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.