What Kind of dog is best for me?

Question

I have been looking for a dog and not sure what kind is best for me. My boyfreind is out of town a lot for work so I would like a companion, but also a dog that can protect me and our house. size is not too much of a deal but I dont want a dog that requires complicated grooming. Also I can dedicate weekly walks but we have a fenced yard, what do you think?

Answer 1

I have a smooth dachshund and he is just the funniest dog! Great companion but can be very needy at times. It's hard to leave a dachshund by themselves so if you're gonna be out of the house for a long time, then it's not the one for you. A dachshund is very protective and has a loud bark regardless of its size. So if you live in an apartment or a condo, don't get a dachshund as it might disturb your neighbors. I'm not exactly sure what a weekly walk is. I think you're supposed to walk your dog everyday. Leaving him in the yard and letting him run around is not the same as walking, as any dog expert can tell you.

Answer 2

Dogs are not like little machines - that do things at your convenience. Dogs need walked every day. They need a minimum of 2 hours of "you" time every day as well.

Based on just your paragraph, you don't have time for a dog.

BUT if you will agree to rearrange your schedule to include the daily walks and 2 hours of "you" time (not the same thing) - then I would suggest you get a medium sized (25 - 50 lbs) short-haired mixed breed from the shelter.

Forget all that rubbish about puppies and imprinting. Rubbish. Pure rubbish. Adult shelter dogs make great pets - they are usually over the destructive, chewy stage that puppies are noted for. THey also have all their shots, spayed/neutered, and most of the time are house trained. Many of them are also leash trained.

Now then, let's look at this "protection" issue. If you're concerned about protecting your house, get an alarm system installed. In the US, guard dogs are highly trained animals that should be handled by professional handlers ONLY. Not a dog for amatures.

Also, a dog trained in protection may not know the difference between a bad guy and the sudden movements made by a guest - which is a good way to get sued. Let's not even touch that Padora's box.

What you probably mean by "protection" is something that will bark and scare a bad guy away - especially when your husband is out of town. Most dogs who are bonded to their human (the reason for the daily "you" time) will bark at anything unusual happening in their house.

Finally, when you get a dog - sign up for obedience training right away. Next to spay/neuter, obedience training is THE most important thing you can do for/with your dog. A well trained dog is a joy to be around. An unruly dog is a nuisance. So take Doggie to obedience school. It's worth the time and money. Trust me.

Answer 3

An American Pit Bull Terrier. They don't get really large. Mine is the most lovable dog I have ever had. Although they love everyone they will bark when someone comes around. Because of the bad reputation they have gotten, from the media, they will scare people away. Most people think they are a killer. Would you climb into a backyard if you saw a Pit there?
Not 100% effective, I have been robbed twice. But I am sure it was by some jerks that my grandson had brought to the house and knew the dogs. So if you don't know any junkies the Pit will scare anyone else away, yes my grandson had a drug problem. He is clean now, thank God.
Everyone that comes to my place is scared of her until they get to know how sweet she is.

Answer 4

Have you considered adopting a rescued greyhound? They like short bursts of exercise, so you won't have to walk him for an hour everyday. I don't believe they're bad as far as grooming goes. If you get a dog with longer hair (i.e. a german shepherd), you'll have a lot more grooming work. Small dogs can have more expensive vet bills because of the genetic problems that often come into play.

As far as a backyard, make sure you don't chain him by the neck. If you do, you're asking for him to become aggressive. It's best if you can keep your pet inside for safety as well, both to people and to the dog.

Answer 5

My family has a Golden Retriever and a Wheaton Terrier, and they are both great. The golden was a little crazy the first year or two we got him, but he would be a good companion and could protect you. The Wheaton my mom loves because she doesn't shed. She has hair, not fur like most dogs. She is about 2/3 the size of the Golden but its becuse she is mostly fluff. Wheatons are good, but because they are smaller, they have to go to the bathroom more often.

Answer 6

A lot of times it depends on the dogs personality, my dog is a part Bichon and part Pomeranian and he's only a foot in length and a half a foot in height and he guards the house and stays outside and barks at every thing he sees. He and his sister do not shed and he potty trained very easily, We didn't even have to train him. He is also VERY nice and affectionate.

Answer 7

Great Dane - no one will eff with you
or Rotweiller (they are the 3rd smartest dogs) and besides what people say they are not aggressive unless raised that way

Answer 8

American Bulldog or a Doberman. They do get a bad rap, but i am a firm believer that the dogs behavior stems from the owner.

Answer 9

I think a boxer or a black lab would be good. I have a black lab and he protects me and my mom when my dad and brother are away. also my old neighbors had a boxer and he was nice but protective. Good Luck!!

Answer 10

A Boxer would be good They are not too big but they look intimidating and they are short haired.