So we're gonna get a dog!!!! YEAH!

[Lara]

My beloved husband and I are researching dogs/dog adoption centers in our area. We are committed to adopting a dog from a shelter.

Any advice on:
1. Dog adoption in general
2. Great dogs for kids (your faves)-we have an 8 year old and may have another baby in the future- so the dog needs to be cool.

I'll be asking more advice later about feeding the dog raw. But for now, I am just reaching out for support/advice on finding the RIGHT dog!

I am so excited!

Thanks in advance!

Lara

[snoops]

I'm only a little biased but beagles make the best family pets. Mine was so laid back. Little kids would pet him and hug him and he would just sit there and let them. Not sure he loved it all that much cause he would sometimes look up at me - saying ummm can we go now... with his eyes!! They're small, just the right size I think. Can't get their heads up on counter tops. No knocking over things with huge tails.

Because they are so docile, they are used in labs so can probably be found as rescues. My next dog will be a rescue dog. I've had my purebred and now its time for the ones who really need me. Well I feel like I rescued Snoops because his parents were show dogs and two of his brothers were to be too. I believe he had a better life as a family pet than as a show dog!! Just me...

Good luck with your search. I think you will know when you find the right one!

[Revvell]

If I were to get a small dog? Beagle (:)'s @ Snoops), Jack Russell Terrier, fox terrier (my first dog) or short-haired doxie. I love terriers because they tend to be sturdy and I grew up with one.

Big dog? Another Rottweiler, boxer, chow, mastiff, Dane (they will clean off a coffee table with their tails though) ... but then, I don't have children. If I did, I'd get one of the smaller breeds.

Mixed breeds tend to be really great dogs. You getting a boy or girl?

[Lara]

'cause my beloved husband feels outnumbered! :)
And preferably medium size...though we are open to smaller (just not teeny) doggies...
I like the beagle idea too.
We saw one yesterday a beagle/shiba inu mix named "chowder" that I wanted to go and pick him up that very second! :)
Thanks for your suggestions!

[Broken Aquarian]

It's not just about the size of the dog. You have to think about what the breed was bred for.

(this generalizing the dogs by their breed - there are dogs in the breeds that don't conform to breed standard)

Beagles are hunting dogs and they usually have somewhat high energy. All terriers(such as a Jack Russel) are moderate to high energy. Both breeds are also known for killing animals - such as rabbits, cats, squirrels ect - though, most dogs are known for this too.

If the breed is a working breed, chances are that they are going to need moderate exercise every day or they will get bored/anxious and have problems like chewing/excessive barking/digging ect.

Another issue with working breeds (such as terriers) is that often they don't get along with other dogs so well or are quick to fight.

Definitely research the breeds that the dog is(if you know - sometimes you never do find out)

But, you have to ask yourselves these questions.
-What if this dog is really high energy, will I be willing or have the time to exercise it for 30 minutes 2x a day?

About adopting -

It's often better to get a dog from a foster home, than to go pick it up from the shelter. The shelters have dogs live in the foster home, so the people can work on the dog and see what their personality and temperment is like.

If you need a specific energy level and temperment, it's better to get a grown dog and not a puppy. A dog's temperment isn't completely set until the age of about 2. Before that, they're still growing and maturing mentally - something they may have loved as a puppy may be hated when they mature.

If none of that matters and you are willing to commit to any scenario that pops up(what if the dog doesn't like strangers or hates other dogs or cats?)
then you can get a puppy or pull a dog straight from the shelter.

My personal opinion would be to go with a dog in a foster home because you have a child and it's very important to be sure that the dog is ok with kids. It's not fair to the dog to bring it into your home and then send it back. It creates a high amount of stress and confusion for the dog.

Hope this helps some - good luck on your search! :)

[Lara]

Thank you for your depth and insight... Yes... I like the foster home idea...actually I've seen several adoption sites that have fostered dogs...perfect!
I will take your suggestions seriously, for sure!

[RawKnitster]

Lara, How wonderful! Good advice, Aquarian.

I have one of those "high energy" Jack Russell Terriers. She is 10 years old now and has settled down some. She was given to me fully trained when she was three. What a handful! Very high maintenance cause she thinks she is the center of the world and doesn't like to be left alone. She still has that puppy energy, but keeps in reserve until you say something to get her excited. She has an unbelievable vocabulary.

Best of luck finding a wonderful doggie. Your child must me thrilled.

[ChangingChild]

I recommend getting a mutt. They tend to have less health problems than purebreeds. I advise against terriers because they are such high energy, and that might not be the best fit for your child. :) Honestly, just go with your gut. You'll know when you find the right one.