What is the best dog to have overall?

Question

does not matter on size, breed, style, or any other circumstances.

I am thinking Golden Retriever.

please name the kind of dog you think is best to own and why.

thank you for your response.

Answer 1

The best dog is a very subjective thing - it depends entirely upon what you are looking for in a dog.

Some people want an active and playful dog, some want a dog who'll be calm in the house, some want a quiet dog, some want a dog that will bark, some a friendly dog, some a protective dog, and so on. Some people's ideal dog is a yappy mini Schnauzer who needs regular professional grooming, both of which would drive me nuts.

For me the absolute most important thing in a dog is its personality, and while most dogs of the same breed tend to share general similarities, personality can still vary greatly within different dogs of the same breed. There are possessive, territorial Goldens and there are laid-back, friendly German Shepherds. Of course, how you raise the dog will also help to shape its adult personality. Careful socialization can help prevent problems, and not bothering to socialize or socializing improperly can cause serious problems even in a dog born with a stable personality. Taking your dog to a good puppy class is very important (look for a class that uses clickers or positive training & avoid classes that use choke collars & punishment or 'corrections').

Goldens have a reputation for being great family dogs, but to get a good one you'll still need to choose carefully, buy only from a responsible breeder, meet the mother dog, and see both parents' hip & eye certification.

Breeder selection and how it affects your dog's behavior: http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&A=1764&S=1&SourceID=47

Personally, I wouldn't want a Golden Retriever because they require so much grooming and shed so much, and because they've been irresponsibly bred because of their popularity, which has resulted in hip dysplasia, skin problems, cancer and eye disease becoming extremely common in the breed.

My ideal dog is a mixed breed from the shelter. Choosing a young adult mixed breed allowed me to see how big she would get, and get a general idea of her adult personality and appearance. I chose my dog based on her personality (playful, intelligent, friendly, gentle, doesn't bark much) and her size (medium-large) and haircoat (short-med and easy-care). I believe that she is most likely a Lab/German Shepherd/Border Collie mix.

If you're interested, here's an article on adopting a shelter dog: http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&A=1405&S=1&SourceID=47

Here's a 'dog breed selector' tool to help you decide which dog breeds may have the characteristics you're looking for. http://animal.discovery.com/breedselector/dogselectorindex.do

Whatever your decision, good luck with it!

Answer 2

We have had our Boston Terrier for about 9 years.
He is so good- only barks when someone is at the door, waits at the door when he needs to go outside, trained to sit/stay/go away/"sit pretty"/shake, etc. Bostons are very smart and very in tune to one's tone of voice. They are very trainable because of their intelligence.
Ours knows when it's time for a bath (which he hates so he starts shaking and tries to hide or curl up in a ball somewhere-even just in mentioning the word bath to him) and the nail clippers (which he also has the same response to). He also knows the word "kennel" and runs to his kennel when we say it. (Now that he's older, he generally knows when we're leaving and goes to his kennel when we have our shoes on and turn off the lights.)
They don't need a big yard or long walks and just love to be with you all the time!

I think this breed is prone to some health problems (ours was recently diagnosed with a heart murmur), but they are so friendly, sweet and loving!
I would highly recommend a Boston Terrier to anyone!

Answer 3

have you ever heard about Korea Jindo dog? It's from small Island in Korea. They usually devote only their owner. Indeed, there are many news about they saved person. they have special homecoming instinct. someone who has experience of breed them can not breed another kind of dog. I have bred golden ritriver. she was very smart and friendlly. however, she is always close with other strange person. sometimes I felt she likes them more than me. It's only defect of GR

Answer 4

Golden retriever would be great in fact most gun dogs are but i would say a Labrador they are fun, energetic and permanently happy dogs the only drawback is they need lots of exercise.
If size really doesnt matter how about a Newfoundland? they are one of the gentlest dogs u can get, instinctive lifesavers so bred to look after humans, great with kids and great fun but arent quite so energetic but they need lots of grooming!!
Neither are great guard dogs, more likely to lick a burglar than anything else but their size is enough to make people think twice!
I can think of loads but they would be my top ones! depends what kind of dog would suit u tho!!

Answer 5

Yellow labs. They take a while to train, but you get such a loyal, loving dog in return. They are also beautiful and will love and protect you. They make great car-companions and are excellent hunting dogs.
Also, it takes awhile to find the right dog in this breed, but if you can Miniature schnauzers are so loving and get along with everyone and every dog. They are so friendly!

Answer 6

I think labradors are awesome dogs. They are loyal and love you the way you love them. Golden retreivers are good too but they shed a lot. its up to you. -good luck

Answer 7

We have a chocolate lab and a 3 year old boy. They go so well together it's like our dog is our personal "watch over our son and protect him" dog. He is very smart and easy to train. He listens and obeys pretty much everything we say. Our son steps on him, rides him, lays on him, pulls him around, I mean everything, but our dog puts up with it and has never growled or done anything wrong to anyone. He is one of the best dogs ever.

Answer 8

Golder Retriever is good, they are not violent and are affectionate.

Depends on your needs. We needed dogs on our farmette that were large and scary looking enough to discourage crooks from coming up the driveway and trying to rob our house *again*, but would not hurt kids that climbed over the fence, and would not hurt livestock or cats. Only one breed met all those criteria.

Answer 9

Well i mean it really depends do you want a big dog or a small dog. a golden Retreiver is a great dog especailly for kids, but they shed A LOT! for a small dog a shitzu. but they are like $500-+.

Answer 10

i believe german shepherds are the best dogs to have they are smart capable of learning a wide range of commands they have a natural guarding ability they do get wary and agressive towards strangers around the age of 4-5 months so if you want them to be friendly you have to correct this behavoir as so as you see it. they are fun to have and are very in tune with your emotions and are eager to please. they also learn very quickly i taught my dog something new every two days