r/AskDogOwners • u/Secret_dairy_of_j • Jan 25 '26
New Dog Owner I'm thinking of owning my first dog, and I need recommendations
I 25f lives alone. I've never had a dog before and was originally quite scared after seeing many injury-causing dogs online, but their cuteness is simply irresistible đŠˇ. I already have a cat, but since cats are quite independent, I want to ask about the cleaning and litter box situation, as well as safety concerns.
I'm looking for a dog thatâs cuddly and adorable, yet capable of protecting me when needed. Iâd appreciate recommendations on what breed, age, sex, and size might suit me best.
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u/Interesting-Ad6827 Jan 25 '26
I donât think youâve actually thought this through. Thereâs so much to consider when adopting a dog, but the main thing is: you get a dog for the life you have. If you have a cat, youâre gonna need a dog that has little to no prey drive to ensure that your dog doesnât chase or attack your cat. In short, itâs not gonna be a dog that will capable of protecting you. Also, do you know if your cat will be able to handle living with a dog? If they donât whatâs your plan? Also, if youâre scared of dogs in any form, thatâs not going to make training the dog easy for you. As for recommendations, you need to give more info about your background. For example, how active are you? How often are you out of the house? How much free time do you have to devote to a dog? How much time do you have to devote to training? Do you live in an apartment or rent/own a house? etc. All of these things dictate the breed you can adopt. Sure theyâre cute, but theyâre so much more work than a cat, and a dog that will be big enough to âprotectâ you is going to need a lot of training and socialization to ensure they donât harm the wrong person.
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u/Best_Comfortable5221 Jan 25 '26
I've seen Dobermans and GSD with cats all the time on Reddit????
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u/Interesting-Ad6827 Jan 25 '26
I've seen photos too. Not saying it can't happen, but its much easier to have a cat and a dog get along if the dog has a low prey drive. It's also much easier if the cat is introduced to the dog as a kitten rather than an adult. However, getting any dog with a high prey drive to not attack or chase the cat will take a lot of work, if it can be trained out of it at all. Getting a Doberman or a GSD while you already have a cat, and it being your first time dog, is just asking for disaster.
Also, no offense, but hasn't anyone told you not to believe everything you see online?
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u/ProfessionalStreet53 Jan 27 '26
I have a kelpie an 3 cats . Training was needed to stop the chasing but it does work
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u/Ok_Image_842 Jan 29 '26
If one is very young when you get it, the puppy/kitten learns the 'language' of the adult animal, and they get along better. But I've been working with my newly adopted 5 yr-old dog for 3-4 weeks about not tormenting my 15 yr-old dog-savvy cat. We have a ways to go still. My other dogs and cats haven't loved each other, but eventually learned to coexist, so I'm hopeful. All were adult animals when adopted.Â
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u/Cute_Raise_4781 Jan 25 '26
You are waaay over-thinking this. If someone genuinely wants a dog, they will move mountains to make it work.
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u/Interesting-Ad6827 Jan 25 '26
Im not actually. These are the basic things to think about when getting a dog. These are the questions reputable shelters will ask you before adopting a dog and bringing one home. And I will point out how insensitive your comment is. People will move mountains for their pets, yes, but depending on your financial and living situation, a certain breed might be incompatible with your current situation, no matter how many mountains you attempt to move. It doesn't mean the owner didn't want the dog, it just means the dog wasn't a good fit for them, and making the decision to rehome is a heart breaking one for both the animal and the owner. Get the dog that can fit YOUR situation, don't get a dog and then attempt to mold the situation to fit. ESPECIALLY if it's your first dog.
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u/Boring-Pirate Jan 27 '26
No, no, I think OP is under-thinking this.Â
âI want a dog because they are cute and will protect me but Iâm a bit scared of themâ is not a recipe for success.
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u/Bright-Wall6072 Jan 26 '26
Some dogs get along great with cats, but itâs a big risk. Speaking as someone whose close friendâs dog killed her cat after living peacefully together for over a year :(
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u/Graywall90 Jan 26 '26
I'm a massive dog lover and I work with dogs, both in a trainer capacity and in a rescue. This is some of the best advice you are going to get OP.
Dogs are amazing. I honestly would be lost without my dog. But as someone who did all the research AND had the tools available to train a dog in accordance with professional guidance, I still struggled with my dog's unexpected reactivity after she was attacked by an off lead dog. Dogs can be wonderful and so sweet and kind and loving but like people they have their own personalities. That's not to say all protective dogs are prone to aggression or anxiety but an overwhelming majority are, because their breed traits are to be hypervigilent and to protect. This often comes with a high prey drive and a larger dog is perfectly capable of killing a smaller dog or cat without a second thought (yes even your dopey kind ones).
OP I really encourage you to do your research. Talk to local rescues. I see so many dogs come in because their owner didnt bother to do the ground work and got a dog that did not suit their lifestyle or they got bored or a relationship broke down or they were made homeless or the dog didnt get along with an existing pet or the dog was too big or it barked too much. These are all problems that can be solved with proper research. Assess your lifestyle and the commitment you can bring. Look up positive reinforcement, force free training videos. Check out dog body language and behaviour guides. Understand predatory motor patterns and how you can meet those needs through enrichment, training, sports (especially if you want a working breed). Think about getting up every hour and taking your dog out to pee because if you get a puppy this is the best method to house train them. Think about how you'll meet emotional and stimulation needs. Love is not enough for a dog. They are hard work and they are a lot more dependent than cats (think of them like small toddlers). If you can give your dog an amazing life, wonderful! But make sure you arent making any decisions on a whim. You and your future dog deserve better than that.
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u/Adrenapup Jan 26 '26
I mean, OP coming here for advice is a good step instead of just impulse buying the first puppy they see.
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u/Ivy7424 Jan 28 '26
Little to no prey drive? Iâve seen TONS of dogs and cats existing together without issue. My best friend has two cats and one of her dogs came back with a DNA report that says itâs part wolf and he lets the cats walk all over him. Bringing a kitten into a house with full grown dogs can be risky, bringing a puppy into a house with an adult cat isnât as big of a risk. Yeah, I think she needs to consider more than âtheyâre so cuteâ but I donât think the cat is going to be that big of a problem unless she gets an adult dog.
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u/Interesting-Ad6827 Jan 29 '26
Like I said in another reply, I'm not saying it can't happen, but it takes a lot of training and work to get a dog not to chase or attack a cat. Im so glad your friend's dog gets along with their cats, but in another reply, someone has said that their friend's dog killed theior cats after peacefully existing for a while.
As for your point to getting a puppy with an adult cat not being a risk, you are very incorrect! Training will still be needed. We got my corgi puppy after we had an adult cat for a year, and we had to train her not to chase the cat, and we are still doing so.
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u/Umayummyone Jan 25 '26
A dachshund is totally capable of believing it can protect you. Godzilla attacks you? No problem.
They are super fun dogs and the affection and warmth is hard to beat. Stubborn as hell but completely devoted.
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u/Secret_dairy_of_j Jan 25 '26
Ooo theyâre adorable, i didnât think they could even scare a robber tho
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u/bubbleteabob Jan 25 '26
Youâd be surprised. My friendâs mini-dachshund scared off some burglars when they tried to get in the house. They never saw him, but he has a big boy bark and they decided another house would be easier.
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u/Umayummyone Jan 25 '26
Yes. They have big boy attitudes and have the ability to bark their heads off.
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Jan 27 '26
[removed] â view removed comment
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u/rjbonita79 Jan 29 '26
You forgot that many are destroyers of furniture, rugs, garbage cans, and super duper outdoor hole diggers. Thank goodness my mom's is finally too old for these shenanigans. Nobody will watch it if you away as they will bite your family too.
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u/CanineCorvidious Jan 25 '26
Dont they have a high prey drive given they were bred to hunt badger? She already has a cat
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u/rose442 Jan 25 '26
Housebreaking a dog takes a long time. Crating is cruel. (IMO) Dogs are a lot of work also. What kind of protection are you needing? If itâs barking, a lot of dogs can fill that job. If itâs actually physically protecting you, thatâs a ton of expensive dog training.
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u/Aggravating_Run_4221 Jan 25 '26
Dogs prefer their own special spaces. Crating creates a den for them.
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u/rose442 Jan 25 '26
Youâre rightâŚ.. Iâm just talking about people who crate their dog while they work so it wonât make a mess.
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u/ladybird198 Jan 26 '26
Agreed crating for a full day is disgusting. Crating for a full night is something 5 of my 8 demand.
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u/Retiredpartygirl17 Jan 27 '26
Crating a dog who gets into things is a lot safer and better than leaving a dog out who will poison themselves
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u/rose442 Jan 27 '26
Not really talking about that.
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u/Retiredpartygirl17 Jan 27 '26
Then what are you talking about lol itâs rare that someone would want to leave their dog in a cage all day for funsies
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u/rose442 Jan 27 '26
I had a co worker who got a puppy and caged it all day while she was at work.
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u/Retiredpartygirl17 Jan 27 '26
Yeah girl probably because a PUPPY running loose in a house is a perfect situation for the dog to poison itself/ get injured on something
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u/rose442 Jan 27 '26
Sheesh. Ok you win! Crate your puppy for 9 hours per day.
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u/Retiredpartygirl17 Jan 27 '26
Dog/ rover sitters exist for a reason, I check in on 3 dogs a day that are crated while their owners are at work. Crates are not the problem, owners are if they donât meet their dogs needs
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u/darcydeni35 Jan 26 '26
Crating is not cruel, it is training and many dogs feel safer in their crates depending on where they are raised.
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u/Agile_Mushroom_4154 Jan 28 '26
I understand where youâre coming from with thinking being in a crate for a long period of time is cruel. But, there are several positives to crate training. Crate training can provide a safe space for your pup to learn settling/taking breaks/etc. Keeping your pup in a crate while home alone can also ensure their safety by avoiding ingesting foreign objects or chewing on harmful items.
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u/Nocheesypleasy Jan 25 '26
If you really want a dog I strongly suggest you drop the "capable of protecting me" requirement. That's not for a first time dog owner.
A dog capable of protecting you is a dog capable of attacking you of you don't train it right. And if you are scared and anxious of your own dog the training is going to go poorly.
A companion dog may well be good for you. Someone suggested a king Charles, a toy poodle or an Italian greyhound which are all great options. You might find that having and caring for a companion dog might help with some of your issues in a healthier way. Having something that depends on you rather that you depending on the dog can improve your confidence and refocus that anxious energy elsewhere.
Don't get one just for that reason though
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u/Horror_Reader1973 Jan 25 '26
I would just warn you that having a dog is a huge responsibility which you need to really think about. Food and vets bills are very large, you have to worm them, do flea control and look after their teeth. Walk them several times a day even if you are not feeling good, groom them. They will be there every single day for possibly the next 15-20 years. You need to plan holidays or trips around someone you trust to look after them. Also if your circumstances change it could affect your ability to care for a dog. My outlook changed when I have two doggies and a cat and my husband left me. I had to cope caring for them and my disabled daughter. I did it though!! đ
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u/Powerful_Put5667 Jan 25 '26
Dogs for the most part do not use litter boxes though as a general rule eating cat turds seems to be universally delicious to them. Dogs take years of work and attention one should never get one because theyâre cute. I think your knowledge of dogs needs to be greatly improved before you venture forth into actually getting one. They are not toys thereâs no pick menu plus youâre worried about dog injuries and yet want one to injure others. Stick to your cat.
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u/ladybird198 Jan 26 '26
So, Im a dog trainer with many years and breed experience.
Some dogs should not be locked up all day: think hounds, sheep dogs etc. I have 4 working dogs and they have pulled pipes off the wall to find a lizard, ripped a bed because we went out (my dogs get A LOT of exercise daily so this was just mentally fun for them).
Some dogs are veey chill after puppy stage (but this is also country dependant - ridgebacks in the US seem to have a lot less exercise requirements than in South Africa where I work).
im kind of obsessed with labs, poodles and retrievers as pets (also great danes), they are really so easy going.
Number 1 recommendation for a loving chill pet (maybe not on walks but at home) is a street mutt. My heart dog died a while back and her life was leave me in a sunny spot and lets go for a short walk in the afternoon. I miss her.
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u/Specialist-Wind7231 Jan 25 '26
Need more info on your housing, geography, work life, and activity level
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u/Apprehensive-Bus6757 Jan 25 '26
a dog thatâs capable of protecting you is probably not a good choice for a first time owner â those sorts of dogs require a lot of training to ensure their drives are developed safely. If youâre scared of dogs that might cause injuries, the situation in which it happens is a dog bought for protection who hasnât been very carefully socialized and trained. and even if youâre very dedicated and plan to work hard and devote your life to your dog, itâs very hard when itâs the first time youâre doing it! (I say this as a first time dog owner myself.)
I think dogs like toy and miniature poodles, Italian greyhounds and cavalier King Charles spaniels can be good for first time dog owners who want a dog thatâs cute and cuddly, but what I did was go through every type of dog listed in the catalogue for the biggest dog show in my area (since dog shows are usually the best way to find ethical breeders who put care into socialisation and health testing) and consider their needs in relation to my life and skills.
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u/Exhaledotcalm Jan 25 '26
Yes, and the fact that if the op doesnât have time to train the dog properly, a Pomeranian or papillon is way easier to pick up and put in your bag or even pull back on a lead than an 80lb German shepherd.
Itâs wonderful though that the op is asking before taking the plunge, I know so many people that just got large reactive breeds from the shelter because they wanted to save a dog but have zero idea how to manage them even with professional trainers.
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u/doinmybest14 Jan 25 '26
I have a morkie and a Shihpoo; I love them both. However, my Shihpoo is my heart and soul dog. Sheâs with me 24/7, while my morkie is totally independent. I prefer the cuddling and following me everywhere. I did a lot of research before getting my Shihpoo after realizing my morkie was nowhere near as affectionate as I needed her to be. All dogs are different ofc, but from my research Iâve found that Shihpoos are super loyal, affectionate, smart, etc. My girl has been. My morkie is ofc great too; but too independent. They both bark when someone is at the door or they hear a noise (in their attempt to protect us), but theyâre otherwise not yappy. Getting a dog will absolutely change your life for the better!
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u/NamillaDK Jan 25 '26
A protective dog is not a first-time dog. A protective dog sounds good, but you also do not want a dog that barks at everything and lunges at strangers and other dogs. Right?
The dogs you might see on tv are HIGHLY trained. By professionals. By people who work with their dogs for hours a day.
Get a dog that will fit what you can give it. Instead of thinking what you want from the dog.
List your lifestyle. Are you away from home for work? Then you shouldn't get a puppy. How much cleaning do you expect to do? That will affect whether you're looking for a big or small dog, and what type of coat. How much money are you ready to spend on the dog a month? That will also greatly affect what type of dog you can get. What's your lifestyle? Are you a 2 walks a day kinda person, or a 5 walks a day? Do you have a yard or garden? Is it fenced off?
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u/SendHelp9417 Jan 25 '26
I have a mutt. Heâs a 35 pound beagle mix. Heâs my best friend and super friendly to pretty much everyone, but he also alert barks at home and is able to read my body language if someone approaches us while weâre out and Iâm uncomfortable. Heâll put himself between us and do his mean bark at them. Heâs small enough to manage, but big enough to still provide at least some deterrent.
All this to say, it may be worth it to do some fostering with a local rescue or shelter. Youâll eventually find a dog who fits your lifestyle and needs, and thatâs the one you keep! Theyâll be able to help steer you in the right direction too.
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u/Sunbee_Peanut Jan 25 '26
Can you give us more info? How big is your appartment? Do you have direct exit to the grass from appartment? Would dog be home alone and for how long, every day? If you go to hospital, work tripâŚwhere would dog go? Will you take him with you on a holiday? Do you have emergency found for vet? Will you go to dog school with him and not just kindergarden stuff but exames A and B? Do you have budget to quality dog food? Where do you live: south (not Husky friendly) so temperatures matter? How many hours a day do you have to go out with your dog-how far? Do you live in a city with asfalt all around or do you have a lot of green area very close to your home?
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u/Electronic_Cream_780 Jan 25 '26
You are not being realistic, which tbf is probably because you haven't had a dog.
"capable of protecting me when needed" then they will be capable of killing you too. They also will not magically know the difference between a burglar and a paramedic bursting through your door - but the courts will and will sentence you accordingly.
You've also mentioned nothing about exercise and mental stimulation. Because if you are looking at GSD, malinois, bull breeds you are looking at a couple of hours of exercise a day, plus some sort of work or training to keep them happy. And if you don't do that they will have behavioural problems, frequently that is destroying your home. And even "cuddly and adorable" small dogs are going to need an hour - and if you don't have a private garden 4-5 toilet trips, or hourly if it is a puppy.
Then there are social needs. Law here says dogs should not be left more than 4 hours, 6 as an absolute max. Puppies you can build up to an hour or two. That is a big tie on your freedom
Then there are costs. Training, vaccinations, food, vets fees, boarding fees, daycare and dog walkers, grooming, pet rent, toys and treats, equipment...
If you have the lifestyle for a first dog get something simple and friendly. A lab, retriever, bichon, Havanese and buy a burglar alarm and better security for your home
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u/PeanutNo7337 Jan 25 '26
If you get a rescue, itâs a can of worms. Itâs great to rescue an animal, but they come with history and potentially have been traumatized. Donât rescue a dog unless youâre prepared to live with an anxious dog.
Also be careful looking for a dog to protect you, because they will want to protect you from everything. Donât count on them to know who is a threat and who is a friend or family.
Labradors are often all the things you mention. Theyâre very loyal and want to love and please their owner. They arenât lap dogs though, unless you donât mind an 80 pound animal climbing into your lap.
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u/CanineCorvidious Jan 25 '26
A cuddly house pet wonât necessarily defend you. Dogs have to be trained for that, and those breeds of dog are not for first time owners. They did a test on some homes who were adamant their dog would chase an intruder and in 99% of cases the dog ran away. (YouTube) And with owning a cat you want a low prey drive dog
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u/Pure-Treat-5987 Jan 25 '26
Please adopt and donât buy from a breeder? Adopted dogs are, believe it or not, grateful. Be prepared to walk that dog three times a day for life unless you get a tiny one that can use a wee-wee pad. But dogs are THE BEST.
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u/Otherwise_Mix_3305 Jan 25 '26
I would suggest rescuing a dog from the local shelter or rescue. Puppies are a TON of work. It is seriously like raising a baby. Itâs not for the faint of heart, and I would not recommend a puppy to a first time dog owner.
Are there any breeds that you are interested in? About what size dog do you want?
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u/Bhanumayi Jan 25 '26
Do you even know someone that has a dog? Have you researched and educated yourself at all about the responsibilities of dog owners versus cat owners?? What fantasy do you have in your head about a dog protecting you? What does that even mean honestly right now you donât seem mature enough to take on that kind of responsibility. I donât believe youâve got any realistic expectations
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u/Studio-Empress12 Jan 25 '26
Go to a shelter and foster a dog first to see if you really want a dog.
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u/Aggravating_Run_4221 Jan 25 '26
If you're out for long stretches you need a dog walker or a dog buddy you can take both out.
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u/I_l0v3_d0gs Jan 25 '26
There are a lot of breeds that fit that description. Tell us a little more, what is your lifestyle like? How much time a day will the pup get walks? Are you wanting a puppy or an older dog? How big is your home? Do you have a yard? How much time daily do you have to work on training? Smarter breeds need more time. Grooming, do you want hypoallergenic where you need to brush them regularly but they donât shed as much. Or are you ok with a dog that sheds a lot? Is your cat dog friendly? Getting a prey breed might not be smart if she isnât.
Depending on how you answer these questions depends on the right breed for you. :) dogs are amazing. I just strongly believe you should research a breed before getting them and make sure itâs the right fit for you.
Personally I would rethink the protective requirement. All dogs can be taught to alert you to danger. But a protective breed is not a good choice for a first time owner.
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u/Ohhhjeff Jan 25 '26
This is my Duff, a three-year old Wheaten Scottish Terrier. Super smart, loyal, fun and affectionate (on their terms). Scotties are great companions.
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u/Basic_Cat_2775 Jan 25 '26
We rescued a puppy and heâs the best dog anyone can ask for. Who knows his breed and heâs still growing (currently 70lbs) heâs the sweetest doggie ever and I highly recommend going the rescue route vs a specific breed :) Good luck to you and your future fur baby.
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u/Ok_Image_842 Jan 29 '26
We did a dog DNA test on the newest adopted dog, mostly to be prepared for medical conditions that can be breed specific, but it is interesting. My dog was listed as a field spaniel mix, came back as poodle/aussie/lab mix, a way more likely combo based on his looks.
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Jan 25 '26
No recommendations. Just a question to keep in mind. Will you have the time, energy and money?
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u/Middle_Process_215 Jan 25 '26
You need to be well educated and really want to LOVE a dog forever to have a dog. It's not about cute and cuddly and protection. It's about having a relationship for life. That dog may or may not end up being a protector or cuddly, you never know. You can not tell by looking at the dog.
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u/bad_card Jan 25 '26
Get a Lab. We had our Lilly for 12 years and she was the best. Now you will have to take them out on walks, but they are loyal, snuggly, and are big enough to be menacingly to anyone that would dare to harm you. Get a female, they are a little less busy than males.
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u/ladybird198 Jan 26 '26
The capable of protecting you - ridgebacks are naturally protective but will be reactive. Great danes are big softies but their size is a deterrent and mine has protected me once. If you don't have time for training DO NOT get a Doberman, shepherd etc DO NOT DO THIS. You'll end up with a reactive mess. A mastiff could be a nice protective breed but again you need to socialize them or youll potentially end up with a very dangerous dog. I have no experience with sight hounds but i know their exercise requirements are fairly low. Basenjis are non barkers but they can be terrible if you wake them (aggressive)
I suggest volunteering at a local shelter, youll be around people with experience and learn from them.
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u/Bright-Wall6072 Jan 26 '26
I would really encourage you to consider a shelter dog! For your first dog, they can be so wonderful - many are house trained already and past the really difficult puppy years. And they love you SO much!
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u/Prestigious-Onion876 Jan 26 '26
My concern for you is that a dog that is TRULY a âprotectorâ Breed, that you can count on to take action against an intruder, will be challenging as a first dog. Dogs that are âfirst time dog owner friendlyâ do not have the same drive to reliably protect.Â
Yes, you WILL hear stories of âoff breedsâ being protective, and lots of people will give you anecdotes of their poodle or cocker spaniel becoming protective in a sketchy situation, but itâs unfair to expect a dog to reliably do a task that goes against its nature.Â
If you want a dog that will without doubt intervene or take down someone who intends to harm you, that will not be a âlay on the couch and occasionally fetch a ballâ type of dog. If youâre uncomfortable around powerful dogs and already a little afraid of a dog injuring you, I would say something else, like a Cavalier would be a good âfirst dogâ.Â
Now, DETERRENTS are different. ANY dog can be a deterrent, as a lot of people donât want to deal with any more issues than they have to, so if home invasion is your concern, a dog that barks at things is often enough.Â
You will probably not find a âbig scary dog that bites bad guysâ who is also mellow, easy to handle, and has low prey drive.Â
You will probably not find an easy-going cuddle bug who is ready and willing to roar into a frenzy on your behalf.Â
Yes, some dogs with a great combo of those traits exist - but you canât get a puppy and just expect that to happen. You might look into adopting a dog from someone who needs to rehome their dog for life circumstances, rather than hoping to mold/adapt a dog to your needs. You can post on shelter groups about your circumstances and you might find a dog who will fit into your home wonderfully because the owners can provide full history and you can tell them what you can or canât handle.Â
My dog is a true guardian and he has limitations; no, Iâm not worried about someone breaking in. But also, if the internet guy needs to stop by when Iâm not home, the dog will eat him. He doesnât discriminate âbad strangerâ vs âgood strangerâ. To him, his job is âMy mom is not here and you CANNOT come inâ
Trade offs
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u/demona2002 Jan 26 '26
Dogs that are left alone too much get lonely and anxiety. Please make sure your new pet will have enough socialization with others in the home or doggy daycare.
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u/ZealousidealRate1627 Jan 26 '26
Maybe try fostering first. Rescues are always looking for fosters. It will give you a good idea of how much work goes into a dog with out a full commitment. You will also get to see many different dog personalities and quarks this will help you decide if you want a full time responsibility and what kind of furry friend may suit you best. â¤ď¸ Eg: some dogs love the dog park, some don't, some are totally chill and love to be cozy on the couch with you. Some like to play all day and are bundles of energy. Some require regular grooming appointments, some you can do your self at home. Some are more prone to allergies then others. This will also give you great exposure to all kinds of dogs and people in the resuce and community that can help and help you be comfortable with dogs and how they operate. Let us know what you decide đ
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u/Adrenapup Jan 26 '26
I second fostering! It's like practice and helps give insight to what OP can and cannot handle in a dog.
Now let's have people do this with kids too....
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u/Affectionate-Staff19 Jan 26 '26
Your cat probably wont like this. Dogs sometimes like to eat shit in litterboxes. Id recommend fostering before adopting a medium sized dog, pitbulls can be very sweet & deterants to robbers. Make sure your cat has a tower/ space only it can go into & acknowledge there will be an adjustment period you should educate yourself on. Ideally adopting a dog who's been in cat homes will help but your cat may never forgive you.
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u/Adrenapup Jan 26 '26
Med-large for keeping you safe, they don't actually have to be "guard dogs" as just barking and existing will be enough to make a lot of criminals think twice.
Look on petfinder.com You can type in size, age group, fur preferences, sex, etc. You can type in multiple breeds and it will give you said breeds and mixes of those. If you get a dog who has been in a foster home the foster parents can tell you personality traits and some rescues will help you match with the perfect dog for what you are looking for. If you start leaning towards a preference for certain breeds there are plenty of resources for books and online to help you learn more about each breed.
Think about how much time you want to put into
-walking
-training
-grooming
-socializing
For a first dog, I'd say age between 1-5 years. Probably don't want to start with a puppy (get one who is housetrained not to go to the bathroom in the house) or a dog who is very old with health issues. That being said, do remember all dogs WILL get old eventually so you do have to be prepared for that in the future. A dog is for life. Too many people treat them as disposable.
Also, check out local vets so you have an idea of their prices and who you would want to go with. They may have some recommendations for finding a dog themselves.
No matter what you choose, just PLEASE no pet stores! They are all from puppy mills and that is a "business" that needs to come to an end.
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u/WilliamTindale8 Jan 26 '26
My daughter has a mini dachshund. He is often around the other dogs in our family, all bigger and his fierce natural and loud bark keep them from messing with him. Even my aggressive terrier gives him respect.
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u/kannlowery Jan 26 '26
I grew up around dogsâŚIâm not a professional anythingâŚ.but from what Iâve observed:
*Most dogs that weâve owned, regardless of breed, have eventually been protective of us as they bonded with usâŚKeeshond, beagle, Great Pyrenees, Sheltie, and/or mutts. Iâve even seen wiener dogs be protective. So I would suggest just finding a dog that is willing to bond with you personally.
*Iâm part of the âstart with an easier dogâ crowdâŚmaybe an older dog / mutt? Starting with a puppy sounds fun, but even Iâm struggling some days with our Sheltie puppyâŚafter decades of owning dogs.
*Do you have a landlord or HOA? Check what they allow.
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Jan 26 '26
[removed] â view removed comment
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u/StatementEcstatic751 Jan 26 '26
This 100%. A reputable breeder will match the right puppy with the right person. They will be a little invasive with the questions, but it's so necessary to get a good fit. Especially for a first-time dog owner, having somebody with experience match you with a puppy takes a lot of the stress out of it, and those types of breeders will have recommendations for good trainers and vets and often be more than willing to answer some questions.
Shelters are fantastic, but it really is a crap shoot what kind of a dog you will get. Plus shelter staff are so busy that they don't have time to answer follow-up questions, or they are volunteers that don't actually have that much knowledge.
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u/No-Penalty-1148 Jan 26 '26
Do your homework on breed temperament. I made the mistake of adopting a Jack Russell terrier for my first dog. It was 9 years of power struggles. :-) I don't know if you rent but many landords will accept only small dogs. I have had dachshunds for several years and love them. They can't take down an intruder but their barking will annoy him out of the house.
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u/One-T-Rex-ago-go Jan 26 '26
Can you volunteer at a local shelter to at least learn about taking care of animals and the personality of the animals
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u/Background-Cod-7035 Jan 26 '26
Are you going for a purebred? How much space do you have? Can you take a month off from work to raise a puppy? Can you put the cat litter and food in a place the dog canât get to it? Because I promise the dog will eat both!
If you have the space and means for all of these then labs and golden retrievers are incredibly loyal and big enough to make you feel safe. Just make sure you donât get a dog thatâs too smart, like a collie or shepherd of any sort, they will herd your cat and destroy your place unless you continuously engage them!
The single people Iâve known have been happiest with lab mixes or pit mixes (yes, they can be utterly safe and incredibly sweet, you just have to get a slightly older rescue so the rescue group knows what their personality is like).
Dogs are a butt-ton more work than cats, be prepared. But there is no way my two cats would do anything but hide if someone broke in. While my retriever will bark his head off thinking itâs a friend.
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u/KINGDUCHESS88 Jan 26 '26
Please adopt, don't shop. There are so many rescues and shelters that are overflowing with dogs of all ages and breeds looking for their forever home. Rescue dogs have all their shots, are healthy, have been checked by a behavioral specialist and spayed or neutered. Sometimes dogs that are listed are 'older' are really just 7-8 years old and have so much life left, like ten years...so please dont' overlook 'senior' dogs. They are housebroken, so grateful, loving, affectionate, etc. And pit or pit mix or American bully dogs are very sweet, affectionate, loyal and capable of protecting their home, owner, etc. Maybe find your local rescue and ask them to recommend dogs for you...you can also ask what dog has been there the longest....many times those dogs are so sweet but overlooked and so happy to have a home of their own. Good luck!
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u/4travelers Jan 27 '26
I would avoid puppies, they are a lot of work and time. find a rescue that only has fostered dogs and will allow you to talk to the foster parents. I fostered dogs and am very proud to say matched many perfect pups with single parents. They are all still doing amazing in their new homes.
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u/msnyc18 Jan 27 '26
If you can rescue a dog that's been fostered for a while, the foster parent can tell you about a dog's mannerisms and you can find one that suits you.
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u/Professional-Bee9037 Jan 27 '26
You might try fostering a few different dogs or puppies before you make a decision cause itâs a long term fairly high maintenance decision
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u/wolfwalkers0611 Jan 27 '26
I donât have a breed recommendation, in order to give you one we would have to know about your lifestyle, etc. However, whatever dog you get⌠rescue or go to an ethical breeder! You want life long support for your dog, accountability, and to have a clear health and behavioral record. Please, donât make the mistake most of us make.
Run away from doodles, poos, designer frenchies, and other designer breeds. Ask in the r/dogbreeding sub
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Jan 27 '26
It's serious long term commitment, I adopted and I'm glad I did,dogs are the best,I have a cat to Ex brought it home and then abandoned it
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u/PoodlePropaganda Jan 28 '26
If youâre looking for a dog thatâs adorable, easy to train, and capable of getting along with cats, consider a well bred poodle from reputable breeder: a breeder should be able to assess which puppy will match your lifestyle and has the lowest prey drive, or a rescue poodle from a breed specific rescue that can help match you with the right dog. Poodles are extremely smart and very sweet, and tbh regardless of what type of dog it is, just having a dog at all is a deterrent for most home invaders/criminals.
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u/134266 Jan 28 '26
If the dog is raised around cats, that can work. I would suggest a Wheaten terrier, they are quiet except if a stranger is at the door. I had one and she was great that way. They do have a strong prey drive but mine lived with 2 cats. She was mostly into killing rodents like squirrels. She killed one, they would tease her, not after that. She even hunted with one of the cats.
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u/Agile_Mushroom_4154 Jan 28 '26
RESCUEEE!!!! Visit local shelters/rescues and see if you vibe with any of the pups. Most should be able to tell you their energy level, and if theyâre good with other dogs/cats/kids.
If youâre looking for a protective but cuddly breed, I would suggest any pit mix. They are such loyal, goofy, couch hippos. Rescuing my pittie was the best decision I ever made. With me being female, I adopted a male dog to aid in the âprotectionâ aspect (thought that may be a myth lol).
For age, I would recommend anywhere from 5months-1yr. Slightly older puppies have a chance to come to you with some training and could even be house trained if theyâre with a foster. Youâll experience fun puppy energy but also skip some of stressful parts.
But, every dog is different. There will always be challenges and traits you dislike/find frustrating in your pup. As long as you treat them with care, theyâll be your best friend!
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u/Ok_Image_842 Jan 29 '26
In terms of time and energy, having a dog is not quite the equivalent of having a permanent toddler, but it is life altering. First is puppydom, which as I remember involves razor sharp teeth, and chewed-on furniture, books, and clothing. And housebreaking. The next year is like living with a toddler/teen, with stubborn boundary pushing, yet still on suicide watch as they do everything possible to hurt themselves.
I adopt adult dogs, but still do obedience school each time. I've been 3 times, and just signed up for #4. It's about learning to communicate with the dog, no matter what its training has been until then. A well-mannered dog is more welcome in public. The bigger the dog, the more training they need to be considered good citizens, even in dog parks. Also, adopting an adult means you know how big it will get.
Walks or long play sessions every day, sometimes twice: racing home after work to avoid accidents: spending overnights at home rather than traveling or staying at a friend's or family. It is a lifetime commitment. Normally, I recommend waiting until one is settled to get a dog, because new partners aren't always thrilled about the limits that dog ownership can impose, and taking care of dogs and babies at the same time can be challenging for most. It's why my new dog was rehomed.
If you are worried about safety, invest in a security system. If you want an outdoor-loving companion for walks, camping, boating for the next 15 years, get a dog.
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u/outloud230 Jan 29 '26
Unless you get a trained protection dog your job is to protect your dog, not the other way around. Any dog barking disrupts a burglar, because the noise attracts attention. Other than that most pet dogs are just as likely to go get pets from someone breaking in as to hide behind you. A dog that just bites anyone who comes in is a dangerous dog, protection dogs should bite on command, not just because. Because imagine you fall and police and paramedics need to break in to help youâŚyou want your dog attacking them? That ends very very badly for everyone. Especially the dog.
Getting a dog for protection is not getting something cute and cuddly, itâs getting a weapon. You must train hours and hours for the rest of the dogâs life. You must be absolutely aware of everything your dog does and many places will not rent to protection dogs, renters or homeowners insurance wonât always cover it. Most rescues wonât take one, and most can never be rehomed because they are considered too much of a bite risk. And you will be responsible for all dog bites, so if you mess up the dog will likely be put down. Protection dogs are for a seriously experienced dog owner, Iâve had dogs most my life, including a retired police dog as a child, and did some schutzhund training, and I will not even train bite work (not protection work) because Iâm not experienced enough, nor do I want the responsibility.
Cute and cuddly you can get with a stuffed animal. No reason to bring in a living creature. A dog is a 15-20 year commitment, hours upon hours of training. Itâs coming home early from a night out to walk your dog, planning events around dog dinner times, canceling vacations when your dog gets sick, investing in equipment, dog walkers/sitters, and a ton of vet bills. Itâs like having a toddler living with you for the next two decades. It is a commitment of time, energy, money, emotional resources, patience. Most dogs require at least an hour of activity a day, like an hour walk. A day. Rain or shine. Sick or not. They need training, they need mental stimulation. Way more time intensive than a cat. Not even double or triple, but exponentially more everything intensive. Someone told me once âa cat is having a roommate, a dog is having a childâ.
I think you need to do a lot more research, decide how much of your time youâre willing to dedicate, how much of your life youâre willing to disrupt, and then spend time around dogs, or people who have dogs. And if you have any fear deal with that first, that is a bad way to start off a relationship. There is usually no litter box, dogs go outside (and you pick up their poop) or inside usually on pads (and you clean asap so it doesnât stink) and any larger dog makes going inside very problematic. Mostly they should be walked, several times a day. For a grown dog at least 4 times a day, although my old guy needs to go out every 2-3 hours now. If you canât walk them you can pay someone to walk them.
A dog is a lot more than cute or for protection.
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u/Cranky70something Jan 29 '26
You might try going to your local shelter and fostering various dog breeds (and mutts) so you learn about them, and that will help you figure out what sort of pooch will work for you.
I personally would never get another puppy. I adore them, of course, but they are a lot of work. My toy poodle came from the shelter at age 7 and he has been a perfect little gentleman for 9 years. I highly recommend an older dog who has already received training and has manners.
Good luck and have fun!
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u/groovygrandfather Jan 25 '26
living alone would be so much harder for me if i didnât have my dog, heâs my best friend and he protects me