Favourite Dog?

Question

I really want to get a dog but I'm torn over what breed. I love Sharpei's but I get concerned that their skin might cause them problems? I also like Pugs and Greyhounds. I'm also planning to get a dog from a shelter too so don't have a go at me for wanting a pure breed too please!! And also I don't have kids so it doesn't have to be a 'family' dog. Thanks!

I live in a three bedroom semi. I do work 5 days a week but there is usually someone home nearly every day. I don't mind getting out and exercising them as much as they need.

Answer 1

Every breed has their specific problems. So I say research the different breeds that interest you, and know what kind of problems they Might get. Decide which one you think fits you best. When I chose my dog, I based it on size, grooming requirements, and exercise requirements, plus their individual look and personality. I wanted a large dog with very little grooming and medium energy level. I ended up rescuing a 1 year old pit bull from the Humane Society. She was perfect, sweet and playful, and very friendly. Once you know exactly what you are looking for you can start visiting your local animal shelters, it will make your search a lot easier. You can also try looking on http://www.petfinder.com/ to search for dogs who are in animal shelters in your area. You can search based on breed, age, size, and sex. Good Luck with your search!

I would also be torn between these breeds, as I love all of them. This website might help you with your decision:
http://dogbreedinfo.com/sharpei.htm
http://dogbreedinfo.com/pug.htm
http://dogbreedinfo.com/greyhound.htm

I also wanted to add that the amount of space you have doesn't matter as much if you plan to give your dog the exercise it needs. An example is that greyhounds are large dogs, but require little exercise (they are couch potatoes) so an apartment is usually fine for them. And I have a pretty energetic pit bull, but I live in a small house with no yard, so I take for a long walk twice a day, and one romp in a fenced in area playing with the ball. She is relaxed when we come home, and the size of the house doesn't really matter.

Answer 2

I'm obviously partial to greyhounds (being I have 3 and foster!!), but I know they're not for everyone. These dogs have very few health problems, are very easy-going and sweet-natured.

They don't belong with people who use harsh training methods because they'll destroy a greyhound, as they, like all the sight hounds, are sensitive and respond best to praise. They're not dogs for people who want a dog to be able to run free because a greyhound can't be let off leash.

A rescued greyhound is a great companion for anyone who wants a laid-back, easy to live with dog who soaks up affection like a sponge. The rescue groups are awesome at matching the right person up with the right dog for them, you just have to tell them your needs. So why not look into the breed farther and decide if a greyhound might be right for you!

Answer 3

You need to say more about your living conditions. How much space you have, how much exercise you like to get for yourself, do you work full-time, and can you take the dog to work? Do you want it for protection or is a smaller dog going to work... and 500 other things you didn't say...

Here are two web sites where you can put in information and get a list of good breeds.
http://www.selectsmart.com/DOG/
http://www.puppyfinder.com/breedselector.php

When I faced this decision I also looked at the breed list at the AKC (www.akc.org) and I looked at the information about each breed from Wikipedia, which has photos of most breeds.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_dog_breeds
(has a really cute photo of a Chihuahua with a Great Dane, to show the vast differences in available breeds - very good page to read)

Answer 4

umm any dog from the shelter would be the best . I love mutts and shelter dogs! I have three of them! Shepard's, labs, Pitts are all great dogs. When going to a shelter the littler dogs are most likely going to be adopted first, because most ppl want a small dog. I would interact with a couple of dogs that catch your eye as you walk in. Dont be set on a particular breed. They all have pros and cons. If you cant find anything at the shelter when you first go, see if they have a website to look at and try www.petfinder.com also for available doggies. Thanks for adopting from shelters!!!!

Answer 5

Siberian Huskeys are great! We had 3 at one time. They are a beautifull dog. Very friendly. And if you want kids some day, they are great great around families!! Since you want pug id say get a Puggle. Pugs usually have breathing problems because their snout is smushed in. Puggles dint have that problem. They are a mix of a Pug and Beagle. They are cute. My sisters boyfriend had one. Best Of Luck!

Answer 6

greyhounds are relatively inactive in the house and happy to lay down till you are ready to go, there are always ex-racers around and owner who will give you a dog that doesn't make the grade at local tracks. Lurchers are sometimes available at shelters and make great pets, and are usually ailment free.

out of the dogs you like i would go with the greyhound easy going dogs , and less likely than the others mentioned to cost tthe earth in vet bills. hope this helps

Answer 7

I love Sharpeis too. I had one, she was the nicest dog ever. They make loyal companions, and when they feel like it, are very energetic. I also like English Bulldogs, despite every1 saying they r mean, it depends on breeding. If they're bred as pets, then they r sooooo lovable. I love wrinkly dogs, they r soooooo cute. Personally, if I were u I would go 4 Shar pei even tho they r expensive!!!

Answer 8

well, how much attention could you give the dog (a lap dog like a chihuahua)? do you have room to let it have outside exercise (a black lab)? how much maintenance do you want the dog to carry ( a poodle)? these are some additional factor i would urge you to consider. i also admire you wanting to go through a shelter. i volunteer at my local shelter and know how many animals come in and need homes. maybe you could consider taking in an older dog (most people say aww look at the cute puppy, i want it).

Answer 9

Try looking on pet finder.. Look up the breeds that you want in your local area. Personally mutts are the best since they have different types of dogs in them they will have a different personality then a pure breed.

Answer 10

Do research and find out which breed matches your personality and lifestyle. Dont pick a dog based on looks but on personality. That cute lil pup might not be your happy ending if you two are totally different.