Answer

In the name of Allah the Most Kind

It is narrated from Ibn `Abbas : Abu Talha, a companion of Rasullulah ()and one of those who fought at Badr together with Allah's Apostle told me that Rasullulah said. "Angels do not enter a house in which there is a dog or a picture" He meant the images of creatures that have souls.( Bukhari 5.338)

The above Hadith manifests for us the fact that as Muslims we should not keep a dog in the confines of the house as it brings about a decrease in the mercy therein. Nevertheless, there is a leniency as we learn from the following Hadith.

It is narrated from Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with him): Rasullulah said, "Whoever keeps a (pet) dog which is neither a watch dog nor a hunting dog, will get a daily deduction of two Qirat from his good deeds." Bukhari 7.389:

Dogs can be kept for the following reasons: hunting, guarding the home or property, farming (in which the dogs are trained to respond to the farmer and aid in herding, protecting sheep, cattle etc) guiding the blind etc, they should not be kept as mere pets in the homes of Muslims.

One wishes to advise that it is important that all such dogs which are to be used for the above mentioned purposes are trained for that function. Guard dogs which can attack or hurt the family of the owner are not advisable to keep. Dogs have been known to attack innocents in the past such as children. Hence, where there is a risk then alternative means should be sought to protect ones property (and Allah knows best).

Furthermore, as Muslims we must acknowledge that we must show mercy to Allah creation.

The Companion of the Prophet Abu Huraira ()narrates: Rasullulah () said, "A man felt very thirsty while he was on the way, there he came across a well. He went down the well, quenched his thirst and came out. Meanwhile he saw a dog panting and licking mud because of excessive thirst. He said to himself, "This dog is suffering from thirst as I did." So, he went down the well again and filled his shoe with water and watered it (gave water to the dog). Allah thanked him for that deed and forgave him. The people (Sahaabah) said, "O Rasullulah! Is there a reward for us in serving the animals?" He replied: "Yes, there is a reward for serving any animate (living being)." (Bukhari 3.646:)

And Allah knows best