Please keep in mind that it should be economical,easy to train and have a long life.
Which of this is good.....
1. Dalmatian
2. Golden Retriever
or
3.Labrador
2007-03-28 20:17:03 · 15 answers · asked by the_stunner>>> 4 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Well, without knowing anything about you, I would scratch the Dalmation from the list (one of these things is not like the other, one of these things just doesn't belong). Dals are a lot more independant and do better in a home with an experienced dog owner/trainer. They also have a much higher incidence of genetic problems such as skin allergies, epilepsy, and deafness. Labs and Goldens are known for being great family pets, easy to train, and are a generally good dogs for first time owners. That said, there is a wide variety of personalities amongst individuals of these two breeds. If you decide to adopt a dog, you can often find dogs in shelters or in rescue groups who have somewhat of a known history, a start on training, and you will be able to get a professional's opinion on their personality. Go to petfinder.com and search by breed to see just how many great needy dogs of those breeds that exist.
If you are sure you are able to handle the expense and time commitment of a puppy, do your research and meet many breeders before deciding which one is for you. You will want a breeder who provides a health guarantee, who does extensive health testing on parent dogs (particularly, in these breeds, they must check for eye disease and hip dysplasia) and who can show you what type of temperament the puppy will grow up to have (by letting you meet the parent dogs and providing you with references to people who have previously bought puppies). Do not buy a puppy from a petstore - this is bad for ethical reasons as well as practical ones. Do a search online for puppymills and petstores if you need more info about that.
Cost wise, remember that any dog will need regular veterinary checkups, vaccinations, high quality food, training costs, and supplies, so they really aren't cheap pets. The good news is that you can help minimize the chance of expensive diseases cropping up by carefully selecting your dog or puppy and by providing proper care throughout the dog's life.
Good luck in your search and research. PM me or email me if you need more help!
Cheers,
Erin
2007-03-28 20:59:52 · answer #1 · answered by p_i_turtle_sanders 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Before buying anything, I would go to the local pounds. People abandon all breeds of dogs. Often the pounds have "foster family" programs that train and socialize the dogs. It is a lot cheaper than buying. Any of the purebreeds can cost upwards of $500. Generally, the pounds spays/neuters the dog in the price of the dog. I paid $70 for my dog; that included all of her puppy shots and the spaying.
Regardless of what you pay for the dog, it will be expensive. Food, vet bills, heartworm prevention, flea prevention, shots, etc. are basic costs. If your dog has an illess or gets an injury you are talking much more money. I spend approxiamately $250 a month for my three dogs. My 120 pound lab eats a great deal, but he is also diabetic and has seizures. ($35.00 insulin vial; $15.00 for syringes every three weeks; $12.00 a month for phenobarbytal.)
That doesn't include the heart work prevention ($60.00) and the flea prevention ($40.00)
Of course, those fees go up when they have regular vet check-ups ($100.00 -$150.00 per visit.)
You can't ever predict whether a dog will be easy to train or live a long life. Dogs have personalities and defects and illnesses just as people do.
A dog will make your life full and wonderful, and there is nothing like that tale wagging and licking and jumping everytime you return home. But it is a big investment financially as well as emotionally.
Good luck.
2007-03-29 21:39:40 · answer #2 · answered by mkrf1765 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it would be wise to consider the type of lifestyle that you have, before you choose. All of the breeds your thinking about are high energy dogs especically the dalmation which needs about an hour twice a day being exercised at a fairly fast pace. So if you are an out door , hill walking type that might suit you. On the other hand if you are less active then I would suggest you go for a less active breed otherwise you will be stir crazy as soon as you buy the active puppy. There are good books and internet resources about dogs pay particular attention to those that say a little about the exercise needs a dog would need, before you choose.
Jim
2007-03-29 03:52:22 · answer #3 · answered by Jim S 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would encourage you to go to www.akc.org and read about the different breeds. If it sounds good then go to the national breed club to get more information. They will give you information about training, health issues, temperament., etc. for theri breed. Then follow the link to their national breed rescue coordinator to find a rescued dog. I think rescued dogs are a great investment (although "economical" isn't a word I would use to describe any animal). They will have been neutered, vetted and many will have been in foster homes so have all ready been working on their manners. The loyalty of a rescued dog is something that can't be bought. Since you're looking at a variety of breeds you might consider a mixed breed dog which can be all the best wrapped up in one! Thanks for doing some research before taking on the responsibility. Good luck.
2007-03-29 03:52:19 · answer #4 · answered by PetMom 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi, All the 3 breeds that you have listed are big dog breeds. Firstrly does your residence have enough space to accomodate such big breeds? These breeds also need a lot of exercise and grooming .. more than you would need to do for a small breed like a terrier, pom etc..
I personally own a lab and i think they are an amazing breed. Vey intelligent & friendly. But this breed is not exactly economical. Thats actually depends on the owner.. how much are you willing to spend on your dog? Also Labs need a lot of exercise and your house shoudl be of a decent size for this breed.
2007-03-29 06:38:02 · answer #5 · answered by farah_28 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you go to the AKC web site there is a site there of choosing a dog. they ask a series of questions and depending on your answer they give you a list of breeds that best suit your needs....... For example.......Grooming are you willing to brush the dog 1-2 times a day or would you like a low maintenance dog..... How frequently will you walk the dog? do you live in a house or apartment....... etc..... it works great..... try it......
Note: Big dogs are easier to train, Small dogs are more economical and generally live longer.....
2007-03-29 04:55:52 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dalmations are hard to train. The other 2 are easy, but I would encourage you to try a shelter before going to a breeder. Shelters often have pure bred dogs.
2007-03-29 03:37:18 · answer #7 · answered by shermynewstart 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If economical is important to you then go to a toy store and get your new dog. Come on its a living breathing life! The dog will need quality food ie not ol roy... grooming and to be taken to the VET at least once preferably twice a year!!! And that's only if the dog never gets sick.
2007-03-29 03:22:46 · answer #8 · answered by debcat76135 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Labrador.
They r easy 2 train, live longer and r understanding.
2007-03-29 05:40:59 · answer #9 · answered by katty 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If economical is important to you then go to a toy store and get your new dog.
2007-03-29 05:29:05 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋