Need help picking a dog for my family

Question
Hi Renee, thanks for looking into my question.

My family's looking to buy a dog and so I'm trying to do my part of the research.  I'm 19 but I'm a college student so I'm not home all the time, but the people who will mainly take care of the dog are my Mom and Dad, who are moderately busy, and my 13 year old sister.  My grandparents also live with us, so that might affect it, too.  The only person who has had experience raising a dog is my Mom, but that was long ago, maybe 30 or 40 years ago.  It would be a new experience for my sister and me.  We have a pretty big piece of land that is chain-link-fenced, and our house is a decent size.

In terms of breeds we're very open-minded.  My sister, after looking around, likes the Australian Shepherd but she can be attracted to anything that is "cute."  My Mom used to have a German Shepherd so she would like that.  I am open-minded, and I'd most like to have a dog that melds perfectly with our lifestyle.  I was thinking a Lab or a Golden Retriever would be friendly and easy to train, but they might be too boisterous for my grandparents.  

Also, they are determined to get a puppy.  I was able to convince them not to get TWO puppies at the same time, but I don't think I can persuade them that an adult dog would be easier for owning a dog for the first time.  However, I do think that they can keep up with the responsibility of raising a puppy if necessary.

Answer
Hi Dan and thanks for your question.

I think it's great that you are doing some research before jumping headlong into getting a new family companion. It can be a daughnting task to say the least.

First, let me say that I am really more into rescue than supporting breeders (some of whom can be highly unethical), but finding a responsable breeder that does the necessary health testing (particular for each breed) and that will take a puppy back if it just isn't working for your family, is really the best way to go. But, they do charge a premium for their pet quality pups.

Ok, now to consider breeds. You probably will want to reconsider the Aussie. They are HIGHLY driven dogs and not really a good choice unless they have a job to do. They are herding dogs and tend to want to herd everything. Also, they can come with some tendencies for aggression or unpredictability.

German Shepard are GREAT dogs, but short lived and have a wealth of physical issues. I do, however, love this breed. I care for two elderly "ladies" that are 14 and 12 and are in decent shape, but they are OLD for sheppards. Typical life expectancy of this breed is approximately 9 - 10 years. They are considered seniors at about 5 years and most live to about 8 or 9.

Ah, the Retreivers, they are very devoted family pets! Great dogs, but can be wildly hyper as puppies :) Very smart if trained properly and good gaurd dogs. Just as you have said though, maybe not the best choice for the older folks.

Now, my recommendations.

I recommend the following breeds based on several criteria, which I will mention, but do recommend you doing a bit more searching. A good place to start would be www.dogbreedinfo.com

Greyhounds are fantastic pets and wonderful with ALL age groups. They are however, hard to find as puppies and are better acquired as retired or failed racers. They are usually around 3 years old at retirement and still have many good years left. They are pretty sedate for the most part, but love to have their exercise sessions regularly. They can, however be a bit prey diven with small furry animals, so keep that in mind if you have rabbits or cats around your property. They are also very stately dogs and usually impress ANY one they come into contact with. They are low maintence when it comes to grooming and don't have a ton of health problems.

Standard Poodles, yeah, I know, sissy dogs! But in reality, they are retreivers and can be very active, but devoted pets. They are great watch dogs, but do require alot of grooming. They don't have alot of health problems and can live to be in their teens. They are great with kids and other pets and easily trained. As a matter of fact, I know of two that are therapy dogs at senior centers and a center for cancer patients. They are loving and gently, but playful and BEAUTIFUL. Very stately dogs no matter how they are clipped. BTW, you don't have to have them clipped in that FRUFFY Show clip that most people assoiciate with poodles.

Beagles are wonderful dogs, but can be a bit scent driven. The thing I love about them is their ability to adjust to just about any situation. They get along with EVERYONE and most other dogs. They don't have alot of health issues and while they seem a bit stubborn at times, they are really quite smart. They are independant but dependant at the same time. This is one breed that I would not recommend to be acquired from rescue unless you have a bit more experience with dogs, but when gotten as a puppy, can be a wonderful family pet.

Mixed breeds are probably the best choice for a family pet! They don't seem to have as many health problems that so many of the pure breeds do and there are so many to choose from and can be found at shelters (as pups) or through private individuals that, perhaps, were not as observant as they should have been and had an accidental litter. These pups usually don't have the best chance in life and will often end up tied to a tree or put to sleep in shelters because no body wanted them. Since they are of mixed genetics, you do not know exactly what you are getting and can look quite different as puppies than what they will look like when grown.

There are so many breeds and I hope that the website I provided you will help you to decide what dog will fit into your family and become a loved companion for many years to come. I will also hope that you and your family will consider adopting a rescue dog, be it a pure breed OR mixed breed. There are so many that need forever homes and with each one adopted, there is one less waiting in foster care.

Here's another site that may interest you. www.petfinder.com :)