What breed of dog would be best for me?

Question

I would like a large-medium sized breed (NO small dogs), willing to walk twice per day for 40-60 minutes each time, playful, excellent with children (aged 9+ is a must), good with cats (I own 2), easy to housebreak, smart and fast learner, NO LONG HAIRED BREEDS, doesn't need professional grooming more than once per year, protective is nice but I want a friendly dog and it doesn't matter whether he will protect me.

Don't be typical by suggesting Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd. I also don't want any Terriers. I have considered adopting but I want to experience the bond with a puppy. I want a purebred dog, no cross breeds.

Preferably no more than $750.

And no Boxer, Staffy, Beagle or rare/expensive breeds.

Answer 1

I think a German Shorthaired Pointer might just fit the mold.
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/germanshorthairedpointer.htm
The German Shorthaired Pointer is very energetic, smart and willing to please. Cheerful and friendly, he likes children. Loyal and protective, he loves all family members equally, especially if they are carrying the leash, car key, gun or Frisbee. They are very people-oriented, and not happy if isolated from the family. If exercised sufficiently once or twice a day, the German Shorthaired Pointer makes a very agreeable family companion.
If you live in USA or Canada, you might just find the right one here> http://search.petfinder.com/search/search.cgi?tmpl=1&exact=1&breed=German+Shorthaired+Pointer&animal=Dog&age=Young&preview=1

Answer 2

First things first, if you want a pure breed dog you have got to be willing to pay more than $750 through a registered breeder. Don't be fooled into buying from a backyard breeder just because they are cheaper. You don't know their history and could be up for thousands of dollars in vet bills later down the track. Registered breeders are the only way to go especially when buying a larger breed dog. I am a vet nurse and the amount of bone/hip & shoulder problems that the larger breeds get is unbelievable. Make sure you get a pup that has had full vet checks and hip scoring to know your not up for arthroplasty surgery in the future ($2000 surgery there for 1 hip). Ok now that I have got that out the way, I have found bullmastiffs are fantastic family dogs for people of any age. They grow to be anything from 40-70kg depending on the size of the parents etc. If trained from an early age they can be very smart dogs, even though they always have that very "dopey" attitute where they would just like to lie around and do nothing. They are short hair and don't require much work in that area. They look "tough" but are the type of dog that has to use his looks to scare off people as his normal behaviour would be to hold to torch for a burgular. I have 2 Rottweiler at the moment and although I wouldn't change them for the world now. If I had my chance again I would be getting a Bullmastiff. (They don't drool as much as they have been made out to either) You have also got to make sure you feed them the right diet for a large breed puppy. This food is lower in calcium than other food to help slow down the growing rate, because thats where other bone problems can come from when they grow too fast for their muscles to keep up and support the extra weight. I hope this is of some help and good luck!!

Answer 3

How about a pointer or english spaniel (I have wonderful girl mix of the two and she is the Best!!! Loving, smart etc all the things yoou said)Both Awesome Breeds
I LOVE my hounds--- 7 year old Bluetick Coonhound
10 year old Treeing Walker Coonhound
They are GREAT!!! super smart, loyal, caring, adoring, super with kids and other pets (I have 7 cats too so!!?) Only hound trouble is the "baying" some people can't handle it, and they love to smell everything and anything.

Mastiffs can be the biggest mushypots out there, and some females are smaller then ex-large say around 90-100lbs.

How about an American Bulldog, again Wonderful dogs super smart etc. but need a "firm hand" and good training, but after that WOW!!

How about greyhounds? *I have heard that you can get wonderful ones through rescue "because they are too old at like 2 years old"
Well thats all I can think of off hand.
Hope this might help you in your search...good luck

Answer 4

I think a Giant Schnauzer or a Dalmatian would suit you.

Dalmatian

I am the previous owner and future owner of a beautiful Dalmatian. They are medium in size and need a LOT of exercise to stay happy and healthy. They need at minimum 60 minutes x2 times per day, on and off lead. They are very playful and are great with children. It's important to buy one from a reputable breeder who has no line of aggression, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia or deafness as they are a few inherited problems with the Dal. Great with cats but do need socialization with other dogs. They are easy to housebreak. It took us 2 weeks to fully housebreak our Dal. It's so much easier housebreaking a medium-large sized dog rather than a small dog like a Maltese or Chihuahua. They are very smart, loyal, protective and are quick to learn. They need a lot of patience when training as SOME can be a bit slow. They do not need much grooming but they do shed a lot. They need a brush through only once per week and do not need professional grooming at all. They don't need to be bathed more than 2 times per year at most. I'm in Australia and the female Dal puppy that I have been placed on a waiting list for costs $700 AUD, around $500 USD.

Giant Schnauzer

They are faily big dogs. They need a LOT of exercise! They aren't happy with 30 minutes per day. They need to be walked for 60 minutes, x2 times per day to stay happy. They will become VERY destructive and hyper if they aren't given the exercise that they require. They are good with children but like with all giant breeds, they must not be left alone with small children. They are very smart and are quick learners. They need an experienced and firm owner to lead them in the right direction. They may need professional grooming once or twice per year. They are very good with non-canine pets so no need to worry there.

They can be pretty expensive but if you do decide to adopt, http://www.petfinder.com has a search engine where you can look for any breed of dog in your area. They don't just have older dogs, they have puppies too. There is no reason why you wouldn't be able to adopt a puppy from a shelter. They need homes more than a puppy from a registered breeder does.

Answer 5

Well as bad of a rep as they have i'd go with amerian pit bull's. they are amazing dogs as long as they arent used in a wrong way. They have been owned by my family and I for as long as i can remember. They are great with kids and are always up to play and walk. They are fast learners and love to play fetch. The things you hear about these dogs on TV is more or less blown up. They leave out the fact that the dogs werent shown love and were abused. I will leave my 7 pits bulls with my kids anyday of the week over my wifes lab. If you want one let me know i can get you one for under 750 pure bred from a top kennel that i am friends with. He has a awsome female right now. If you are looking for a male i can help you there as well. The American Pit Bull is a true american dog. They will do what you want and more, and never be disloyal and always honor.

Answer 6

A Greyhound or its cousin the Whippet are both great dogs. They love to walk and play outside. I think the Whippet is more playful. When they are indoors they are very calm, and good with children (couch potato state almost) Any dog you bring home as a puppy will grow up to respect your cats. They are both a very intelligent breed and easy to train. As a general rule Females are easier to train than males, and the female is slightly more protective. Neither breed needs to be professionally groomed. Also neither breed is aggressive but will be somewhat protective and bark to alert you someone is at the door, but aside from that are not very vocal. Check out AKC web site www.AKC.org and you can search the breeds with full color pictures and links to more info. Good luck

Answer 7

Honestly, from your description: it sounds like you're not really into having a dog.

I'm not trying to be rude, but I would reconsider the reasons you're doing this. From your question it almost seems as if you're trying to single out any reason for owning a dog. Are you doing it to make your children or someone else happy?

As for shelter dogs: There are plenty of puppy's that come into shelters all the time because of irresponsible/backyard breeders/owners. Most are also trained through behavioral programs as well, so they make more suitable pets.

In any case: I had a Basset Hound named Sam growing up, and he was a great dog to have around. He was adorable, active, playful, friendly and worked well with other dogs.

Answer 8

i would say a Doberman pincer or a Rottweiler as they the most caring breeds that i know they are kind and gently and will protect there owner (forget the bad press as it is all untrue)
you should consider shelter dogs as they come from hard backgrounds and will only be put to sleep so for every pure breed dog you buy 10 shelter dogs were put down plus they even have puppies and some of them are getting rehomed for £75

Answer 9

hi there how about a new foundland they are long haired breed but they hardly cast any fur any dog that you take on will need brushed every day they are great family dogs brilliant with the kids ,or how about a great dane they are great dogs and they do not ahave long hair,,,,,,these big dogs take a lot of feeding and have you considered that you will need a lot of space in youre home as when one of these dogs lie down they take up a fair bit of room ..good luck take care xx

Answer 10

A Grey hound.They are lovable dogs who get on with any animal and children of all ages.They are short-haired and never need grooming.Also if you would like to make money from this dog you can enter a greyhound in betting races for money!!!!!!