What kind of dog should I get and why?

Question

I want a dog that is not too big, but not too small either. It must not shed a lot, and must not be one of those shaggy-haired dogs. I also dont want it to be practically bald. No huge flapping ears. No huge globs of drool. Must be energetic, always keeping me busy. Must be cool with children, but I also want it to stay mostly attached to me. Oh, and must not cost me a fortune. Any suggestions? Please?! It doesn't have to be an exact match, but something close enough!

Answer 1

It sounds like you described a basenji.
http://www.canismajor.com/dog/basenji.html description
http://rissaconsulting.com/personal/Nala/pic/Eesti110904-1.jpg picture 1 not too big not too small
http://rissaconsulting.com/personal/Nala/pic/Luhu101205-2.jpg picture 2 can keep up with you
http://masters-touch.us/Graphics/Kids.jpg picture 2 cool with children
Some cost around $300.00

Answer 2

Okay, face if - If you're getting a dog, it's gonna cost you a pretty penny. You have to consider everything that you'll have to buy FOR the dog, plus the cost of the dog itself. If you're considering a pure breed from a legit breeder, don't expect to find a dog for cheap. You will also need a bed, food bowls, toys, vet check-ups and meds, food, etc, etc, etc.

When choosing a dog breed, you must choose one that will fit in your life style. Consider things like how friendly it is to children and other pets, the energy level, playfulness, ease of training, protection and watchdog abilities, maintenance (grooming and such), cold and heat tolerance, etc.

Because you didn't clarify a lot of info, I can't give you a most accurate suggestion. I would suggest that you find a dog breed selector (such as the one on animal.discovery.com), and fill in the all the information. It will give some good choices that you could further research.

However, I will give a you a suggestion of my own that you can research if you're interested.
-Australian Cattle Dog
high energy
medium coat
protector and watchdog
playful
affectionate
will need a lot of exercise, physically and mentally
may nip children if not properly socialized

I own a herding dog, and he does just fine with my little cousin (has been around her since she was 4 or 5 years old). You just need to train your dog to handle all sorts of people, including children. Honestly, we've never had any problems with my Aussie and my little cousin. She loves him, and he tolerates her.

Good luck on your quest to find the right dog. I assure you when the dog you want it will be a great companionship!

Answer 3

I'd be what I am now, a good ol' American mixed breed. I'd be serious, have a good work ethic, and want to live in a good working home. If I were kept as just a pet in a fenced yard, I'd be digging large holes and barking due to the shear boredom of it all. I'd want to be taken places, to learn new things, and to see people. I'd be friendly but reserved and not aggressive. I'd be very loyal to my loving owner and to the my family. My look would be generic. No extremes, maybe a medium or double coat. Much like a cross between a spaniel and a shepherd. Color black maybe brown with a little white trim. I'd be pleasing to look at and nice to touch. I'd problaby weight 50-60#.

Answer 4

Pembroke Welsh Corgi is 30-35 lbs., has medium-length hair that requires some brushing to reduce shedding, has upright ears, no drooling, energetic. It has a sweet, playful disposition. It is very conscious of who the "leader of the pack" is, and will be mostly attached to that person.

If it is raised around children, it will be very tolerant of them. Be aware, as a herding dog. it has a tendency to nip when playing. But because it is a herding dog, it is very smart and responds to correction. I have had corgi's for 18+ years and have had 3 children and 3 grandsons, and no problems or injuries.

A corgi rescue shelter will place a dog with you for 1/2 or less of the price of buying one from a breeder or pet store. Also, check your local animal shelter.

Answer 5

You might want to visit AKC's web site. They have a good list and description of their registry of breeds (www.akc.org).
To get you started, here's a couple you might like (all are really active breeds):

Portuguese Water Dog. Weigh 35-60 pounds, 17-23 inches tall, no undercoat, minimal shedding (but they need to be clipped), super friendly dogs.

Poodle: Varying height & weight depending on the size (from the toy under 10 inches, to the miniature at 15 inches to the standard over 15 inches). Like the PWD, they don't shed much, but need to be clipped. In case you think they're too frou-frou... I've seen poodles doing tracking dog work and they're amazing!

English Springer Spaniel: About 20 inches tall and 50 lbs. Uber friendly and quick learners. Lots of energy.

Good luck!

Answer 6

Do you want know what you described? An American Pit Bull Terrier. They are an exact match for what you want. They are very lovable to everyone especially children. Mine will lay on the floor with my baby grandson for hours. That is why the Pit is know as the "nanny dog". Honey is not big, 65 lbs. As they have been getting such a bad, unwarranted, reputation you should have no problem finding one at a shelter.
My Honey is the most lovable dog I have ever had! Oh, and I am old and retired so I have had a lot in my life.

Answer 7

A beagle would be a great dog. And, if you can manage to get one of the ones that stay small, all the better. Even if you get one of the 15" ones, that's not a big dog. Great with kids, doesn't shed, no drool, no huge ears and will stay attached BIG TIME to you! Speaking from experience! Good luck!

Answer 8

In my opinion and from experience, I would suggest a Miniature Australian Shepard. They are energetic working dogs, they are medium sized and do not shed half as much as some dogs either. They also learn tricks rather easily, I taught mine how to dance in less than 3 days. When you leave the house they will greet you with what I swear is a great big smile. I very dearly love mine and if you get one I think it'll be the perfect companion for you. Did I mention they are ADORABLE?

Answer 9

Bichon Frise. Its a bit small but they don't really shed (short curly coat). They have small ears, too. They don't drool (but they do like licking those that they love). Very energetic and funloving. Great with children. If you feed it, it should stay attached to you fairly well. If I'm not mistaken, you can get a Bichon from a pet store for pretty cheap.

Answer 10

I highly recommend a Cockapoo. I have a 1 year old girl . I've had her since she was 2 1/2 months. They are just adorable and loveable dogs. They sare easily trained, obedient, very friendly, loves to play 24 hours a day,charming, loyal, they love attention, patient, very very alert, they aim to please. The only little thing (you might call a problem) that I have with her is that she has a bit of separation anxiety and that is fine for me because I am just as attached to her as she is to me. They are great with kids. I don't have any kids in my house, but when the neighborhood kids come to play with her, she just jumps for joy. They don't shed, and have a an easy to maintain coat that can be curly or wavy.

Answer 11

I think you should go with a minature poodle. They can be very energetic and also will just rest on your lap when you want to watch t.v. Trust me I have one. They usaully stay loyal to one person and still are friendly to other people but if spent the most time with it, it would always want to be around you. Poodles are EXCELLENT with children and children always seem to fall for that cute poodle face :) If you want a truly great poodle I suggest going to a breeder (like I did) they usaully range from $300 - $900. But if you're not into that pricing you could always go to a local rescue or adopt one from a fostering program. To find more about poodles go to animalplanet.com and click on the dog breed directory and then click : poodles! Hope you consider a poodle ;)