What is the best website to help choose the right dog for me?

Ive tried a couple, but want to know what people think the best one is.





It is for my 10 year old son, my wife who likes going out running and me who is a bit of a couch potato.





We like to go away a bit, and have a detatched house with a 30 metre square garden, in a small town.





I work quite long hours, and my wife starts university in september so the dog would be in at home during school hours most days.





It is my son who is mad keen. He's an only child and would like the company. I'm not a huge fan of dogs - largely because I dont want a smelly house, or hairs on the furniture (I prefer cats, but my son's best friend comes around a lot and he's alergic to cats!). Want something affectionate, not agressive and not too small.





Wayafink?

What is the best website to help choose the right dog for me?
http://aolsvc.decisionguides.aol.com/dog...





http://www.pedigree.com/community/select...





http://www3.dogbreedinfo.com/search.htm





I liked these. Some of the other responders have also given you good advice.





By they way, Spuds MacKenzie wasn't a Beagle, it was a Bull Terrier !!!! :) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spuds_MacKe...





Before you get a dog you need to open your heart to it. It is at the least a 10 year commitment, and hopefully for you and your family, much longer. Sit down and talk with your family. Make sure this is a commitment you are all ready to make.





From the way you write, I would guess you are in the UK or Canada. Why not a Cavalier King Charles? They are very devoted and quiet animals when you only have one. Get a bunch of them and they are just spaniels. They are considered a toy breed, but they are more moderate in size.





Whatever your decision, make sure that you research your selected breed well. They all have health problems, but you can minimize your risk of getting a dog that is affected.





Email me if you chose a toy breed if you like. I would be glad to help you look for a quality animal (no petshop please!)





I work with the Cavalier, Shih tzu, Japanese Chin, Chihuahua, and also have a French Bulldog of my own. I would recomend a Frenchie to anyone other than they have terrible health issues. I love him so much and he is so cool, great with everyone (clown) especially kids, but I won't have him nearly long enough.





Best wishes.
Reply:by yr intellectual get a fish for yourself.......if you want to familize..get a vacume cleaner and have fun cleaning house...because that comes with any living organism............any dog will do fine and help all of you...............i know they can help heal a broken heart
Reply:Well, dogs don't "smell" any worse than a cat. Dogs don't shed any worse than a cat. As long as YOU are working to keep your home clean, vacuuming the furniture, ETC, you won't have a problem.





Since the dog will be left alone all-day, I definitely don't suggest any Herding breed (Border Collie, German Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, ETC) as they become bored and destructive, because they were bred to do a job.





Since you have said not too small, let's rule out anything from the Toy Group.





How do you feel about Terriers and giant breeds? How do you feel about grooming?
Reply:Here are some nice links for you to look at:





http://www.infopet.co.uk/pages/0110.html


http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/select...


http://www.saferpets.co.uk/ChoosingSafeP...


http://www.healthyfoodforpets.com/how-to...
Reply:The Bostone Terrier is the breed for you. They don't shed at all and they are very loving. Here are some websites about them. I hope this helps.


http://www.k9web.com/dog-faqs/breeds/bos...


http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/bostonterrie...


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_Terr...


http://www.akc.org/breeds/boston_terrier...
Reply:This is a good website with lots of information.





http://animal.discovery.com/guides/dogs/...





However, you should consider if you really really want a dog, and I'm referring to the whole family, not only your son because at 10 years old kids change interests and priorities frequently and you and your wife may end up being the responsibles of the dog after your son's fad for the new puppy has fade. A high percent of animals abandoned in shelter were adquired by families just to give their children another gift. A dog is made of flesh and bones, it's not a toy.
Reply:You sound as if you do not really want a dog in the house and that you do not have much time for one. At 10, your son cannot take care of a dog on his own and, like all kids, probably has a short attention span and may soon move onto something else.





Perhaps you can try being a foster home for a local shelter or rescue group. That would give you experience with a number of different dogs and breeds before you settle on a dog of your own.





As for cats, some people are only mildly allergic and will do fine in a house with cats as long as there is a room (say, your son's) that is cat-free. Some are fine as long as they do not touch the cat.





With your schedules, perhaps a cat would be an easier choice.
Reply:If you don't like the smell, get an outdoor dog. If its mainly for your son then you'll want a friendly dog. Golden retrevers seem to be good with kids.
Reply:I think you don't want a dog - wait until you do.
Reply:I wouldn't suggest checking a website to find the right dog, because they tend to be biased towards the dogs that they want to sell. I would say to go to an adoption center at a Petsmart or Petco, or to a kennel, and take a look at some of the dogs. When you see what kind you like, find out what breed it is and then do some research about it online.





For your son I would suggest a Beagal(Spud McKinsey, Wishbone), they are not to small and not to big, high on energy and very loyal and commpasionate. Also he might like the Boston Terrier, for the same reasons listed for the Beagal.

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