Finding the best breed for your family...

Different breeds are best for different situations. We suggest that you do research on the internet, by reading books and by talking to rescue groups and reputable breeders before you decide on a breed.

Based on our experiences, here is our list of dog breed recommendations:

Best dog breeds for families with young children - labrador retriever, golden retriever, beagle, collie, bichon frise, cairn terrier, pug, coonhound, boxer, basset hound or mixes of these breeds

Worst dog breeds for families with young children - chihuahua, lhasa apso, cocker spaniel, toy poodle, chow chow, yorkie, akita, dalmatian

Breeds that are usually OK with families with children that are over the age of 8 years - sheltie, australian shepherd, keeshond, springer spaniel, standard poodle, schnauzer, corgi, dachsund, shih tzu or mixes of these breeds.

Best breeds for people with dog allergies - bichon frise, poodle (standard, min. or toy), portuguese water dog or any type of wire haired terriers (ex: schnauzer) or a mix of these breeds.

Best breeds for senior citizens - We have found that many senior citizens have a problem housebreaking a puppy, dealing with puppy nipping and dealing with the high energy and exercise requirements of a young dog. In addition, we have found that many senior citizens are unable to care for a dog for its full lifetime of 15+ years. Therefore, we recommend that a senior citizen get a middle aged or senior dog that is calm and low key. Many middle aged or senior dog breeds work wonderfully in a home with a senior citizen including a greyhound, cocker spaniel, toy poodle, yorkie and dachsund.

Keep in mind that all of the breeds listed have different exercise requirements and grooming requirements. If you can not afford to get a dog professionally groomed every month and you can not do it yourself, then a toy poodle, a bichon or a cocker spaniel is probably not the dog for you. Furthermore, some of the larger active dogs need lots and lots of exercise and most experts suggest a fenced yard so they have a safe place to play when they are outside. If you can not or will not fence in your yard, then we recommend do not get one of the active breeds. Finally, if you work very long hours or travel alot, then a dog might not be the right pet for you.

If you do not see the breed that you are interested in listed above, we would recommend that you call the rescue person listed for that breed on the Atlanta Rescue List to get their opinion about if their breed would be good with children or with your lifestyle. And listen to their advice! They know about their breed and will give you an honest, educated opinion.

SPOT - P. O. Box 720422-Atlanta, GA 30358
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