What kind of dog is the best

iLoveMyPitbull1225

I vote for pit bulls, they are is such a desperate need of good loving homes with experienced owners. But, I am biased.

Do a search online for breeds. There are some good sites that will do like a questionnare and try to match up a breeds typical characteristics to your characteristics and lifestyle. Also watch dogs 101 per another suggestion. DO LOTS OF RESEARCH!!! I did a ton and you wouldnt believe how helpful it is and what a great dog mine is for me because of it. Look into temprement testing scores ( pits do fabulously on these ) Check out who needs a home in your local shelters. They need it so badly. I cannot stress enough how much I push for you to adopt from a shelter rather than buy an extremely expensive purebred.

Good luck!!

whiteheaddg

A rescue!!!

lripson28

I strongly recommend rescue. There are thousands of homeless dogs that need someone to love them. If you have a good rescue organization in your area, they can match you with a dog that meets your needs. You can also look on petfinder.com for rescue dogs in your area.

^ this ^

I have had nothing but rescues since moving to Texas 28 years ago ~ all different breeds. I have had a shar-pei, a miniature schnauzer, a chihuahua, 4 mixed lab/great danes & a pit bull mix. All have had great temperaments & none of them had their typical breed characteristics. I really do think rescue dogs are the best. They are grateful for a forever home & shower you with love unconditionally!!

I so agree!! Rescues are AMAZING dogs to adopt. It's like they know how lucky they are to not be out on the streets, or in the shelter anymore. Both of my dogs are rescues, one was abused and one was homeless. They are so happy, so well mannered, playful, great with people of any age. Plus there's nothing better than giving a dog a good home that doesn't have one :-)

asasser2002

No particular breed is guaranteed to be what you're looking for. I HIGHLY recommend going to a rescue group. Dogs that are part of a rescue have been in fostercare with a family so the foster family will know everything that you could want to know about the dog. Don't shop, Adopt! Note: my Pekingese is the most evil dog you'll ever meet, she's fearless.... On the other hand my Husky/Shepherd mix that everyone thinks is going to bite them is a huge teddy bear!

serena569

Shih tsu.. small, hypo allergenic, no shedding, freakin adorable, and an amazing personality. This is Rosie Posie...

Or Maltese. Same qualities as above. It's the only breed I had from 1988-2010. I miss them.

CarleyLovesPets

You're going to get a million different opinions on this.
I personally think my dog is the best dog in the world.
But everyone thinks their dog is the greatest.

I can honestly say I won't ever get another breed, because the German Shepherd is perfect (for me).

Any socialized dog will do what you're looking for...
Think about what YOU can do for the dog.
Look at your lifestyle and activity level.
How are you with shedding?
Different breeds have common medical problems so if you're lower on cash look into 'healthier' breeds.
Plus... The bigger the dog, the more food you'll have to buy.
Small, medium or large... Would your house/apartment be big enough for a large dog?

amonroe1343

I grew up with a lab and I have a lab now. She's the sweetest most loving dog ever! She is great with kids and she is the least tempermental dog I know. Our lab growing up was amazing as well. They are very laid back and great with people, kids, and dogs.

lundii

What about a löwchen... also called: little lion dog.
It is hypoallergenic, friendly to everyone, loyal....
we have one and we love her very much.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Löwchen

goldfinger88

It's a very personal decision. Personally, I love a dog that isn't always yelping and nipping but is laid back yet protective. So, I have a big shepherd mix. I've had shepherd/chows and love them. I like a big dog for companionship and protection. They tend to be calm and relaxed and that keeps me calm and relaxed. My dog is also good with cats, which is important to me.

Some people like the little dogs. A dog should compliment you and your personality and should work in well with your lifestyle. There are no bad dog choices. You just need to determine what you want in a dog.

mrau719

I have a chocolate lab-she's a year old and a complete psycho! lol But really so much energy! But she's a great dog-extremely loving and loyal. Such a sweetheart--huge cuddler. She's a big girl already weighs about 75 lbs and thinks she can curl up on my lap. Like I said a great dog if you can dedicate the time to the amount of exercise they need.

I also have a papillion-she's 4 yrs and a complete little *kitten*. I love her, but can be a real pain in the *kitten*. She's very high-strung and territorial. Papillions are just like that. I've had her socialized, etc and while she does great at a daycare playing with other dogs don't dare come to up to the house with another dog. That being said she has an incredible personality otherwise and is probably the funniest little dog I have ever met. If you're just looking for a companion and something to keep company they're great-she sits there a "talks" to me. Extremely easy to care for as far as exercise and leaving her out. But a handful.

B/t the two dogs I'll be fully prepped for motherhood. One won't let me go to the bathroom without her. The other brings in "prizes" from outside--specially moths, crickets, and frogs.

hijude57

I have a pomeranian. The best lap dog ever! But he hates other dogs and people.
Loved my bassett but she really was dumb!

hauer01

We have a 4 year old puggle (pug, beagle). She has a great temperament and is fabulous with my kids; she isn't the best smelling dog though...

I have two puggles, as seen here
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I love them to death, both were rescues, both have great, loving personalities. But I agree with others, you need to train them as a puppy to be the dog you want them to be.

_ylime_

Any breed can be great with kids and other dogs, it is all about how you train them. I think the questions you want to ask yourself are more about your lifestyle ... do you want a dog to go running with, to play fetch with the kids, or do you want a dog that prefers to snuggle with you on the couch... ? A couple people have mentioned the "breed matching websites and TV shows" - those are good but I would also suggest going to the local shelters or dog parks and interacting with different types of dogs...

I have a pitbull and an American bulldog. I love them both but I have to say the pit is naturally better with people and other dogs... he is so outgoing and smart, he was a breeze to train. Our bulldog is a sweet dog (he does like people and dogs) but he is SOOO stubborn... not the easiest dog to train.... We have put a TON of work / time into training and socializing him so it he is really growing into a great dog but I wouldn't have reccomended that a familty adopt him (not so much because he is a "bad dog" but more so becuase of the time commitment he needed in terms of training).

Regardless of breed each dog has him/her own personality so they don't always conform to how you think they should act - good luck :flowerforyou:

childofArtemis24

Adopt if you can, it's so rewarding. We got a black lab mix puppy 6 months ago; and Roxie is the best.

anaboneana

black lab (sooo loving, playful, and loyal! i love my lab, Boris. he takes me walking and running, making sure i get a bit of excercise every day.)
or
corgi (sooo cute!)

also, what she said ^^ adoption is awesome (that's how i got my boy)

kreeestal4

we have a great german shephard akc registerd 6 month pup. Hes awesome full of energy growls and barks when people come to near but does not attack good with cats people and children who like to play. HEs hilarious.

jpfost

Hands down, Great Dane

ajball90

golden retriever

mgobluetx12

Poodles! They're super smart, the mini ones are small enough for you to pick up and snuggle, they live for a long time and they don't shed.

We have a 12yo minipoodle who is the light of our lives. She is so wonderful and she was a stray when we found her, which we couldn't believe. We love her more and more every day!

Whatever you decide, PLEASE adopt a dog from a rescue group or humane society!!

andiechick

West Highland Terriers are great. Had mine for about 5 yrs before we had kids and he was great when they came along and even protective of them. Can be a bit barky, but no one would be able to sneak in the house, lol!!

LittleNicci

Lab's are always a good bet, they're a little hyper when they're young but calm down as they age. I have a 10 year old black lab/pit bull mix, smartest, sweetest, super cuddly and loving, most obedient dog I've ever had (and I've had one all my life, Im 31) I got her as a puppy but I almost got a 2 year old lab/chow mix before I laid eyes on her. Ive always had black lab mixes, great family dogs, protective, sweet and even tempered, usually great with other dogs, wonderful with children (mine lets all of my friends kids hang and pull on her with no worries at all, she just LOVES kids!)

tansygreen

I really believe almost any breed of dog can be a great pet if you make sure you buy a dog of the right temperament, and don't be lax with training in the early years.

A good breeder should temperament test their dogs at a certain point (7 weeks old?). We bought our American Bulldog (10 years ago) from the best UK breeder we could find in the UK. She has the nicest temperament of pretty much any dog I know, whatever their breed. That is what we asked the breeder for and that is what we got.

I know other people who have that breed of dog and they are a nightmare with families and visitors, and won't let other dogs near the house, etc. I really think it's worth paying more to get a dog from a really well known breeder who knows how to temperament test, and also who will provide ongoing support after you have bought the dog.

Sometimes the funniest and most pushy ones in the litter when you view them at the breeders, might grow up to be a bit too big for their boots, and more pushy when you're trying to train them. Equally the real wimpy ones that get pushed around by their litter mates and never get to the toys/food, might be too nervous, which can also be a problem with aggressive behaviour later in life.

Like other people have said on here it's all about the training - from day one, don't let them ever let them get into situations where they're going to be scared, or feel insecure, which can create issues later on. Also don't let them do anything you find unnacceptable - even when they're a really cute pup!! It is tough I know

bazfitness

How about getting a mongrel, often are more intelligent, less genetic problems and less inclined to extremes in temperament (obviously depends on the individual dog and whatever mix it is). We got a puppy that was rescued from a bin, she might have no status symbol value but she's a fabulous intelligent fun loving dog, great with people and other dogs (as long as they're ok with her - ).

If you HAVE to get a breed Boxers do indeed seem to be sweet funny dogs.

rininger85

I have a 4 year old female golden retriever that my ex and I got for her kids when we were together... got her as a puppy and she has been a great dog for kids, the only problem is that she got big faster than the kids did and she is still a big pup at heart so is pretty hyper and might knock kids over depending on age/size... she might have settled down a little faster if we had got her fixed, but originally we had planned on breeding her, then we broke up and my ex was living in an apartment so I kept the dog, she was supposed to take her when she got a place that she could have her but then never did and ended up getting another puppy instead... I'd like to adopt her out to someone that I know would take care of her, but I've raised her from a pup and shes finally calming down (slightly) so I'm hesitant about it... just makes it hard to travel as much as I would like to having her, but she keeps my blue heeler company too - even though he is getting old and grouchy... my blue heeler is the smartest dog I've ever owned, but they are pretty protective over their family and might nip at people they don't know or high strung kids (he is just trying to do his job and get the kids in line!) so not necessarily the best dog for kids - thats how I got him was because the family that had him was afraid he might bite their grandkids so they were gonna have him put down until I adopted him instead

albrown44

LAB....HANDS DOWN!!!!

timmy2strikes

Boxer. You will not find another breed that is better with children and other animals. Ours is a joy, and so loving. They are also total clowns, and will have you laughing from day one. He's in my avatar, sitting still, wearing my sunglasses. He is amazing, and when he passes my wife and I are going to be inconsolable.

I agree... my Boxer/pitbull is an angel and loves eveyone. I also had a corgie once who we called Mr. perfect because he damn near was.

I have a cocker spaniel who is a witch with a "B". She is my baby girl but she barks at everyone annd everything. (Especially now that she is an old lady)

I agree withthew other poster that you should get a rescue dog that is at least over three years old so you know what you are getting.

kiminikimkim

Rescue a racing greyhound! They retire between the ages of 2 and 5.

I have 2 in my 1000sqft condo. They are like cats, they sleep all day and love to cuddle. Watch out for their tails though, when they get too happy they can hurt!

They have different personalities. Any aggressiveness has been bred out of them many generations ago. I have one who is shy with humans but love dogs and the other loves playing with children and adults but is shy around strange dogs. So when I walk them both, if I see a child in the stroller, I will put Caramel at the front so the child can grab her face and if I see someone walking their dog, I will put Ginger up front to say hello. They are very awesome!

ALW65

A cat.

AHHHH......AHHHHH....AHHHHH...AHCHOOOOOOO!!!! ........ Now where did I put my Zyrtec???? :sick:

_Thanatos_

Golden Retriever

Tyyche

As mentioned, a boxer are amazing dogs. You will laugh and love a LOT with one. Ours is 7 and he's the perfect dog.

We also just got a bullmastiff puppy... who also are giant lovebugs, while being a very formidable looking guardian who would give his life for him family.