The best dog breed
@wrld_n_harmony (695)
United States
April 26, 2008 3:38pm CST
My husband and I are really wanting to get a dog, but we don't know what kind we should get. We're wanting a midsized to smallish dog that would eventually be good around children. We want a dog that would be happy living indoors and outside. We want something that doesn't require a lot of maintenance.
Any suggestions? What kind of breed would be the best breed? WHY?
5 responses
@Seraphine (385)
• Finland
27 Apr 08
When you say 'would be happy living indoors and outside', do you mean you plan to let the dog stay outside? For how long periods of time? There are really no dogs that are suitable to living outdoors, especially no small to medium sized breeds. Dogs are pack animals and need to be with their pack, which along domesticated animals means they need to be with you, inside the house. If you're outside then of course the dog can be as well, but if you're inside I think it's cruel to leave the dog outside for long.
As for breeds, perhaps one of the smaller spaniels (cocker spaniel for example)? My first thought was a retriever (golden or lab) but they're probably too big for you? Spaniels do need regular brushing to prevent matting and keep the coat in good shape, but at least with my cavalier I don't think it's a lot to do. Another option is to get a breed that needs to be trimmed at a professional groomer, like a poodle or bichon frise. I'd at least stay away from terrier breeds if you want a dog that'll be good with children.
Have you considered rescue? Going to the local shelter and look around? There are a lot of mixed breeds and also purebreds that need new homes and the staff should be able to point you out to dogs that are good with children if you're willing to adopt a little older dog that's out of the crazy puppy stages. If you have the time then by all means look for a puppy if that's what you want but keep in mind that a puppy demands an awful lot of time and can not be left alone for a whole workday.
@Seraphine (385)
• Finland
28 Apr 08
Any dog can be trained to behave well, it's just a matter of how much you're willing to put into it.
In my opinion there are no dogs regardless of breed suitable to staying outside for 8+ hours alone while you're at work. I see nothing but behavioural problems stemming from it. Dogs are den animals and are perfectly happy in a crate, but of course there are limits how long you can leave a dog in one. I don't think that's unreasonable though, cause dogs are very social and need a lot of human contact throughout the day.
But if that's what you necessarily have to do I hope you have, or will get, a fully fenced in (at least 6 foot high preferably higher and the wire also needs to go down a foot or two into the ground to prevent digging out) yard as well as a properly built dog house to allow the dog to be cool/warm/dry whatever the climate is where you are. Electrical fences do not count as a properly fenced in yard btw.
You can however exclude the small to medium sized breeds immediately if you plan on shutting the dog outside for that long though.
@wrld_n_harmony (695)
• United States
28 Apr 08
Growing up, we always had outside dogs. We had a german shepard, a rat terrier, and a medium sized mutt. They were all VERY happy dogs and seemed proud of their yards. They would "protect" their yard from squirrels and other critters. The yards had huge privacy fences, they had a dog house under a tree with a fan for summer and a light bulb to keep it warm in the winter. I don't see any issue with it if they're given prenty of attention, have plenty of room to run around, taken for walks regularly, and given a nice dog house.
Now that I'm ready for my own dog, I'd like one that can stay outside during the day when we're out (an independent dog,) and one that will be good inside when we're home. I honestly think the dogs that have anxiety issues when their owners are gone at work are the ones that have never learned to be happy outside. So many of my friends got dogs in college, and so many of them had "issues" with tearing stuff up in the house when they were away at class. We never had a dog do things like that in their yard when we were gone.
I don't know, I think there can be a fine balance resulting in a perfectly happy dog.
@wrld_n_harmony (695)
• United States
27 Apr 08
We've definately thought about shelter dogs, we just wanted to have an idea of breed personalities before we go. A very good friend of ours got a rescue dog, and he seemed perfect until they had a dinner party. He totally freaked and bit 3 of the guests in a very short period of time.
Golden retreivers probably aren't too large - especially if they're very calm natured dogs, which I think they are.
As for staying outside, I'd like a dog that would be fine staying outside when we're away at work. I think it's much better for the animal to be outside than say in a crate in the house for hours or locked in a small room.
Thank you so much for your input!
@nova1945 (1612)
• United States
26 Apr 08
In my experience, Maltese are the best dogs if you are not looking for a big dog. They have sweet dispositions, are very obedient, and very intelligent. Shih Tzu is also good, but my favorite is still Maltese. They are good with children and are not overly nervous or excitable like poodles or some other terriers.
I have owned three of them over the years and have been very pleased with all of them.
@wrld_n_harmony (695)
• United States
26 Apr 08
How much maintenance do Maltese and Shih Tzu's need? Do they need to be brushed/groomed a lot?
@Lambchoper (538)
• United States
26 Apr 08
I always go for the mutts they seem to have a better disposition than most breeds. But if I was in the market for a breed I'd go for a Queensland Healer there isn't a smarter dog on the planet.
@scratch06 (20)
• United States
26 Apr 08
how about a welsh corgi? they have short legs and long bodys and they get about 13 pounds. corgis are very loyal and are pretty good with children as long as you socialize them at a young age . but i think thats with most dogs.
@miller23231 (873)
• United States
27 Apr 08
We have a Jack Russell Terrier and she is the best dog! She loves to be outside, but, for the most part, any smaller dog that you get would have to be an inside dog. My Jack Russell, Corona, is very good with my children and very protective of them. She's pretty independent and she certainly doesn't cause a lot of trouble. I work from home and I'm on the phone all day, she is never disruptive, not one of the people I talk to has mentioned hearing her. So, I have to say, if I was looking for a dog, I would definitely choose a Jack Russell.
