If she is dead set against terriers, she really has few choices. The only small "non-shedding" dogs that I know of that are not terriers are poodles and bichons. There may be a few other breeds, but they will be curly-haired as well. Those people who state any other dogs consider "minimal shedding" as "non-shedding." There is a big difference. Curly-haired dogs, however, require a lot of care and grooming because they don't lose their hair and it tends to mat and tangle without careful attention to their coats, as would our hair if we didn't take care of it. If she gets a curly dog, I recommend that she keep it cut short if she doesn't want to take care of it.

I do not recommend the schnauzer simply because they are such a pain to train. They are very headstrong dogs and rarely listen to their owners. We can spot schnauzer owners a mile away: they seem to always be hunched over. I like to say that this is because they are always chasing their rotten dogs, arms outspread, yelling "Get over here you little s**t!"

While schnauzers do not have a seasonal shed, they do shed year round. It is less than most dogs, but the hair is still there. All dogs shed a bit, just like people, but the seasonal shed is what most people talk about.

Are you sure that your grandmother really wants a dog? This thread has gone on so long that it doesn't seem that she is really interested. I wouldn't recommend forcing a dog on anyone that truly doesn't want one on their own. Not all people are dog people and those that are not will quickly get frustrated with a dog. There is a lot of work and patience necessary. Please don't create a rescue dog because you feel she needs a companion. Ask her if she really wants a dog at all. People who say that they don't want a dog that sheds invariably are also saying that they don't want a dog that drags dirt into their house, that doesn't ever mess the carpet, doesn't occasionally get into the trash, doesn't chew on anything inappropriate, doesn't get sick, doesn't dig up their garden, doesn't leave land mines in the yard, etc. In other words, it is the easiest way to eliminate a dog as a potential pet.

How about a fish or a cat? We all love our dogs or we wouldn't be on this forum. We should also love them enough to make sure that they have a healthy, loving home.



[This message has been edited by Sophies Daddy (edited December 10, 2000).]