat it with high maintenance so get1 bc take it for a walk every day and feed it food that isn't greasy it's a Frisbee dog so if you want train it to catch a Frisbee you throw the Frisbee and before you do let it get used to the Frisbee there's more you can look up play with it at least 3 times a day and don't keep them outside all the time!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He'll get lonely!!!!!!!

Answer 10

I don't know about the dogs getting on, but you could get two of the same breed or you could get two breeds that play the same.
to help you choose try this:
http://www.mypetstop.co.uk/mpsonline/Select_a_Dog.asp