What dog breed is best for a protector and companion from a shelter?

If you want a big, loving dog, a Labrador or Golden Retriever would be recommended. If a small breed is needed, a Cavalier King Charles spaniel makes a fantastic pet and companion. You should visit the local animal shelter and take a look at their offerings for adoption.

It's more about the personality of the dog and not the breed. I would recommend finding a rescue or shelter that might let you bring her to visitations or do a trial period with a new puppy or dog at home. You have to decide if you want a puppy, adult, large or small dog. Large and small dogs can get along but there could be more chance of a new large dog being able to hurt Molly. http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=2465 http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=1678 http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=1580 http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=1405 Take a look at these articles to see if they might help. Good luck!!!

Any dogs with a wire coat or a curly coat will generally shed less than breeds who lack those features. Certainly checking out your local shelter is worthwhile as you may find the perfect companion right there! Otherwise, any poodle crosses will usually have these traits (although some may be more active). Miniature or Standard Schnauzers may be a good fit for you. Beagles and Cavaliers are generally very nice dogs but they do shed. Check out the AKC website as it has a wealth of breeds and information available. I hope this helps to point you in the right direction. Please feel free to post any further questions!

Great question! This is a bit of a tough question in that a number of breeds of dogs who are good guard dogs are also difficult. For example, a German Shepherd. Good guard dogs, but require a lot of training and are not for a first time dog owner. If you don't know how to handle them, they can be aggressive to humans and small animals. They are also high energy dogs. Personally, I would recommend a Golden Retriever. They are absolutely lovely dogs, extremely loyal, very easy to train, excellent with humans and small animals, and if need be, could defend the owner. I had a Golden for 12 years, and she was honestly the best dog I have ever owned. So sweet and caring, but I knew that if I was ever in trouble, she would defend me. Goldens are a large breed dog, and large breed dogs can be intimidating to strangers. My Minnie would bark if someone came to the door and knocked, but otherwise didn't bark much. Sometimes a bark is enough to scare someone off. I would look into getting a Golden Retriever for the reasons I listed above. I hope this helps!

I'm so sorry you recently lost two dogs. Please accept my condolences for your loss. I would look into getting a dog around a year old for Maya, or possibly two to three years of age. This way, the dog would be fully vaccinated and house trained. It also wouldn't be as active as a puppy, but could still play with her. The dog should also be spayed or neutered. You can have either a male or female, I personally like having an even ratio of male to female, so I'd recommend a male dog. Breed, you could do something like a lab or Golden Retriever. Those are great dogs who get along with other dogs really well. I hope this helps.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding your potential dog. I recommend a labrador retriever. They are wonderful family dogs, highly trainable and very loyal. They have a high energy level so will require a considerable amount of exercise. They are happy go lucky dogs, but can be protective of their families. I hope this information helps!

For purposes of looking after children, the first breed to come to mind is Great Pyrenees. They are flock guardian dogs, are known to be loyal and protective, and are large and robust enough to live outdoors if given proper shelter. As a thick-coated breed, they do require regular brushing and grooming to keep from getting matted. German Shepherd/Alsatians are also excellent family dogs, very loyal and protective and highly intelligent. Bernese Mountain Dogs are loyal, confident and intelligent. Rottweilers are also a good breed as they are very loyal and protective. Some people are put off by their reputation but they are a product of their environment, as is any dog. As long as the children are taught to respect and properly treat a dog, there is no need to worry.