My Dad is depressed and seriously needs a companion! What is the best "starter" dog for him to get?

Question

He has not had a dog since my parents' divorce 17 years ago. He has since had only cats. He is a bit OCD so something small and easily housebroken would be great, preferably with little shedding. He is looking for something that he could sleep with, so a lab might be a tad too big. My Mom has shih-tzus that he has fallen in love with, but something different would be nice!

And for you concerned with pet shops and puppy mills... I am encouraging him to adopt from a shelter! I believe those make the best, most loyal pets :)

Oh, he will choose. He just doesn't know much about particular breeds. I am just looking for recommendations since I have only owned shih-tzus and shih-poos as small dogs.

It's not for a gift, it's just something he's thinking about.

Answer 1

Take him into a local shelter ... meet up with the dogs and do research on the breed you like. It is simple as that.
You can also look on petfinder.com or in newspapers. Best of luck and happy holidays!

Answer 2

Lhasa Apso's are close to shih-tzus but they get to be a little bigger and are also one person minded. They tend to latch on to one person and are very protective and loving with them. Don't get him a chihuahua. They can be a little too aggressive and temperamental. Besides, if you roll over in bed, you might squash it!

A really good idea is to find any dog at a local shelter that is maybe not a puppy and already housebroken. This gives a dog a chance and at the same time, your dad doesn't have to spend all that time housebreaking it. (you could also look online for a Lhasa Apso rescue)

EDIT: Lhasa's don't shed and are almost non allergenic (compared to other breeds with fur- theirs is more like hair than fur)

Answer 3

have you researched jack russels. trust me my husband goes through bouts of depression sometimes whats needed is some extra positive energy around you. Jack russels are smallto medium dogs but are still in the toy dog category don't shed much and are very loving loyal and energetic. which might be what dad needs somethingto get him up and going everyday something that counts on him for survival and yes men do occasionally go through what we women do, feeling as though no one wants or needs us anymore. this may boost him up some but before you get anything throughly research the breed first then research where youy are getting it from, then research the parentage/breeding of the dog. unfortunatley it's just like adopting a child although you never know exactly what will happen you need to be prepared as much as possible

Answer 4

I recently got an Australian Cattle Dog Mix. Let me tell you, best dog ever. They are extremely sweet, smart,cuddley, and they can be quite energetic, but they can play on their own. We simply say " Go Run! " And she runs for the next 5-10 minutes.

If thats to big for you, go to a pound and just get a mix. They might not be the " Smartest " dog in dah world, but they sure are loving, each with their own personality and characterisics. Some of the best animals we got were mixes from the Humane Society.

Answer 5

First of all, make sure you dad really wants a dog. While your interests are correct, we see too many dogs given up because they were given as a gift and the person did not want or does not have the time or financial means to support them.

To answer your questions, Boston Terriers, Pugs, French Bulldogs are great dogs - don't shed too much, are small, but sturdy.

Answer 6

I'd have him research both Whippets and Italian Greyhounds. Both are very clean dogs with little to no doggy ordor. They also shed very little, but they of course do shed and some more than others. The Italian Greyhounds can be difficult to housebreak as all toy breeds, but if you keep to a schedule with them, they usually do ok.
Both breeds love to sleep in bed with you and are usually very affecionate, but also independent.
Someone who likes cats would probably like the personality of either of these breeds.

Answer 7

Jack Russel terrior.
trust me on this.
They can get really hyper
but that would make your dad smile ^^
and after like a few months they calm down a little
and take their place in your family ^^
honestly every guy i know had always wanted a jack russel since they were little boys its their dream dog ^^
they are small and dont shed unless you get the hairy/beardy ones XD They are really fast and sweet,
but good gaurd dogs because they CAN get agressive but, only if they sense threat. they were bred for fox chasing and are put in contests for running ALL the time. he will really love this kinda of dog trust me ^^ I have one and I really love ehr shes a sweet addition to the family ^^ good luck on finding a dog okay? and hope your dad gets happier ^^

Answer 8

Have him pick out a dog that's already house trained and needs a home. Go down to the local animal shelter or ASPCA center and check out their adorable dogs. He'll find one that he'll just love. They often have purebred dogs there that have been given to them because the previous owner had allergies or died or couldn't take care of them anymore. Not the dog's fault. They're good dogs.

Answer 9

Then don't worry about a particular breed. Go down to the shelter together and explain to the staff what he needs/is looking for and they can introduce you to a bunch of potentials, from there you can find the best match.

Answer 10

a nice loyal mutt they are healthier than purebreds. purebreds tend to be inbred there fore there are more desias that are linked like labs with hip probs. yorkies turn premuturly gray htough so a mix woud be good. you should go to your local spca and look for a mutt. it is cheaper and the have dogs that need a home and your dad needs a compainion so there you go. the type of dog and the place to get it.