What breed dog to get?

[amydidit]

We're finally in a position where we can get a dog again. We have a vet lined up who will work with us financially. We have someone lined up for training. We want to be really smart about what breed to get this time though. We can't spend a lot up front (don't have a lot of money, hence the reason for the vet who will work with us financially). I've seen tests online before that supposedly help you narrow down a good breed for your family. Any suggestions on which tests are the most accurate?

And our info, in case anyone wants to suggest a breed.
Yard:
We have a medium sized yard (well, *I* think it's medium sized. I don't know the square footage). Small fence, about 3 feet in some places, 6 feet in others (so need a dog that isn't known for jumping a lot... we don't plan to have the dog outside unsupervised often). We might be able to block off the short fence areas. Previous tenants here had a dog run, so I know it can work back there.

Exercise:
At least a couple walks a day. Some running in the backyard. Go to the dog park once a week. So want a dog that isn't outrageously active.

Protection:
Our dog doesn't need to be a watchdog. We don't want a dog that is going to bark at every little thing that walks by the house.

Grooming:
I don't mind grooming once a week if necessary. Rather not have a dog that needs more than that.

Allergies:
We have all been around a lot of different types of dogs. The only breed my DD reacted too was a great Pyrenees. She got a rash.

Kids:
We have a 12 yr old, 4 yr old, and 2 mth old. So need a breed that is typically good with kids.

Animals:
We have 4 cats. So need a breed that is typically good with other animals.

Size:
My DH doesn't care for really tiny dogs like chihuahuas. And our house isn't very big, so a large dog like a mastiff probably isn't a good idea either. Anything between should be fine.

Personal preference:
I'm not a huge fan of labs. They're cute and nice and all, but DH's family all have labs, and I just want something different.

Previous history with dogs:
Both DH and I have owned dogs before. I used to show dogs when I was younger. Shiba inus, german sherpards, and akitas. But it's been a long time.

Any suggestions of breeds?

[lilyka]

well I can help you out with what to eliminate right away . . . . huskies, anything in the collie family (barkers), anything that starts with Aussie (great fun but little lunatics, can get nippy with kids. mine is super smart but super naughty and smart enough to get away with quite a lot)

I have heard shibas are amazing dogs! and sounds like it would fit your requirements.

[amydidit]

Shiba's are incredible jumpers though. I love them. They are truly awesome. My aunt bred them and more than one jumped over her 6 foot fence! Even if we can partition off the backyard the highest fence is 6 feet. So sadly I don't dare get a shiba.

[Momily]

What about a Corgi?

Actually my dog sounds like he'd be perfect for you, but I'm not sure what he is. The vet said "sheltie mix", the rescue says "collie mix" the groomer says "American Eskimo mix" all I know is he's medium energy, quiet, gentle, great with my kid, and super cute.

Of course he's not available, but you could look at rescues in your area for a mutt that's a good match.

[delicious]

shibas are also high energy!

i have two of them. they rock. but yeah, they are wild!

[youngwife]

I would not rule out a larger dog (mastiff, etc.) because while they are large, once they're full grown they're usually very low energy and very "no-fuss" type of dogs. They don't require near as much exercise as say a small terrier does. Many people are mistaken by the fact that because a dog is large, they require tons of exercise and have lots of energy. While that is somewhat true (take an Akita for example), it is not always.

Also, like someone else said, stay away from collie or anything like an aussie shep. They bark lots, herd and are not well known for being wonderful with kids and other small animals. Would you consider a boxer? A boxer puppy is totally happy and FULL of energy, but as they age (around 2years+) they mellow out and are usually wonderful with kids.

Like yet another person said, a plain ole mutt from a shelter is a very viable option. They're one of a kind and you can usually never find two alike.

Best of luck to you, and post pics once you add another member to your family!

[amydidit]

Our concern about a very large dog is more the amount of room we have inside the house. That is good to know that they do tend to mellow with age though.

We're considering a mutt, but want to keep our options open. Plus it helps to know what breeds to stay away from even if we get a mutt. If the dog is obviously a high part of *insert breed that's bad for us here* we're going to want to keep looking.

[Momily]

My list of requirements was very much like yours but I wanted to stay under 30 lbs. Boston Terriers came up a lot in my research. Unfortunately my son really didn't like the looks of short nosed dogs (well, maybe fortunately because if we got a BT we wouldn't have Lyle) so they were out. I also really really love pugs.

[Frogmorest]

The ONLY requirement that a Collie DOES NOT fit is in the barking... and mine? Not a huge barker. But GREAT with kids, small pets, small fences keep them in easily because they just don't WANT to escape. Smooth collies have very little grooming requirements too. Corgi's fit this bill as well.

[zacharysmom]

look at the Golden Retriever breed great with kids quite smart and loyal

[gingerstar]

What about adopting a greyhound?
The only thing I can see is they do not handle rough-housing, but if your children can be taught to be gentle, it might be a perfect fit.
A friend of mine adopted one, it was so sweet and just a big couch potato! It had never seen stairs before, and there were a few other things like that he had to teach it, but it was a great dog.
I think it meets your requirements!

[Turquesa]

The best and most comprehensive site for your search is www.dogbreedinfo.com.

Make sure to take the quiz:
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/search.htm

Then tell us what you came up with that interests you!

[lilyka]

oh, boxers, I they are sweet sweet dogs.

[Girl In The Fire]

Originally Posted by Turquesa

The best and most comprehensive site for your search is www.dogbreedinfo.com.

Make sure to take the quiz:
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/search.htm

Then tell us what you came up with that interests you!

I hate to say it but that is like the worst dog site ever! It totally caters to BYB's and millers. I took the dog breed quiz and it recommended a plethora of mix breed designer mutts that are totally inappropriate for my situation.

[BellaClaudia]

get a mutt..

they are best!
but get some almost grown so you know the character..
go to the local animal shelter.. save a life.

[graceomalley]

I think a King Charles Cavalier Spaniel sounds perfect for you. We all have our favourites in terms of colouring (I love rubies and blenheims) but colour has nothing to do with temperament. They're a really great dog. I'm not sure if you'd find one as a rescue in the US? They're rarely dumped here in Australia because they suit everyone. If you don't go with a rescue, this is one breed where you absolutely must see evidence of testing for health problems when you talk to the breeder.

Boston Terriers are nice dogs too. A bit funny looking and not as good as a cav, but still a very good option. Maybe these are more available through a rescue? I don't know if things are different in the US (they're around the $4000 mark for a well breed pup from a good breeder in Australia, so they're never in shelters).

[nd_deadhead]

I second the recommndation for a COrgi. Ours is a Cardigan - Pembrokes (in my understanding) tend to be smaller, but act more like small dogs. Even as a puppy, our breeder described him as a "sensible" puppy, and at age 8, he still is.

They do have a double coat, so they shed a lot (though less if brushed regularly); with their short legs, they can get a lot of exercise in the house. But because they are a herding breed, they can go for long walks too, when they are in good condition. You do have to work to teach them not to herd children, but ours learned that in less than a week. He also learned not to bark in the house in a very short time (other than the occasional warning bark, which I think is acceptable).

There are lots of Pembrokes out there; many fewer Cardigans. I perfer Cardis because they have a long tail, stockier build, bigger ears, and more laid-back personality. They are real clowns!

Ours is a chow hound - if we did not measure his food, he would weigh 85 pounds instead of 35! He used to like cats, until my brother's cat terrorized him (she was an evil psycho-cat).

Sometimes you can find older dogs available for adoption from breeders - retired show dogs, retired breeding stock, dogs that are well-trained and socialized, but no longer fit into a breeder's lineup. With young kids - especially a baby - in the house, you might want to look for an older dog.

Good luck!

[canuckgal]

We are really happy so far with our Boston Terrier. Will grow to head at my knee height, 20-25lb, has short hair that needs the odd brushing. We've only heard her bark a few times in the two months we have had her. Likes to chase balls in the kitchen, and in the yard, and is happy with 2 20 min walks a day. (so far, she is only 4 mo old). O, and did I mention SMART?!?!? She catches on to things so easily.

2 funny drawbacks...they pass gas, and snore, LOL!