What has your experience been with adopting mutts from the pound or a local shelter?

Question

We currently have a very friendly, male American Eskimo who is almost two years old and three children, ages 14, 15, and 17. We are hoping to find a friend for our dog and a new addition to our family! I'm looking for a little insight into which small breeds of dogs are generally more family friendly. After all of the information released on puppy mills and abusive breeders we want to make sure we are adopting an animal in need of a home, rather than contributing to a disgusting cycle. We would like a small dog, family friendly but energy\activity level and exercise needs on any scale are fine. Also, we would prefer an easily trained dog but understand that most puppies take lots of time, patience and focused energy. Please give me lots of recommendations, especially specific combinations of small and friendly mutts so I can look them up on petfinder.com!

Answer 1

I have had excellent luck adopting mutts. I have adopted from the pound and from different dog rescue groups. My best experiences have been with small dog rescue groups that I found on petfinder. Dogs from the pound usually have many many hidden "issues." I have only adopted one dog from a LARGE dog rescue group and I feel they deliberately misled me on the dogs background. (They can also be very difficult to deal with as they told me I was unfit to have a dog since I worked 8 hours per day. Hmmm. That means 99% of dog owners are "unfit?")



I would research breeds on www.dogbreedinfo.com. Also, keep in mind that mutts might not be the breed they look like (although it's generally a good bet that they are.) Pomeranians are cool dogs that live forever! Pugs are fun and comical. Jack Russels are smart as a whip, easily trainable. Beagles are cute as can be and will run away following the scent of something unseen before you even notice they are distracted.



I would also recommend that you read Cesar Milans newest book - especially the section about how to introduce a new dog to the family's existing dog.



Good luck to you.

Answer 2

I can tell you what breed to avoid - Rat Terriers! Yes, they're cute.. and I've seen a few nice ones.. but more often than not they're pyschos. So much energy!



With an American Eskimo, I'd suggest getting a Shiba Inu (if you can find one). They're smaller, but still look exotic, easily trained, smart and fairly docile. A friend of mine had one and she was the calmest little thing! She was a mutt as well, I believe her parents were another shiba inu mix and a poodle mix, but she came out looking beautiful.



Poodles are really great family dogs too, smart, gentle.. but require a little extra time in grooming. I never liked poodles because of their coat, but their personalities are wonderful.



Also look into: Beagles, Basset Hounds and if all else fails, you can go for the good ol' Lab. You can never fail with a Lab.

Answer 3

3 of our 4 dogs are from the pound and its the best thing we've ever done. We've encouredged all out family and friends to start adopting. there are many mutts as well a pure bred dogs at the pound and shelters that need homes!!



I live in Orange county and it runs about 250 to adopt a dog at our pound and they come spayed or neutred, micro chiped and have flee meds on them when you pick them up!



But what im getting at is just take your time while looking for a dog, just go down to the pound with your family and when you find that dog that belongs to your family YOU WILL KNOW cuz they melt your heart and you just know that your right for them and there right for you =]





Goodluck!!

Answer 4

We have ALWAYS had mutts from the pound. Never had any problems with any of them

They're cheap, microchiped, spayed and best of all you're saving a life.

Most animal shelters will let you bring in your dog (once you've found a possible candidate) and let your dog and the pound dog interact. If they like each other, get it. If not, keep looking.



We have a little terrier (pound dog hehe) who is FULL of energy.

I'd say most terriers are the same.

Answer 5

Some of the best small family dogs are as follows:

Pugs

**** Zu

Cocker Spaniels



Some that are medium sized but make amazing pets and I would look into are:

Beagle

any type of collie



Mixed breeds that are wonderful are:

Pugle- pug and beagle

Cockerpoo- cocker spaniel and poodle



Hope this helps!!!!

P.S. I have a beagle that is such a family pet. He is sooo sweet!

Answer 6

Your local animal shelter would have those answers. I would personally call ahead to see if I could bring my dog there to make sure he would get along with whatever breed you're looking for. Ultimately though, I would recommend that you get a dog that's about the same size as yours just in case there's ever a fight.

Answer 7

I personally like lhasa ahpsos and shih tzus (pure or mixes) (not sure about spelling) ive had better experiences with those breeds during the time ive been working with animals. but i have seen that a lot depends on the dogs. if you go to an SPCA they make sure that the dogs get along and they have trainers go over the whole dog introduction and breed information with you to make sure that you get the best match for your family and your dog. thats just me though :P

Answer 8

Some times its best to go the the shelter itself with the whole family and meet and greet the dogs they have and see which one fits in best, and you can talk with the staff who have spent plenty of time with them on which they would advise... not so much breed/mix but the dog as an individual and personality.

Answer 9

Children are adopted-ANIMALS are bought & sold.

Pounds SELL dogs.



I do NOT buy pound-hounds.

I never have & never will.

What *I* want in a dog is NOT found dumped in pound.

NOR am I gullible enough to fall for AR-propaganda



If all *you* want is a live lump of dog flesh....go right ahead

Answer 10

Pug's are a wonderful small breed, very energetic. Easily trained. They get very attached. They love to be around people.

Answer 11

i have have EXCELLENT luck adopting.

poodles, terri-poos, PBGVs, mutts.



If you could find a PBGV , i think you would find he would fit in with the family and dog well.



The humane society will be able to tell you a bit about the personality of most of the individual dogs they have.