Breeds that make a good pet?

[Mr. B]

Guys I need a little help. I was asked what breeds would make a good pet for a non-hunting family. My first thought was to tell them what is the point of owning a dog if you do not hunt, but thought better of that.

What breeds would make a good pet. I grew up with Springers and have a Lab now and would recomend either of those. I would also think that a Golden Retriever would make a great pet. But I have no idea what else to recomend or tell them to avoid.

Your help would be great. Please do not turn this in to a debate on which breed is better I am just looking for a little information.

[kingr]

If a person just wants an indoor dog I'd tell them just to get a small dog. Lets face it big breeds are a pain to keep inside because they require so much exercise for one, are clumsy, and it's unfair for a dog breed to retrieve or "work" and just be stuck inside with the occasional walk or trip to the cabin if it's that lucky. That's my 0.02

And for small dog, my mom talked dad into letting her get a bichon, and he's a good little dog. It's not a yappy breed and his quite happy to sleep on your lap. Dad's lab gets a little jealous though.

[jigging-matt]

I had a Basset Hound for 14 years, was a great dog, and great with kids. I had a smaller one so that helped a lot. Grew up with a Springer Spaniel, and that was a great dog also. I would like to find a nice hunting dog in the future, but sure do miss my old hound.

[Flash]

I heard that if you want just a pet, to look into adopting a retired greyhound from the dog track. These are supposed to be awesome pets. You would think they are hyper but they are not. I know of a couple that have one and it is the mellowest dog I have ever seen. Just a thought.

[Tenpoint]

Maybe you will think I'm nuts, but get a Great Dane. My sister has one, and it's a fantastic dog. They are big, but they don't need much space. Biggest couch potato on earth. They are expensive though. Otherwise you can never go wrong with a mutt.

[gspman]

When a great dane does it's duty outside you'll need a skid loader to scoop it all up though. Something to consider.

[Eric Wettschreck]

All dogs are different, but I know people who have adopted greyhounds and, boy howdy, they were mean.

My bro in law has a great dane and it's an awesomely friendly dog. He also has a skid loader cuz that dog doesn't make lawn sausage. It makes compost heaps.

Never underestimate the power of a mix breed. Some of the most friendly and unconditionaly loyal dogs I've ever seen, and I have one now, are mixed breeds. Some call them mutts. Call them what you will.

[MikeSan]

If the dog is only going to be a family pet and companion. You cant go wrong with a mix breed. Go to the pound or look in the freebie section of the paper. I have a mixed breed/mutt and would not trade him for anything. Well maybe not anything