Type of Dogs for First Time Owners!

Hey folks -

Hubby and I are looking to adopt a dog in the next few weeks. We've never had a dog before but really want to have one to make us a family

We've been looking into golden retrievers, shiba inu's, etc., but wanted to get a sense from those that already own "family dogs" what your thoughts are...We're really looking for a playful, active dog --- and personally for me, the less shedding the better.

Any ideas would be great!

Thank you!!

Re: Type of Dogs for First Time Owners!

If you want a somewhat active dog that doesn't shed and would be a good family dog I would suggest a labradoodle. They have the mellowness of a lab so they are good family pets, and they don't shed (from the poodle). However, if you plan on adopting I would suggest not thinking as much about breed and just paying attention to what the rescue can tell you about the individual dog's temperament. I personally like working with rescues that foster the dogs before adoption, because the foster family will have a really good sense of the dog.

We got Ozzie (who is a beagle/boston terrier) from Badass Brooklyn Foster Dog. They are an amazing group and Ozzie is a gem!

Re: Type of Dogs for First Time Owners!

Re: Type of Dogs for First Time Owners!

A Chatham Hill Retriever!! It's a mix between a flatcoat retriever and a spaniel. They are such great family dogs- great with kids, love people, and get along with other dogs. I can't say enough great things about the breed. We have had our's for almost a year now and he's such a sweetheart. Everyone compliments him on his manners and how cute and happy he is.
They get to be about 35-40lbs and shedding is minimal.

Type of Dogs for First Time Owners!

Honestly and purely my opinion, it's not a breed thing it's a personality thing. You need to go and meet dogs and see which one fits best. Some are mellow, some are hyper, just like us.

Just as an example to what I mean, there are 3 cocker spaniels in my family. Mine is a total mush and mellow as anything. My mom's a little mellow, but still barks and jumps and is playful. My sister's is a pain in the a$$ and sits on her kitchen table and steals all the socks.

It really depends. Also, older dogs will typically be more mellow than younger ones and will need less training.

Good luck!!

Bobbi and the Strays is a great place to start, then North Shore Animal League, Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter (if you go here you save a life) etc and so on.

Re: Type of Dogs for First Time Owners!

I have a miniature schnauzer and she is wonderful.

A little stubborn...but hey, who isn't?


Breed standard is 15-20 lbs. Hypo allegenic, no shed.

Great Great dog.

Re: Type of Dogs for First Time Owners!

Couldn't agree more with the personality vs breed.. My husband and I have two rescue mutts and they're perfect for us(and who knows what they are ;))

We adopted one of our pups from hands of hope, they're a local rescue that's based out of bay shore. You can find their pups on petfinder or like them on Facebook. I just fostered puppies for them and I know they have some great puppies and dogs up for adoption. The mommy of the puppies we fostered, Molly, is up for adoption and she's Amazing! She's young (maybe 1.5 years), medium sized and already perfectly crate trained.

Good luck with your search!!

Re: Type of Dogs for First Time Owners!

Yup, great advice here. Although there are some breed traits you should consider (I've always heard Shiba Inus are higher energy dogs with strong personalities), take each dog as a separate case.

I think the #1 most important thing to consider is energy level. How long does it take to tire them out? How long does it take before you start to resent the dog for having so much energy?

Really though, it's a problem for everyone if you're not prepared for a energetic dog. Have a game plan in mind for daily walks (sometimes more than once a day) for any dog that isn't a senior. Consider a dog out of puppy stage to ease your transition to the responsibilities of dog ownership.

Another game plan you need to work out is if you plan on having children, what types of dogs might not be conducive to that lifestyle. There are some dog breeds that are "velcro" dogs, with strong attachments to their owners, that don't deal with change well.

To "test" temperament also, bring something with you that's noisy like a metal can with change in it. Shake it, see what the dog does. If it is curious and runs to the sound to see what's up, you have an inquisitive dog that may need a stronger leader to keep them in line. Training and consistency. A dog that shrinks from it and seems fearful will also need training and consistency but in a different way, so you don't break their spirit.

So I know they're a dime a dozen but I have two Labs and they definitely fit the "playful / active" bill. But not the shedding. I got used to it quick and it's a minor annoyance. The benefits and love we receive more than make up for it. I recommend Labs4Rescue:

http://www.petfinder.com/pet-search?shelterid=CT178&sort=name&preview=1

With 148 Labs available, chances are you'll find a match.

Re: Type of Dogs for First Time Owners!

I think you need to look at what you consider "active." Do you mean throwing a ball around in the yard? Are you and DH runners? Will you be taking the dog out on runs with you? Are you outdoor people who go hiking and camping? Do you both work? How long do you plan on being away from the house each day? Do you plan on having children? What will your activity level be when you have a child? How much space do you have? Did you want to get them involved in agility training? Frisbee? Labs and Retrievers are great active outdoor dogs, but they are going to require regular exercise. They are fabulous with children. But they shed. Smaller dogs can still be active and playful but may not be the best with children. Some Shiba's can be very protective and may not be the best with children. All in all, however, like many pp's mentioned, I would be more into the energy level and temperament of a particular dog rather than the specific breed.

Re: Type of Dogs for First Time Owners!

This is all great info - thanks all!

To the poster that mentioned Brooklyn Badass - we're filling out an application with them soon and are looking forward to going to one of their events A lot of my co-workers have adopted from there, and have heard great info.

Re: Type of Dogs for First Time Owners!

We have an American Bulldog. She is a person in a dog suit. The sweetest, most amazing dog ever!! I couldn't have asked for a better family dog

Re: Type of Dogs for First Time Owners!

Shiba inu's are beautiful dogs and are VERY active and playful. If there is a specific type of dog you are intertested in then be sure to read about them before buying/adopting.....we have an English bulldog and when doing research we read that they could be high maintance but we didn't listen and boy were they right! We wouldn't trade ours in for anything else at this point but I do wish we would have taken that seriously.

Re: Type of Dogs for First Time Owners!

We have a English Springer Spaniel and she's absolutely wonderful with DS. She does shed but it is nothing extreme.