what breed of dog should a first-time owner adopt?

Question

Hi everyone..I'm looking to adopt my first dog. I don't know what breed of dog is best suited for my lifestyle. I live by myself in my home (with gated backyard) and work full-time. I would like a small dog (1-3 years old) that is easy to house-train, doesn't shed too much and doesn't make a lot of noise. Since there is nobody at home while I am at work, I need a dog that doesn't require constant attention. I've been trying to research dog breeds (such as the lhasa apso and shih tzu)...what do you all think? thank you very much!

Answer 1

I do recommend a Shih-Tzu... they are so much fun... they are not all that much work, for the people that say they are, I have two in the house and five outside. To potty break them easier get them as a puppy... most people won't sell them until they are eight weeks old... you have to start soon. When you are gone you can put them in a pet taxi, most of the time they will wait until you get home to potty... they love being outside and have energy to play when you get home you can play with them for a while before bed and usually they will sleep through the night. The older dogs mellow out and are usually alot quiter than the pups... overall Shih-Tzus are a go breed to go with... if you have any questions you can ask, i raise them so i might be able to help ya out a little!!!

Answer 2

I think that the best thing to do would be to go to your local shelter and find an older, mature dog that needs a good home. I would disregard size in your case and look only at personality. Small dogs are very difficult to train, and they are often yappy. By adopting, you can get an older, calmer dog that will enjoy your company and won't destroy your house. Puppies need constant attention and they have to be potty trained, crate trained, and taught to not chew on things.
It may take time to find the perfect dog at a shelter, but just keep looking, because shelters have new dogs every day. To get an idea of dogs that need homes and shelters in your area, you should check out www.petfinder.com. This is a great sight and you should be able to find something that suits your specific needs. If you are having trouble finding a dog, look into other pets, such as cats or even guinea pigs.
With guinea pigs, you don't have to worry about finding your house in ruins, you don't have to potty train them, and you can always give them floor time when you get home from work. They are also big cuddlebugs and are great company!
Good luck!

Answer 3

If you are looking for a dog and work full time you have to consider that if you are gone all day the dog is just going to sit there for 9 hours. There are services that will let your dog out to do what he does and even play with the dog. a lot of dogs can go 9 hours without peeing but some can't so be prepared. The issue of boredom is very important. If a dog is sitting at home alone all day they can get bored, anxious, and DESTRUCTIVE. The obvious remedy for the boredom/pee issue is to get a cat. One other remedy for this is getting two dogs. They can entertain each other while you are gone so they won't be as likely to get into trouble. A lot of shelters want to adopt out dogs that were taken in together as a pair. Sometimes they even offer discounts if you will take both. I think your best bet is two grown dogs. As for breed- I like mutts. They seem to be healthier and they are what you will find the most of at shelters. Here is a place to select breeds to give you an idea http://animal.discovery.com/breedselector/dogselectorindex.do

Answer 4

Check with local rescue groups, especially those with foster programs. Fostering gives a dog time to adjust to a home situation; often these dogs come housebroken and socialized. The foster parent can also give you insights into the dog's personality that a regular shelter situation may not be able to provide.

The AKC website has a directory you may want to breeze through: http://www.akc.org/breeds/breeds_a.cfm

Answer 5

Small dogs are the hardest dogs to housetrain, and the noisiest. They also require the most attention. I think maybe you should consider not getting a small dog, because it does not fit any of your other requirements. Larger dogs are quieter, calmer, more independent, and easier to housebreak. Toy breeds were bred as companions- it's in their very nature to want to be with people all the time.

I would look for a nice lab or shepherd mix at your local shelter.

Answer 6

Poodles are great. They don't shed at all but do need haircuts every few months. I had a mini poodle for a long time and she was very quiet and gentle. I had my own hair clippers to do her hair so it didn't cost me much. They're also great with kids if you ever plan on having some. She did get bored sometimes and would get into my garbage. Then someone told me to leave the radio on while I was at work to entertain her. It worked. She left my garbage alone after that. Good luck.

Answer 7

I can't tell you what breed would be best, but I can tell you to avoid Yorkie's. We have a 1.5 year old Yorkie who demands constant attention and is very clingy. He doesn't shed or bark, but he refuses to be housebroken, even with crate training. This is just not a breed for working people.

Answer 8

All breeds require attention.

You can't ever go wrong with a chuawawa or beagle.

Answer 9

I suggest you get a pom they are the most lovable patient little dogs. I have a pom he is 11 years old and I work full time he waits patiently for me to get home. he is very smart and you do not have to worry about him while you are at work.easy to potty train and you dont have to worry about your shoes or furniture getting chewed on.

Answer 10

JUST BECAUSE THEY ARE SMALLER DOES NOT MEAN THEY ARE LOWER MAINTENANCE!!!!I LEARNED THIS FROM EXPERIENCE!GET A MEDIUM SIZED DOG AND RESCUE IT! THEY HAVE SUCH AN APPRECIATION TO YOU THAT A REGISTERED DOG JUST DOESN'T HAVE!
I ALSO LEARNED FROM EXPERIENCE. I HAVE ONE DOG THAT IS REGISTERED AND I WANT TO KILL HER MOST OF THE TIME.THEN I HAVE A STRAY THAT I RESCUED AND SHE IS SO LOW MAINTENANCE AND SO SWEET!AND SHE IS A MEDIUM SIZE DOG 30-40 LBS.
THEN I HAVE A CHIHUAHUA MIX AND IT TOOK ME ONE SOLID YEAR TO HOUSE TRAIN HIM. TAKE IT FROM ME ,MEDIUM SIZED AND RESCUED, IS THE BEST WAY TO GO!