What is the best family dog?

    • Gold Top Dog

    What is the best family dog?

    Hello, I'm Rose. I'm new to this forum.

    Anyways, I have been wanting a dog forever and I was just wondering which pure dog breed do you consider the best family dog? I have a handicapped brother and don't want a vicious dog that can bite, etc.

    Preferably a small dog.

    Any suggestions?

    I was thinking possibly a Shih Tzu...but I was told they get sick very easily.
    Also maybe a maltese? Or Tea cup poodle?
    • Gold Top Dog
    Well, any small dog will need extra care. They do tend to get sick a lot easyer than larger dogs and if short fur will need to be keepted warm during the cold time of the year. A lot also depends on the owners.

    Now for a Shih Tzu they need to be groomed often. This can be done by simply taking the dog to a groomer every other month or you could learn how to do it yourself.

    One thing I do recomend for whatever dog you do get is to attend a dog trainig class that works with handicapped people and their dogs. There are some great classes out there that train the dog to become loving service dogs.

    I would consider adopting an older dog. Older dogs already have an established personality so you don't get any surprized you would with a puppy. Also many older dogs already have some training so it would not be hard to continue the training to your liking. Start by visiting shelters and see what's out there and what dog you think will fit into your life the best. There are also many foster programs desiged to mach you with your perfect pet. A good serch would be a site like www.petfinder.com
    • Gold Top Dog
    Thank you. But I would much rather get a puppy because I think it is more fun to train them and grow up with them.

    Do you know anything about tea cup poodles or maltese?
    • Gold Top Dog
    Any dog can and will bite if it is not socialized and trained properly.  I think any breed has the potential to be a great family dog is you are committed!  Some dogs are known to be aloof like guarding breeds and some sighthounds so they probably wouldn't make the top of your list.
    I am not really a small dog person but I have really fallen for a friend's Cavalier King Charles Spaniel - the little pup is in our agility class and really gives it everything and just idolizes her 2-legged Mum! 
    I also like shelties even though they can be timid but with the right handling they are great!  I'm sure you could find the perfect companion at your local shelter!  Good luck!
    • Gold Top Dog
    Poodles of anykind are wonderful and very easy to train dogs. No matter where you get your dog from I would research the breed first and above that the breeder. DO NOT get a dog from a pet shop, most come from puppy mills and have lived in terrible conditions, not to mention the many birth defects they are prone to. If you do decide to buy one from a breed I would start by talkling to breeders and find out what they exspect from their poodles, also ask questions about their own poodles and living conditions. Agean there are also many puppy poodles in foster programs in need of a cairing home. Look for your local poodle rescue group (a group whos purpose is to only rescue poodles) and someone there will be happy to assist you in finding the perfect fur friend.
    • Gold Top Dog
    There is no such thing as a "teacup" dog. "Teacup" is a term that irresponsible breeders use to sell the runt of a litter or a very small dog. Responsible breeders do not purposely breed dogs to be smaller than what the breed standard calls for and a lot of breed clubs have it stated in their Code of Ethics that using such terms are prohibited. This is what the [linkhttp://www.poodleclubofamerica.org/usamap.htm]Poodle Club of America[/link] has to say...
     
    "Those interested in the Poodle should be aware there are three varieties of Poodles;#%92 Toy, Miniature, and Standard. There is no officially recognized Poodle variety such as a “Royal” Standard, a “Tea Cup“ Toy or a “Tiny Toy” Poodle. These are all just marketing terminologies to facilitate the sale of animals that are in reality just dramatically over or under in size from the norm. "
     
    This is what the [linkhttp://www.americanmaltese.org/]American Maltese Association[/link] has to say...
     
    "The Maltese is NOT a terrier! The plural of Maltese is still Maltese - not Malteses. There is no such thing as a "teacup" or "pocket" Maltese. The Maltese is a TOY breed. Our Standard calls for the Maltese to be "under 7 lbs. with 4-6 lbs. preferred". Some Maltese do mature at under 4 lbs. while others mature at over 7 lbs."
    • Bronze
    A poodle may be a good choice for you.  In my experience, standard poodles are an ideal family pet...however, they are not small dogs.  They are intelligent, perceptive, easily trained,  and gentle.   My sister's standard poodle is very "in tune" with all members of the family ...her eldest son is physically disabled and her youngest is a toddler.  It's a busy household, but the dog just "goes with the flow"!  My standard poodle was absolutely wonderful too; however, she died at an early age (there are some health issues with standards...so it's necessary to find a reputable breeder).  I do have a friend with a toy poodle... he's a little smarty pants too...and loves to be with his family.  Good luck with your puppy hunt!
    • Puppy
    Beagle Beagle Beagle, beagles are the best!!!! [:D]
    • Gold Top Dog
    Any dog can be a good family dog.  If you don't mind my asking, how is your brother handicapped?  Personally, I believe the GSD (German Shepherd Dog) to be an ideal dog for your situation.
     
    My own dog is a German Show/American Show cross.  These are just lines, he is still a purebred German Shepherd Dog.
    GSDs, if trained properly, given the proper care, and bought from a reputable breeder are wonderful.
     
    My own dog has the foundation work to become a Therapy Dog, and contrary to popular belief, this is NOT an easy task.  My dog is incredibly sound, and just has an instinct for therapy work.  I was at PetCo just the other day, and there was a woman on crutches who had a knee cast on her leg, and a cast on one of her wrists.  My dog did not shy away, but rather he went right to her and sat down.
     
    The woman had been admiring Strauss from across the aisle, and Strauss just HAD to say hello.  He did not do his normal schtick of leaning against her, because he just knows that that would have been inappropriate for that particular person.  He sat quietly and het her pet his head, and she talked to him....it really seemed to make her day :-)
     
    When we are at dog shows, there are many times when people from nursing homes or "institutions" come out with a few residents/patients to see the sights.  Many people are interested in Strauss, and Strauss is ALWAYS interested in them.  While we do train, Strauss was NOT taught how to interact with these disabled people, he just understands.  He takes rough petting all in stride for those who cannot properly control their muscles, he doesn't startle to the loud yells of somebody who cannot control their vocal tones, he rests his head or leans against the frame work of a wheelchair so it is easier for the disabled person to pet him.
     
    If your brother is in a wheelchair or anything of the like, I would NOT recommend a small dog, simply because they could be run over.  Most of the time they move...sometimes they don't move fast enough.  Dogs like the German Shepherd Dog are large enough that they do not pose a danger to anybody.  A proper Shepherd displays courage, loyalty, and trainability.  They are used in many facets of human life, from Narcotics dog, to SAR (Search and Rescue).  They are therapy dogs, mobility dogs for the disabled, hearing ear and seeing eye dogs.  They are just a GREAT all around dog!
     
    While the GSD is a large breed, for what you describe, a medium to large family dog would seem to fit your family better than a small one.  Also, the three breeds you want require a fair bit of grooming.  The GSD is a "wash and wear" dog.  Brush it consistently, give it a bath every now and again, and you've got the perfect pet.
     
    And as others said, there is NO such thing as a Teacup Poodle.  They come in three sizes, Standard, Miniature, and Toy.  If you live elsewhere in the world, there is one more size called "Dwarf", but from what I know, they are extremely hard to find.
     
    Some questions to ask yourself before you start looking at dogs:
     
    What is the SPECIFIC temperament you want?  Aloof, friendly, quiet, laid back?
    What kind of exercise and coat care are you willing to give? Small dogs usually involve the toy group, and they require a lot of groom work usually, but not as much exercise.
    How much are you willing to spend on a dog?  Dogs prices vary from breed to breed.
    Are you looking for a dog that is easily well adjusted, and can acclaimate itself to your brother's handicapp?
    What kind of life span are you looking at?  The smaller the breed, the longer it lives, and visa versa.
    What health issues do you wish to avoid?  Every breed has issues, but you need to read up and learn about them in anybreed you look at.
    Would you consider rescue?  Sometimes rescues DO have pups, purebred or mixed.
    Are you looking for a low shedding dog, or one that hardly sheds at all?
    Do you want a dog with a soft coat, harsh coat, short coat, or long coat?
    Do you want a dog that is biddable and easily trained, or do you like more of a challenge?
     
    Ask yourself all these questions, as it can help narrow your search.  And PLEASE keep in mind that ANY dog can be vicious if not properly socialized and trained.  It is not the breed that shapes the dog, it is the owner, and every dog, like every human, is an individual
    • Gold Top Dog
    labs,retriever,collie,boxer
    and for small dogs maybe a yorkshire terrier or jack russell
    i think any dog can be an excellent family dog with proper training
    when i lived in the city i had a male boxer and a female collie x
    both were easily trained,awesum with kids,great in the house and tons of fun
    my friend had a jack russell and he was an awesum dog,great with kids,easy to train
    as long as ur dog gets enough excersise and is trained any dog really can be a sutible family dog
    adopting a dog is always an idea or going to a breed specific rescue...theres so many awesum family dogs in shelters
    • Gold Top Dog
    ANY dog, with the proper breeding and socialization can be an awsome family dog. Even the "dreaded pit bull" (im a pit bull fan [:D]) can be a loyal member of the family if properly trained. Pit Bulls will be loyal to their family to the dying day.
     
    Shih Tzu's (I take it this may be one of your choices?) are very hardy breeds, I have never heard that they can get sick easily, unless poorly bred. Shih Tzus are very loyal, love to be petted and if you dont care to be constantly grooming that long coat they still look good when trimmed.
     
    Labs, Goldens, GSD's are all used as service dogs and because of their willingness to learn can be great family dogs and you can read up on training so they can be a help to your brother also.
     
    Good luck finding that perfect pup!
    • Bronze
    My vote is with beagles-people become their pack quite readily-and they are very loving without becoming too large.  Not alot of coat issues to deal with-grooming is fairly simple.  I have not met a beagle who was what I would consider a biter unless they had been abused seriously and for a long while...for the most part they are forgiving of accidental hurts.  I do agree that perhaps and older adoptee might blend into you family a bit better, because puppies tend to be nippy when they are small, not out of aggression, but as a form of play among their littermates.  They work as lap animals and do like to cuddle-especially in the cold weather.  My beagle used to come into the house, and burrow under the blankets on my bed all the way to the foot and curl up in a ball to warm up. I always had a lump at the end of my bed.
    • Puppy
    Any reason why you would prefer a small dog?

    Many larger/medium sized dogs are calmer and have easier temperaments than some small dogs.

    Personally I think Rough or Smooth Collies make excellent family dogs.  They are very gentle, easy to train and live with.

    Nat


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    • Gold Top Dog
    Very True Nat! My pup was a doll to housetrain compared to other dogs I have had. She is so loving and kind. At 6 months you can already see that she is loyal and true to her family. She will follow me everywhere and hates to have me out of her site, she is just perfect. I have the rough tye and grooming is not that difficult, but if you want less grooming then a smooth is the way to go.
     
    As for small breeds, Shih Tzus are very loving and ver dedicated to their owners.
     
    Medium Breeds, let me think...Poodles, Shelties are good dogs except Shelties can be a bit high energy and need some training early on
    • Puppy
    Yep my boy was house trained in a day and never had an accident.  I have two collies and they are a dream to live with :)
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