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Rachel B. asked in PetsDogs · 1 decade ago

What dog breed has the lowest amount of energy?

I'm looking to buy a dog that has very low-medium energy. If the dog has higher energy then my dog, then my dog (9-yr old chow/shih-tzu mix) isn't going to like it. I was thinking about getting a puppy, and was wondering if it really matter what breed I got or not because aren't puppies normally very energetic?

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  • 1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    puppies of all breeds are usually energenic, your situation is the perfect one for adoption.

    Adopting is not only saving a life, but getting an older dog that is at least above 3 years lowers the chance that it is hyper and many of these older dogs are usually already house trained as well.

    There is a wonderful website called Petfinder.com where you type your zip code and the description of the dog your looking for and it brings up the local pet adoption centers that have dogs available under your descriptions with pictures of the dogs and descriptions in the area.

    I would definately steer clear of a puppy because dogs usually dont settle down till at least 3-5 years depending on the breed. some breeds stay energentic for up to 5 years. Also if you adopt you can ask them about the dogs personality to see if it would be too hyper for you because they usually have had the dog for long enough to get an idea of whether it is still hyper or has settled down.

    I've had my beagle for 3 years and he is just as hyper and rebellious as he was at 6 months. This shows you how long some breeds can take to calm down.

    Another good thing about adopting is that the dogs usually come with complete set of shots, and neutered or spayed, and neutering makes the dogs less hyper as well.

    Adopting is a lot more cheaper than purchasing a puppy as well.

    Your situation is perfect for a older dog so please consider this, older dogs are very hard for adoption centers to get out so your not only helping the dog get a good home when it would regularly keep getting turned down for puppies (because everyone loves the puppies) And the puppies are cute, but they are a huge undertaking and your situation is really IDEAL for an older dog.

    I would just make sure that your dog is dog friendly, and so is the other dog, if you already know your dog will accept the other dog then this is no problem, but if your dog reacts negatively whenever you walk it close to other dogs then another dog probably wouldnt be a good idea because they might hurt each other if you dont keep an eye on them.

    To make sure you get a dog friendly dog just tell the adoption center when you adopt that the dog will be living with another dog and they will know if the dog your thinking of adopting is a good fit.

    If you DO decide to get a puppy, DONT go to a pet store. Go through your classifieds and this may take longer to find the breed your looking for but it is a couple of hundreds of dollars cheaper, PLUS the last two dogs I bought out of the classifieds, when I went to pick them up the mom and dad dogs were there so I got to see the parents and the environment they lived in. If you buy from a pet store not only might you be paying a couple of hundred dollars more for what MIGHT be a sick dog, but you dont know what living conditions it came from or if the parents are the pure breeds they are suppossed to be, or if they mated a sister and brother.

    I definately recommed adopting an older dog above buying a puppy though!

    Hope your able to find a good compainion!!

  • 1 decade ago

    Probably a bulldog, though they are more active as pups. They become real couch potaotes.

    Be aware that they do have breed-specific health problems (mostly breathing-related) and cannot be left outdoors in the heat.

    Have you looked into rescue or your local shelter? Many older dogs are desperately in need of homes. Obviously with a chow/shih-tzu you are not opposed to mixed breeds? Bonus is with a mature dog what you see is what you get, they are full grown, often housebroken, personalities pretty much set. Save a life!

    There are also breed quizzes you can take to determine what would be best for your household and lifestyle:

    http://www.doggiedealer.com/dog_breed_selector.php

    http://dogbreedadvisor.com/

  • teri
    Lv 4
    1 decade ago

    Your dog should get along fine with a puppy of any type...don't make decisions for your dog...after a week they will be like family...if your dog is a boy then get a female puppy and if your dog is a girl get a boy...they will be fine...but remember to have them fixed so they won't do what comes naturally...like the male spraying or the female suffering in heat...and puppies are always fine together...and your older dog will love feeling young again.

  • 1 decade ago

    Get a great dane or mastiff, they are great big clumsy puppies but prefer snuggles to playing around, and can be very lazy if you are, they just need a walk every day and they are fine. Most of the large breed pups i have encountered arent really energetic, and are really super cute.

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  • 1 decade ago

    yes puppies are going to drive your dog nutts and i would suggest a older puppy if you want a puppy....most large breed dogs are quite layed back (grayhounds grate danes) shih tzus are the breed of puppy that i am getting and the info that i have read says that the females are some times quieter lap dogs...you could try that...

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    as I type this my mastiff and stbernard/newfie are chasing eachother around the house and barking.

    WELL, big dogs.. when they are older are more lazy, but right now mien are 1-2 years old and are quite a handful... all dogs really are somewhat energetic, I mean.. they are dogs, puppies are even more so. It really varies on the dog, I had the laziest Golden Retriever, but my Aunt's was very energetic, I have met lazy english mastiffs, but mine loves to play around.

  • 1 decade ago

    French Bulldogs

  • Puff
    Lv 5
    1 decade ago

    I am not sure, but I imagine English or French bulldogs (not American, they are energetic) and Basset Hounds.I had a golden retriever (female) that was very laid back. Females are less hyper than males.

  • 1 decade ago

    I have a Bullmastiff, well 2 :o)

    They are very laid back as pups and in fact are quite lazy!

    They are great with my friends Shihs

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