Thinking of getting a puppy...any ideas?

Hey guys.... I would like to get a dog but dont know what type to get. I want something kid friendly and doesnt shed too much.

Am I asking for too much? Those are my only requirements. Watcha think?

Image Attachment(s):

Re: Thinking of getting a puppy...any ideas?

we have a 6 month old boxer... he is great.. great with kids and with other dogs...

Image Attachment(s):

Re: Thinking of getting a puppy...any ideas?

Those requirements are pretty wide open.

Are you ok with what the puppy is going to require from you? I can tell you we weren't, so we found a dog that was a little bit older to avoid the whole housebreaking, sleepless nights, teething, etc.

How much exercise can you realistically give a dog daily? Do you mind grooming them daily, weekly or monthly? Is your lifestyle better suited to an energetic, active dog or more towards a couch potato?

Our Lab can be demanding with his exercise and training needs (to keep him well behaved and healthy) but it's worth it to us. Although he really doesn't have the normal energy level - he's more of a couch potato.

Re: Thinking of getting a puppy...any ideas?

I'm ALWAYS a fan of boxers, but have you thought about going to a shelter and adopting?

Re: Thinking of getting a puppy...any ideas?

We plan on getting a Whippet in a year. Likes to sleep, cuddly, needs a good run/walk for about 30 mins daily if you can do a hour it is great, NO STINK, not much on shedding, not that many health issues either. Personally it is perfect for us but it is hard to find a breeder (ohio)

Normally I am for shelter dogs but I am kinda done going that route for now.

Message edited 7/31/2009 3:48:19 PM.

Re: Thinking of getting a puppy...any ideas?

Re: Thinking of getting a puppy...any ideas?

My parents just got a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. He is WONDERFUL! We've had quite a few dogs (my mom wanted to be a vet growing up), and he has been the easiest one to train. He is such a mush and gives kisses all the time, and also has a great personality.

ETA: He's also great with children. My nephew is 2 and he loves my nephew.

Message edited 7/31/2009 5:21:41 PM.

Re: Thinking of getting a puppy...any ideas?

Thank you everyone !!! Boxers are cute but I think I would rather a med size dog. We spentthe day looking at shelters. Oh my.... I was scared at first. It seemed as though there were just mean 'ole pit pulls behind the cages. Then I felt bad for them because I doubt anyone is going to adopt them. I def do not believe in puppy shop dogs.
I just looked up pictures of The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. It is is adorable. Does he shed a lot? How much does he/she weight?

Re: Thinking of getting a puppy...any ideas?

Best dog ever!!! Maltese!!! no shedding at all! friendly, smart, obedient, respectful, adorable, loving! I can go on and on and on

Re: Thinking of getting a puppy...any ideas?

Image Attachment(s):

Message edited 7/31/2009 7:08:28 PM.

Re: Thinking of getting a puppy...any ideas?

We have a Pug. She's the best.
Here are some pics of her as a puppy and now at 5 years old.

Image Attachment(s):

Message edited 7/31/2009 8:32:32 PM.

Re: Thinking of getting a puppy...any ideas?

Def do a search on petfinders.com

Re: Thinking of getting a puppy...any ideas?

There is a quiz online I took. I have to find it.

You need to narrow down your search a bit.

What size dog?
Do you have a yard?
Do you have time to walk the dog? How many times and for how long?
How much time are you willing to spend on grooming?
Do you have kids?
Are you allergic?
Do you want a watch dog?
Etc...

ETA: This is one of the test I found with a quick search

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/search.htm

Message edited 7/31/2009 10:13:27 PM.

Re: Thinking of getting a puppy...any ideas?

Re: Thinking of getting a puppy...any ideas?

Here is a link to the rescue group we got our 2nd dog from, they specialize in smaller dogs...

Waggy Tail Rescue

Re: Thinking of getting a puppy...any ideas?

Re: Thinking of getting a puppy...any ideas?

A lot of good suggestions here, but please use the dog's personality, care and habits as criteria before their looks. I think my dog is really cute too but it's a big responsibility and something you can make easier on yourself if you choose one that will fit into your lifestyle easier. Then you get what you want and the dog gets it's needs met too, and a loving family to become a part of!

I don't want to hijack but I had some questions about the Cav King Charles Spaniels too... We do want to get another Lab but would the CKCS make a good companion for energetic, playful Labs? I could probably convince DH to consider it for a 3rd dog.

Re: Thinking of getting a puppy...any ideas?

I have two pugs. They are huge shedders. I have to vacuum, mop my kitchen and wipe down my couches daily.

They also can be very stubborn and can do spiteful things if their routine is broken.

They are good dogs overall and we wouldn't trade them for the world, but just thought I'd throw this out there about this breed.

ETA: Pugs also have a TON of energy for about 2-3 years.

Message edited 8/1/2009 9:44:56 AM.

Re: Thinking of getting a puppy...any ideas?

I volunteer here and these dogs all need a home

Last Hope Animal Shelter

Re: Thinking of getting a puppy...any ideas?

Bj and Jan---that is very nice taht you volunteer. maybe you could answer some questions about shelters. My BF and I went to look at a few shelters yesterday. Its seemed as though they were filled with pit bulls and rotweillers. I didn't see any dogs that I would be able to train in my own home. Of course, my heart went out to every single one of them but I was looking for a puppy. My question to you... do I have a chance of finding a nice puppy in a shelter or do I need to have a connection with someone from the shelter. I know about teh waiting lists but.... should I bother?

Re: Thinking of getting a puppy...any ideas?

Boston Terriers. Lots of good rescue dogs available. Short hair, some shedding, great with kids, typically not barkers, some gassiness, smaller breed = portable, easy to groom (throw 'em in the tub). I love my BT's!!

Re: Thinking of getting a puppy...any ideas?

We had a West Highland Terrier growing up and it was the best dog. Great temperment, didnt shed TOO much, but did shed. Small dog. Great family pet I think.

Re: Thinking of getting a puppy...any ideas?

Posted by greenfreak

I don't want to hijack but I had some questions about the Cav King Charles Spaniels too... We do want to get another Lab but would the CKCS make a good companion for energetic, playful Labs? I could probably convince DH to consider it for a 3rd dog.

Re: Thinking of getting a puppy...any ideas?

my only 2 cents are PLEASE get it from a shelter or breeder. Dont support puppy stores

Re: Thinking of getting a puppy...any ideas?

don't worry I am extremely aware of puppy mill dogs and would never. i know I have so much responses (keep 'em coming :) but I did write somewhere that I would never.