My dad says im gonna get a dog in about a year..waht kind of dog would be good?

Question

He said it had to be a medium,or small and it couldnt have much hair.

i was thinking a Yorkie? any other ideas?

Answer 1

You need to evaluate your life style to find the breed/mixed breed that would be a good fit. Things like, how much time you have to exercise and play (and groom if necessary), the size of your yard, your energy level etc. It good that you know what size you are looking for- you can start there. Just hope on the AKC website and research breeds by size first, and work your way thru until you are down to a couple that would make the final cut. They try to meet some dogs/breeders who make this "cut" to help with your final decision. Good Luck!

Answer 2

If by "couldn't have much hair" you mean that it has to be low-maintenance, then a Yorkie isn't the dog for you. A full show coat takes hours of grooming, and even if they have a clipped coat (most common in pet Yorkies), they still need daily brushing and combing, to prevent tangles and mats.

However, if you meant that they can't shed a lot, a Yorkie may be your perfect companion. They shed little to no hair, especially if they're brushed a lot.

Now, some things to remember about the Yorkie:
-Yorkies are highly curious, energetic, and brave. Not always a good combination.
-Very affectionate with its family, but usually very suspicous (sometimes to the point of being agressive) with strangers, other dogs, and small animals.
-Very demanding, and they need a lot of human attention. They aren't a great dog for a family with parents that work 9-5 and kids in school.
-They typically aren't good with small children (10 and under).
-They can be difficult to housebreak.
-They like to bark, but can be easily trained not to do so.
-They are SMALL - average weight for a Yorkie is about 7 pounds.
-They are prone to bronchitis and tooth decay (earlier then most breeds). Many have sensitive stomachs, and most have a low tolerance for anesthesia.
-They are long-lived. Average for a yorkie is about 12-15 years.
-They are ACTIVE. Like bouncing-off-the-walls, run-till-you're-dizzy active.

Now, for some people, the yorkie is the perfect dog. But for others, it's pure disaster. Unfortunately, many people don't look beyond the cut, cuddly look. For example, I love the look of a Bernese Mountain Dog. However, a Bernese would not do well in my lifestyle or environment. That's the reason I don't have one.

So please, make an informed decision before you get the dog. Talk to breeders, the Humane Society, trainers, animal behaviorists, anyone that's willing to help you choose the perfect dog.

Cheers,

Rosefern

Answer 3

There are so many different types of dogs out there. You really should research them by breeds that most interest you. Every breed requires different things. You have to take into consideration where you live. If you're in an apartment, you'll need to find one that works well in that environment. Some dogs are very hyper and energetic and require more play and exercise than others. You need to evaluate the amount of time you think you'll have to spend with the dog to know whether you can handle a hyper dog or need a more mellow dog. Give great thought about it and research the breeds. It sounds like you are trying to do just that since your dad says it will be a year before you can get one. Good luck in your search.

Answer 4

Research! Research! Research! Find out all you can about the various breeds, find one that fits your lifestyle and prepare yourself to properly care for the animal. A new puppy can be very time consuming to train but you have to be willing to make the commitment to do it. A dog is a long-time companion so get one that you genuinely will enjoy spending time with. Learn about the types of medical problems you may encounter later and if you're not prepared to bear the expense, find another breed. A mutt from the local pound makes a wonderful addition to any family....look there first. Both of my dogs are rescued dogs and have been by far the most devoted and loving of any animals I have ever had. Good luck.

Answer 5

I have a BUNCH of dogs. Two are pure bred. Four are mutts. I've raised some since puppy-hood, and some were adult rescues. My advice is: get a puppy. You can train it to behave the way you want from day one. While rescuing a dog is VERY rewarding, they come with a LOT of baggage. One of mine was neglected and abused, and five years later she is still a challenge. The benefit of a pure bred is that you know what you'll be getting (IE: appearance, temperament, etc). You can take quizzes on-line that will recommend breeds to you. My results: a Welsh Corgi and Shetland Sheepdog. (I have them both, and they are great, smart and fun pooches) Iams and AOL have breed quizzes (plus a host of other sites). Find a few that interest you and do your HOMEWORK!! (check out the AKC website!) Don't just pick a breed because it's cute or trendy; pick one that you will be able to care for and matches your lifestyle. Good luck to you!!

Answer 6

When it comes time for you to get a dog, visit the local pound, rescue shelter etc. and find a good mixed breed in need of a good home. Beagles are annoying as hell with their bark...rat terriers are so freakin hyper (my aunt breeds them) they'll drive you insane, yorkies have longer hair requiring brushing, but I don't think they actually shed all that much (but they're still little yippy yappy things).

Answer 7

I would have to say get a Dachshund or a Beagle. I own a beagle and he is a great dog except for he is a little bit noisy. My dad has two Dachshunds and they are probably the best dogs I know.

Answer 8

A Yorkie would be a good dog but i have a basset hound and she is a great dog a dachshund would also be a great dog to have but that is just my opinion.

Answer 9

Get a silky terrier. They are related to the Yorkie so they look a lot like them but they are much cuter. Also they don't shed and they don't yap all the time either like Yorkies do.

Answer 10

Get whatever your local shelter has available a year from now (And a Yorkie is about the farthest you can get from not having much hair!).