Please Suggest Me A Dog Breed

[Da One]

Hello everyone.

I would like to be owning a dog soon and I was wondering what breed would you guys reccomend for my needs.

- Not too large (About the size of a Cocker Spaniel or even a little larger)

- Lowest dander possible. My mother has allergies and the last thing I need is her getting even worse in that season.

- Lowest shedding possible.

- Loyal

- Not too much energy.

- Easy to train



These are the breeds I was thinking about:

-Pitbull
-English Bulldog
-Boston Terriers
-Doberman Pinchers
-Bull Terrier

-*Open to any suggestions

The dog really doesn't need to be good with kids since I am 17 and everyone in the house is older. Also, we just moved into a pretty large brand new house so it would be great fi the dog wasn't chewing up all the brand new furniture. Is the chewing part a stage they go through, or does it last all their life for some dogs?

Another question, this would be my first time owning a dog and I REALLY do not want to deal with the training/house breaking part, (even though I think I would sort of find the challenge fun). Would getting a dog that is already housebroken be a better thing for me? Would it still be as loyal?

So main things I'm worried about:

-Dander, Allergies
-Training
-Chewing
-Urining on our brand new floors lol.


Thanks everyone for the help. Hopefully, I'll be a proud dog owner in a month or so.

[Da One]

I also forgot to add, we have all wood floors in my house. Will trimming the dogs nail frequently help not scratch them all up? This is one of my mothers main concerns lol.

[Chaos]

Out of the breeds you listed,

Pit Bulls - Great dogs, though I would NOT recommend for a first time owner. Bulls breeds are pretty stubborn, although usually they're quite willing to please their owners. They're also pretty high energy and LOVE excersize.

Same thing with English Bulldogs. They don't need as much excersize as a pit bull but they're stubborn and pretty hard to train.

Boston Terriers, love these little guys. They don't shed too much but do need a fair amount of excersize.

Dobermans, LARGE dogs, much larger than a cocker spanial, also guard dogs so I would say not for the first time owner.

Bull Terriers, not very high energy, but very stubborn, again being a bull breed.

Most of the breeds you listed may not be good for allergies. Short fur doesn't mean low dander. Most terrier breeds like Wheaton terriers, West Highland White Terriers and such don't shed.

I would go for a rescue dog. Usually you can find one already housetrained. If you don't want messes or chewing, do NOT get a puppy. But you do have to expect some mistakes from any dog. Even housetrained rescue dogs might make a mistake because they're nervous.

And yes, rescue dogs are loyal. I would even say mores so, because they've been abandoned once and want to please you more than anything to make sure they stay with you.

Even if you rescue an already trained dog you will need to do refresher training so the dog knows what to expect from you. NO dog is perfect, you may be expecting a little much

Also you're 17? What will happen to the dog when you move out? A dog is a lifetime commitment, make sure you know where you'll be or at least that you can definately take the dog along for the next 10-15 years.

[Fran27]

You can try this

http://www.k9country.com/perl/dogBreed.pl

[head]

the problem is if your mother is allergic to the dander and not the fur-no matter which breed there will always be an issue of allergies. even 'short hair' breed dogs have dander and depending on the extent of your mother's allergy will depend on how much she is willing to tolerate.

[Da One]

Out of the breeds you listed,

Pit Bulls - Great dogs, though I would NOT recommend for a first time owner. Bulls breeds are pretty stubborn, although usually they're quite willing to please their owners. They're also pretty high energy and LOVE excersize.

Same thing with English Bulldogs. They don't need as much excersize as a pit bull but they're stubborn and pretty hard to train.

Boston Terriers, love these little guys. They don't shed too much but do need a fair amount of excersize.

Dobermans, LARGE dogs, much larger than a cocker spanial, also guard dogs so I would say not for the first time owner.

Bull Terriers, not very high energy, but very stubborn, again being a bull breed.

Most of the breeds you listed may not be good for allergies. Short fur doesn't mean low dander. Most terrier breeds like Wheaton terriers, West Highland White Terriers and such don't shed.

I would go for a rescue dog. Usually you can find one already housetrained. If you don't want messes or chewing, do NOT get a puppy. But you do have to expect some mistakes from any dog. Even housetrained rescue dogs might make a mistake because they're nervous.

And yes, rescue dogs are loyal. I would even say mores so, because they've been abandoned once and want to please you more than anything to make sure they stay with you.

Even if you rescue an already trained dog you will need to do refresher training so the dog knows what to expect from you. NO dog is perfect, you may be expecting a little much

Also you're 17? What will happen to the dog when you move out? A dog is a lifetime commitment, make sure you know where you'll be or at least that you can definately take the dog along for the next 10-15 years.

I see. Thanks for the advice.

Well I plan to stay home during college and my father also wants a dog so he will be taking care of it when I move out. (I have a feeling it is going to get more attached to him than me ;) )

[Da One]

the problem is if your mother is allergic to the dander and not the fur-no matter which breed there will always be an issue of allergies. even 'short hair' breed dogs have dander and depending on the extent of your mother's allergy will depend on how much she is willing to tolerate.


I see. Yeah, this is why we are still undecided on wether we should get one or not. I mean, we all want to get a dog, (not my mother so much) , but we also do not wan't to put my mother through more of her allergies.

[flutegeek104]

poodles-although stubborn, can be good dogs. You can get toy/mini poodles, standard poodles, and they don't shed AS MUCH as other breeds. They still shed, however, and need to be groomed often. Go for a rescue dog, you can find funny little mutts that have the best of both breeds.

[Fluff N Roll]

i would say a lab, they are easy to train although and be silly and not listen at times. They can easily get over wieght too. We have a lab mix and his tall and skinny, but is scard of everything lol.

Do you kind of want a medium size, small or big dog?

[sisco16]

i would say a pug they dont really shed i love there cute smushed faces and they arent to large.

[CTChin]

i would say a pug they dont really shed i love there cute smushed faces and they arent to large.

Really? all the pugs I've met shed like crazy!

[Chaos]

i would say a lab, they are easy to train although and be silly and not listen at times. They can easily get over wieght too. We have a lab mix and his tall and skinny, but is scard of everything lol.

Do you kind of want a medium size, small or big dog?

Labs shed like MAD, plus they're extremely bad chewers until about age three. I've never met a lab that didn't chew. They''re also quite active dogs and need a lto of excersize.

And every pug I've met was a horrible shedder too. I dogsat my friend's and she shed more than my three big dogs do!

[clearblu]

I would recomend an English Springer Spaniel. They are the sweetest dogs in the world; we have two. They have such sweet personalities and my grandmother, who has allergies doesnt react that much to them. Beleive it or not, they do not shed that much. They do have sort of long hair though; we shave ours in the summer. Here is a pic:

http://www.petplanet.co.uk/petplanet/fun/postcards/breedpostcards/Dogs/english_springer_sp.jpg

http://www.bluffton.edu/~sullivanm/maggie/pupopyinkitchen.jpg

http://www.caninetoys.com/pets/images/Springer%201.jpg

http://www.bayteam.org/photos/memberdogs/FeemsterAmber.jpg


http://terrificpets.com/images/uploads/dogbreedsadv74.jpg

Pictures of my puppies are on my website:
Clearblu Rabbitry (http://www.freewebs.com/clearblu)

[shadowolf]

uhh..

al lthe breeds you listed... all thoughs bully breeds, they all SHED and have alot of dander.. they are also very independant breeds, and need a STERN hadn when training and socialising..

I would suggest you do a bit more research on different breeds... Maybe smaller breeds... what about a sheltie? they dont shed that much but they do need alot of grooming.. but they are very bright dogs..

[flutegeek104]

Shelties 'blow coat' much like a husky twice a year. They do shed quite a bit...

[Fluff N Roll]

Labs shed like MAD, plus they're extremely bad chewers until about age three. I've never met a lab that didn't chew. They''re also quite active dogs and need a lto of excersize.
Labs dont shed well our lab mix doesn't, and he is a puppy if you adopt one that is alittle older then you wont have a problem. Labs only chew untill they are 1 or so i have never heard 3...

[Human Slave]

I suggest a dog from a shelter. You can meet the dog before hand and the staff can help you out in selecting the right dog to meet your needs.

[Chaos]

Labs dont shed well our lab mix doesn't, and he is a puppy if you adopt one that is alittle older then you wont have a problem. Labs only chew untill they are 1 or so i have never heard 3...

I'm allergic to labs, trust me they shed. ;) Yours is a lab MIX, the mixing can greatly affect the coat depending on the breed crossed with. And labs are a very slow to mature breed, they're not truly full grown until 2-3, which is when they outgrow chewing.

And an english springer spanial? A high energy hunting breed, they need a way too burn that energy.

[Fathipposrule]

ALL dogs need excercise, but some need more than others. I would say a yorkie. They are super cute, dont shed, have long hair and are very small. We had 4 yorkies and they were great dogs.

[Norman]

My lab sheds like mad. My boyfriend is allegic to her but we use Petal cleanse (registered trade mark) on her after bathing. Its a lotion famous for helping with allergies to dander and fur. Any dog will give off dander as it simply dead skin cells like you and I shed every day so do they. You may not notice the shedding straight away but when it comes to hoovering it up it shows.

Wooden floors are a nightmare with dogs (my opinion). My best mate has wooden floors throughout with a one year choc lab. The fur just sits on top if the wood and slightest gust of wind blows it about and it shows more so unless you are planning on sweeping 2/3 times a day. Whereas with carpets the fur is trodden in til hoovered so contained a bit more. No amount of nail trimming will stop the tap tap tap of the nails as they walk/run around. Noise can drive you to distraction.

Our lab did stop chewing well before the age of one cos we always stuffed a doggy chew in her mouth which was tastier than furniture.

[SCGreyhoundsGHG]

Italian Greyhound. They truly are wonderful dogs. I hope you find a wonderful dog no matter what breed you choose because it will definitely be your very best friend. I wish you, (and your future dog) good luck in the future!

[Chaos]

Actually I was going to suggest a greyhound or perhaps a whippet. From what I know of greyhounds they don't shed a whole lot, they're couch potato's inside and get most of their outside excercise by running laps around the yard (most do) or you can teach one to run beside your bike. Rescue racing greyhound are usually already crate trained because they've lived most of their lives in a kennel. They do need training but all dogs do too, its not very difficult at all, pick up a book or two and take the dog to obedience classes. Grey's are great dogs, I hope to own one some day.

[lastunicorn86]

i wouldn't suggest an italian geyhound since most owners will tell you they are extremely difficult to house train and usually Always have accidents in the house! also a spaniel wouldn't be a good beginner dog since they all have lots of energy. like others have been saying, go to a shelter and look at the dogs they have. take your mom with you so she can have some input on the dog that will live with your family.

to help with dander you might consider regular bathing and oil suppliments to keep their skin from drying out and cut down on the shedding and such. for the hard wood floors you can get the canine soft paws, or claws or what ever they're called, and they might help protect the floors from his nails. you just have make sure you keep up with them or they will fall off.

[brandy pup]

I think all those dogs you listed do shed. Shorthair breeds do shed, some alot.

Chaos - I hope to own a greyhound someday as well. :) Lovely breed.


CHOOSING A DOG
http://www.wonderpuppy.net/choose.htm

[clearblu]

Actually, my springers are laid back girls. If they get frisky, they play with one another. And they love it when we take them for walks.

[lastunicorn86]

i've met a lot of springers and own cockers, a brittany, and a boykin spaniel and they all are very energetic! my pup(the boykin) needs to be runn ragged at least once a day so he doesn't drive the older dogs nuts. but i understand that you spaniels may be laid back but i am just putting in my experiences with what he is looking for. with spaniels you also have to watch out for ear infections and lots of tangles in the coat if you don't brush them regularly or keep their fur short, and that is from experience as a groomer. i have been lucky in that all my spaniels have perfect ears and coats, but there is always the possibility that they can get chronic infections.

[BColliecrazy]

I am with the greyhound or whippet gang, for a first time owner. They are hard to house train if they have been racing dogs and used to a life outside. But from a puppy you should have no problems at all. They are incredibly gentle placid intelligent sweet dogs with very short coats ( they need a coat in MI temps in the winter)- when I am too old to cope with the energy and attention demands of border collies - I will seriously consider a greyhound.

[Chaos]

Actually just to correct you on the housebreaking thing retired racers are usually very easy to housebreak. Many already are housebroken, since if you go through a rescue they live in foster homes. These dogs have always lived in kennels and get let out 3 times a day to do their business, so they know not to soil their kennels. They just have to realize that your entire home is now their kennel, and most catch on very quick.

And clearblu, your springers may be laid back, but considering they ARE hunting digs AND its in the breed they are high energy dogs naturally.

[m311]

Hi. Here are my thoughts on the dogs you listed, and my suggestion for another. Please correct me if I'm out of place or misinformed. Hope this helps :)

Boston Terrier - Has a short coat that requires very little grooming, but I'd suggest running a brush over the coat every now and then so it won't be harsh on the allergies. They generally don't desire long walks and living outside, they'll be happy just to frolic around. On the other hand, if you were looking for a quiet, well mannered dog, they play well at that as well because most indoor specimens of this breed are fairly quiet. They are loyal but not excessively dependent. They are quite eager to learn and aren't hard to obedience train as they are quite sensitive to tone of voice and its intelligence ensures that it learns quickly.

English Bulldog - Short hair that is smooth and doesn't require alot of care but again, a little brush doesn't goe astray. When it molts, it's quite easy to remove dead hair. They can be spontaneous but calm indoors and are quite obedient. They are quite affectionate and prefer to be close to the family so they are more suitable as indoor dogs and do not require long exercise routine, so that also works well with wanting a dog that isn't too energetic.

Doberman Pinscher - I don't think this breed would be suited to the household you described and what you want in a dog. Although they are intelligent, it is not advisable to acquire a dog of this breed if you haven't had very much experience training dogs. They are very loyal to their families but I would think they are very active and would need alot exercise.

Bull Terriers - Another breed I wouldn't suggest to you. They need alot of exercise, can be quite stubborn (so they require training from a very young age), and quite boisterous.

Another dog I thought of was a Pug (Sorry if it has already been mentioned). Very affectionate and easy to train, as they love to please their owners and are generally pretty compliant. Very little grooming required and have average to low exercise needs. They are playful, but not noisy and boisterous and indoor pugs tend to be quiet. Most pugs snore :)


Owning a dog is a big (but very rewarding) responsibility. In saying all that I did, each dog is an individual, as we are and they all have different traits, personalities and habits, so you have to be patient and tolerant. If you are worried about having to spend alot of time looking after your dog or whether it is going to pee on your new floor during training, it's probably best to think it all over again and work out whether owning a dog as a pet is a good idea because you will be caring for that dog for the whole duration of it's life and there is alot involved to think carefully about.

Good luck :)