I've been looking into dog breeds for some time now, but each one has something that will not work for my lifestyle (German Shepherd- often bad with cats, Newfoundland- constant slobber). Here's my life- both parents work all day, and I go to school. So that is about 8 hours home alone. We have 2 cats, a medium to large backyard, and a relatively large house. Our family loves to play outside and exercise when we get home. Very active once we are home but are not home from 7-3. Based on what our situation is, what dog breed would anyone recommend?
PS- NOTHING SMALL, I don't want some tiny Chihuahua or Westie to trip on at home, this is why I like german shepherds and newfoundlands. Good sized dog (maybe 60 lbs+?)
2007-03-28 09:31:28 · 19 answers · asked by Eric 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I am very pleased that you are researching before choosing a dog. That is very important to the happiness of both you and your dog.
CHECK OUT www.glowdog.com it's a breed selector quiz
AND www.dogbreedinfo.com
Also if the dog is raised around cats it might not have a problem with them. And remember if you decide to adopt from a shelter, a mixed breed could have any number of the qualities of the breeds that make it up.
2007-03-28 10:14:08 · answer #1 · answered by bea7?7con 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The answer is a mixed breed never a purebred. The best I can offer is golden retriever/yellow labrador mix. Not only are they very smart playful when appropriate,but don`t mind long naps! If you allow access to the home and outside (doggie door) the dog will be less frustrated and not bark often. Anything mixed with a golden ( labs,boxers,rotties,dry mouth st. bernards) should be able to withstand the separation well. The key is to get a dog that is over 2 years old and at a time you can spend 2 weeks straight at home with them. Only a spayed or nuetered dog will be calm and happy and healthy in the long run. Spaniels,terriers, and beagal types will bark way too much when left. Good luck with your search.
2007-03-28 09:56:27 · answer #2 · answered by kdh&J 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not so much a question of breed as a question of dog. I've known German Shepards who are best friends with cats. I've known Newfies who aren't big slobberers. Considering your family's situation, I would recommend contacting a dog rescue organization that does fostering. Fostering dog rescues have the dogs live in their homes, so they get to intimately know each dog, its likes and dislikes (including cats) and its activity level. They can match you with a dog that will work well with your lifestyle. Since you cannot be home during the day, do not get a puppy. Older dogs are great, though, and usually are or can easily be house trained.
2007-03-28 09:45:31 · answer #3 · answered by Jebgee 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You should really look into adopting a pet, rather than purchasing a pure-breed. Millions of animals get put down everyday because they do not have good homes to go to. Breeding needs to be stopped. There are too many dogs without homes, being abused and neglected. Seriously consider adopting. Adopted dogs/mixed breeds are the best. I have four and would never trade them for any kind of pure-bred dog...ever.
2007-03-28 10:40:15 · answer #4 · answered by kday 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can't go wrong with a Labrador Retriever. They are a good sized animal with male reaching 80+ lbs. They love to be out in the yard, and can be crate trained from a puppy, so that they don't damage things in the home until they are trustworthy. I crate trained mine for the first year and a bit. Now he has full range of the house when I'm gone, just leave things so they don't get bored when they get older. And you can't beat them for looks. Good temperament with other animals, and get along with anyone or thing.
2007-03-28 10:11:22 · answer #5 · answered by csijunkie4eva 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
any dog is going to need a lot of attention. try a hound, they are large and they like quiet time as well as play. if you only look at the problems a dog would give you and your family, that is all you will ever find.
PS a German Shepard can get along with cats too, if you give them a chance.
2007-03-28 09:42:55 · answer #6 · answered by insane 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Many of the sporting breeds would be suitable. A Labrador or golden retriever (not field lines) would be suitable. They would be alright with the down time but would be an active partner for the moments after work.
I mention not field lines as their personalities can be more hyper and need a higher level of activity then your life style provides.
2007-03-28 09:40:23 · answer #7 · answered by Marg T 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A lab. They like people and their alone time and give them the chance and they can like cats too. You just got to train your new dog to do so at an early age. German Shepards are very very aggressive and wouldn't suggest them to be around cats. Labs are mild dogs but get very exciting around people... Good luck :)
2007-03-28 09:51:05 · answer #8 · answered by WOOOOO Whooo 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
research and think about
golden retriever
labrador retriever
dalmatian
any retriever
since there is no one home at times, do NOT get a dog that needs a lot of attention and exercise. do NOT get any huskys, even though they are fun-loving and nice, they need LOTS of exercize, and attention, they will be depressed if you keep them at home alone or in a crate for a period of time!
just do research and look at a dog breed book. do not get dogs in the working dog section!
good luck and i hope this helps!!!!!!!! :)
2007-03-28 09:48:22 · answer #9 · answered by Alison 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are lots of good out door dogs, i have a doberman and a lab-husky. the doberman loves to be outside but when its raining or snowing, she wont go out side. on the other hand my lab-husky, is an all weather dog and is very friendly.
personally i would reccomend a lab because they love to be outside and they allways have energy for the outdoors.
my stepmom is a professional dog trainer and her website might be able to help
2007-03-28 10:03:05 · answer #10 · answered by Gnarles 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋