what sort of dog should i get?

Question

this question is a little tricky, but i'm trying to convince my dad we should get a dog and if i found a breed that is suitable for our family he said he'll consider it. okay here goes:

we live in a house with a small-medium size backyard so we need a small, inside dog.
with that in mind, we already have a cat and my sister is mentally disabled (this is one of the major problems dad has with getting a dog, he's scared that the dog will target my sister and bite her)
we also are usually out of the house for 8 hours minimum on weekdays, but always home on holidays and weekends.

my challenge to you dog breed know-it-alls is to find a breed that could possibly fit in with our crazy family. or should i stop nagging and except that we can't get a dog.

thanks in advance!

Answer 1

Just a quick note, I am not going to suggest a breed, but what I'd like to say is that I think a dog would be great for your sister.



Without knowing what kind of disability your sister has, I can't be specific, but in most cases a dog is a wonderful companion for people with disabilities.



If anything the dog may target your sister as their favorite family member! Not to bite her!

Answer 2

I would first suggest you do a little homework and learn about all the dog breeds that are available. Try going to www.akc.org and just browsing the website. They group all the dogs by breed and give a detailed list of tempermant, grooming, and other things and can help you get an idea of what kind of dog you would like.Before myhusband and i bought our dog we knew we wanted an indoor/outdoor dog, minimal grooming, and kind of lazy (not much exercise). And we picked a bulldog. But they do need alot of care in other ways but we were prepared to meet those needs in exchange for other traits we liked. Try visiting shelters, breeders, and rescue's and you may just find one you can't live without. Some programs will let you try a dog for a few weeks and if its not working out you can return the dog. Whether you pick pure-breed or mix is up to you but take your time. This dog will be a member of your family and will need to mesh with you completely. I see people suggesting goledn retrievers and while they are great dogs they need tons of exercise and dont take well to being left alone. There are other dogs more suited to what you want. Just do some research, plus if you can present a good case to your dad and show him you'v done som

Answer 3

I would suggest a Golden Retriever or Toy Poodle.

GOLDEN RETRIEVER - They are extremely loyal and sweet and won't hurt you under most circumstances. But they are a big dog and you said you have a small-medium house.

TOY POODLE - They are very smart so they can be taught not to hurt your sister. They also won't moult much or shed much either. They are also small so they will be happy living in a small-medium house. They also don't require to much exercise. But the thing i'm worried about is the dog. Because the dog is small, your sister may harm the puppy. But otherwise, the toy poodle sounds about right!

Hope things go well for you! I know what it's like. The exact same thing happened to me. My parents told me if i found a good dog breed, and get good grades (which i did, 7 A's yea go me!), my sis and i could get 2 puppies!!! And now we're getting it very soon! can't wait. Good Luck!

Answer 4

As some people have said a golden retriever is less likely to murder your cat or harm your sister but they do need alot of exercise and training.



A small dog could be a Jack Russel Terrier,they kind of take care of themselves and that is a plus since you guys are rarely ever home. But if they aren't trained right they could get a bit snappy and bark but if you train them properly you should be fine.



To be honest the bigger dogs are really the most gentle breeds and would if anything, help your sister and everyone around the house if that is what you are looking for.

Answer 5

I have an American Cocker Spaniel, we've had her for a year now and she's the most loveable, playful, sweet thing. Cockers have naturally sweet temperaments, so biting your sister would not come in to the equation. Although, like all puppies, they do get restless so you should play with them using their toys for them to bite. As long as you teach your puppy that they are only allowed to bite their toys, it should be fine. American cockers are a smaller breed than cavalier spaniels and the english cocker spaniels and she is a more adaptable dog too. It doesn't matter really what breed you get, although maybe in your case a small dog would be best, because ultimatley the dog should be able to fit in with it's master's lifestyle.

Answer 6

Think approximately the kind of character you're so far as energetic, or residence frame. Then take a seem round to look how accommodating is your area. Do you've gotten a small or giant again backyard? Then you have to uncover the proper measurement and vigour stage puppy. Even a mutt kind puppy generally is a well have compatibility now not only a natural breed.

Answer 7

i can't think of any small dogs that wouldn't be prone to throw a temper tantrum, but i can suggest a medium sized dog. a golden retriever is a wonderful household companion. they are very loving and sweet and are very gentle. they are often used to help the mentally disabled and visit the sick in hospitals. since a golden is a family dog, it might get lonely if everyone's gone for most of the day, at least my dog is. sorry i couldn't help much, but its a thought. :)

Answer 8

I would suggest a



Cavalier King Charles Spaniel



they are medium sized dogs but not too big. They are also very good family dogs.



I would also suggest a Dachshund.

Answer 9

I would say a Golden Retriever.They are the best family dogs and love anyone even other pets and strangers and he loves the most the ones who lives with and your sister included.They have a soft mouth and in a young age they may want to bite things so buy him chew toys.But since you want a small inside dog i suggest you to get a Jack Russell,they are smart and also they are very playful

Answer 10

I be more worried your sister would accidently hurt a small breed pup being disabled. Remember small breed pup are incrediable fragile and can easily be killed or seriously injured.

What about a calmer small/medium breed adult? Small breeds are prone to snappiness, but in the shelter you'll find plenty of adults that aren't snappy and are okay with children with special needs



Honestly tolerant wise these are the most tolerant breeds

Golden Retriever

The Golden is a gentle, confident and loyal dog that is cheerful, trustworthy and responsive to training. This breed makes a wonderful family dog that is friendly with everyone – both human and other animals. This Retriever does very well with children but toddlers should always be supervised as young untrained dogs can be over exuberant. Goldens have a tendency to mouth everything and everybody so should be provided with lots of toys to carry around. A Golden remains goofy and puppy-like for many years so early obedience training is required. Goldens are eager to learn and can be trained to very high levels as seeing eye dogs, narcotics dogs and obedience competitors. It should be remembered that this Retriever is an outdoor hunting dog that needs two good exercise sessions each day. Goldens are suitable for first-time or novice dog owners



Labrador

There are not enough superlatives to describe this breed. Labrador Retrievers are one of the best family dogs in the world. The Lab is gentle, loyal, intelligent and extremely reliable with children. These Retrievers are not apartment dogs but can adapt well to city living if they are given sufficient exercise. These dogs love to swim and should be given lots of opportunities to retrieve sticks from the water in all kinds of weather. The Labrador is good natured and eager to learn and can be easily trained to do everything from competitive obedience and field trials to becoming a “seeing-eye” dog for the blind. Most Labs love to chew and they should be provided with lots of chew-toys that they can carry around in their mouths. Some male dogs can be stubborn and try to dominate the owner. Early obedience training will make this breed much more manageable. Despite welcoming most burglars into your house, the Lab will let you know they are breaking in. Labs make pretty good watchdogs and do well with first-time dog owners.



Scotch Collie-Oddly enough in australia, they are used as apartment dogs!



Newfoundland

The Newfoundland has a wonderfully sweet and gentle disposition that is reflected in his kind expression. This gentle and good-natured giant dog is great with children and makes a terrific family dog. Toddlers should be supervised carefully as one slurp from his big tongue could knock a little one over. Newfs are quite intelligent and can be trained fairly easily using praise and food rewards. Newfs and all giant breeds should be socialized and obedience trained early while puppies and through adolescence. All giant breeds must be well trained. Male Newfoundlands can be a little more independent than females. Newfs need lots of companionship and need to be involved in family activities. Some Newfs are shy but generally get along very well with strangers. Newfoundlands are suitable for novice or first-time owners.



The Newfoundland is slow moving and has a tendency to be lazy. They enjoy and benefit from play sessions, daily walks, and swimming. They are relatively inactive indoors. The Newfie will do okay in an apartment or condominium dwelling provided they are given sufficient exercise. They enjoy a run in a small fenced yard.



We have a newfoundland near me-however quite abit smaller then normal newfoundlands, this one only slightly bigger then my Labrador x Golden Retriever and she big for her mix!. Gentle as anything, and gets alone well with other dogs, and don't think you'll have a problem with it with cats



larger is better and these are great with Children, they are more patient tolerant breeds and most will not snap or show any sign of aggression, even when accidently trot on there paws, pull there ears, pull there tails etc, and are gentle once obedience trainned.



Remember all puppies nip because there teething. Are you aware some larger breeds can actually do well in a small yard? Newfoundland and Scotch Collie are the two that are good!



1.What You See Is What You Get. How big will the dog get? What will its temperament be? Is it easily trained? What will its personality be like as an adult? Will it be hyperactive? Adult dogs are, to steal a term from Internet lingo, WYSIWYG (What you see is what you get.) All of your questions are easily answered, because the dog is already an adult. You can pick large or small; active or couch potato; goofy or brilliant; sassy or sweet. Further, the rescuer and/or foster homes can help guide you in choosing just the right match for you. (Rescues are FULL of puppies who became the wrong match as they got older!)



2. Unscarred Children (and Adults). If a puppy does not teeth on your possesions, it will teeth on you and your children. Rescuers often get calls from panicked parents sure their dog is about to seriously injure their children. It usually turns out the puppy is just doing what puppies do, i.e., mouth or nip. Parents, too emotional to see the difference, just want to get rid of the dog. A growing puppy is going to put anything and everything in their mouth. It must be taught bite inhibition. As the puppy grows, the puppy's jaws become stronger and its teeth are replaced by its adult teeth. The mouthing and nipping it did as a puppy now can have serious consequences. Far better to get an adult dog 2years+ that has "been there, done that, moved on



Also puppies shouldn't be left along anymore then 2hours.



Remember most small breeds won't tolerate a tail pulled, or ears pulled or fur pulled



Some suggestions

American Eskimo dog=6-40pounds

Bred solely to be companions, the American Eskimo Dog thrives on being part of the family. This charming and playful breed is excellent with children, and loves to be lavished with attention. They are suspicious and wary of strangers and make good guardians of their family and home. They love to bark and will sound the alarm whenever they deem it necessary. This breed does not do well if left alone for extended periods of time or if they are isolated, as they will engage in destructive activities.



Beagle

http://home.earthlink.net/~happyacreknl/id9.html

http://www.threeseven.ca/2008/02/truth-about-beagles.html



Bedlington Terrier

Bichon Frise

Bolognese

Border Terrier

Boston Terrier

Cairn Terrier

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cesky Terrier

American Cocker Spaniel-Can be snappy with small children

Coton De Tulear

Dandie Dinmont Terrier

English Cocker Spaniel-Can be snappy with small children

Glen of Imaal Terrier

Havanese

Answer 11

Pugs!

Or pugs Slash Beagle There Sooo Cute!



http://cdn-www.dailypuppy.com/media/dogs/anonymous/17042/20090109208300_thedocofthebay061.JPG_w450.jpg





Make me cary just looking at 'em * Wipes here eye*