Re: Which dogs can be trained the best?

This is a great question, because it means that you are interested in finding the right breed for you and that your not just going to go out and get the first cute little puppy you run across.

There are so many breeds to choose from and they are all adorable as puppies.

I worked in a veterinary clinic for 10 years so I have seen lots of different dog breeds and I have a good idea which ones are known for their good temperments and which ones are not. First I'd like to say that a lot of their personality comes from their breeding. I recommend getting a dog from a reputable breeder. Pure bred dogs are available from reputable breeders that are not show quality for a little less money than you would pay for one that is show quality. This way you can meet the mother and sometimes the father of the pup. You will get a real good idea of the temperment of the pups from the partents (especially the mother). Don't imagine that you can get an agressive dog, give him lots of love and he will turn into a nice dog.

By far, in my opion, the best breed of dog to get, best personality and easiest to train is the Golden Retriever (like the one on Homeward Bound). The toughest dogs to train are the terriers. If it has terrier in the name, it's a toughy. Spaniels and Dalmations tend to be very hyper. If you don't mind hyper, they are smart dogs, but need extra patience and lots of exercise.

Now, be aware that there are many breeders out there who breed dogs strictly for profit and are not concerned with the health and temperment of the dog (this is true for any breed of dog). My second pick is the Laborador Retriever or any kind of mixed breed dog with Golden or Laborador Retriever in it. Both the Golden and Laborador Retriever can have trouble with their hips. Reputable breeders will have their dogs OFA certified. That means they have had their hips x-rayed to make sure they are healthy (the x-ray is done on the parents because it is not performed until the dog is two years old and assumes if the parents both have good hips the pups will have good hips as well). Mix breed dogs tend to have less problems with their hips as well as other health problems. There is something about mixing the genes of one type of dog with another (like a lab mixed with a beagle) that brings out the best of the two breeds (I happen to have a lab/beagle dog that I love dearly).

I recommend that you don't get a puppy from a pet shop. They are very overpriced and their breeding background is uncertain. Often times they come from "puppy mills" where dogs are bred in large numbers with no regard to their health or well being.

I do recommend getting a dog from a shelter or humane society. There are also organizations in some communities that take in dogs and place them in foster homes. You go to the foster home and choose a pet. Around 30% of unwanted dogs are pure bred dogs. Sometimes people give up their dog when they are not able to train them, so you do have to be careful about the temperment of the dog. Plan to go and spend time with several different dogs. Don't pick the cutest one or the first on you see, but be prepared to evaluate the temperment. Sometimes an animal will pick you. I once went to a foster home to adopt a siamese cat. The siamese cat would have nothing to do with me, but there was a tiger striped cat that wouldn't leave me alone. I took him home and he has been one of my favorite cats that I've ever had.

There is one more place you can get a pure breed dog possibly free and that is from a rescue organization. For information on Golden Retriever rescue visit: http:// www.goldenretrieverrescue.com/ Often times, you can call your local veterinary clinic or humane society to get information on local rescue organizations.

Here is a large web site with information on lots of different breeds and a little quize you can take which may help narrow down the type of dog you are interested in: http:// www.dogbreedinfo.com/

Whatever breed you choose it is a good idea to get involved in a dog obedience class. Often times they are offered through local high schools or community clubs.

Good luck and thanks for the quesiton.