Help me pick out a dog breed!

[mondo joe]

These are my considerations:

I have kids
I have cats
I have a small house and an open back yard (so no dog pen)

I do regular walks but otherwise have a pretty stick-to-home life (in other words, there'd be exercise for a dog but not the sort that involves frisbees or running)

Shortish fur is more appealing than longish

No one is home during the workday hours
I can't bring a dog to work.


I really like the look and size of the Fox Terrier or Jack Russell Terrier. But I worry they may need a more active lifestyle than I can give them.

I like poodles for the non-shedding factor, but I'm a gay man and I just don't think I could walk around with a poodle.

I do NOT like Chihuahuas and those little Cairn Terriers are just too small. I like a dog to look like a dog.

Any suggestions???

[Pithlet]

1. A mutt!

from your local shelter. They really do make the best pets :)

[mondo joe]

2. Too unpredictable in terms of size and temperment.

If my situation were different I'd do it.

[Pithlet]

12. A pure breed isn't exactly a guarantee, either.

I'm not against pure bred dogs. I've had them, myself. But, if you want a guarantee that a dog will be the right fit for you, the only way you can do that is look at the dog. I'm not saying you have to have a mutt and that's the only way, but don't rule them out. I think, if you went looking at them, you'd be pleasantly surprised. Overall, I think they make a better family pet than most breeds. And I have my favorites (Pugs, Chi's, Boston Terriers...)

[mondo joe]

40. I don't expect a guarantee. But that doesn't mean I don't want to make

the best educated guess I can. :-)

[Lex]

3. Go to your local animal shelter and start looking for a doggie

that fits the bill for you.

My last dog was from the animal shelter and I had to be patient to find the one that would fit into my life best (he couldn't be very big) but I finally found him and he was WONDERFUL.

Lots of animals waiting for adoption at the animal shelter!

[mondo joe]

7. I sort of think I need a puppy because of the cats - I think it

would ease the transition. And a pound puppy is a mystery-package. Never know what you'll get in size or temperment.

I actually would like to do a Greyhoud rescue but wouldn't because of the puppy thing.

[Lex]

14. How can you count on a temperment with any puppy?

They are all mystery packages to a certain extent.

Full breed dogs tend to have more medical problems.

I hope you find the pet you'd like, however.

[mondo joe]

35. Some temperments are pretty breed-wide.

Jack Russell Terrier are notorious for their need for exercise and activity.

Some breeds tend to do better with kids than others.

[cornermouse]

29. If the cats are what you're worried about...

Does your local paper have a section for free dogs and cats looking for homes? If you look, you can often find a adult dog (sometimes owner's death or had to move) that has lived in a home with a cat already and wouldn't harm them and it might even already be housetrained. :)

[Shakespeare]

53. Greyhound rescue might still be a great option for you.

The foster "parents" will have the dog housetrained already, and they'll know its temperament (i.e., if it's good with cats and children). Google for some of the sites, and check out their listings--they tell you everything you'd want to know about the dog (including the temperament info).

[mondo joe]

54. And I understand as a breed they are generally very mellow.

I've even seen them suggested as apartment dogs.

[Shakespeare]

60. They're total couch potatoes!

Graceful, elegant and very sweet dogs, for the most part.

[mondo joe]

61. Do you have one??

[Shakespeare]

70. No, a good friend does (but I've always wanted one).

Wonderful dogs (and her two get along great with her cat).

[Mend]

4. smooth-coated minature dauchshund

they are awesome dogs

[rfranklin]

20. If you don't want to look "gay" stay away from miniature dogs...

Get a nice German Short Hair or a Weimaraner.

[mondo joe]

22. Those Weimaraner's are totally gay!

But those little fox terriers are plenty butch enough. :-)

[LisaM]

5. Go to Petfinder.com

I got two dogs from there - both cocker/golden mixes, which fits most of your criteria except that they do shed - but you can find other mixes that you like, and then search Petfinder till you find the right dog. I got both of mine long distance.

[Cyndee_Lou_Who]

6. Stepping into my flame-retardant suit....

My Staffordshire Terrier/American Bull Terrier was a **DREAM**... about 50 lbs (but not a HUGE dog), easy to housebreak, great with kids, raised by my cat, best pals with a 10 lb. Maltese, short hair.... he met ALL your criteria. I highly recommend you not rule out a pit or pit-mix. They are incredible family dogs.

RIP, Sammy...

[mondo joe]

9. Thanks! Don't know what's flamey about the suggestion, but thanks

for the risk!

[Cyndee_Lou_Who]

13. Some people here...

would like to see anything with Pit in it banned and/or killed... but, I did a LOT of research, owned one, and knew several folks with Pits... fact is, they rock. Best dog ever.

[Mutley]

15. It's flamey because pits are thought to be very aggressive

but IMO if they are treated well they will be just as friendly as any other dog. It is illegal in many cities to own pit bulls. Check the laws in your city before getting one.

[Cyndee_Lou_Who]

28. Not just your opinion, mutley... it's a fact.

They are not genetically inclined to violence or aggression. Rotts and Dobermans used to be the targets of the breed-specific legislation, now pits are... media-hype and fear-mongering is all that is.

On edit: I have seen pics of your pups and they are GORGEOUS!!! :hi:

[Mutley]

45. Thanks!

They are my little babies.

The nicest dog I ever met was a pit called Hank. I babysat him for two weeks. He literally wouldn't even hurt a fly; one was buzzing around his face and kept landing on his nose and all he would do was roll his eyes and sit there until it flew away. And he was a former fight dog, too.

[flvegan]

32. Staffies (pits) are awesome dogs.

Too many folks buy into the msm fear factor, hence the knee jerk reaction to the very thought of getting a pit/pit mix.

[ngGale]

86. I'm the mom of a new fur baby ...

Maltese. He's ten months old and had his first hair cut today.
He had the most beautiful long hair, then the transition coat came and matting. Today he looks like a poodle, but he's happy. My Maltese was a dream to train, super smart and fit's into my small apartment.

The shelter is always a good place, rescue is very important. It's important to get a fur baby that fit's into your life style. Yard, how much room for territory. Since I had a Husky for 15 years and a Lhasa for 12, I really didn't know what to do. With them I had a big house with a big yard, so for me choosing a new pup had to fit into the apartment where I live now.

I LOVE my Maltese - :loveya: He's now the main man in my life. lol

[Richardo]

8. The JRTs definitely require space and high high high activity...

I gotta go with the miniature schnauzer - also a non-shedder, affectionate, intelligent, and ours are not that yappy. We did NOT dock their ears, and do not groom them into the schnauzer standard, (beard, skirt, etc) and they look like regular terrier-like dogs. :thumbsup:

[Mutley]

10. Go to the shelter and adopt an adult dog.

This way you'll know what you're in for in terms of size and everything else. Plus, you'll be saving a life that otherwise would probably have been euthanized.

Keep in mind that many small breeds have a lot more energy than some of the big dogs, ie Jack Russels (Jacks are great dogs but have endless energy and are known to get into a lot of trouble).

[Bunny]

11. You could try this quiz and see what comes up:

http://www.petnet.com.au/selectapet/dogselectapet.html

[XemaSab]

21. what's an

Australian lifestyle???

[mondo joe]

36. According to that I should get a Whippet.

Hmmmmmmmm.

[melissinha]

43. According to that

I should get a Corgi.

I saw one in the shelter.. but my sister had picked my dog out for me to save me from falling apart.

[hippiechick]

66. It told me I should get a Terrier. Yeeeesh ....

I have an Aussie Cattle Dog and a Beagle.
And they're both perfect, IMO :)

[maxsolomon]

16. PIT BULL

ha! sorry, just trying to provoke the Pit Bull defenders.

my only advice: DO NOT GET A BORDER COLLIE.

I have a Wheaten Terrier. He's 5 now, so he doesn't run off anymore, but he did when he was younger. I'd fence my yard.

Otherwise, he
1. doesn't shed (but needs grooming/haircut 5x/year = $)
2. loves kids
3. is left home during the day
4. weighs 45 lbs. (the females are smaller: 25 - 30 lbs.)
5. LOVES his cat brother & neighbor cats, and they like him, mostly
6. does not like to jog or catch things repeatedly.
7. likes to wrestle/tug of war
8. is pretty butch, but not THAT butch.

[mondo joe]

30. I was thinking of a wheaten terrier. I love how they feel, and

the few I've met seem like pretty mellow dogs.

[MisterP]

50. ohhh, those mean, mean defenders

[maxsolomon]

63. look out, its MisterP!

the meanest defender of all the pit bull defenders!

howdy! ;>)

[Imalittleteapot]

17. My vote.

Standard Poodle. Smart. Friendly. Cuddly. No smells. No shedding. Enough said.

What does being gay have to do with walking around with a Poodle?

Our standard is in the house most of the time because of the heat, let out at lunch time and walked once a day. She plays outside only when we are outside. Great doggy.

[mondo joe]

24. I love those standard poodles. I might be willing to do it, if

I can always keep them reasonably trimmed.

Thanks for the vote!

[wtmusic]

18. mutt

healthier, cheaper, more humane

[koopie57]

19. we have 3 cats,

kids and a small house and yard and we got ourselves two dogs.

one is a rat terrior/papillion and the other is a chihuaha/jack russell terrior. They are small, energetic, our yard must seem huge to them and they are so much fun. They really are wonderful dogs! Plus their temperament is so nice and they are smart.

[mondo joe]

25. how much exercise do your dogs get??

[koopie57]

79. they get a lot of exercise

they get the zooms and fly around the house so fast that sometimes I worry they will get hurt, they like to chase one of the cats and then as one is chasing the cat the other hangs on to the tail of the dog in front of him and it is so much fun. They get plenty of exercise and they also get taken for walks cuz the neighborhood kids want to see them. But, they are also content to cuddle. They really are the perfect dogs for our home. I would never go back to a purebread again. I hope you find such a good fit.

[deadparrot]

23. A Westie!

[melissinha]

26. You could also look into Rescue organizations

Breed Specific and non-breed specific rescue organizations have foster families that can really give you a good insight into the behavior of dog. You wouldn't have to have a puppy, because you would have the assurance of a foster parent who is familiar with the animal. That way, a new place for a new dog from a shelter can be made for a new dog.

My dog came directly from a shelter and from the stray run at that(one that utilizes euthanasia)..... they thought my dog was a perfect for kids and cats etc... thats cause she was lethargic from kennel cough... turned out she was very energetic... but luckily good with cats... has gotten a long with 4 different cats, lives with two now. But you wouldn't want this girl, she's a german shepard/seltie mixand sheds all over....

I'd stay away from hunting dogs... they shed and they are not necessarily predictable when it comes to small animals.. I have found that herding dogs are quite good with cats... but some shed....

Your best, safe bet is a rescue... they are helpful, will find the best dog for you. You can even decide what kind you want and then find a breed-specific one.

[mondo joe]

48. Actually I was looking at a Fox Terrier rescue group in my area,

and I'd consider going that route.

[flvegan]

27. So you think you want a puppy

You say that you can't have a JRT or fox terrier because they need a more active lifestyle. Well, a puppy is going to need the same thing. And, once that puppy hits 6 months, you will have a dog that, regardless of breed will want some serious energy expending time with his/her humans.

You should also check with your homeowners insurance company. There are 7-10 dogs that most insurance companies want no part of. It's really without good reason, but it's not the topic here.

Seriously, go to Petfinder.com and scroll through the local rescues (since you're pretty set against a shelter dog). Most of these animals live in foster homes with people who are experienced with that dog. They can tell you about how the dog is with kids, cats, activity level, etc. Plus, most are housetrained, and all are (or damn well should be) spayed/neutered.

Plus, if you buy a puppy, a couple at the local shelter die for that decision. Plus, you're probably getting a puppy mill dog (pet store) or a questionable line from some dipshit backyard breeder.

Seriously.

[mondo joe]

33. All puppies need attention - but JRT's and some others continue

to need a LOT of exercise and attention well into adulthood. Other dogs mellow out in adulthood.

[nytemare]

31. Purina dog breed finder, here is link

http://sy.adiho.com/ASA/Controller?adi_hasScript=1&_AD_195R22=107&adi_scriptSID=E40BE335E3BB5F668153758A4245E41E&sysid=4&appid=9901

[bridgit]

34. miniature great dane...

smart, loyal, short hair :thumbsup:

[flvegan]

37. What the hell is a miniature great dane?

[Cyndee_Lou_Who]

38. Awww... I've never seen a MINIATURE one...

Do you have any pics? Google was not real helpful, but now I am really curious.

[bridgit]

42. yeah i seen that, all i can say...

is that i knew a girl that had one named 'sticks' and he was the just the smartest little guy i've seen pound for pound a real charmer

[caty]

39. We had a beagle for

13 years. Kaly was good with kids, kittens, cats, and other dogs. She was a good indoor pet and when we took her up north, she loved roaming the woods. She was very sweet. We miss her a lot.

[For PaisAn]

41. Rat Terrier or French Bulldog

Rat Terriers have a great loving disposition and French Bulldogs are just so cute. Trying some of the quizzes already posted is probably the best way to go.
No Dalmations or Irish Setters, way too hyper.

[China_cat]

44. Well...

Loves kids, snuggles with cats, looks like a dog, will be as active as you want to be (great at holding down a couch for hours) and gives people pause.

Downside...needs regular grooming (15 min/day minimum...clippered head and ears about once every 3 months, beard washed every day unless your cats will do like mine do and clean it themselves)

Oh, and they fart. Eye-watering, paint peeling, WMD gas.

But intelligent, stubborn and just plain wonderful to live with.

[ScreamingMeemie]

46. The hair is long, but the dog is worth it...A Sheltie, great for the

conditions you describe. Playful, protective, loving of kids. A wonderful addition.

Check out Jessie:

The Wonder Sheltie:












Trust me...the fur is worth the intelligent, loving, best friend you get in return. :hi:

[oregonjen]

52. My husband is trying to talk me into a Sheltie, but I would like a

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. They shed also, but are so loving and gentle with kids. Our dog died 5 weeks ago and there is a huge hole that she has left behind. We are still grieving, but looking for a new friend.

Beautiful Sheltie you have there!

[ScreamingMeemie]

73. I am so sorry oregonjen...They are never with us long enough.

:( Good luck in your search. :hug:


~Laura

[cornermouse]

47. Keeshond.

They've highly underrated. Excellent with children. Smart. Stable and calm.

[Sanity Claws]

49. Pug or Boston Terrier

Small and short-haired. Pretty nice dogs.

[disgruntled_goat]

55. i second that. n/t

[Pithlet]

62. Pugs are great.

My mom has one (two, until recently :( )I've always wanted a Boston Terrier. They're so adorable. I used to ride my bike every day by someone who had a fenced yard full of them, at least a dozen. They'd all jump up and down and bark at me as I road by. There was one lone Pug in the bunch.

[LosinIt]

82. I second the Boston Terrier

we have 3. I like to describe them as miniature Boxers. Same temperament, same build, only smaller. They get along great with kids and cats, at least ours do. Our males will bark if someone dares walk down our deadend street, but the female just watches and doesn't bark. I can't recommend them any more highly.

[Bluerthanblue]

51. a smaller 'mature' lab

would be my BEST suggestion- they are tolerant, gentle, devoted and very reliable.
There may be a 'lab' rescue organization in your area.- i've owned many dogs, and cared for all sorts of breeds (dog-sitting) Small dogs sometimes have huge 'ego' issues.
The daschound that our neighbor owns, thinks she's attilla the hun, and has had a german shepherd 'cowed' with her attitude.
Black,yellow,or chocolate labs just can't be 'beat' for thier loving, devoted 'family friendly' reliability, and many are quite manageable in size- 45lbs. or so.
Jack Russells are SUPER dogs, but they tend to have the energy of a hyper 5 yr old who is full of sugar, and red dye #2.

Good luck- dogs are some of the nicest people in the world.

(yo quiero Dinky as well, what turns you off?)

[Balbus]

56. If you want something great with kids and cats...

I'd have to also suggest a pit/pit-mix dog. But as suggested, check local ordinances first and don't buy into the msm hype. Good luck :)

[catzies]

57. How about a Pomeranian! Cute, smart, easy to care for, small, cute

Did I mention cute? :P

[Nikia]

58. We got our American Eskimo from the shelter

He was 8 years old and surrendered by his owners because they thought that he would be bad around their new baby. The shelter had information about the dogs such as if they were good with children or other animals and other information if it was known. Our dog is allegedly indifferent to cats, which seems to be true. He is allegedly bad with young children, but that does not seem to be true.
He is very affectionate, enjoys walks, and misses us but can handle being home alone. He does shed quite a bit in the spring but not as bad as some other breeds. He weighs 26 pounds so although he is not tiny, he doesn't take up a lot of space either.
As someone suggested, a rescue organization dog might be a good idea. You could check local animal sheters though and see if they have surrendered dogs with information that you might be compatible with. The shelter we went to, allowed us to spend time with any dogs that we were intersted in.

[Akoto]

59. If you're open to a larger dog ...

I would suggest a labrador retriever. I adopted one from the pound and absolutely love her.

The breed is affectionate, patient and smart. Really good with kids and usually tolerant of other animals. They do like to be with people though, so you should have time to take a retriever for a walk and maybe let it go swimming if you've got a pool. Labs love to swim! They're very physically fit, too. Sturdy. :)

http://imageshack.us>

[Bluerthanblue]

64. gotta love em

we also got ours from a shelter, and he is the best friend i've ever had- without question. Loyal, patient, forgiving, attentive, sensitive, and dependible.

He looks alot like yours, except black, and going grey in the chin and around the eyes.

Love him like one of my own kids. A kinder, more gentle and 'reliable' breed cannot be found-

[foo_bar]

84. and they even get along with cats...

(cuteness spoiler alert)

[Steph13]

65. I have a pit bull/greyhound mix

..and she's the greatest dog! She loves cats so much, she mothers them. She loves everything, but is a little strict with other dogs.. I have to watch her & keep her on a short leash around other dogs. But I rescued her from the shelter I work at last year. She's 4 now, 3 when I adopted her. I knew exactly what I was getting. They even told me she 'mothers' cats. I also foster kittens from the shelter (under 8 week) and she's in HEAVEN with them crawling on her. So cute. :)

Have you thought about Italian Greyhounds?? They're much smaller than regular ones. But yes.. both pit bulls AND greyhounds are VERY mellow/lazy indoors (well, except maybe the puppies). My dog is alone alot (I work full time & part time at the shelter) and snoozes & doesn't get into trouble. Her best friend is my 9 month old kitten I fostered/adopted. I don't know much about the Italian Greyhounds' temperments, etc.. but I did look at them briefly as a dog for myself. Too expensive, and I ended up falling in love with mine. :) Also I know pit/mixes have a very high pain tolerance (obviously) and are great with kids because for the most part, the kids won't hurt them, hence, they don't snap like some other dogs would. The worst thing I could do to mine is give her a mean look, and she's curled up in the corner, sad, because she made me mad.

Here's a pic of my 2 of my sweeties napping together:





(Foster kitten)

[Cyndee_Lou_Who]

67. OMG!! She's GORGEOUS!!

See my post #6 on my pit... thanks for helping to share the good stuff about them; they are subjected to such harsh, unjustified fear-mongering.

And thanks for the pics!!

[Steph13]

69. Thanks!

Not sure if they all love water, but the ones I know do! ;)

Unfortunately all I can offer her right now is a kiddie pool in my parent's backyard. She was paddling around in a circle. LOL!

[Cyndee_Lou_Who]

71. AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!

Melting....

Mine loved water, too. ESPECIALLY playing fetch with sticks in the river.



He had about 1/8th Chow Chow in him... note the piggy tail :).

[mondo joe]

68. Okay, that's the one I want! How much is she going for?

I keed, I keed.

Really - she's great looking, especially with her kitten accessory.

[Steph13]

72. LOL!

..she was one of the best $90 I spent! :) (The other 'bests' are my 3 kitties I adopted over the years)

One is 17.. diabetic & early CRF, but that doesn't stop her! Here is my younger one, Kami asking to play with her toy.




Here's my 5 yr old, Bandit, and Kami in a rare non-play/fight moment.




AAAAAAAAAAAAAAND.... Misha.. loving all the foster kittens! :)

[SW FL Dem]

74. Until I read your last line, I was going to suggest a cairn

They may be small, but they think they are big dogs and have great personalities.

[bertha katzenengel]

75. Here is my suggestion: POUND MUTT.

Nothing could be better.

Happy choosing!

[Coventina]

76. Another suggestion to go to your local animal shelter

You might THINK you want a puppy, but chances are you will find a housebroken, already spayed/neutered dog who is good with other animals.

My sister & BIL adopted a golden retriever/ cocker spaniel mix that is a GREAT dog. Well-trained, good with their pre-existing cat, great with their kids, already housetrained, spayed, behavior trained, the works. Got her for $25 because she was an older dog. Still cute as a puppy though, and none of the hassle.

Please, give an older shelter dog a chance. At least go and look.

[elehhhhna]

77. Norweigian Elkhound. Smart, gorgeous, and odorless.

[AlienGirl]

78. Greyhound...

Greyhounds are really mellow couch-potatoes. Their fur is short and they aren't big shedders. If you get one through a greyhound rescue group, he/she will be already "fixed," housebroken, and you'll have some idea of temperament. Getting an adult dog is *way* easier than getting a puppy.

Tucker

[KT2000]

80. Corgie!

don't know much about dogs but Corgies are fun to look at. they seem laid back, have short legs and really big ears. Saw one today - he was in the passenger seat of a car and he looked pretty cute - not nervous or excited.

[RebelOne]

81. Rottweiler. They are intelligent, loyal, easy to train

and great watch dogs. I am biased because I have a Rottie. But they are wonderful dogs.

[Hatalles]

83. What about a Beagle?

Always wanted one of those...

[txradioguy369]

85. From my personal experience....

I've always had good luck with Minature Schnauzers.

Our current one (Schultz) gets along fine with my two house cats and my kids.

Very smart dogs too. Very expressive with their voice.

[Wetzelbill]

87. I'm a border collie man myself

Smartest dogs you will ever see. Great with kids. Fiercely loyal. You couldn't go wrong.

[mac56]

88. I can't understand why people hate chihuahuas.

I've got two and they're the best behaved, smartest dogs I've ever seen.