How come people suggest a dog breed when they don't even know the person asking the question?

Question

How come people suggest a dog breed if you don't even know the person asking the question?
How do you know what kind of dog the asker would like if you don't even know them?
How can you tell a complete stranger what kind of dog to get?
You don't know them or their lifestyle or what they would want in a dog so why suggest to someone a dog breed when you don't know them?

I have seen people suggest pom-a-shedders when people ask for a non-shedding dogs. I don't understand why people would suggest pomeranians when they shed a lot actually.

Like I said how can anyone suggest to someone a dog breed when you don't even know the person asking the question.

The best answer to give would be: Do research on the breed that best fits you, research energy level, size, exercise requirements, how much the dog sheds, grooming requirements..ect. Take some time and read online and get library books about akc's different breeds and see which ones interest you and fit your wants in a dog best

A dog is a big decision and it takes careful consideration and research.
It is a huge commitment.
Take the time to read books and read online and also visit some breeders and talk to them about their dogs an the personalities their dogs have.

This is a question.
How can you anyone tell someone else what dog to get?
I am 100% serious.
That is truly my question.

Answer 1

I completely agree. It is impossible to tell someone what breed they should get knowing nothing about them.

I always just try to give people a list of rhetorical questions to point them in the right direction for choosing a breed that works well for them. I tell them to consider the following:
- Where do you live, apartment or house? Do you have a fenced in yard?
- Do you want an active breed, or a breed that would loaf around the house of the time?
- Lifespan of the dog. Large dogs live on average 10+ years, and small dogs live on average 15+ years.
- Do you plan to take your dog for activities? If you want a dog to go on 9 mile hikes with you, choose a larger active dog, a small dog won't be able to do that activity.
- Do you or do you plan to have children? Some breeds are notoriously better with or worse with children.
- How much grooming do you want to do? Some dog breeds require professional grooming as well.
- Do you now or plan to own a house in the lifespan of a dog? Many home owners associations or home insurance companies will not allow or insure certain breeds, such as pitbulls, chows, dobermans, etc..

I know some people think their breed is the best in the world, but not every breed works for every person. I love papillons, but when someone asks about them, I always start off the information I give with the reasons to NOT get a papillon. There is no "one-size-fits-all" dog breed.
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Answer 2

I don't often suggest a specific breed. There isn't normally enough details given and I recommend researching several breeds. When people ask about dogs that don't shed and half the answers say Ladradoodle(Stupid name) I go on and remind them that not all the pups of this pairing will be like the poodle. I know a couple who shed as much as any Lab!
I'm more likely to discourage the ownership of certain breeds. I hate seeing people asking about 'Guard dogs'. and tell them to steer clear unless they have had experience! German Shepherds, Dobermans and Rottweillers should never be in inexperienced hands. I also never recommend Border Collies unless the person has time and energy to follow one of the various pursuits, agility, obedience etc. I love the breed myself which is why I would never have one. I couldn't give it the exercise and work (mental stimulation) that it requires.
I cant believe anyone who had ever spent time with a Pomeranian suggesting it for someone who didn't want to be cleaning a lot. They might be small but when that hair does shed it gets everywhere!!!!!!!! (Boss has a white Pom)

Answer 3

You can't. All you can do is offer suggestions by what the questioner is looking for. Sometimes it's really hard because the questioner doesn't even know what they are looking for. So many things should be taken in consideration when bringing a dog into your family. Grooming, size, personality, kids in the home, athletic or not, shedding.....so much goes into it. All I have done is try to direct the person to the right place where they can do their own research. Sometimes I get a thumbs down for that....not sure why because, your right..you really need to know the person's back round to know really how to steer them. Some answerer's just recommend their breed...this isn't always the best. I wouldn't recommend my breed to just anyone. It has to be a particular person with a particular lifestyle that is best suited to own a cocker spaniel.

Answer 4

It is the backyard breeders and the puppy mills that are ruining the breeds. The AKC is offering more working titles all the time so that the QUALITY breeders can show off their dogs' abilities. Sporting breeds, terriers and herding breeds can now get certified as being not just pretty to look at. There will be more to come in the future. Why not join in and help start the kind of trials you'd like to see for French Mastiffs and Caucasian Ovcharkas?

Answer 5

You're right! Do research on the breed that best fits you, research energy level, size, exercise requirements, how much the dog sheds, grooming requirements..etc.
Take some time and read online and get library books about AKC's different breeds and see which ones interest you and fit your wants in a dog best.

Answer 6

When someone asks this, if all they ask is "what breed", I tell them that is not enough information to suggest the breed which is correct for them. I also tell them to seek out a general dog breed book, and research each breed that stands out to them. Looks are not enough to decipher what breed is right for someone, there are a million other criteria to find the correct breed for each person.
I do believe there is a right dog for each person out there, maybe a couple different breeds.

Usually, when this question comes up, I tell the person to visit their local animal shelter, and look at each dog seriously. If a good guess can be made of the breed, or if the dog is clearly purebred, then the person should research those breeds or breed and consider adopting the dog if the dog is right for them.

Answer 7

I don't believe anyone is demanding someone go buy the breed of their choice. Instead people offer suggestions as to what breed they love, and why. Perhaps by offering this information, a person might see these suggestions and think: "Hey! She likeds chihuahuas because of their size and personality! I should look into them."

Certainly I would hope no one would select a new pet based solely on anonymous suggestions. But I can see where getting other peoples perspectives would be helpful at beginning the process of choosing a companion.

Answer 8

This sounds more like a statement than a question..

People are asking because they are searching for feedback on dog breed types, and who better to get it from than PEOPLE WHO OWN THE DOGS.

Yes of course, research what your needs are and whether the dog is suitable for where you live, but don't just SHOOT PEOPLE DOWN for asking for opinions of others, and assume the people with opinions are STUPID for giving them.

In the end, it is up to the person who asked the question to make a decision, responsible or not, about the dog they want.

Answer 9

I never suggest a breed.

The worst thing anyone can ever do if they truely love their breed is to suggest it to a complete stranger. I adore Bassets, however, a lot of people can't put up with their noisy slobbery selves. A lot of people also have no idea that these are large dogs on short legs. I realize this and will never, ever suggest one to someone else.

My suggestion is always to do a couple of the breed selector quizes and then research the breeds that come out on top. You do need to take it with a grain of salt though.. I've done put in that I want a small non-shedding dog and they've given me Clumber Spaniels and Golden Retrievers before..

Answer 10

If I think the person might be interested in the breed then why not? I am not saying hey go buy this dog it is deff. the one you want. I am just giving a suggestion. I agree that people should take to time to figure out what breed is right for them but I also dont see what it hurts to say hey you might like this breed check it out.