I want a dog...

I have two dogs, both mixes. A Beagle/Labrador and a Beagle/Shepherd. Both very friendly and well behaved, medium sized.

Go with a mutt,

You can't beat coming home to a big, happy mutt just happy and all slobbery to see ya!

Pros / cons.

I prefer retrievers...
Highly trainable, hugely intelligent, and famous for patience and good natures. Great with kids.

If you dont like big messes [accidents] stick to the smallest variety of silkies.
Chawauwa's [sp] are small but can be quite nasty to kids.

It depends on how much space you have too.
Bigger dogs require running space and big yards.

Smaller dogs require very little space...

ALL puppies require companionship and time put into their training.
Pups often cry if they are alone during the day and will become nervous dogs.

If you work, an adult trained dog would be best.

If you want longevity [long life] go for a mutt. Pure breeds live on average about 8-10 years, whereas mutts can live up to 16 years.

Best wishes.

Maggie893 said:

Just an update. While I know this will disappoint the big dog lovers (mark!), I'm getting a Weshi. She is adorable. Half Westie (West Highland White Terrier) & half Shih Tsu. She looks a lot more terrier than shih tsu though. Picking her up tomorrow!

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Smaller messes...
Congrats momma!

Maggie893 said:

Just an update. While I know this will disappoint the big dog lovers (mark!), I'm getting a Weshi. She is adorable. Half Westie (West Highland White Terrier) & half Shih Tsu. She looks a lot more terrier than shih tsu though. Picking her up tomorrow!

Click to expand...

Sounds like a wonderful mix.....congratulations, have years and years of love and fun.

a Papillion is a great dog

Maggie893 said:

Do you have a dog? What kind?

I'm trying to figure out IF I should get a dog, then what kind and when.

Need help.

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Not a fan of pets, so these are the dogs I would recommend!






Or at least these

I have a baby and I love her dearly. She's got a great personality and at 3 she is still puppy-like. Not a day goes by that she does make me laugh. Her love and loyalty warms my heart.

Oh, and she's a cute bichon frisse!

If you do not like drool, remember that slober is hereditary in most breeds. If the parents don't drool the puppy won't do it when it grows either. Just a tip.

I would not recommed a cocker spaniel as another poster advised.

My folks have one and they are high energy and maintenance (like some of the females in my life)(well, high maintenance anyway).

For one thing, my parents cocker is a very dirty drooler that needs to have his hind quarters shaved regularly because his feces get stuck in his hair. My elderly folks cannot keep up with this high energy pooch in their small home.

Only adisable if you have a big yard and a little kid that can occupy the dog.

We just recently got a Sheltie. My husband has grown up with dogs and wanted one as soon as we had settled in our new house.

We did do a lot of research of what breed would suit us and spent some time finding a reputable breeder.

You can google "dog+breed+selector" and find lots of sites where you can fill out quizzes and they suggest a suitable breed for you.

Good luck.