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How do i find the right dog?

I am rather young (young teen) and my parents said that I would maybe be aloud to get a dog if I train the one we have now to show them I am dedicated (we live on a farm and have a livestock guard dog) they said I will have to train the dog, walk it, take care of it (obviously all the things one has to do with a dog) I don't leave the house often exept for Saturday and Sunday generally and the dog would mostly stay in my room with me (I would take it for walks when my sister and I go for walks which is almost everyday) I am not sure what dog I need to get. I have been searching for hours, and I am pretty sure I have seen every dog breed known to man at this point haha. My father says it should be on the smaller side (he says medium to small but small would be best) for space reasons. I have found that looking through the breeds that the hair on the smaller dogs tend to bug me. I am used to rather large dogs or ones that are leaning towards large (pitbull mix, Great Pyrenees etc) I like Beagles, Cardigan Welsh Corgi, Shiba Inus and King Charles Spaniels (for the most part) I am feeling rather helpless about the situation. I know it takes time to find a good breed that suits you well but I am unsure of how to find it. I really like the Shibas from what I have read but has anyone had them? I don't wanna spend hundreds of dollars on a dog either (200 is my max and that is if I find the perfect one. I have never payed for a dog and neither has my family. They are always rescues and or given to us) any breeds you think of that are smallish, have atleast semi short hair and a good personality please tell me! Or what your thoughts are on the breeds I listed. Or if you know of any good sites to help me find a good breed. Thank you!

6 Answers

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Walt G.

Book a Stay
Woodbridge, VA

There is a reason Labrador Retrievers have been the #1 dog for more than 20 years, they are awesome companions. If I were you I would search out a local animal rescue group or Lab Rescue group to find your perfect companion, and yes all rescue groups will charge you an adoption fee, it is used to offset the vet care provided before the adoption. Best of luck

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Ramsay B.

Thank you all so much! After some more research on prices, medical issues the dogs may have, etc, I think I am going to get a Beagle! They have met almost everything I need (they seem harder to train and they want to follow scents but I will make it work) :)

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I just sat for a VERY mellow & easy beagle mix for six nights, although he was a senior. I think they are considered to be great family pets because they are very easy going and always want to be part of a pack w/ their fam.

Tim J.

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Deb A.

Book a Stay
Irvine, CA

Based on what you wrote, some small as well as medium breeds with short hair may be the best fit. Since your time for training will be somewhat limited by school and other interests, I'd advise consider 2 years or older (Not a puppy!)

I'd recommend you go to https://www.petfinder.com/pet-adoptio... Petfinder has helpful articles and also facilitates a search of shelters within 10/25/50/100/or any from zip code as well as other filters that may be useful. It may not list all available pets though. So, if there's a shelter near you, you may want to contract them and let them know what you're looking for. Often, there are reduced fees (used to cover basic medical needs) if you adopt an older dog, which may also be good for you, and sometimes throughout the year due to overpopulation issues. Lots of great dogs end up at the shelters through no fault of their own, so I'd highly encourage you to explore adopting there.

Maybe a terrier?

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Terrier seems breed specific—I can see maybe see adaptable companionable ones liyorkies and bostons staying in the original poster's bedroom for the majority of the day and being just fine but some of the most prey drive and exercise inclined ones like jack russells would probably become destructive

Tim J.

I think Boston Terriers could actually be a really good option—short hair but minimal shedding, adaptable to small spaces, smart companionable and eager to please. The only issue is that well adjusted youngins are hard to find at rescues and would be much more than yr budget from a reputable breeder

Tim J.

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Tim J.

I feel like everything that i have heard and read abt shiba inus would make them too high maintenance for your situation—aren't they smart but stubborn and hard to train (very self reliant and aloof?), and also very active chewers? I would set yourself up for success w/ something a lot more able to be couch potato-y.

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Elysa R.

It sounds like you have done quite a bit of research to find the most suitable dog breed for you. That is wonderful!

Consider going to a local animal shelter. Volunteers there are a great resource and can help you with finding a dog that is a good fit. Also, if they allow it, spend time with different dogs that meet your criteria (one-on-one play etc).

Wishing you luck in your search for a new addition to your family!

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Sherri H.

if you have a budget of 200 you aren't going to be able to go to a reputable breeder but you could go to a shelter if they also have purebred rescues which i think they might get to 300 but they are kept at fosters

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Jessy G.

You don't.... The right dog finds you....

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