Afraid of dogs but want a calm, low-activity first pet. What breed?

Hello, thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. This is not an easy question to answer, because every dog has the potential to be a great family pet. The only breed that does come to mind & having all the characteristics you want, is the Great Pyrennees. You get the size, & temperament you want. But all breeds can grow into the dog you want. It is a matter of love, socialization, training, & lots of patience. If you do go for a puppy, choose one that is relatively calm, will allow you to gently hold down on his back &, is not shy. The rest is up to you! All the best for your new addition. Take care.

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.

Great question and kudos to you for doing your homework before adopting a new puppy! :-) Some of my favorite smaller dogs breeds that bark a bit less include a Cavalier King Charles spaniel, Welsh terrier, or a miniature Australian Shepherd. Any dog will bark from time to time, but these breeds typically are quieter and have gentle temperaments. Another breed, a Shiba Inu, practically never barks but generally speaking, they tend not to be as agreeable. The AKC website has a tool that can help with "breed selection" based upon your lifestyle and needs, if you are exclusively looking for purebred dogs. Otherwise, there are plenty of rescues and shelters (even breed-specific rescues) that may be able to help you find a puppy if you are also open to mixed-breed dogs.

It sounds like you have done a good amount of research on getting a dog, which is great. In terms of separation anxiety, that isn't something you can determine by breed necessarily. Some breeds do tend to be more high strung than others, particularly if they are dogs that are high energy and a working breed (such as a border collie or aussie that is stuck in a house with no activity). Personallly for families with children I am a large fan of retrievers and retriever mixes if you are wanting a large dog. Meeting the dogs and the dog's parents will give you a better idea of temperment and if they are a calm, relaxed dog. You can also look at the AKC website to help decide the breeds good for you based on your lifestyle. You can read about separation anxiety at https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951949 and on how to help prevent it at https://drsophiayin.com/blog/entry/developing-separation-anxiety-will-the-learn-to-earn-program/ . I highly recommend the book by Dr. Sophia Yin The Perfect Puppy in 7 Days.

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.

If you are living in a small apartment, then a small breed dog would honestly be a better choice; in addition, smaller breeds don't need as much maintenance as a medium breed dog. You could consider a pug, a pekinese, a French bulldog, or even a chihuahua. These breeds need a minimal amount of exercise, and are very happy being lap dogs.

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!