So,which breed should I get now?

Elocin87

If I did not have a lab I'd like to have a whippet Whippet - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Here's a quiz you can take too Dog Breed Quiz - Dog Breed Selector - Goodhousekeeping.com

Good luck with your search!

MyValentine

Ok, so I read threw everything and...
-I agree 100% to read into what to expect in owning a dog, I will start this reading up today
-I do not want a lab or anything like that, I just dont want anything big as nice as they may be. Nothing against them though. Just no big dogs for me right now
-I im going to visit all the local animal sheltersrescues and see what they have for adoption
-I will consider any small dogs, I would like a pure bred but mix's work too,
I am not going to be too picky, expecially if I can save a life

There is a shelter down from me that is ALWAYS full and they put down dogs like its there buisness. I think they only have like 1-2 weeks from the time the dog comes in..to well..you know. And the weird thing is, they ALWAYS have pure bred dogs! I was on there a few weeks ago just looking cause I had to drive by and they had a pure bred Doberman, a pure bred English Bulldog, and a pure bred silver shnouzer!!! Its crazy how they get so many pure bred dogs. My grandma actually adopted a pomeranian from there who came in with papers! Yeah, I dont know what it is but they are prone to getting expensive pure bred dogs. Ill have to keep checking back there to cause they are ALWAYS filled and there are dogs always needing homes from there. Oh, and did I mention there adoption fee is $20?! that doesnt include them being neutered/spayed though so id have to get that done if I got one from there, but thats not a big deal. I will also check the SPCA's/ASPCA's and rescue groups around here, as they are pretty full too.
I am going to continue to keep my eye out on craigslist as I know those dogs need hoems too, not saying its my ideal place to get one form but if the right one comes along, well..I dont want to pass him or her up!

Anyways, ill keep you updated with my situation and let you know if I find anything.

p.s. Thanks for the help from everyone!!!

alfi

While doing your research start from understanding your lifestyle and personality more and make a list of expectations from the dog and try to find what suits you more. This way you can be more ready to find the "perfect" dog for you.

Good luck and keep us posted for updates

Gone2Dogs

I took the quiz three times and told it I wanted a SMALL long lived, apartment with no yard or walks...dog that doesn't need grooming and that is a layabout....gave me a Golden all three times. Not matching any of the goldens I know...but what the heck.

MV....try rescue, NOT the shelter. Easier to adopt from the shelter because they want to get rid of the animal before it is euthed BUT they will NOT have much evaluation of the animal. IF you were an experienced trainer and handler that wouldn't be nearly the issue. But you need someone to evaluate for you. Go to a rescue if you need to feel you are saving a life. Otherwise find a breed then find a breeder.

When I said that shelters and rescues have other people's mistakes ...I meant that people who misjudged what they could handle, what they wanted or , habitually dump dogs when they get troublesome or dogs that may have issues or have had issues created for them by dumb owners.....NOT that the dogs automatically have "problems" or issues. The people made the mistake.....I can not imagine ever taking an animal to a shelter or rescue. As I am sure many of you would not...you would rehome them yourself.

Though personally I see no real reason to feel I have to 'save a life' by going to the shelter. All dogs that are available to own are, presumably, alive...so you are taking responsibility for a life. Why not get the one you want? Why limit myself to the well less than 10% of the nations dogs that are in the shelters? When I get a dog I get a dog because I know what I want. Heck I know the next dog I am getting, what it looks like and what it's name will be...and that is a minimum of 5-8years away. And yes, half our dogs right now are rescues so I am not saying I never. The rescues I have taken in are decent animals I knew I had the talent to turn into good to great pets. Or, often, get a call from someone who KNOWS I can help and have a sucker sign stamped on my forehead. Doesn't help to have softy young adult children and a vet that is enabling that either. (and I wonder why my vet calls this "my freak show"?

kmes

Just because you can find a purebred dog at a shelter doesn't mean that it will be a good match! Remember purebred does not = well bred. Focus on the temperament and energy level that you want. I certainly agree with what other's have said that personality is more important than breed.

If I had to recommend a breed, I would tell you to check out pug or pug mixes. Or, at the very least, to look at companion breeds.
However, be aware that some, like Chis and pekes can be rather aloof with strangers. Look at companion breeds that are outgoing, not one-person dogs.

MyValentine

Thanks, I have been doing some reserch.

And yes, you are right. I am looking for one with a good temperment, not just looks.

Ill keep you updated.

Luv2byte

Research pugs, cavelier king charles spaniels, boston terrier - they might be what you are up for.

MyValentine

I googled "small breed dogs" and it came up with a list with pics and information on all different breeds! Its awesome!! Ill let you guys know which I am interested in.

fawkese1

that is awesome! definitely take your time... i would visit the shelter several times and check out petfinder... get a good idea of who is out there... the rescue group suggestion is a good one, again you'll have a good idea of the dog's personality that way... remember that in a shelter environment, the dogs are under a ton of stress and will not behave the way they would in a normal home environment, often the dogs are completely shut down and seem really calm, but won't be after a few days in the house with you...

also going and checking out a training class is a good idea... most trainers will allow you to sit in on classes before you register so that you can observe, that way you can see what the class entails...

good luck

kmes

Please do this!!! It is important to find a really good trainer, especially if you don't know much about training dogs!

This time, no matter the breed or mix, sign up for a class shortly after adopting a new dog. You'll learn how to train a dog and have firsthand help dealing with any issues. Training classes will also help build a bond between you and your new dog.