I live with my parents and my dad is talking about gettting a dog. We have 2 cats- one is almost 14 and the other one is 7 years old. Dad’s cat passed away in February of this year and he’s been talking about getting a dog ever since. Dad talks about getting a Lab or a border collie, but I don’t think either one of those dog breeds would be the most compatible with our 2 cats. Mom’s 7 year old cat is very territorial of the back porch and attacks any animal that comes on or near it and my 14 year old cat runs whenever an animal comes in the house. Mom’s alllergic to dog hair, so we can’t have a longhaired breed dog. What kind of dog gets along well with cats, because Dad’s starting to get serious about getting a dog?
What breed of dog would be the most compatible for me and my family?
39 Responses to “What breed of dog would be the most compatible for me and my family?”
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Getting The Best Dog Bed
If you own a dog, especially an older one, getting a good dog bed is a really great gift to give your beloved pet. The need a good place to rest and sleep just like us. After all, you wouldn't want to bed down in an uncomfortable mattress or sleep on a hard surface all night.
Sleeping on the floor or even on a bad or uneven bed isn't the best thing for a dog to do. As they get older it becomes even more important that they have a really good dog bed to sleep in.
The other reason to get a dog bed is, of course, to keep them off of yours or off of the best couch in the house. If you don't want them all over your furniture, get them a comfortable bed of their own that they will love and use for a long time.
From the simplest dog beds to the more elaborate types, there are many to choose from. Some are more or less like large bean bags, some are donuts or round pet beds. There are also bolster dog beds, which have sort of a pillow going all around the outer edge of the bed. Dogs like to use this as a pillow for their head while they sleep. Then there is the orthopedic dog bed and memory foam beds, which are among the best you can get.
There are also outdoor dog beds which are made for outdoor areas like the back porch and there are also heated dog beds. These are great for dogs, especially during the cold winter months. Even when you have the heat in the house cranked up, the floor can sometimes stay cold and it's not good for your dogs bones and joints. A heated dog bed will keep your canine pal comfy and warm the whole time like a warm blanket.
Another option you may want to look into is getting a waterproof dog bed. We have all taken our dog out for a walk when it is raining and wet outside. Whether we want to or not, we have to go out on those miserable days when the rain is pouring and we both get soaked. After a good towel dry, dogs still have some moisture left on their coat and skin. The nice part about a waterproof dog bed is that your dog can lay on this type of pet bed without getting it soaked on the inside where the water stays put. These beds are made for this so they do not get ruined every time your water soaked pooch rests on them. For those dogs that prefer to stay out on the porch or outside near their kennel or dog house, they are much happier on a waterproof bed than a conventional one that soaks up the water. It's not only a comfortable resting spot for sleeping and lying down, but it will last longer too.
Not all dog beds are the same just as not all dogs age the same. When your dog gets older, he or she will most likely develop the same types of aches and pains due to joint problems that humans do. When your dog starts to slow down due to joint pain, inflammation and arthritis, the best thing you can do is to look into getting them a memory foam dog bed.
As soon as your are aware that you dog is suffering from orthopedic issues, the floor is simply not a good place for them to sleep. Even a conventional dog bed just will not do. The even balance of a dog's weight is more important at this stage of their life than at any time before. A bumpy or uneven bed is not good for the existing joint pain and can actually worsen the dog's problems over time.
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August 27th, 2010 - 7:13 pm
I think you are absolutely right! Border Collies are high-intensity, high-drive working dogs. They require a LOT of exercise, and preferably a job to do or they can be insane to live with. We’re talking at least two thirty minute STRENUOUS runs every day, not a casual 3 mph walk around the block. Many Border Collies end up in the pound because people can’t deal with their herding instincts, car chasing and odd behavior (like guarding pots and pans!)
Labs can be very powerful and playful, and could easily hurt a cat without even meaning to. Plus they shed terribly and aren’t good for people with allergies. I’m surprised your mom could tolerate cats if she really is allergic to dog hair – usually it’s the other way around. Your mom should spend at least a few hours at the breeder’s home to see if it bothers her.
With cats, you definitely shouldn’t get a terrier!
I’d suggest going with an English Cocker Spaniel (NOT the American Cocker!) or an English Springer Spaniel or a Welsh Springer Spaniel or a Portugese Water dog or a Curly Coated Retriever or an Irish Water Spaniel. (Maybe even a Havanese or a Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen – but I don’t know any personally. You’d have to go to dog shows and check them out.) These are somewhat rare breeds – check out http://www.ack.org for breeders. The PWD, CCR and IWS look a bit like Standard poodles, but they’re not as high energy. They’re easy to train and don’t shed much at all. The IWS and the PWD tend to be on the shy side, so make sure you get her out and socialize her while she’s young. And because they don’t shed, they’re going to need more grooming than the average dog.
BEFORE you get a puppy, I’d also suggest reading some really good books on training. Try not to do it randomly – there are a lot of bad books out there also! These are some of my favorites:
What All Good Dogs Should Know – Volhard
Good Owners, Great Dogs – Brian Kilcommins
Dog Tricks : Eighty-Eight Challenging Activities for Your Dog from World-Class Trainers by Haggerty and Benjamin
Don’t Shoot the Dog – Pryor
Training Your Dog: The Step by Step Method – Volhard
Dog Problems – Benjamin
Cesar’s Way – Cesar Millan
Also, watch the Dog Whisperer on the National Geographic Channel. Cesar Millan is the best trainer I’ve ever seen on TV.
August 27th, 2010 - 7:13 pm
Any type of Lab
August 27th, 2010 - 7:13 pm
A Boxer would likely be the ideal addition to your family. Sweet, loving, good with kids, ok with cats and very loyal. Good luck.
August 27th, 2010 - 7:13 pm
Jack Russell Terrier
August 27th, 2010 - 7:13 pm
poodles are good for allergic people because they don’t shed. but most dogs don’t like cats and most cats don’t like dogs. Good Luck
August 27th, 2010 - 7:13 pm
The best thing to do is go to your local animal shelter or animal control facility. If you can, try to find one that collects information on pets that are turned in by their owners. That way, you can find a dog that may have already lived with cats. There are so many animals in shelters all over the world that need loving homes – go save one! I used to work in a shelter and I can tell you there is a different dog for every need, I know you will find one that will fit in with your family life. I got my dog from the shelter I used to work at and he’s the best dog I’ve ever had.
August 27th, 2010 - 7:13 pm
SHEPARD, LABADOR,OR ANY SMALL BREED DOG
August 27th, 2010 - 7:13 pm
My advice, get something small or medium sized. Somewhere along the lines of a Beagle or maybe even a terrier of some kind. Beagles dont shed that much and have short hair to begin with. A terrier, like a Jack Russel would be good too because they dont shed that much.
August 27th, 2010 - 7:13 pm
Labs don’t mature until they are about 3 yrs. old. I have a black lab and she is hyper 24-7. She is almost 1 1/2. They are ball crazy, but are very loving. It can get annoying when they get all up in your face for attention(leterally). Their tails are long and wag furiously(knocks things off of low tables and such, and hurts a little when it hits you). If you get a lab, get and older one that won’t bother the cats when it’s not spending time playing ball with you.
My ex-girlfriend had Shitzus. They don’t shed, but they are tiny. I thought they were cool.
August 27th, 2010 - 7:13 pm
It still depends on other aspects of your lives. How many are willing to take the dog for LONG walks in ALL weather??? Do you like being active with the dog. Do you have a fenced in yard??
There are things other than cats that are the factors on which breed you should get. Make a list of your favorite breeds and research them to see what they require. The most common reason a dog doesn’t work out is that people have unrealistic expectations of the dog and the dog then has to go. Do some research and you will find a breed that fits what you are looking for!!!!! Remember….even many shorthaired dogs can cause allergies to flare. It isn’t the hair, it is the dander and even in a litter, there will be pups with more dander than others.
August 27th, 2010 - 7:13 pm
A good site to find a pet is petfinder.com. They have list of animal shelters and pets available. I got my dog that way.
http://www.petfinder.com
August 27th, 2010 - 7:13 pm
As far as behavior goes (ie: getting along with cats) It really depends on the dog, not so much the breed. There are specific breeds that tend to be more friendly in general, but that is no guarantee.
If your dad is looking for a older dog, it is best to find out as much information on the dog as possible from the previous owners. Wereas with a puppy, they generally have to be socialized by the owner.
If I were you, I would start with looking for short haired dogs, since your mom is allergic. Here is a site to help you out. http://www.akc.org/breeds/breeds_a.cfm
Then once you and your family have found some breeds you like, take the time to check out dogs in your local area. It’s good to spend some time with each dog to get a feel for it’s personality. Researching breeds and dog training information will be extremely helpful!
Good luck
August 27th, 2010 - 7:13 pm
As long as you get a puppy and properly socialize him with the cats, any breed would be fine. Also, I think that Havanese are hypoallergenic.
August 27th, 2010 - 7:13 pm
A lab would be OK,get it as a baby so all will adjust living together happily in the house,A border collie is a nice dog but they really need to be kept busy they are herding dogs with a very strong drive so if you don’t have the time and energy to work with these dogs it could be disastrous in the home,look on AKC.org there you will info. on all the breeds and you can decide which will be more suitable to your family.
August 27th, 2010 - 7:13 pm
I do agree that you should visit a local shelter and see if there is something there to suit your needs. The people there can help guide you to a dog that will fit your lifestyle. That’s what they do, and they are pretty good at it.
I will say, however, that if you are specifically looking for a pure-bred, that your mom would appreciate a smaller, shorter-haired dog that doesn’t have a regular shedding season. You’re going to laugh, but Chihuahuas and Boston terriers can both be wonderful family dogs, as well as many other small breeds. And yes, they learn to love cats if raised with them. I’m not sure of the shedding habits of other small breeds, but I know there are others. Look for breeds that do not have long or even medium-length hair. And read carefully about the breed, and especially the breeder, before you bring one home. (You could always go with a hairless breed as well… )
Good luck to you, and I hope you find what you are looking for!
August 27th, 2010 - 7:13 pm
get a Labrador, they love all people especially little kids. They are loyal, super smart, & easy to train. I wouldn’t have anything else
August 27th, 2010 - 7:13 pm
My experience is this: I presently have one 3 year old cat; three dogs (1.5yrs <shitzu/poodle cross>, 6 months (Bichon/poodle cross and 3 months<another shi-poo>). Before I got my 3yr old cat Mary, I had another cat Silly who DETESSED all animals (and passed away at 20yrs 1 year ago – lots of hissing during that time! First, the type of animal depends on the size you want – if you want a large animal that is friendly, ‘manly’ and fun – try a Golden Retriever/poodle mix, aka ‘Goldie-Poo – takes the standard poodle and is extreme low shedding and non-allergetic. If you prefer a more medium sized dog, then go for the Mini-Goldie-Poo – same as above, but crossed with a mini-poodle, therefore, the weight is between 30 to 40lbs. I have heard great things of these dogs. Lastly, I swear by the Shi-poos – my two little guys are amazing, get along well with the cat (took time and patience though) and are extremely easy to train and are great lap dogs. My Bichon-poodle cross is also great, but a bit more active, and my ‘piss off’ an older cat. If you want more information, the following website has great information for dogs groups, specific breeds, and even poodle crosses and what fits best in all different types of families. Take your time, research and above all – do not expect the love or like between any cat or dog to happen overnight!
website:
http://www.petsandmore.ca/vbreedinfo2.html
August 27th, 2010 - 7:13 pm
Any dog would be fine, as long as you train them as puppies.
August 27th, 2010 - 7:13 pm
hi,i have 3 cats, they are 1 2 and 4, but i have border collie mix dog,bitch,and a miniture pinscher male.he pesters the cats he dont mean too he just wants too play but wiv him being of possesive nature he sometimes growls at them,
my collie mix shes great wiv cats she dont bother them.
see my cats have been brought up wiv dogs from day 1.
so its realy ur parents decision,if they think ur cats will adjust,cats r usually cool,once ajusted to dogs.when they know thier part off household.
bye hope u can make mind up,and have many happy yrs wiv whatever u choose.
August 27th, 2010 - 7:13 pm
German shafed
August 27th, 2010 - 7:13 pm
unequivocally–a pit bull! before you count them out, consider this: i own two. they are great with cats, as well as other small animals and children. don’t believe the stories you may have heard. our female nursed our cat when he was a kitten, though she had never had pups of her own. as long as you start with a pup and socialize it–that means getting it around as many people and other animals as you can–you will end up with a fantastic companion and protector. someone already pointed out that it’s the dander, not the fur that sparks allergies. i have a severe allergy to dog dander, yet my pit bulls hardly ever bother my allergies. not to mention they hardly shed at all and don’t require much in the way of grooming. a lot of people have suggested labs, but they have a tendency to get overweight without a lot or exercise and hip displaysia is a common malady to the breed. pit bulls have no inherent health problems and are one of the smartest dog breeds out there. they were bred specifically to be companions to people. and anyway, could you really take a dog seriously if it was called a "goldie-poo"? for god’s sake! that’s ridiculous. if you want a good dog, you can’t go wrong with a pit bull.
August 27th, 2010 - 7:13 pm
Labs are great dogs! I think your family would find that they are really sweet dogs.
August 27th, 2010 - 7:13 pm
a maltese ot yorkie or lab these are good family dogs
August 27th, 2010 - 7:13 pm
Whatever you do DO NOT GET A BORDER COLLIE. Don’t get me wrong, they are phenomenal dogs, but they are serious working dogs with an incredible herding instinct. They will make your resident cats miserable! They can nip as well (again, it’s part of the herding instinct) and are no good with children. They are also so intelligent, they get bored easily and constantly need a job (or they will destroy your home). A Labrador Retriever is an all around wonderful breed. They make fantastic family dogs, have great temperaments and are known for doing fine with people, other dogs and cats. If your mom is allergic to dogs, however, hair length is really irrelevant. All dogs shed and most people are not allergic to the hair, they’re allergic to the dander and the saliva. If you want a hypo-allergenic dog, get a poodle. Poodles don’t have fur they have hair and are great for folks with allergies. They’re smart dogs too and come in 3 sizes…toy, minature & standard. Good luck.
August 27th, 2010 - 7:13 pm
A puppy or a shelter dog that has been screened. If you go with a new puppy make sure that whatever breed it is (or dominant breed if a mixed dog) doesn’t have a high prey drive. Remember if the cats run that the dog will chase. If the cats stand their ground and swat the pup in the nose, the pup will learn to respect the cats’ space. Also training, training, training and lots of socialization for any pup. They need to be good members of society.
August 27th, 2010 - 7:13 pm
If Mom is alergic to dog hair then do not get a dog. Short hair means just that Short! Its still there you just dont see it so easily.
So for the sake of Mom’s heath you might want to let this idea go.
August 27th, 2010 - 7:13 pm
if your mom is allergic to dog hair u might want to get a poodle since they dont shed. as far as that goes. if you have a cat that will stand up to a dog then any dog will do. cuz we had a cat that would play with the dogs and just stand there if they started messing with him. somethin happened to that cat and we had to give that dog away but we got a new cat that was real skittish and we got a new dog too and that cat will run from the dog so the dog will chase it . the skittish cat had kittens and the dog killed one oof them. so really the cats just have to stand up to the dog.
August 27th, 2010 - 7:13 pm
depend of what you family like is like do to
go to dogfancy.com and the will have servey you can take and that will give you some idea about what kind of dog you want
August 27th, 2010 - 7:13 pm
Personally, I think a Golden Retriever is the best dog. Just make sure that whatever dog you choose you give it proper training. You can read more about dog training and dog training books at http://luv-pets.com/pest/pets/dog-training-books.html . Hope it helps.
August 27th, 2010 - 7:13 pm
the cats are going to have a hard time with any breed but they will get use to a dog with lots of love
August 27th, 2010 - 7:13 pm
Your local humance society will have dogs up for adoption. They "test" dogs to see how they interact with children, other pets, ect… They will be able to help you find a dog that is good with cats. The biggest question is will your cat adjust to the dog. Bichon Frise (sp?) are good for people with allergies.
August 27th, 2010 - 7:13 pm
Lab’s are the best
August 27th, 2010 - 7:13 pm
any type of dog as long as it is a pup but i wouldn’t get to large of a breed it might play to ruff when it gets big you might worry about your cat adapting to the dog tho
August 27th, 2010 - 7:13 pm
Blue Picardy Spaniel
August 27th, 2010 - 7:13 pm
snoop doggy
August 27th, 2010 - 7:13 pm
Get a poodle if anyone is allergic to dog fur because poodles hair never falls out; and there is nothing to be allergic too. A poodle pup would get along with cats, and probably want to play but would not ihurt a cat.
August 27th, 2010 - 7:13 pm
Yorkshire terriers are cool.
August 27th, 2010 - 7:13 pm
A Chihauhau or get a dog and shave it.
(JOKE.LOL.JK.):)
August 27th, 2010 - 7:13 pm
depending on how much room you have for a dog to run and how much time you have to spend with it makes a difference. a shetland sheepdog might be a good choice because they do look like a collie, only in a smaller body. but then, they do have longer hair that your mother wont be compatible with.
personally, i have a pit bull who does like to run and play.. a pit bull is a good size because larger dogs need more space.
pit bulls dont seem to shed as much as some other breeds do. and they can be the most loving and protective dogs alive, if they are treated right. and my dog even nursed an orphaned kitten until the kitten grew up. any dog can be a good companion, but my pit bull is just right for me.