What is the best dog for me?

Question

I live i a semi-detatched house with a garden, I work full time but someone is available to pop round during the day. I have a cat and no children.

Answer 1

a puddle

Answer 2

My first recommendation would be to check out the American Kennel Club's website since they have great descriptions of all the various dog breeds. Find a couple that would fit into your lifestyle (active/ nonactive, x-large/large/medium/small, upkeep - high/low, etc). Then check out petfinders for similar breeds or breed mixes that are available for adoption in your area. The great thing about petfinders is that they list if the dog has problems (ie medical conditions, small children, cats, other dogs). This way you will know if it can deal with your cat without killing it. It's a great site I have adopted several of my dogs from the shelters that use it. Unless you are planning on showing your dog or breeding you don't really need a purebred (although there are a few purebred shelters that use it as well) and usually the adoption fees are less then what you would pay in a pet store for a puppy. Can also search by age so if you want a slightly older(juvenile) dog that is already housebroken helps a lot.

Answer 3

Not all Jack Russells are out to get cats. I have one and he gets on fine with our 2 cats.

Some dogs like cats some don't. Most dogs raised from puppies can be taught to like most things!!

I think you have to consider if you're looking for small, medium or large, do you want short haired or longer than will require grooming. Do you want a dog that will require exercise when you get home or one that will be a couch potato with you.

Once you've decided if the size, coat type and energy level it will be easier to choose a breed type. The pedigree website actually has a quiz you can do where you answer similar questions to what I just put and it comes up with the 10 best breeds for you. You might try that it's fun!

Answer 4

If you work full time then maybe you should wait till you have some vacation time before getting a dog. That way you could be home to spend some time with the dog before its left on its own all day. Would get used to you as its new person and also could get used to being crated or outside. Try to get a dog that doesn't need alot of exercise. Personally I think getting a dog while working full-time with no other family members home is not the best idea. Just my own opinion from past exerience. Dog owner all my life of many breeds.

Answer 5

A good website (I've forgotten the name - sorry!) I came across had a quiz which you filled in details of what size dog you wanted, how often did you wish to take it for a walk, good with kids ect... then the quiz works out specific breeds which would be suitable.

Try www.dogbreedinfo.com

I'm not a dog owner - I too have a cat, but I would most likely choose a breed doing this quiz as a good starting point.

Answer 6

The best dog, which requires little maintenance is the Welsh Pembroke Corgi, known as the Queens dog. The are very intelligent,require a good workout for about 3o min. everyday,brushing twice a week. I have 2 of these dogs and love them dearly. I have raised other dogs,German Shepards,Japanese Akitas,Keeshonds,Pugs,but I have come to find the corgi as extra special. They are also little protectors,they are considered medium in sz & weigh about 25lbs for a female, alittle more for a male. They are a Herding dog. If you go to the American Kennel Club.org you can search all the dogs you are interested in.

Answer 7

You dont want to get anything that is going to chew your house to bits, speaking from experience i will tell you this, we asked the same question when getting our first dog, we have kids and wanted a dog that would be good around them, a beagle was suggested to us several times so off we went and got one, he was beautiful, but a sodding pain! he chewed anything! inc the bumper on my neigbours car, the fuel pipe under my car, shoes telephone wires the list is endless, my friend has taken him as we just could not cope! we now have a belgium sheperd, a jack russell and a doberman, all female, we also have 4 cats, they all get along well, i would recommend a female doberman to anyone, she is wonderful with the kids and cats has never shown any aggresion and is quite happy to sit in frount of the radiator all day, our friends have a female doberman as well and theirs is exactly the same, well thats my experience, if you are undecided on a breed then get a book from the pet shop about them and read up on them before you get one.

Answer 8

The RSPCA recommended a Lurcher coz I work long hours - I ignored that and bought a collieXLab - she loves being with us , and even loves her own down time when we are at work. They are really energetic and love go on long walks. Having a cat will be awkward at first - but once the dog gets over the inital "Hi - What the hell are you?" stage and learns who's boss it should be fine.
Try to get a dog thats a little older (6/7 mths) - puppies need alot of attention and need to be trained so its not ideal for someone who works all day.

Answer 9

Ok.....do not get a Dalmation.I had one and they are nuts and need endless excercise. A jack Russell is fairly maintanance free and will happily sleep in the chair all day and wait for you to come home. he will also be incredibly loyal and hardy enough to stay outside in your garden all day if you so wish. this may sound silly but the dog that needs the least excercise in the world and can definately live outside is a German Sheppard...this dog would also look after you!

Answer 10

Well, seing as you have a cat, deffinately not a jack russel, or simliar dog, i had one round for 5 mins as i was going to buy one as a pup, it ran after my cat and nearly killed it! i would suggest something larger, and less hyper, what about an old english sheep dog, mmmm, you might get a few hairs about the place, no actually go for a golden labrador! in my opinion

Answer 11

A small, lazy dog is good. :) We have a long-haired chihuahua that loves to lay around all day. He's great and we can leave puppy pads on the floor to catch any accidents when we're at work. :) Try going to your local animal shelter and getting a dog that's 2 or 3 years old. That way, you don't have to worry about the "puppy phase"! :) Good luck!