[lex1362]

Hi i am looking to purchase my first dog and i was wondering if i could get some help with selecting the breed best for me. I am looking for an extremely loyal medium to large sized dog that would be good for a first time owner. Any help will be greatly appreciate.


Thanks
-Lex

 

[BrittanyG]

I would suggest Lab.

 

[Dogstar]

Loyalty is not really a trait I'd recommend a lab for, but it depends on what you mean by it. Likes you better than anyone else? Completely ignores everyone else? Aggressively attacks anyone else?

 

[lex1362]

like a dog that recognizes me as its soul owner, so yea i guess one that like me more than everybody else

 

[FilleBelle]

Most dogs are going to be fairly "loyal" to whomever feeds them, so Dogstar is right...we need to know what you mean by loyal.

Some other answers that might help us:

How much shedding can you put up with?
How much grooming do you want to do or pay someone else to do for you?
How active are you on a daily basis?
Are you interested in participating in any special sports or activities with your dog?
Do you live with children, old people, or other pets?
How often and for how long will the dog be left alone?
In what type of climate do you live?

 

[lex1362]

NOt too much shedding, i would prefer not to have to have them groomed very often, i am very active and would love to run and be active with the dog, ill be living either in a house with roomates or my own one bedroom apartment and i live in the middle of michigan, so the winters are pretty harsh

 

[RonE]

Loyalty is earned. It's not a breed trait.

Medium to large covers a lot of territory.

 

[lex1362]

prefeably medium sized

 

[FilleBelle]

Maybe a spaniel of some kind? A Cocker? They're medium sized and can be active. They require some professional grooming, but I think not a lot. You'd have to go through a pretty good breeder, though, or rescue an adult...there are a lot of Cockers with serious issues out there.

 

[BrittanyG]

The dogs that recognize you as the sole owner are not really dogs I'd recommend for a beginner. So I stick with Lab or Retriever. They are *usually* easy going, athletic, and easy to train.

*In my experience

 

[zhaor]

There always this

This dog matchup quiz is pretty accurate, imo. It can help give you some ideas of compatible breeds. =)

I'd say maybe a golden retriever?

 

[Xeph]

I have to disagree with Brittany. People like to go to Lab or Golden as like, the default All American dog....so not true.

Labs can be EXTREMELY hard headed and "What's in it for me?" The way I define Loyalty, they're plenty loyal....as long as you have food. Otherwise the next person that has food is just as good.

Shepherds can be good, but they can get complicated in terms of lines, they're large, and they shed a ton.

 

[zhaor]

Shepherds can be good...

Are you maybe a little biased (i'm assuming you mean german shepherd).

But yeah, I like German Shepherds too. My uncle has one and it's super smart and well trained. Granted my uncle does spend almost all of his time with her, this dog knows so many cool tricks and is very loyal and obedient. Does shed a lot though....

Oh yeah, also have a friend who's shepherd trees bears in montana .

 

[Xeph]

I said CAN be, but I wasn't really making a suggestion...rarely do I suggest them to a first time owner.

 

[skelaki]

Another fairly accurate breed selection tool is the one at k9 Country. It basis its suggestions as much on what it asks about you as on your dog preferences (i.e size, shedding, etc.).

One possibility that comes to mind is the Border Terrier. Another is the Irish Water Spaniel. And a third is the American Water Spaniel.

 

[Squeeker]

Labs shed... a LOT. Cockers requre a fair bit of grooming IMO.

To the OP: I think you need more requirements. Medium, somewhat active, a bit of shedding, not much grooming, and "loyal" defines many breeds.

I would get on google and check out the AKC site for a list of breeds, and if you like any of the dogs check out the respective breed clubs for more temperament info. Once you have it narrowed down to a few breeds, we will be sure to give our $0.02!

 

[frillint]

My dog is husky/german shep. Hes very loyal and loved to be active and they love cold weather. He does shed, but not that much i brush him every few days and give him a bath once a month.

 

[princesstiffany]

i would not recommend a husky or a shep as a first breed. i have 2 huskies and yes they are a great breed, they need an experienced owner and they tend to love everyone. they also blow their coat and its crazy. they also tend to be bad off lead and love to run run run!
and although sheps are more loyal, they too need a very knowledge-able and experienced owner.

try a going to the shelter and volunteer and get a feel for the dogs or try fostering to see what kind of dogs you do like and can handle!

 

[frillint]

Yeah you are prob right needs a more experienced owner, but mine listens to what ever I say. Hes way loyal and wont listen to anyone but me and is a little over protective. Even as a husky all dogs are different.

 

[Erick Aguilar]

There always this



I'd say maybe a golden retriever?

Lol i hate that quiz.

It didn't recommend all the breeds i have had before
I think the test is too generalizing