What dog breed would be the best for me?

Question

I already have 2 female cats aged 3 years and 11 months, I also have a 2 year old female Dalmatian and I want another dog. I would rather rescue a dog (from a breed rescue, not SPCA) then buy a puppy from a breeder. This is what I want in my dog:

♥ Must be friendly to people and children
♥ Must be an active dog, able to catch up with a Dalmatian
♥ Not too much grooming, one brush per day
♥ Doesn't cost more then $500
♥ Good with cats/other animals
♥ Medium sized
♥ Not too difficult to house break
♥ Not too many genetic health problems

I was considering an English Springer Spaniel or Pug but decided that a Pug wouldn't be best for me as they are very expensive, also due to the amount of health problems.

Please suggest some breeds so I can look into it! Thanks!

♥ PS. No:

x Chihuahua
x Yorkie
x Maltese
x Cross breeds/designer breeds
x Poodle mix
x Labrador Retriever
x Golden Retriever

♥ Also, has anybody had any experience with a Springer Spaniel? If so, what was the ease of training and how much grooming do they need? Do they need professional grooming?

♥ I would have already purchased a Boxer from a breeder but decided not to as...;

x1) They have too many health problems
x2) They are too expensive to buy from a breeder

♥ The only two breeds that I have thought about rescuing were the Beagle and the ESS.

Staffy...cute dogs. How strong/powerful are they? I won't be able to handle a strong dog so I need to know how powerful they can be.

Answer 1

I recommend a Springer 100%!

It’s actually very funny, because as I was reading, I thought, “A Springer would be perfect…” and then I came to, “I was considering an English Springer Spaniel” and laughed out loud!

I had a Springer for 13 years, and I can’t say enough good things about the breed!

They are smart and very eager to please, so training was very easy for me. Housebreaking was just as simple (she almost figured it out all on her own).

They are just the most loving dogs you could ever want. Their greatest joy in life is just being near you. They are playful and active, able to keep up with the best of them. They are cheerful and bright and it seems like a Springer’s tail never stops wagging.

We got this dog when my sister was only 2, and I was 7 years old, and she lived for 13 years. She was always friendly to all of our friends, regardless of age. She barked when people came to our door, but was never aggressive. It was all show.

We had ours professionally groomed 2-3 times a year. It isn’t strictly necessary, but a Springer’s grooming needs are certainly more than a Dalmatian’s. If you get one from field lines (as I did), rather than show, their fur will be much shorter and easier to keep up with. One brush a day is more than enough! Their ears also tend to get a bit matted, but it isn’t anything that should prevent you from choosing such a wonderful breed. They are truly special.

The one thing I might have changed about her was her separation anxiety, which is common in Springers. They become so incredibly attached and devoted to you that it really troubles them when you are away. Still, every breed has problems, and this one was rather minor in the big scheme of things.

Feel free to contact me for any more info.

Answer 2

I went onto SelectSmart.com and entered in what you said, your results were a Brittney Spaniel. Which are very nice dogs, then I got onto yourpurebredpuppy.com and clicked on Brittney Spaniel, here is what I found.
Good things:
* Is medium-sized and athletic, agile and light on his feet
* Has a pretty feathered coat
* Loves vigorous exercise and athletic activities in the great outdoors
* Is good with strangers
* Is peaceful with other animals
* Is willing to please and excels in a variety of competitive canine activities

Not so good things:
* Hyperactivity when not given enough exercise
* "Separation anxiety" (destructiveness and barking) when left alone too much
* An inquisitive sniffing machine who will follow his nose right out of sight
* Fearfulness toward people when not socialized enough
* Regular brushing, combing, and trimming
* Shedding
* Excitable or submissive urination (tendency to dribble urine when excited or nervous)
* Persistent whining when excited or stressed

But I know lots of people that have Brittneys and none seem to have any problems. Good luck finding the prefect dog!

Answer 3

How about an American Pit Bull terrier? Or a staffy? Seriously active dogs, they need minimal grooming and if socialized well should do fine with cats and another dog. APBT's and Staffys, LOVE pple. It is not in their nature at all to show human aggression. Good luck and I hope you find just the right dog for you! Kudos on doing the responsible thing and rescueing a dog. He/she will be forever greatful to you for providing them with a loving home and great care!

Answer 4

SPRINGER! They will run circles around a dalmation. But they are very needy and territorial, you must greet guests with the dog present. If my springer is sleeping and I let someone in the house he may wake up and be startled by the new person and attack. They are very good watch dogs and loving pets but as with any dog you must personally learn what makes them tick

Answer 5

I have a 2 yr old Black Lab and she is wonderful around other people and children of all ages. Labs by nature are smart, lots of engery, enthuiasic, well manner and patience. They are always eager to learn knew things. They are used for search and rescue, drug dogs, bomb dogs, special need asst. and hunting water fowl. There are many Lab rescue centers around the country.

Answer 6

I was around a springer spaniels quite a bit once, very fine dogs. Good with my kids who were young then. Good little yard guarder too, let us know when someone came around but not too agressive. I'ld say a mid size dog.

Answer 7

Try this site: http://www.akc.org/breeds/rescue.cfm they have most dogs that you can adopt/rescue. Also go to their main website http://www.akc.org/index.cfm?nav_area=homepage so you can check out different breeds and get some info ideas on what dog would be best for you.

Answer 8

Go to www.petfinders.com You can search for pets via. shelter location, breed, size and it tells you if they are good with other dogs, cats kids etc.

Answer 9

Get a Boxer. Boxers are the best dogs.

Answer 10

what about a collie they are lot of fun and you are asking a lot out of a dog
hope you find the breed you are looking for