Pets
Neighner20
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Dog breed suggestions
in Pets
We are looking to adopt a dog from a rescue organization for our family. We would like a calmer dog but that still likes to play when you throw a ball or something. Just not a breed that is wired all the time. Any suggestions?
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Re: Dog breed suggestions
If you don't want a wired dog, stay away from ANY terrier or shepherd (for the most part). They are extremely intelligent dogs, but can be very hyper and stubborn.
A lab is a great dog, and VERY loyal, but they can be on the needy/hyper side at times also, but they work well for family dogs. I would consider them one of the best dogs you could adopt at an older age too because they seem to adapt better than other breeds, from what I've seen.
If you are looking for a smaller dog, I would recommend a pug or basset hound. They are really good apartment dogs because they don't require a ton of exercise. Pugs can be prone to respiratory problems though.
I would suggest stopping by some shelters and meeting with some dogs. Every dog is different, especially mutts, so you can't really pin down breeds to fit your lifestyle without meeting them and learning their history. Also, when you go, you fill out a questionnaire and the shelter uses that to help you find a dog that will fit your lifestyle.
I would suggest heading to shelters and getting to know some of the dogs! There are soooo many mixes out there, it'd be impossible to tell ya which ones "could" be good. Take your family and interact with several of the dogs at a shelter.
Also, if you look into more home based rescue programs - these dogs are typically in foster homes (usually for a few weeks to months/years) and they know a great deal about their behavior and temperaments. Often times, these dogs are often in foster care with kids, cats, and other dogs. They're usually exposed to a variety of situations, and have started some basic training. Their application process is a bit longer than just walking up to your local shelter, but the benefit (IMO) far outweighs the time spent filling out the application.
Google "dog rescues near xxx" and hopefully find some smaller rescue programs out there. The one we rescued our dog from actually brought three dogs to us to visit our home. The dogs interacted with our current dog, played in our yard, and interacted with us in our own environment. Their foster parents came with them, and we were able to pick the one that best suited us and our lifestyle. We kept him that very day, and he's been an amazing addition ever since!
FF
Every dog is an individual, so although you can make some generalizations about certain breeds, it's really important to get to know the individual dog. Also, if you aren't set on a particular breed, you will have a lot more options and can really focus on the characteristics you are looking for in terms of termperament, energy level, etc. You could contact an all-breed rescue and describe the type of dog you're interest in. I would personally lean towards an adult dog whose temperament and energy level is more set and one who has been kid-tested/lived in a foster home with children.
One PP mentioned pugs - I have 2 pugs, and I completely adore them. However, they aren't for everyone. They do shed, and they are heat-sensitive, so they generally can't be very active when it's 70-75 or hotter. If you keep them fit and healthy, they shouldn't suffer from some of the common health issues (diabetes due to obesity, etc.).
The PP give some good advice. The dog rescue is a perfect idea from someone with your needs.
Case in Point: We have 2 pure-breed dogs they are related and from the same breeder. They could not be more different in their temperaments or dispositions. People remind us that it is like 2 children from the same parents. lol
Good luck and enjoy your new dog.
I agree with going to the shelter and meeting the dogs. I have an Australian shepherd mix, which stereotypically are energetic, high-needs dogs. Mine is a couch potato. Sure, she's up for trick-training or a game of bitey-face with my pit bull on occasion, but she's perfectly content to laze around.
I would also just call the rescue or shelter and let them know what kind of dog you're looking for. And have the dog meet your kids.
Personally, we own hound mixes and love them. I wound up working with them b.c. they are the second most abandoned and euthanized dog in our area of the country and partially b.c. I like their personalities. Ours, and most I've worked with, are very lazy, snuggly, easy going and good with kids. I have a special soft spot for bassett hounds, but also love beagles and how ridiculously funny walker treeing coonhounds are. Both of mine were rescued as adults and have awesome, easy personalities.
We actually did end up getting a Basset Hound mix from a rescue organization. They say he is mixed with Sheltie but I'm not too sure about that. How do you post a pic on here to show you?