what breed of dog would be most suitable???

[zeemiller]

since october 2010 ive lived on my own in a one bedroom flat , althogh hard at times with depression ive found sticking to routines eg times to get up and go out and times to see ppl i know been best way to keep on track as although had slip up which i went down for a while ive done well for longer period,
basically as a child we had a dog then when she got old and passed we got another etc , always had family pets like a cat, rabbit even fish etc.
since living on my own although like time alone at times i do get lonely at times and i got sum gerbils a year ago and it went well and they are real fun to watch n care for.
over xmas i spent time with a relatives dog helping takeit for walks etc and it real helped give me a reason to get out and walk more and it was fun soooooooooooooo

i have got a book on dogs and am doing my research and not rushing into anything but i am considering getting a dog nothing large but as i cant work etc many issues ppl that have dogs have such as care when at work wouldnt be an issue etc.

any advice or info on what breeds of dog would be more suitable will be noted or any info, thanks

[Leo]

It really depends on what you are after.

Are you prepared for a dog that needs lots of grooming or like one with less?

Do you want a dog content with lots of exercise or less?

Need to look at financially too, food, worming, flea treatments, insurance or vet fees, toys etc.
What I will advise is do your research on dog food. There are foods to suit all budgets if you look hard enough, don't be fooled into buying Bakers or Pedigree. I am a head full on nutrition rubbish on dogs if you need any help, just pm me.  The campaign for real petfood is a good website on nutrition and what to look for in a food.

What breed of dog do your relatives have?

I would also say don't write off a rescue. Not all dogs in rescue have issues, they are simply unwanted. I have two rescues, one from kennels and one from a family who gave their dog up.

[Lady X]

It does depend a lot on budget

Certain types of dog are more expensive to buy, feed, look after and certain pedigrees have likely health issues which will require vet treatment

For health, lifespan, cost and temperament I would suggest a cross-breed.

Also try the local animal re-homing centres. They can only re home dogs that have proven temperament so you know you wont get a dog with any aggressive or destructive tendencies. It also saves a dog from a life in a pound, and prevents un-necessary or over-breeding by unscrupulous amateur breeders

[Pip]

Most important decision to make is whether you want a small, medium or large dog then work on finer details from there.  Over the years we have had a labrador / bearded collie x, a standard poodle, a collie / German Shepherd x, and, still have a lurcher / border collie x and a Rottweiler.  All have been cheap to feed as they all got / get fed on the cheapest complete working dog.  They get tinned food sometimes and scrapes off the plate as well.  Every dog we have had has been cheaper to feed per head than the cat does =+- .  The first dog we had was the labrador / bearded collie x lived till he was 15 despite having a heart murmer which the vet kept an eye on but he never needed medication.  Our lurcher x is coming up for 11 and our rottie is 9 1/2 ~ both are still healthy.  We've been quite fortunate that every dog we've had has been the runt of the litter yet they have been fitter than the rest of the litters 

[stewart]

as has been said, many factors to think about, unless you are very energetic, avoid a Jack Russel, they might be small, but they have the energy of a warp drive at times.

long hair dogs can lead to lots of house work, hair is a bit more noticeable when they malt, you could get what i call a rat dog (chiwawa) but then you could be tripping over it,

though a larger dog…a German Sheppard is good, faithful, and good protection.

[zeemiller]

thanks for all info all has been noted, i have collected many books from charity shops all just a pound each and all full of dog info and dog training etc.
at mo im thinking of a whippet as taking note of things said and things in books altho i am not rushing into anything and will make sure all books read n costs noted 1st 8-)

[Leo]

Good to hear you are doing your research, Whippet sounds like a good choice :)

[Got]

Irish wolfhound

[stewart]

stevie, zeemiller wants a dog not a small horse  =+-

[zeemiller]

 =+-