[Kay_Cruz]

We have been looking into getting a dog for a couple of years now and have come to the agreement that this summer will be the perfect time to get a dog. We have been looking into getting a dog from a shelter, but unfortunately (or fortunately depending on how you look at it ) there are not many shelter dogs where we live or even in the area. We have therefore been looking at getting a dog from a reputable breeder instead, which of course would mean that we would need to have the time to train the puppy, which we will have from this summer.
We have of course been looking into some breeds ourselves that we feel like would fit into our family, but are having a really hard time choosing the right one. Therefore we figured it would be great to have a more objective view upon the choice.


What breed would you recommend for a family who:
- Are first time dog owners
- Is very active
- Have older children
- Live in a house with big yard (fenced)
- Live in a temperate climate (pleasant summer and mild winters with a bit of snow)

Some of the things we are looking for in a dog are for it to:
- Be of medium to big size (though not enormous)
- Like long walks and jogs
- Be able to be home alone 2-3 hours during the weekdays
- Be somewhat trainable (wont need to be able to learn a bunch of tricks, just need to be able to bring it to the basic puppy and young dog training classes)
- Be friendly, but give a warning bark
- Wouldn't mind one with a longer and thicker coat (not a deciding factor, just personal preference)

What breed would you recommend?

[Gardengrove]

I would say a Lab, Golden Retriever or a German Shepherd

[cigwyllt]

I agree completely with Gardengrove but with a particular preference for Golden Retrievers as we used to have one. Plus they have the longer coat that you fancy.

Your requirements describe our late Golden to a T! The perfect family pet! We had two terriers and a toddler when Judy joined us and our son assumed she was going to be his and she agreed! He would walk her to heel, whistle her back to him and they were inseparable. People would ask to take photos of them when we were out together - this tiny little blond tot and big blond dog doing everything he told her to do!

[Lunareclipse]

Labs, goldens, border collies, australian shepherds. You can crate train your dog so it won't chew up the house while you are away. It also makes potty training easier. Since you have a fence, you could look into getting a greyhound from a greyhound rescue. They are couch potatoes inside the house, but they like to run when outside.

[greyhound]

i would prob have to agree that a lab does sound well suited! having said that i do alot of vol work with the retired greyhound trust and you should not jog with anybreed of dog it can put alot of strain on thier hearts,yes dogs do like to run and play but too much of a good thing can be bad!!

[threenorns]

the strain on the heart comes from long periods of sustained running as, in the wild, canines don't run like that. they run in irregular bursts - a steady, ground-eating trot interspersed with lightning-quick turbo boosts and, every now and then, sitting down to look at clouds or sniff a rock.

however, a steady jog shouldn't be too bad for a large dog as the speed would be pretty close to their mileage loping speed.

the trick is to look at the tongue - when the tongue turns dark, their oxygen is depleted and they need to stop.


to OP:

i wouldn't recommend a border collie - they are *demanding*. love mine to death but i should've waited until my daughter was in school before gettihg him.

a flat-coated retriever, now, would be my pick. lively, energetic, fun-loving, sociable, great family dog.

[Bozzalini]

I would definitely say either a Labrador Retriever (like mine), or a Golden Retriever.

Bernese Mountain Dogs and German Shepherd may also somewhat fit your explanation.

[piratekitty]

Lab, Golden Retriever, GSD. Do you have rescues in your area? They are not the same as shelters. look at petfinders in your area.

[CorkyMax]

I love the Golden Retriever---very smiley, happy and a great dog for an energetic family. The only thing that was on your list that might not fit too well-- They may not give a bark when someone comes to your house---More likely to lick the person's hand--not much of a guard dog what so ever!

Here is a good place to see Goldens--4-5 pages of pics and description about this breed: Golden Retriever Information and Pictures, Golden Retrievers