What breed of dog should I get?

[Kelly]

My family is looking for a new puppy. We would like to get a purebreed, inside dog.
We are looking for ideas, not a heavy sheader, easy to train, good with kids. I was looking at the Boston Terrier, My husband a Lab (we had a yellow one in the past and loved him, but was big sheader) I have heard though that the blacks and chocolates do not shed as much as the yellows? I would like opinions on that as well as other suggested breeds including the Boston (smaller for inside dog) Another consideration was the Sheltie but I think it would be a big shedder, although I have had people tell me it's not. Suggestions please!

[ November 28, 2001: Message edited by: Kelly ]

[DoggiesAreTheBest]

Kelly, welcome to Pet Talk. I am sure you are going to love this place. Everyone here is so friendly and helpful.

Although I do not have experience with small breeds, I have been told that miniature Schnauzers fit your description to the T. Don't they, Jackie?

Good luck in your search for a puppy.

[ShepherdLover]

I would suggest a poodle. If you don't want a shedder, they're probably going to be the dogs that need lots of grooming.

Hope you enjoy the board!!!

[Barbiro]

Easy to train and good with kids? Flat-Coated Retrievers are excellent. Mine doesn't shed a lot, but then again we shave her during the summer.

Let us know which one you select

[aly]

Black labs and chocolate labs shed just as much as yellows from my experience. I have only owned a yellow, but have spent time with blacks and chocolates at the shelter I work at and the lab rescue group I volunteer with. If shedding is a huge concern, I would not get a lab.

When anyone asks this question, I always have to remain loyal to my Reece baby and say POODLES ALL THE WAY!!!

Don't get me wrong, I love labs and would recommend them to any qualified dog person, BUT just since you said shedding was an issue.

[Pam]

Oh My Gosh Aly!!!! There he is again, our little precious Reece man! How adorable is that face! You have given the best advice....haha! POODLES of course! Not only is there no shedding, they come in three convenient sizes and a variety of colors and are also smart little critters. Of course the downside is that they MUST be groomed and that can be costly if you don't do it yourself. Let us know what you get and welcome to Pet Talk. You will love it here!

[Karen]

Maybe whoever thought Chocolate or Black Labs don't shed as much was wearing dark clothing when they met one!

Bostons are pretty small - how old are the children the dog would be around? Shelties do shed, I can attest to that, though they do need to be brushed aften, so that tends to cut down on the loose fur more than a Lab. With any dog, you need to be careful, look at the pup's parents, and see how THEY react with children, whether they are skittish or shy. As someone else mentioned, most non-shedding dogs do need to be groomed, so that is a consideration, too!

[Kelly]

Thanks for your input so far, my kids are 10, 6, & 2&1/2. Another consideration is the shihtzu (not sure about spelling), I heard they do not shed and can be shaved also. I can deal with some hair I do vacuum a lot anyway, I just dont want a heavy shedder so it gets all piled up everywhere, its enough to keep up with the kids stuff. I thought maybe we would make a decision by Xmas and get one then.

[Pam]

Leslie who posts as "Adore My Dogs" may be able to help you here. Her mom has an adorable shih-tzu pup. Regarding a Christmas puppy....I got Bella the end of February last year. Needless to say it was COLD outside and of course you need to be outside a lot when you are housebreaking a dog. I remember those mornings getting out of my nice warm bed, putting on a bathrobe and heading outside in rain, sleet and snow! Of course that's all in the past now but it is something to consider when getting a puppy in the winter. Please do keep us updated. We love hearing about new additions here!

[*LabLoverKEB*]

Welcome to Pet Talk, Kelly!!! I'm sure you'll love it here! Glad you could join!

I have a Black Lab, named Sadie! Labrador Retrievers are wonderful dogs, but, they do shed! The best way to prevent a lot of shedding, is to brush the dog. Yes, I would suggest a Poodle!

Sarah & Sadie*

[Barbiro]

Your kids would love a long-hair chihuahua like ours (Buffy):

[purrley]

OH Barbiro - my heart just melted - that is the cutest little thing I've ever seen - OK now I'm convinced, I want a chi. just like yours!!!!!! That I would suggest as an ideal house dog. I know they shake, they have runny eyes and sometimes bark a lot, but that is a cute, cute, dog!!!!! As far a the Labs go - my daughter has a yellow lab and yes, she sheds like mad, but what a sweetheart - the labs are so easy going and loving. They make wonderful family dogs like the Goldens.

[Logan]

I would NOT suggest a Boston Terrier with small children. They are wonderful little dogs, but my experience is that they are very, very busy and just not the type of dog I would think of as a "kids" dogs. Unfortunately, my favorite dogs for kids are dogs that shed. And fortunately for me, I don't care! LOL! My daughter has grown up with Labs and Golden Retrievers, and also a very nice Cocker Spaniel (who by the way, didn't shed). You might consider adopting an adult dog that you could "test" with your kids, either purebred from a rescue group, or just a wonderful mixed breed from the animal shelter.

Good luck with your decision. You will find that on this board, we love ALL dogs, small and large.

And I must say that every picture you guys have posted is absolutely wonderful!!! Bella, Reece, Buffy, you look marvelous!!!

[ November 29, 2001: Message edited by: Logan ]

[Angels3]

I wouldn't recommend the smaller breeds like Shih-tzus with young children. You'd have a lot of grooming tasks with that breed, too. And, as you say, you're kept busy enought with your family.
For the same reason, I'd advise against shelties (we actually own 2 shelties).
Would you consider talking to the people at a local animal shelter & asking if they have a sturdy, medium-sized, short-haired, good natured mixed breed dog available for adoption? There's been some wonderful 'mutt' dogs that have attained the honour of Dog of the Day. And some of them have been described as great family pets.

[ilovehounds]

I don't want to start another fight ....lol..
But I have more then enough experience with the breeds (I think) to safly express my opinion. Ha ha Im a little scared to say it.

A boston Terrier is an excellent choice, very little shedding, super excellent with kids, very, very smart and super easy to train. They have energy but thats what makes them so good for the kids they LOVE to play. I have nothing bad to say about the boston they are a perfect dog.

I also have nothing bad to say about the labs, you may get alittle more hair because they are a bigger dog and they are great with kids, kind, gentle lovable.

The shelties, shed very much and take a LOT more grooming. Through excperence (with 6 shelties) out of your choices I would say they would be the last on the list for good with children. (ahh don't get mad sheltie lovers but 6 out of 6 not being good with kids ??).

I know you want a pure bred but there are great mutts out there that would make the perfect family pet sorry just had to say that.

Good luck in whatever breed you choose, with time, love, and paticence, it will make a great pet.


Hannah with my sisters Boston Terrier Reegan.