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hello4397 · Sep 5, 2007, 04:17 PM

Hi, me and my family are looking for a non-shedding(hypoallergenic if possible), Smart,
Easy to train,under $400, althletic , and 20-40 pound dog to join our family, I am hoping for some suggestions, also I am canadian so please make sure I can get one here,

Thanks, hope you can help

Wondergirl · Sep 5, 2007, 04:25 PM

The best choice you can make is getting a dog from a shelter. The shelter will be able to find one that's perfect for you with all your specifications, and the dog will have already been checked by a vet and given all his shots. The shelter will know something about his history and about how he behaves. Plus, you will be giving a home to an abandoned animal.

I have three rescued cats and they are all wonderful!!

hello4397 · Sep 5, 2007, 04:28 PM

Sorry but we are looking for a purebred and won't pay for a dog over $400

Skell · Sep 5, 2007, 04:30 PM

The dog you buy won't be perfect. Its how you treat it that will determine its behavior.

Why do you want a purebred?

hello4397 · Sep 5, 2007, 04:31 PM

Because we want to know exactley what to expect my dad has astma and allergies so we want one that can't hurt him.

Skell · Sep 5, 2007, 04:33 PM

As is said getting a pure bred won't mean you know exactly what you are getting. Far from it. However there will be some people post soon who may be able to offer advice on what breads are suitable for your dad's allergies.

Wondergirl · Sep 5, 2007, 04:36 PM

There are purebreed rescue shelters, probably one near where you live. You'd be getting what you want and rescuing a dog too. Maybe one of the dog people here will post the link to their site. (And regular shelters may have purebred dogs that were given up by the previous owners.)

hello4397 · Sep 5, 2007, 04:39 PM

But I heard that dogs that are rescued from puppy mills are usaully in-bred and aren't smart

sGt HarDKorE · Sep 5, 2007, 04:41 PM

Dogs aren't perfect and its hard to find a dog that doesn't shed if possible. The dog sheds twice a year as most dogs do, but the hairs are small.

Like I said, there is no perfect dog. Here is an example.

My dog loves to play catch (No one ever taught her), she never runs away. I am able to let her outside and she will stay next to me (Again she was never taught this), she protects the house and is not aggressive. She loves to swim in lakes and pools and loves to play soccer. She is the best dog in my mind but then there is her annoying things.

She chases after glares of shiny objects or flashlights. She barks at the doorbell and sometimes at the doorbell in the dominoes commercial. She hates tin foil and will run around the couch for hours.

The way your dog acts depends on how you treat it.

And I saved my dog so I got her for free.

You do not have to pay $400 dollars for a good dog. My dad paid $600 dollars for his dog and it is a pure breed but it is the worst dog ever (Though it is partially my dad's training).

Try places like Petco and such because they sell puppies every BLANK day. You can always look in the newspaper too for a dog but just make sure they have papers, it might say if they are a pure breed.

BTW to stop shedding just comb the dogs hair when its shedding time. Do it outside and less will be inside. I usually comb my dogs hair and then give her a bath because she sleeps on my bed and I don't want dog hair on it.

labman · Sep 5, 2007, 04:42 PM

Much of what I have to say I already did in your other questions at https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/dogs/a...py-123987.html Often if you work with a rescue as in my AKC link, they have registered purebreds. If the rescues you can contact can't place a dog in Canada, likely they have contacts in Canada that can help you.

Dogs don't read breed descriptions and often their personality fails to match what you read. You are much more likely to get the dog you want if you find an adult. Don't dismiss Poodles. There are ones with the intelligence and stamina to serve as dog guides. Also Welcome to the VIPOODLE.ORG site.

katieperez · Sep 6, 2007, 07:16 AM

Originally Posted by hello4397

but i heard that dogs that are rescued from puppy mills are usaully in-bred and aren't smart

Hi there! FYI- not all dogs that are in rescue shelters are from puppy mills. The majority of them are usually rescued from local pounds where a person can surrender their pets for little or no fee and no questions asked. It's very common that someone purchase a purebred puppy and a little while down the road either can't care for the animal or simply doesn't want the responsibility anymore. I've had several rescue dogs and it seems as though they are a little more appreciative of everything. Like they know they've got a second chance. Someone mentioned breed specific rescues and they are also wonderful. Also keep in mind more pet stores then you realize get their puppies from puppy mills. Ask your local pet stores where they get their pups from and I can almost guarantee you that they say from 'private breeders' and won't give you anymore information. If you choose to buy from a breeder be very very wary of 'backyard breeders' and breeders that are only in it for profit. Be sure to check out the parents and check the pedigrees if available to see how closely related they are as a lot of genetic mishaps can occur with poorly bred pups. Whichever path you take, I hope you end up with a wonderful dog that will fit in with your family. Good Luck!