Good breeds for a "shop dog"?

[cyncyn]

We will be getting a new dog in a couple months and I would like to get a dog that I can bring to my store every day. The dog would have 2 rooms gated off from the shop area and my 6yo will be on hand to play, take on walks etc. What are some good breeds less than 50 lbs., not too much shedding, calm around people coming in and out all day, not a barker. Also, good with cats and chickens (don't have either yet but will soon). And would an older dog adapt or should we get a puppy so it will be used to this lifestyle from the beginning? I'm prone to going for a mixed breed rescue dog, but the unpredictability might be a deal breaker.

[Sol_y_Paz]

Originally Posted by cyncyn

calm around people coming in and out all day, not a barker. Also, good with cats and chickens (don't have either yet but will soon). r.

This could very well be a training issue too. Is this your first dog/puppy?

[Miasmamma]

I have seen some wondeful older dogs come through the breed rescue that I do that would love this type of life! I know my dogs would! I don't think you need to look so much at breed as personality. If you contact a breed rescue and let them know what you are looking for, they should know each dog well enough to be able to tell you if a particular dog would fit your lifestyle. I would say though to stay away from the sporting dogs and some hounds due to the chickens and cats. I love my dogs and trust them with my cats, but not with chickens! They are BIRD dogs!!!

[cyncyn]

I agree training and socialization will be important for this to be comfortable for all involved (pet & people lol). This has been a weak area for us in our dog owning since we tend to treat our dogs like people and not establish a proper pack order from the beginning. I was thinking about clicker training as a good method that dh, dd and I could all use for consistency.
I am leaning toward a young adult dog, with an outgoing personality yet affectionate. We have had herding dogs before and I love their smarts but I think a working breed might get bored. I do need to talk to some of our local shelter people but I'm worried I'll fall for the cute one who catches my eye (it's happened before lol). We've been pretty loose on our dog selection criteria before now, but I want to be more careful this time, as this will be the dog dd grows up with for the next 10-15 years.