Can I adopt a dog with a small home, budget, long hours, and hot climate?

Hi. Given your requirements I would recommend that you search for an adult dog to adopt. A puppy would require frequent trips outside to become housebroken and typically may bark more. Young pups also require visits to vetfrequently for vaccines. Many breeds or mixes fit your other requirements. It's best to evaluate the animal by individual personality and temperament. You will want a dog that is fairly laid back and not high energy as it will be left alone for long periods. I'm unsure if there are shelters or places to adopt adult dogs in your area. If so many are usually very willing to help educate you and help find the dog best suited to your needs.

Adult dogs can generally be crated 8-10 hours so this schedule could be fine provided the dog does not having anxiety issues....etc. Dogs do require A LOT of time. It's almost like having a child. They require at least an hour of exercise every day (especially when they are young). They require training and affection. They need to be fed on a schedule, let out on a schedule and you will need to have them examined periodically by the veterinarian. Having a dog is very rewarding but it sounds like now is maybe not the right time to have a dog if you family is very busy. I recommend to wait until the time is right. There are pets who can be equally rewarding but require less care than a dogs. Cats make great pets and are far less dependent on humans. Though they still require attention...etc. Many people are grossed out about rats but pet rats actually make very good pets. They love their humans (if you get them as babies) and can even be trained to do tricks. You need at least 2 and they will still want your attention. I hope this provides some guidance and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Yes, adoption fees have become quite high for rescue/shelter dogs. But there is something else for you to consider before you sign on the dotted line. The adoption fee is just the beginning. You must also be able to afford food, routine veterinary care, vaccinations, special medications, possibly grooming, and any other "surprises" that may come up over the course of the dog's life. If you feel you will be able to handle additional, unforeseen costs, you might try city or town shelters rather than the private ones. You can Google "dogs for adoption in (your state)" and you will see all the dogs available in that state. But please remember that the only thing worse than a dog being in a shelter is that dog having to return to the shelter if money runs out.

You are looking for the perfect dog, and he doesn't exist. Dogs do not want a "well clean comfy dog house." they want to be with their people (or, as you state, "a family dog"). A dog that primarily stays outside will not be a family dog! You mention wanting a "guardian." If your dog lives ourdoors much of the time, that area may become his "trerritory" and, if a killer got past the yard to the front door, your dog might do nothing since he may believe that the house is not his territory to protect. Very often separation anxiety is created inadvertently by the owner. Another concern I have is that you state, 'I am busy." A new dog, regardless of breed or size, needs a lot of care in order for him to acclimate to new surroundings. It does not sound to me as if you are ready to have a dog just now. Perhaps you could volunter at a vet's office or shelter to get an understanding of just how much work and time a dog can require in order to be well-adjusted and happy. If you would like to talk about this, you can click on the prompt and start a consult, where we can discuss your situation. It may be that, with a few adjustments, things might work now.

More important than breed is the personality of the dog. Since you're gone during he day so much a puppy is not a good choice. I'd go with a shelter dog who is an adult already and seems to have a very calm personality type. Stay away from border collies, dalmations, many retrievers, and other innately-hyper working breeds as they require alot of attention and activity.

This is a difficult question to answer because it's all based upon her and your temperament. Huskies in general tend to be very active dogs who can become destructive when bored. They need lots of daily exercise to meet their energy requirements. They can also be very vocal dogs. Keep in mind, every dog is an individual so she may not act like this. ANY dog who is bored may develop bad habits. Being an outside dog means that she has been able to run around and has likely not experienced much structure in her life since she was not inside with the family. Living inside means rules, structure and routine. It's also unknown if she is housebroken or not. Taking on any pet is a big responsibility. Many huskies live indoors just fine. If you decide to adopt her, you will need to commit to daily exercise and be prepared for some bumps along the way. You may want to take off work for the first week so you can be home with her as she adjusts. You may also look into doggie daycare or a dog walker to come by and check on her during your work day until you know how she is adjusting. You will want to have all your supplies before she comes home. Here is a helpful link: https://www.petcoach.co/article/do-you-have-everything-you-need-for-your-new-puppy/ I hope this helps provide some guidance. Please feel free to post any additional questions.

All dogs need space to exercise and access to both physical and mental stimulation, unless you are able to take them out at least 4-6times a day a fenced garden really is recommended for any medium-large breed in order to limit boredom and destructive behaviors. I really would not recommend any retrieving/herding breeds (labradors/spaniels/collies etc) for such an arrangement but an older sight hound such as a retired greyhound which has been used to a kenneling routine and limited periods of controlled exercise would be expected to adapt quite well as long as you have the time for daily exercise and frequent toilet breaks