Which breed is best?

Question

We are looking for a dog that...
1) Isn't yippy and barky...but will bark when someone comes to the door or there's a problem.
2) Gets on well with kids and other critters - cats and other dogs.
3) Handles visitors well.
4) Won't completely destroy the house chewing and digging.
5) Likes going for walks. Likes being inside and outside.
6) Isn't needy and hyper. Isn't food crazy.
7) Likes the family but doesn't just follow you around all day.
8) Doesn't have a bazillion health issues.

We're good with:
1) Whatever size of dog is fine.
2) Whatever grooming needs - cool.
3) Inside/outside dog - fine.

Anyone have ideas for a laid back, mellow breed of dog that would fit the bill? Any idea where to find such a dog? We've had shelter dogs, but are looking into finding a breeder. How do we find a good one?

Answer 1

A lab or golden retriever might suit you. They love to eat, and they go through a very mouthy stage as puppies when they will chew up the house if you let them, but energy-level-wise or temperament-wise, they seem about right. However, some of the things you are looking for are more a matter of training than breeding: dogs who get along with kids and other critters, and know not to destroy stuff, aren't just born that way but are patiently taught.

Both labs and goldens come in "field" and "show" lines--the "show" lines tend to be heavier-built and calmer, and the show goldens have a ton more coat, but they have less hunting instinct, and some people think they aren't as smart.

Since both breeds are very popular, there are a ton of poorly bred ones around. Find a good breeder by accessing the websites of the Labrador Retriever Club of America or the Golden Retriever Club of America: club members are typically very involved in dog activities and also promise to follow a code of ethics, which involves among other things running various health checks. The national clubs also have local affiliates that are worth checking out as well. Parent dogs in both breeds should be OFA'd for hip dysplasia--some breeders OFA elbows as well--and CERF'd (an eye test). The breeder should show you the health certificates, or you can check them online at the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals website. Ideally both parents have "excellent" or "good" hips. Some lines of goldens are prone to cancer, so talk to the breeder about this. I would want to see conformation championships, or at least points toward a championship, and/or performance titles (agility, obedience, hunt tests) on the prospective puppy's parents and close relatives. You don't, however, need a "show quality" dog--a pet quality dog from a litter with some show quality dogs in it is just fine, and will look just as beautiful to anyone who isn't into dog shows.

This kind of puppy won't be cheap--probably about $800-$1000--so do think about whether you might be just as well off adopting a nice young adult dog from the pound. I like to get mixed-breed dogs as young adults rather than as puppies because it's clearer by that time what their basic temperament and size is going to be.

Answer 2

I would recommend a Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever. While there are exceptions to every rule, by and large they are great family dogs and sociable with visitors. Goldens tend to mellow out more quickly than Labs.... although with both chewing may be a problem. However, my Golden pup (now 7 months) was not really a problem chewer. There are a few bite marks on some pieces of wood furniture, but she has been pretty good about sticking to her toys.

In terms of health issues... all breeds are prone to some. If you overfeed retrievers they will get fat and will be more prone to get elbow or hip dysplasia. If you are researching breeders, make sure that the sire and dam have been OFA tested for BOTH hip and elbow dysplasia. If they have been CERF tested for eyes that is a bonus... some Golden Retriever breeders are also doing cardiac tests on their breeding stock.

Once you select a breed, look online for the chapter of a local club. Club members can tell you a lot about the pluses and minuses of the breed, health issues, training challenges, etc. Or just ask owners when you see them walking their dogs. Most people love to talk about their dogs.

If you get a puppy, please note that ALL puppies are needy, can be hyper, and require a LOT of work.

Answer 3

I loved my Belgian shepherd and would be perfect for you. An intelligent thoughtful expressive dog. A nice size at a bout 70 pounds, sheds a bit is all. My dog may have had a bit of a labrador retriever in her too, another nice breed.

Dog fancy lists breeders, female dog may be better, but remember, dogs all have different personalities, so see how you would hit it off with the dog. My came from a shelter, was sooooooo very calm in a rather stressful setting. so finding a mellow (and little older & housebroken) dog in a shelter could be your best bet, even though you mention a breeder.

A beagle (or other hound) is a sweet dog, just not too smart, a bit too quiet, tendency to run away.

Answer 4

well most of the things that you have mentioned requires a lot of training from your side as well.
a specific breed can be the basis of a great dog but it's up to you what you make of it.
i would do some research on the web and see what you can find.
maybe buy a book about different dog breeds?
and try to adopt a dog from your local shelter. they have pure breeds too but they need a home a lot more than other dogs

Answer 5

Honestly, mutts have the best personalities with the least health issues. I would go for a lab mix. Not a chocolate lab mix, a yellow or black lab mix. A lot of people would recommend Golden's, but they don't usually bark and they are very clingy.

Please adopt!!!

Good luck finding a dog!!!

Answer 6

I suggest a Labrador Retriever. They are a bit hyper for the first year or so but they are great with kids, easy to train, LOVE walks, get alone with other animals, very few health issues...Great dogs

Answer 7

Well I would recomend a welch corgie (pembroke) or a Doberman. they are both well tempered but the corgie sheda A LOT. For breeders look in the back of dog magazines that u can find in libraries

Answer 8

well beagles chew things, they never get enough to eat, they like to howl(bay) at anything that moves....but I love mine more than anything! He LOVES going for walks and he is very good with children and visitors. A very happy loving dog.

Answer 9

Great Dane


Its a little big but it is probably one of the best breeds because it really is a gentle giant, I have never ever seen one with a temper or heard of one with a temper

Answer 10

A bernese mountain dog fits most of your criteria.
They only live to about 10yrs though.
They are everything you could want in a dog.