Here's my situation. My wife and I have a 1 year old daughter, two cats and a Boston Terrier. We are looking for a dog who will love and take care of our family. One that will be good with our animals and be a protective of us humans. We are not looking for a huge dog. About 50 lbs would be good. My wife and I both work so we are gone for 10 hours a day Monday-Friday. We walk the dogs daily. On weekends we bring them to a local dog park and let them run and swim. We would like a dog who will not bark needlessly and who won't tear up my house and yard when I'm not there. Any suggestions?
2007-11-13 06:43:38 · 19 answers · asked by Jason L 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Go to dogbreedinfo.com and do the survey, then it will give you options of which breeds would fit your lifestyle.
2007-11-13 06:46:40 · answer #1 · answered by Flatpaw 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Other people have suggested a Golden Retriever, but they aren't known for their protectiveness and they are a little on the large side. Dobermans are also too big for what you're suggesting. Maybe a small Labrador Retriever would be good (color doesn't matter; two yellows could have a black puppy) but they need lots of exercise. I would recommend crate training for whatever dog you get. Personally I'm a American Staffordshire Terrier or Pit Bull Terrier kind of person. They are the right size, usually aren't barkers, when socialized at a young age can be good with other dogs (I have several that go to the local dog park) and they can be protective (they are especially known for a watchfull eye over children). When they're young they are kind of goofballs. I know these breeds come with a lot of negative associations, but they do make great dogs when raised and trained properly. I would have suggested GSD, but that's too large and would need more exercise. If you want to buy a puppy get it from a reputable breeder, not a pet shop. You can talk to breeders about traits their breed carries. When I was young, we had a English Springer Spaniel. He was protective, but very patient with us kids. He loved our cats and when they had kittens he thought he was the dad. He wouold clean them and sleep with them. They're about the right size for you. This may be a dog that would fit your criteria.
2007-11-13 06:57:45 · answer #2 · answered by Tiffany 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think Labrador Retriever would be the best one for u to choose. Since I have one I think they are supposed to be most friendly with children, hands down. These dogs have a very good nature...they are not aggressive. They are even suggested to be the best for handicapped people. And they are the most accommodating, which means a lab will not have problems with the other pets in ur home.The best part is they are intelligent and playful. However, I suggest u do ur homework before u make ur decision.
2007-11-13 06:53:34 · answer #3 · answered by ann 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Protective? Hmm...a puppy growing with your family would be the most protective I'd think. I'm sure you want something protective now though. A German Shepherd of some sort are protective of their families. To find one that doesn't tear everything up? I'd go to local shelters and find a shepherd mix with a great personality that clicks with the family. I just adopted a shepherd collie mix and she is protective already!
2007-11-13 06:58:19 · answer #4 · answered by Loves Dogs 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well you may want a golden retriever. I know people that are gone 14 hours a day all week except weekends with two young children. Once the puppy has met the family and is used to it you may want to crate train it teaching it the command "Crate" "Come" "Outside". Usually goldens are great with children and very smart, thus being crate trained amazingly fast with the proper essentials.
2007-11-13 06:48:33 · answer #5 · answered by (βяιαηηα) ☮KissMe☮ 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I would recommend a "BOXER". It is the perfect family-dog, they love children, don't bark, but yet they're very protective and keep uninvited people away from your house. I'd recommend a female boxer, their weigth is around 50 to 60 lbs and they're even easier to handle than the male ones. When I was a kid we used to have one, and me and my sister have the nicest memories of this wonderful animal.
2007-11-13 06:50:01 · answer #6 · answered by snowman010269 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think your life is full as it is. Dogs need to join a family because they will be part of it; not because they are employed as a protector and will be alone most of the time. The worst thing you can do to a pack animal is isolate them from their pack as they feel excluded. Also, too many children are bitten due to not respecting the dog and not having enough supervision. I do not mean to sound harsh but those are my thoughts.
2007-11-13 06:49:36 · answer #7 · answered by barthebear 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
A Yorkshire terrier is the perfect family dog they are very over protective of there owners. I had one, when she was a puppy what we did was we got a large bowl and wed fill it up she only ate when she was hungry and drank when she was thirsty a doggie door made things easier too.
2007-11-13 06:51:41 · answer #8 · answered by tsumetaitenshi 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You already ahve 3 animals! Why do you need another when you are gone 10 hours a day! I hate when people collect animals like stamps and don't take care of them properly!
2007-11-13 06:47:16 · answer #9 · answered by primalclaws1974 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
A boxer. Great dogs. Not too big. Great with kids. Very protective. We had one, unfortunatly had to put her down a year ago....but would definately get another one. Females are much more protective, as far as what I have seen.....but our female did leave yellow pee stains in our grass...don't know if you care about that......our male dogs never left pee stains.
2007-11-13 06:48:50 · answer #10 · answered by nurseratchet23@sbcglobal.net 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Golden retrievers are good dogs, and not too big. They get along well with other animals and children. I, personally, love this gentle breed. Goldens are beautiful and are also very smart!!
2007-11-13 06:50:35 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋