What are good family dogs… kids…health…cat… one that won’t bark when outside… incessently…
I am trying to decide what kind of dog we should get for our family… i am limited because i do not want to pay for a pure bred… never have…but would take one if someone needed to find it a home…I always got shelter pets growing up… we have 2 small kids… 2 cats… large fenced yard… not a ton of indoor space… we are vey loving and caring… love animals… trying to find one that wont shed alot either… i am at a loss… i dont want a spastic dog… hyper dog… big barker… good with kids and other animals… wont chew up shoes and stuff… because when we committ we committ… also… does anyone in the st louis area have one of these great family dogs? 
I would suggest adopting from the Humane Society or Dog Pound. Alot of Humane Societies & Dog Pounds do Safer testing these days so they can let you know how the dog is like if it has food aggression.
Alot of dog Pounds & Humane Societies give the dogs vaccines so you won’t have to worry about taking the dog to the vet later. You’d be saving a life that other wise might not of had a chance in getting a good home.
They always have a wide variety of dogs to chose from rather small, medium size or large, short fur, long fur, puppies, a year or two old or senior dogs, mixed breeds and yes they even get pure breeds. You just might be surprised at the pure breeds they get in.
Large dogs like black labs and shepards have a harder time getting adopted in our area for some odd reason. Usually the small dogs get adopted quicker but labs, german shepards and golden retrievers are all very family oriented pets and would make an excellent family pet. Adopting a dog that is a year old or aolder probably has been house trained some and is probably over the puppy chewing stage, but toys always help.
Good luck in making your desicion!
CandyGir
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You probably haven’t even considered this breed, but I urge you to look into adopting a retired greyhound. They are a bit on the big size (tall wise), but in reality they really don’t weigh anymore than a full-grown lab or collie or Irish setter. They usually weigh in between 60-85 lbs. and have about a 15 year life span.
Greyhounds do not bark as a general rule.
Greyhounds have thin, fine hair and don’t shed as much as some dogs (although I recommend brushing outside anyway)
Greyhounds are not hyper and do well in a fenced in yard.
Greyhounds are usually good with other dogs (that really is a personality issue)
Greyhounds are much like having big cats…they like to lay around, and although like any dog, they need their walks they don’t need to run.
Costs to adopt them is usually minimal depending on where you get them. We paid about $50 for a used crate & about $180 for the dog….after comming off the track they had their teeth cleaned, nails clipped, groomed, shots updated, complete check-up, and were spayed or nurtured. Plus the cost of the dog license, leash & coller as well as tags. The medical costs alone were far more than what we spent.
We have had our first Greyhound for 6 years & our second for almost 3 years and wouldn’t trade them for the world. They have been wonderful additions to our family & a real learning experience for our kids & their friends. I have taken our older female dog to school every year and given talks about their history and current lifestyles. My kids even helped me put together a handout! Get on the internet and take a look around….there are alot of great rescue groups for many breeds of dogs not just Greyhounds. I hope you find the perfact dog for your family…just take your time! Good luck
Had labs all my life and you won’t be disappointed. Now they do shed but other than that they are grrrrreat. Good with kids, don’t bark too much but depends on the personality too. Great dogs. Mine look like pure breds but they’re not. I picked some young ones up from the shelter, all fixed and dewormed, even microchiped for less than $100. And just in my opinion, shelter dogs are the BEST. they really really appreciate the good home they’re sent to. And they just love people.
I would suggest an English Mastiff. They are large dogs, very patient, excellent with kids, and get along with other pets. The don’t bark a lot and as for health, I have dog and cat allergies but they don’t seem to bother me that much.
My previous experience with the breed:
My parents had one when I was born and she would put up with anything. She would be pulled at, pinched, jabbed at and never once even made an attempt to hurt me or my sister. The second one we had was a mostly Mastiff with part mix and she had a bit more energy but also had the same calmness. The one we have now is also a pure-bred and has the same temperament as the others, kind and playful.
I agree with the ladies above. Once you get past the early chewing stage, there is no better dog to have than a lab. Thay get along with other house pets (cats), they’re great with kids (and protective), and the most loyal dogs.
They’re also quick learners – very intelligent.
i think lab
or the one in the videohttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCSeTHFvO…
well a lab is very family friendly, loving and caring, but they do chew and shed alot
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try a golden retriever…maybe a older one..you could try http://www.petfinder.com
my next door neighbour has a golden retriever and ive seen her since she was a puppy and shes the friendliest dog ever..shes always out just lyin down in front of the house and when people walk by she just goes up for them to pet her and she doesnt bark at all…golden retrievers are awesome
hope i helped
they are awesome dogss
They are powerful, active dogs, sound and well balanced. Golden Retrievers possess a personality that is eager, alert and self-confident. A Golden Retriever is an ideal sportman’s companion, family pet, gundog, guide or service dog. Gentle with children, they enjoy the endless attention that children provide. Golden Retrievers love to swim and should be allowed to do so whenever possible. Though they will adapt well to a kennel environment, they prefer human companionship and are not happy in solitude
I have a suggestion that no one else has even said yet. You should get a Siberian huskie. It sounds like a crazy idea, but in reality, it’s not. Read this before deciding. A siberian huskies coat sheds like all dogs. If you brush her and wash her reguarly then the fur won’t be all over everything. Just one or two brushes a day, a bath every once in a while… They are also GREAT family dogs. They get along with other dogs and animals, if you’ve heard that huskies were bad with kids or other animald, they were probably talking about Alaskan Huskies. Siberian huskies get along great with kids and other pets. If you go to petfinder.com, I’m sure you could find a good one. The pets on petfinder.com are from shelters, and you could definetly find one in the area of St.Louis, or at least close. you would need to keep it cool, which might prove diffucult, but if you take good care of it, it will be the best dog you ever had. As for teething, get a young dog. Puppies teeth like mad, and the younger dogs will grow up with you, making them trustful of you.