What kind of dog should I get for my family?

Question

I am looking to get a dog that is decent size and that can enjoy a huge yard to run in. This dog will prodominantly be an out-door dog except extreme weather. So he will have to be versitle with winter and summer. He will have to be a good family dog that likes to play with little kids and go jogging with me. He also will have to be a good gaurd dog, to protect my family if I am unaware. Also as if you didn't notice, I would like a male dog. Any help?

Time with the dog is not the issue, but rather terring up my house and fecal matter from the dog that would be everywhere. That is disgusting and I can't believe that so many dogs live indoors. Obviously you cant give your dog a bath everyday because it needs oils. I would rather have an out-door dog. Like many other animals that live happy outside. I also have a lot of shade a pool for the dog, and a big heart to share with it.

Answer 1

A Black Lab is the perfect family dog. They're an athletic breed, so jogging would be perfect for them. I have a Black Lab myself and she is great with my niece and nephew. They are also very alert, exceptional gaurd dogs.

Answer 2

No dog should be kept outdoors. They are PACK animals and NEED daily contact. Any dog will protect it's family once the bond is formed. If they feel their family is being threatened, they will take the action they feel is needed. I

f you do not want to deal with tearing up the house and fecal matter, I suggest you don't get a dog. A dog should not be put outside just for that reason. Dogs CAN be trained, and believe it or not, you CAN have a well-behaved dog. Of course it's disgusting when a dog goes anywhere and everywhere, BUT it's your responsibility to train it where to go and good manners. If your child ripped up everything he got his hands on, would you make him sleep outdoors? Absolutely not. A dog is just like a child.

If you change your mind and want to keep an indoor dog that has access to the outdoors, I recommend you visit your local shelter. They can match you up with a dog that will fit well with your family. Also, many shelters and GOOD breeders will not allow their dogs to be kept outdoors.

I see a lot of people recommend a Labrador Retriever. Yes, Labs are very good with children and will protect their families, BUT they are not meant to be kept outdoors. They are VERY social and thrive on human contact. If you're just going to get a dog and throw it out in the yard, I suggest you rethink getting a dog.

Please do your research BEFORE getting a dog. You need to realize that dogs shouldn't be kept outside all the time unless they are getting food and water and have exceptional shelter that will protect them from the elements. I, personally, think it is very cruel to keep a dog outside 24/7.

Answer 3

i had the exact same concerns a while back, and we ended up getting a golden retreiver. it was the best decision! he is an amazing dog. we have a 2 year old and my dog loves playing and has never gotten rough or bit. he will just go hide when he has had enough. he loves to be outside and run and play. i keep his hair short because he is inside all the time.

i think all dogs are great, but i would suggest going to a humane society. they have tons of dogs that need great homes. they do get puppies in also. when we got our dog he was 1. they do temperment tests and everything so you will know what they're like. i would suggest bringing the whole family with to go look at some. you will see right away if there is a bond. good luck

oh- and he is a great guard dog too. we have a fence around our yard and if he smells anything fishy he makes sure to check it out. he obviously won't hurt anyone, but he tries to sound fierce.

i also wanted to add this: if you want a guard dog and a family dog all in one it may be difficult. your guard dog may be too fiesty and bite your family, just something to think about

Answer 4

Labs are nice dogs, but sometimes prone to hip and elbow displaisia, so if buying a puppy be very careful that parents are health checked!

For a long distance jogging dog I'll look for a lighter bodied dog. I would go the pound or check petfinder.com and find a dog that is a year or two old. Puppies have a hard time in weather extremes(to hot or cold), so an older dog would probably be better suited to living outdoors. Please though, reconsider having an outdoor only dog. Dogs bond much better if they are a part of the family!

Answer 5

Actually, labs are great with kids, but they're not much in the protection department. I'd suggest a mix of german shepherd and lab, so the dog is not only friendly and playful, but protective. Of course, having a guard dog in the back yard while the inside of your house is being robbed really isn't very helpful anyway. Our dogs protect our house, but then, its easy for them since they're actually in the house. I'd never have a dog just to keep it alone outside. Dogs are social creatures, they're not meant to be all alone. A dog is a family member, like a child that will never grow up and leave, if you plan to leave it outside, don't get a dog at all.

Answer 6

Without a doubt a Border Terrier, they make great family pets (my vet has 3) they are hardy fearless robust intelligent nice size, live till about 13 to 15 dont have many health problems fit in the car get on well with kids as long as they are brought up with them. The down side is that's if it is a down side they hate cats with a vengeance, mines killed two, and the other was that badly mauled it had to have a leg amputated, but that's terriers, by the way the cats ventured into my back garden, But yes every time a Border terrier. Good luck

Answer 7

Labrador Retriever

http://www.breederretriever.com/dog-breeds/78/labrador-retriever.php

Answer 8

An Airdale is an awesome dog for kids but not a big time guard dog other than the looks. I mean the dog is tall. My mom & dad have one & they also have an 18 mnth old & a 28 mnth old children that hang all over the dog & try to ride him like a horse so I think they are a great choice.

Answer 9

Dogs should spend only 50% or less time outside. If you need a security system call ADT it will cost as much per month as feeding and careing for a dog. dogs are members of the pack that is your family. if you make them stay outside than they will develope problems. also just bringing a dog in in bad weather can cause the dog to over heat. don't get a dog until you get all of this settled out and then got to a shelter and bring your family to choose.

Answer 10

Get a beagle. It's a hunting dog, so is good outdoors and winter won't bother it too much. It's a decent size, maybe kinda small. Just like Snoopy, it can be a watchful guard dog and males are territorial. They also love children and are easily trained. Besides, even though I have 2 cats, I have a fondness for Beagles, thank you Charles Schulz (RIP).