Which breed of dog?

Question

What breed of dog would be best to live with a family, no very young children, big garden, plenty of space etc. The only thing is it would be on its own for about 5 hours a day during the week. Would it be cruel to keep a dog alone for that long every day? It would have constant attention and stimulation for the rest of the day and at weekends. What breed would you recommend? Thanks

Answer 1

5 hours is just at the upper limit. That shouldn't be a problem.

I'd be hesitant to say a toy breed, simply because they are SO prone to separation anxiety. However, you may find an adult Shih Tzu or Lhasa that's fine for that long.

What kind of a dog do you want? Basically, the sky is the limit. Of course, if you live in Tucson, a Husky may not be a great choice. Or, if your kids aren't incredibly animal savvy, a sighthound or 'free spirit would probably be bad too - they run after things and will not stop until they are satisfied that the chase is over. A simple open gate or door not closed right can lead to heartbreak. If you are a neat freak, then a high shedding dog (Boxer, Dalmation, Lab, Retriever, etc) would not work. If you aren't into slobber, then a wet mouthed breed wouldn't work. If you are a light sleeper, then a squished nose breed, like a Bulldog, pug, Frenchie, Boston Terrier, wouldn't work

Personally, since it seems like you really want to be a good parent and you are really concerned about the dog, I'd recommend finding a mixed breed at a shelter. http://www.petfinder.com lists all types of breeds and ages. Mixed breed puppies come up fairly frequently and purebreds of all ages are fairly common.

The next best thing is to watch a dog show - they are constantly on Animal Planet and USA and write down maybe 10 breeds that appeals to you. From there, visit http://www.akc.org and go to the "breed" area. On the left will be a link to the breed flyer, breed club, and breed rescue group. Click on each one and learn as much about the breed as possible. Breed rescues are a great way to give a purebred dog a home. We got our girl at 7 months old from breed rescue. She was spayed, UTD on vaccinations, partially trained, and full of love. The best $200 we've ever spent.

On any dog, be sure to use a good breeder http://dogplay.com/GettingDog/index.html should you go that route, and do LOTS of homework. Homework will ensure that you don't accidentally get a dog that doesn't suit your lifestyle (Like a Bulldog as a running mate or a Jack Russell for couch potatoes).

Good luck in your search!

Answer 2

If it's just gonna be 5 hours every day then i believe any kind of medium to large dog will do. Toy dogs are sensitive and may need a lot of attention and extensive grooming. Since you have a big garden, the size of the dog wouldn't be a problem for you guys. You can try to choose from these medium size dogs: collie, cocker spaniel, dalmatian, poodle, daschund or larger dogs if you like huggable ones like: st. bernard (but this demands lotsa food), great dane, labrador, german shepherd, and akita.

hmmmn but based from all your infos above, i think a collie would be the perfect breed for your family...it's playful, and yet it can be left alone for several hours without really "getting depressed"... hope this helps...My dad's a veterinarian that's why i get to know a lot of breeds...each breed has their own personality...

Answer 3

I have an Australian shepherd and also have very similar conditions at my house. They are extremely well behaved dogs and are also quite smart. The good thing about Aussies is that they are quite calm indoors (although they do like to play, they aren't going to ruin anything or be annoying) and really active outdoors so they are easy to take care of. They need a lot of exercise and are very gentle with children and other animals. My dog also didn't teeth too much so that was good. We leave our dog home alone without a cage even and she is just fine. Here's a page on Aussies http://animal.discovery.com/breedselector/dogprofile.do?id=1020 . I definitely suggest getting one!

Answer 4

A shelter dog. 5 hours a day is no big deal - try www.petfinder.org for choices near your house. Older dogs are a good choice as they are most likely house trained already & have grown out of all the bad puppy habits

Good Luck!

Kim

Answer 5

You didn't mention size or grooming requirements.

It's not cruel to keep a dog alone for that amount but it may have separation anxiety....and you may want to get it a friend.

I'd also recommend an adult rescue, they may be more accustomed to owner absence and they really are the greatest.

Answer 6

Well, since you'll be leaving it alone for some time, you wouldn't want a small dog. They could get stuck in some places, and you wouldn't be there to get them out!

I'd recommend the good ol' Golden Retriever. Very gentle, very loyal. Real cute too :)

if you think they're a bit hairy (lol, you can always shave their hairs off..) you could check out the Labrador Retrievers. :)

Answer 7

I would look into sporting breeds. Spaniels especially are awesome family dogs, loving and playful, and they would really appreciate all that room to run.

They just love to be with you, but 5 hours should be fine as long as they get plenty of love and time when you ARE home.

Answer 8

English pointer..great hunting dog, loyal, friendly and loves to run. They are prone to isolation/separation anxiety so 5 hrs per day is okay for them. Mine stay at home alone for 11, that's about their maximum.

www.akc.org
-great website - american kennel club

Answer 9

all breeds would be fine left at home, in a crate for 5 hours,, give us more info,,, do you like to walk in the woods, do you like to take dog swimming,, would you be interested in doing agililty with your dog, would you like a dog that likes to play fetch?? how much would you care to groom your dog?? give us more info

Answer 10

Check out http://www.selectsmart.com/DOG/ !!