I have been giving this thought serious consideration for some time, now. I know it is a big responsibility. We usually only have cats in the house as pets. Although, years ago, we did have a dog. I miss him!
I am not too sure about which breeds are out there. I am thinking about getting a mid size or larger breed, as an indoor pet. I am wondering, if anyone has any strong feeling or opinions on a breed that is a watch dog, but very friendly at the same time?
Golden retriever maybe a good choice. Because of their loyal and gentle temperament, golden retrievers are also popular family pets.
You do not say much about your living circumstances, and that does make a lot of difference in deciding what kind of dog to buy.
If you live in a house with a yard, where a large dog can go outside a lot to romp and play, then being inside and outside would work. Even if you are able to take the dog for long walks every day, it would probably work out okay. A large dog just needs room to run around, more than a small dog does.
If you live in apartment and do not have a good area to walk a dog, or let them run and play, then you might want to consider getting a smaller dog instead.
Some smaller dogs will be excellent guard dogs, even though they can't do as much damage to an intruder as a large dog might do.
If you live somewhere that you fear someone actually breakinginto your house and hurting you, then a large dog might be necessary, even if you have to make modifications in order for him to be exercised.
If, however, you just need a dog to alert you and bark, then a smaller dog would be fine for that, and they are usually very alert.
Tootsie, our Blue Heeler mix, is a great watch dog, and is also very friendly. Plus, at around 12 lbs, she is not overly large to have in the house.
well ,I like Golden retriever too. Now you still have cats with you ?
One of the factors to consider is temperament. If you intend to acquire a guard dog, a protective breed is required. Individual dogs can vary widely in attitude and behaviour even in the same breed. The temperaments of puppies can be molded by proper socialization and training. Larger breeds like the Great Danes, German Shepherds and Retrievers require more space both inside and outside the home for exercise. Poodles are more suited for smaller environments like mobile homes. Cost is also another factor. Some dog breeds demand more in terms of medial care, grooming and maintenance in terms of feeding rations. The family's interests should also be put into consideration. Small dogs don't make good companions for kids since view view them as toys add may harm them. Some dog breeds are excessively loyal and would not do well with a socially active family.
This would depend solely on your lifestyle and where you live could also be taken into consideration. If you have the time to take care of a dog almost like you'd take care of a child then by all means. Also, this dog breed selector quiz might help:
http://dogtime.com/quiz/dog-breed-selector. It's not just the breed you'll have to consider. Many people would like starting out with puppies and just go out to the pet store and breeder but perhaps you could also consider adopting older dogs from shelters instead since puppies require a lot of looking after. If I live anywhere near a shelter and have the means to take in another dog, I'd definitely adopt because dogs that have not been adopted all end up getting permanent sleep.
Your lifestyle would be one thing to consider. If you have time to be taking care of something that's almost like a child then by all means. There are also online dog breed selectors for people considering getting pet of their own. You might also consider adopting an older dog from the shelter instead of getting a puppy if you feel like you won't have the time to monitor the puppy constantly. Older dogs are euthanized when not adopted and I think getting them out of the shelter in their later life and be taken in by a family would make them experience love once more.
I haven't had a shih tzu yet but my observation says that it is the friendliest breed. My sister had 2 shih tzu dogs already and I find them very friendly and tame. In fact, they only bark when excited although my sister said that they also bark when they see intruders (people they see for the first time) and also cats and other animals. What's a plus for shih tzu is their thick coat that makes them nice to caress and cuddle. The teacup breed is best since it is easy to carry and you can bring it along almost anywhere.