What is the perfect dog for me?

Question

I'm looking for a small-ish dog that has minimum shedding and is child-friendly. Also, the cost must not be too high... I'll settle for cross-breeds. Also, it should be relatively smart- I don't want to spend ages training it.

Also, I'm a first time dog owner.
And I'm 12 ... so I want something that's not too vicious. :D

Thanks.

I'm very mature...
And I was planning on getting a dog from a shelter so it probably won't be a puppy.

Answer 1

Check the shelters, sometimes you see the perfect dog and know he is the right one. My daughter got her first dog when she was 8 from our shelter.He was a spaniel mix and she loved him.She also got her golden retriever from the same place last year.
she thinks he is perfect, I think he's a pain but next year she goes to college so he will be my responsibility along with our other 4 dogs. Good luck!

Answer 2

Like my parents did to me. . . . When you can Buy it, Feed it , & Train it. Then they would think about it & they wouyld pay the vet bills. A Dog takes time and effort and is just like being a parent. They need leadership and I agree with Playerette You are to your to have your own dog it needs to be the family dog. For one you have no source of income to provide for its needs and are not the alpha in the household and it requires this to train the dog right. Dogs live at least 10-14 years or so what would happen to it when you go to college? or when you meet a boy and start dateing. I think you are just at the critical age where its just a bad idea. Wait till you graduate or till your parents are ready. And any dog would work you shouldn't settle for anything if its not the perfect on for you then don't get it. And any dog can be vicious Most little dogs bite more then the larger ones and are very fragile. This is all stuff you need to talk over with your parents.

Answer 3

1. Get authority from your parents first.
2. If your family are renting, check to see if you can actually have pets.
3. Go to the nearest animal shelter, SPCA or humane society, they always have dogs up for adoption, that would have been checked by a vet and vaccinated, also possibly fixed.
4. Dogs require - vaccinations every year, walking, feeding and taking to the vet if they are ill or showing signs of illness, even if it means in the middle of the night!!!!
5. Think if you can afford one - they are not cheap to look after!
6. Try a bichon/shih tzu.

Answer 4

You'll SETTLE for a cross breed? Those are usually the best dogs to have. Plus there are thousands of unwanted dogs looking for a home. Adopt a pup from a shelter. I just did and it was the best decision I've ever made! Something with a beagle mix would be good for your needs. Make sure you have the time, patients, and knowledge to raise a pup before getting one.

Answer 5

1. ALL dogs are smart
2.do not encourage the breeding of crossbreeds by getting one.
3. your are too young to own a dog. if you parents arent ready for a dog, you shouldnt even concider one. becuse you are still a student, you wont be able to constantly be with the dog. which is vital for a good upbringing
4. Any dog is good for first time owners (mine was a german shepherd pup) as long as you train it right

Answer 6

i'm sorry, but you are too young to handle the responsibilitie associated with raising a puppy. you need to wait until you get out of your parents house, have a place of your own adn a good steady job. not being mean, just honest

Answer 7

try like a doxie mix. beaglesare fine but they bark alot, and jack russels are very hyper.

Answer 8

hi i have a jack russel terrier and its small and super smart. i got him when i was 14 and i love him.