I'm getting a puppy... But what sort?!?

I do a lot of volunteer work at the Humane Society and I work with all sorts of dogs. Here's what I strongly recommend to everyone who's thinking of adopting:

1. Before you even look at any dogs, sit down and make a list of what you really want in a dog. List everything you can think of - long-hair/short hair, active/laid back, barks a lot/ barks a little/silent, guard dog? companion dog?, needs lots of exercise/needs little exercise/self-muscling, nice with everyone/one-person-dog, good inside/needs a yard, small/medium/large, brown fur/white fur/mixed color, smart/not-so-smart, etc. Everything you can think of. Do this FIRST!!

2. When you have your list, do some research online. I recommend the site listed below for more information on dog breeds.

3. Now you'll be ready to good to the shelter (please consider adopting a rescue), or the pet shop, or a breeder.

4. Remember, choose wisely - you are, hopefully, making a lifetime commitment! (That means 12-15+ years.)

BTW, I recommend you write your list first, because if you go to a shelter first and look into those sweet puppy eyes, you'll want to take them all home with you!

Good luck!!

number one pick=labrador retriever-will be the best dog you ever own, hands down. good for every family type, especially kids and is very active.

rhodesian ridgeback-great family dogs, very very little shedding, great dogs for runners because rhodesians have been known to run 20+ miles without getting tired...its part of their african lionhound ancestry. so they are very sporty

german shepherds are great dogs, very affectionate and loving like a lab, but a little more shedding, and they are active dogs as well

some other "active" breeds

wiemeraner

vizsula

doberman

germain pointers

greyhound

Jack Russel Terriers match that description.

picture: http://cdn-www.dailypuppy.com/media/dogs/anonymous...