Best type of dog

[Cub124]

I think labs are the best. They are very smart and great with kids.

 

[/pine]

I second (or third etc.) the idea of going to the ASPCA or your local shelter to find your next dog(s)....

I suggest 2 dogs as they can keep each other company for the 9 hrs with no humans around...

You don't have to get two dogs at the exact same time...I suggest making the local shelter a regular visit...I think many times the right dogs seem to find their future owners rather than the other way around...

 

[Yankee]

Geez, bunch of lab guys or what! Great dogs, but don't fit the criteria. Personally, I would not want to leave a lab for 9 hrs a day, either - at least not one younger than about TEN! Active doesn't begin to describe them. They are gentle to a fault, however, and great family dogs for the right circumstances.

I can second the newf recommendation too, as I grew up with them. Big, drooly, and shed mountains of hair, though.

Two mentioned that do fit your criteria are the Airedale and Aus. shepherd. In other directions, consider the basset hound, ENGLISH bulldog, and the Bernese mountain dog.

 

[RobertN]

A friend of mine has two Bull-Boxer's; English Bulldog/Boxer hybrid. Wow, those are great dogs! I would love to have one, but already have two dogs and two cats(all rescues).

Two mentioned that do fit your criteria are the Airedale and Aus. shepherd. In other directions, consider the basset hound, ENGLISH bulldog, and the Bernese mountain dog.

 

[valley]

We bailed a McNab out of the pound, month and 1/2 ago, he was 14 mo when we got him. Seems like a great dog if you have some land. High energy not for just a back yard dog ,they want to work.

 

[Redbug]

I do like German Shepherds, but that would be too big of a dog.

How about a Boykin Spaniel?
Boykin Spaniel, Information and Pictures, Boykin Spaniels

 

[QRTRHRS]

I will go with the SPCA/rescue dog. Often, these folks know the dog and can match you up with a good dog. If it does not work out, be honest, try another or see if someone can help work it out.

I admit that I prefer purebreds but I seek rescues and try new to me breeds. One of our three dogs is a mix of golden retriever and hound best anyone can guess. She is under 40lbs, loves everything and everyone, runs like the wind, but likes to run off first chance she gets. I don't know that perfect exists though I have had some close.

Good luck with your choice and please do spay/nueter.

 

[tulenutn2o]

I have a wheaton terrier, Sheddless, great watch dog, not afraid of anything, keeps critters at bay,etc. one before that was a carin terrier. Both good climbers, mild mannered and fun. Both came from Animal rescue league.

 

[roamerr]

I'm a fan of the pound mutt but you really never know what you are getting. We have a Beagle/Shepard (?) Mix weighing 35 lbs that is great with the kids and a perfect watchdog. The only issue is she is very protective of the property and will bite. She bit the UPS guy 4 years ago and that was a major ordeal. Animal control required a 10 day quarantine even though she did not break skin. She has also bit 2 neighborhood/stranger kids on bicycles who were circling us or too close. Happens so fast. Good family dog that would never hurt a family member or friend -- just gotta watch her if she feels we are in danger. I trust the dog 100% around family and friends with us but we can not take her on trips or on walks in parks. She is a perfect fit for protecting our 10 acres but required a fence in our last neighborhood since random neighborhood kids would cut through the yard and I was always concerned that she would bite. She is 10 years old now and has mellow'd some but in some ways I will be glad when she passes away. That sounds rough but is true. My kids love the dog and that is the only reason she still is alive. Now that we have moved to a rural location she is a better fit -- she is great protection that is not scared of anything I have seen.

We also have a Basset Hound. Great dog with a loud bark. Scared of it's shadow and would not hurt anything. Our next dog will likely be another Basset. Never tore up anything as a puppy or in the last 5 years. We take him in the RV and he loves everyone we meet. He can stay in the camper or house for 8 or more hours and he is content just sleeping. Always happy to see us. As for weight we have a 55 lb Basset. My wife and family thinks the Basset walks on water. He sleeps on the foot of our bed at night and never moves. Crazy sleeper -- loves it. He is submissive to the Beagle mix and she protects him like a baby.

 

[Airsafety]

Haven't seen the English Springer Spaniel mentioned, so I'll make a pitch for them. I've had beagles to shepards and a lot in between and the springer is the smartest and sweetest I've seen. Good watchdog, but keeps backing up while barking so I don't worry much about anyone getting bitten. We trust her completely with even the smallest ggrandkids.

40-50 lbs is a good range for females, ours goes 46 - males 45-55. We have 3 acres which is fenced with high tensile wire she could step through, but won't. Loves to go for walks with me, but doesn't leave the property without me. A stay at home, almost to a fault.

The only thing she loves more than chasing a tennis ball is swimming across the pool to get a tennis ball. Really a sweet natured dog, she is a toucher - she will sleep on your foot so you have to wake her up if you go anywhere.

They're not to common, which is kind of a good thing as there are not a lot of puppy mills. I've seen a springer rescue group on the internet with some beautiful dogs looking for a home.

Good luck, I'm sure you'll find a wonderful addition to your family whatever you find.