OK, if you have no backyard then dont get a dog
If you have poor health, then dont get a pitbull, they like to play rough

have you thought of getting a dog from a pound?

If looking for a small breed shih-tzu are great companions . They do not require as much exercise as other small breeds also , might be a good fit for you .

I’m confused, you are getting a pitbull at some point but want a small dog now? Kinda sounds like it could be a recipe for distaster. If you have owned pits u know how dominant they can be. Additionally a dog of that power and strength do you feel you could restrain it should something happen??

Pitbull out of the picture, I’d say a French bulldog. I have one and they are extremely devoted people pleasers. Love humans. They entrain themselves, just funny loving little animals. Sorry if I sounded negative about pits, I personally am just not a fan of them. But to each their own.

Dogs take a lot of work. Walks, going to the bathroom, the rest like playing you can do inside. They also don't do well left inside alone. Maybe a less involved pet could bring you companionship. Nothing is like a dog for interaction, but they can be a lot of work. Rescuing any animal is great. Hope you consider your abilities and life style and find a perfect pet to love.

Damn French bulldogs are so expensive here but are such an awsome looking dog.
We have a papillon at about 9 lbs and she’s pretty cutie but long hair needs combing and makes a bit of a mess. Acts like a little guard dog, great personality!

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You just nailed it with what you said. Volunteer or keep going to the shelter and be patient and dont worry about specific breeds etc. The dog will find you, not you finding the dog. There will eventually be a dog that wins your heart over and it may be a totally different breed than what you ever imagined. The right dog will come into your life trust me.

Can you walk a dog daily? Some of the good companion breeds still need at least one 15-30 minute walk a day.

Get a cat. Small dogs suck.

last year when I had an extended stay in hospital, they had companion dog visit the wards
while it was odd seeing the dog there, it was great to have a small play with him

Volunteering would be great but hard not to fall in love over and over. If you could do this I think it could help you and them. Just remember that pets are a long term commitment and need to accept the good and bad. Be honest and make sure you know what you want and the others in your life. Most of the world doesn't take everything into consideration thus all the wonderful animals waiting for homes in pounds and shelters.

I would go with a rescue from a reputable organization. Pretty much all breeds will have a rescue org. Here is the one for Frenchie's: http://www.frenchbulldogrescue.org/ . Unlike pounds and shelters, rescue orgs will foster dogs in homes, typically with lots of other animals, kids, etc. They will expose the dog to a variety of stimuli and different situations. They will be able to provide you intimate information on the disposition of the animal. Submissive or dominant, good around other animals, good in social settings, good around children, barker, playful or laid-back. Further, they will spend a good bit of time understanding you and your situation. Fenced yard, keep indoors, ability to exercise, will dog be left alone for long periods, etc. They will even perform a site visit. In fact, this is one way to tell if you are dealing with a reputable rescue org. This is the best way to get a dog that meets both your circumstances and the needs of the dog. The downside is it can take a good bit of time to find a good match.

Now, just to be clear, I am all for taking dogs from shelters...my wife and I have always supported the local Humane Society. In the OP's situation, I feel that reducing as many unknowns as possible is the best path. If you are getting a puppy or you have the experience, time and desire to deal with potential behavioral issues of an older dog, please do explore the local shelter.

I appreciate what rescue organizations do but the fact is, they are just too much of a pain in the ass to deal with and you often get left heartbroken because the dog you really wanted they decided that it was a better fit for someone else etc. I am all about being picky and making sure that the dog gets placed in the best home possible but they go way overboard.

The last rescue i was signed up with i of course didnt get the dog that i wanted at first and they kept trying to get me to take dogs that i didnt want and the lady actually got pissed at me and i snapped back and told her that this was my decision and not hers. I figured that i wouldn't even be considered after that as they are very vengeful people but they actually asked me to foster after that.

The first rescue i was involved with turned me down because the 2 cats i rescued in the woods that were starving to death and in a really bad way had not had annual check ups. I saved these 2 cats life (actually 4, two kittens also that i found good homes for) and brought them into my home. .....go figure. I was actually told that i was a horrible pet owner because of that. That was Cincinnati Lab Rescue, what a bunch of assholes they are for sure.

Anyway long story short, i was fed up with the Basset Hound rescue that i was dealing with because of their attitudes and trying to push dogs on me that i didn't want, and luckily a beautiful Basset Hound showed up at the local animal shelter and i couldn't be happier. I couldn't have found a better dog, he is awesome and beautiful.

Mixed feelings about animal rescues here for sure. Most people dont even qualify and will never be considered. They turn away alot of great people who would be good pet owners.

Have you checked into getting an official service dog? We are looking to get one for our son. He had a stroke and has epilepsy, cp and autism. Not sure, but Medicaid or insurance would probably pay for your service dog. Our son will be able to get one at no cost. Check with your local special needs agency

If, in fact, the OP can get a service dog, this would definitely be ideal and certainly worth looking into!

I think you would enjoy volunteering at your local shelter and you would really be helping the animals out alot too by walking them and giving them company and stuff like that. I wish that i had a shelter closer to my house and a more flexible work schedule because id like to do the same. Let us know if you do that and take some pics for us! That would also give you first chance at any dogs that come in there probably.

That's probably the best way. They can fit a dog to your needs and know what works best. Good luck and keep us posted on what you get.

Very much like fostering kids. My mother-in-law did that for years. She'd get kids that were a mess, 6 years old still wearing diapers, social problems, the works. She'd get them straightened out, then watch them get adopted, which was awesome, but really hard emotionally since you were invested in them by that point. In some cases, though, they'd be re-homed with the drug-addict mom that messed them up in the first place. That was the worst.

Volunteer and you get the best of both worlds. You get to know many, have many loves in your life, and get to go home without having to pick up poop, listen to constant barking all night and day, neighbors that don't hate you for the dog, look like doing society a favor (you are), and of course no vet bills. Its an all around win situation. Oh, and chicks love a guy with a heart that donates time and energy toward the pound.

A mini pinscher. Looks like a doberman but smaller and will be protective of you. Great friend to have.
-Mike

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Japanese Spitz. Totally chill, friendly dogs from day one. Cuter than Poms and other small breeds, with none of the obnoxious traits. Might get a little warm in CA, but they're fairly adaptable, and I bet there are some breeders out there.

Rescuing dogs is admirable, but you never know what issues you're inheriting, and by the time you do, it's usually too late. Life is too short to try and fix other people's mistakes, particularly when it comes to dogs imo.
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oh yes!!!!! big distaster Man... Is this thread a joke??,if it is IT"S NOT COOL!!

No, I don't believe it is.

Oh Ok,im sorry about that..

Lots of decent advice here. I agree with RVH, but it really depends on your personality. I have a Papillon, a mini Aussi Sheppard, a shih-tzu, and a small mixed breed rescue. Paps are the smartest of the toy breeds. Mini aussies are the smartest of the mini breeds and smart dogs are easier to train but need attention. Shi tzus aren’t smart but need less attention. None are yappy (a coomom compliant about small breeds) if properly trained. Rescue dogs can have emotional scars meaning lots of attention It depends on what effort you’re able to put into it and your own personality.if you like the dominance of pit bulls, mini aussies are working dogs and therefore dominant.

Both our dogs are rescue dogs. Lucy is a bichon, she will stay on the couch with me. Sit on a barstool, or on top of the pin next to the one I am playing. Maddie Sue is havanesse. She is a bit more playful. Not as will to be a constant shadow. Both are good mannered and not vocal. I would recommend either as a companion animal. We are going boating after lunch. Lucy likes to go to the front and look out thru the railing.
I hope you find a true friend in your dog.
Sputnik

Maddie Sue and Lucy

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This is my guy, Buddy. The best behaved and smartest dog I have ever had. When I was younger we had a husky Sheperd mix. And a border collie.

Buddy learned to ring a bell to let us know he had to go outside within a week.while he was still a puppy. He's so well behaved my girlfriend takes him to her daycare every once in awhile to help with the autistic children.
He's super cuddley and thinks he's a teddy bear. He just wants a lap to sit on. He hasnt left my side since I got home from the hospital 8 months ago. After becoming sick with MS.
I couldn't ask for a better companion.

He's helped me deal with my illness immensely.
Love this guy!

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jack russells are pretty smart.

papillon can be litter trained. may be useful depending on your range of mobility.

French Bulldogs are awesome! We definitely want some pictures once you get him!

Good for you. If it doesn't work out, you have a great 'backup plan', in that the Cavalier is a wonderful companion dog, very affectionate. I understand the breeder will do some socialization; however, my advice is socialize whenever and wherever possible. It's the best way to ensure a calm and good citizen pup. I'll echo Who-dey...post some pics.

I'd suggest a Pug, but they aren't the most hardy breed. We watched my brother's for a year, and I loved that dog. He genuinely made me laugh at least once/day. I do remember all sorts of annoying maintenance things though - like cleaning out face flaps, ears, etc.

I don't know, she looks like a killer to me, got those crazy eyes!

Teacup or miniature poodle. Smart as heck and don't shed.

You will soon have your new best friend and there is a dog that has yet to be born that is getting ready to get very lucky and is going to have an amazing life and a great owner. I can imagine how excited you are right now, congrats! I cant wait to see the new dog!

As a veterinarian I have been reading thru this thread with interest.
There are different dogs that best fit in different environments and it sounds like a lot of the comments are from good dog owners.

While I know it cannot work in every situation, I do like hearing people giving shelter dogs/cats a home. Lately those seem to be one of the fashionable new breeds. . . When asked "What kind of dog it that?" more often than not I hear "Its a rescue."

As far as the OP goes, a French Bulldog would be a good companion dog. They are entertaining and friendly. You have to be cautious on over exertion, they can overheat and anatomically their breathing is not as efficient/easy as it is for a non-smushed face dog. Bulldogs of any type tend to be solid -- a running start from across the room can take you out at the knees!

I have nothing against Pits, I see a large number of them and while some are easy keepers a lot of them have skin issues. Combine the perceived viciousness with the ones that actually have a mean bone in their body and they can be a handful. There is a local group that works with them and better than half tend to have some sort of behavior or medical condition.

Most dog behavior problems I see arise from lack of attention from their owners. In these modern times of after school activities, electronic devices, etc. the pets at home can get less attention than they need. Dogs take a lot of work and effort, more than some people realize. As a previous poster said, cats can be good companions but less maintenance. . . but then there is the litter box.

Some of the best family dogs I see are Beagles (if you can get past the bark), Goldens, and Labs. A bit of space/yard helps with the larger breeds. Smaller dogs? There are nice ones out there but a lot of little guys -- Chihuahuas, Dachshunds, Terriers, etc. can have big attitudes and be a little nippy around people they do not know.

Best of luck with your new pup to the OP -- hope he/she adds an abundance of joy to your day.