Where can I get a small/medium dog for my little sister?

My little sister has been diagnosed with a mild case of autism,. We have been suggested to get a medium/small dog for her, so she could learn how interact with another living thing that she could learn to take care and love. It would be great if there are any places that have adoptions, for a affordable price, I have a tight budget as I'm attending college. Any suggestions on the type of dog would be great too, small/medium but nothing like a chihuahua or those curly fluffy dogs, there so common at my neighborhood, but I have nothing against them.

Where can I get a small/medium dog for my little sister?
try petfinder.org they have a list of shelters and classified ads of available pets with full descriptions. What a wonderful thing you are doing for your sister. Adoption fees from animal shelters vary, and there may be an assistance program available since your sister has autism, this site, http://www.nsd.on.ca/autism.htm talks about the criteria and things about children and service dogs. In my personal opinion, maltepoos are the best, they are smallish, loving, and loyal to a "T" they seem to understand but I also believe that pets and owners have a way of finding each other. Good luck in your search
Reply:I agree, shelter dog is the way to go.


they are spayed/neutered, get shots and dewormed, too!


you just provide a good stable home, training, and love.





a registered mutt, (kidding on registered), can be just as good a pet as any registered dog.





sometimes the dog will choose its owner...


good luck
Reply:Animal shelters first and foremost and breeders. Never buy from a pet shop because they get their dogs from puppy mills.





As for a goos breed...That is a tough question...most small/medium dogs aren't really good with children because they are high strung and can me easily injured when a child accidentally hurts them...they also commonly snap when they feel threatened.





With my personal experience, I would highly recommend a larger dog. I'm not saying get a Great Dane or Saint Bernard, but a German Shepherd, Doberman Pinscher, or just a generally large mutt if you don't mind mixed breeds.





My personal favorite is the Doberman. So many people don't like them because they look "scary" and it's just ridiculous. My Dobie boy is the most friendly and laid back dog I've ever been around. He gets along spectacularly with kids and other animals. Best dog I've ever had and I've had a lot throughout the years.





Labs and Golden are very common for kids, but since they are sporting dogs they need lots of activity. Golden's also require a lot of grooming and very regular baths because they have that "doggie odor"


Dobes on the other hand were bred to obey its owner. So, whether you're out running around in the park or backyard or sleeping on the couch, he is happy and will not bother you to do anything other than what you want to do.





As you can tell, I am very partial to the breed. They are everything...a real dog, a wonderful companion, a protector, beautiful, easily trained, and just great all around. Plus, a swipe down with a wet cloth is all you need for several months. :)





Hope I helped out a little. Though not a small/medium breed, I honestly believe a Doberman would do your sister and everyone else in your family good.
Reply:http://www.petfinder.org





Good luck! :o)
Reply:you can get a cute %26amp; afordable dog from the humaine society it is a great thing to adopt a dog %26amp; a good cause. if you want more of puppy you can look in the paper.





i recconmend a shitsui or a begal.


(small dogs are hyper though)
Reply:check your local animal shelter or buy a paper with classifieds and buy her one from there
Reply:I would go to the animal shelter. Many of those dogs get put down because people buy expensive dogs/purebreeds. I have heard that mixed dogs ('muts') are often much better. Good luck! :)
Reply:definantly go to a pound near you. they have everything u might want and there afordable. i hope youe sister love her new dog
Reply:Check your local shelter, tell them what you are looking for in a dog, they should have a few suggestions for you.
Reply:Animal shelter is your best bet, but I am a breeder and when people pay good money to get a dog/pure breed it is because they are well worth it because any good breeder will health test their dogs to get a dog that will have no health problems not like your back yard breeders that advertise on line or in papers those dogs are more likely to have problems than ones that are matched to better the breed and not to just make money, a good breeder will guarantee their pups/dogs for their life unlike the back yard breeder
Reply:Labrador retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Standard Poodles


Basset Hounds and Boston Terriers are all good companion dogs and good with children. You can look around for breeders in your area on the internet. Sometimes you can find people selling puppies in the the local trader or classified ads for a more reasonable price. Also you can go to the pound , Alot of times people may drop off a litter of these pups simply because they cant find a good home for them and are unable to care for them theirself.
Reply:most shelters only ask about $100-$200 for a dog. It depends on the age of the dog, the younger, the more expensive (It's generally 6 months and younger are the higher end, one year and over on the lower end, the price also depends on the shelter and their needs). What you really need to do though, is bring your sister to the shelter with you, and see how the she interacts with the dog and vice versa. I don't know how old your sister is, but you definately need to check that it can deal with children. Some dogs don't like younger children because they tend to be too rough with them. A shelter would definately be the best place to go, both for your wallet, and you'd be giving a homeless dog a warm, loving home. Best of Wishes!