What breed of dog should I get?

[Rottie]

Do you have a size preference?

For a smaller dog I'd suggest the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

For a larger breed I'd suggest either a Golden Retriever or an English Springer Spaniel.

You'd think that the short haired breeds shed less than the long haired breeds, but it isn't really true. The long haired breeds may need a little more brushing to get a few tangles out, but generally, they shed less.

[Barbiro]

Purrley,

Buffy is the best Chihuahua we have ever owned. I have another one, a male named Tobi (I opened a thread for him if you want to look at his pics). Neither of our chihuahuas shake, nor do they have runny eyes, nor do they bark a lot. When I compare our chihuahuas' behavior to our flat-coated retriever, there is no difference, except that the chihuahuas are more confident and will stand up to even a Great Dane. They're not whiners nor are they yappers. They bark if someone gets within 20 feet of the house, which is absolutely great. When I think I hear something, if Tobi or Buffy are not alert, I know I was inmagining things. Chihuahuas are very low maintenance. It takes me 15 minutes to bathe and groom Tobi and Buffy. In the summer I choose to shave Tobi since in Miami it gets really warm -- it takes me 10 minutes to shave him and he really enjoys it. All I know is that I will ALWAYS have a long-hair chihuahua in our lives. Everyone that meets Buffy is amazed that something so tiny (she weighs only 3 pounds) can have so much personality as she is VERY affectionate.

[Latitude11]

Hi everyone.. I'm a new member! I wanted to cast my vote for a Bichon. I believe the biggest drawback for you, for the breed, would be that they need to be brushed nearly daily.. however they have the sweetest dispostions, especially for families. They were born to love!

[Daisy's Mom]

Okay so maybe I am biased but... the Basset Hound is great with children and they don't shed too much. They're adorable sweeties... I'd know first hand! Welcome to Pet Talk and good luck with your new pup!

[Caoimhe]

I seriously recommend a Cavaleir King Charles Spaniel. They are medium small, really good with kids, really loving. They shed a little bit but they're just so great! Loving, Cute, Friendly! There are four different types or colours - blenheim, tri-colour, ruby and black and tan. The blenheim is white and tan, the tri-colour white,tan and black, the ruby completely reddish tan and the black and tan well black and tan. I have a black and tan and he's lovely!



[IMG] http://www.geocities.com/budgie1989/myotherpets.html [/IMG]

[ December 02, 2001: Message edited by: Caoimhe ]

[mary_jsn]

I think the right dog for you would be a beagle. It's small, though even-tempered but it depends of the dog u chose. It small and it doesn't shed much but it needs a lot of exercise and is more active than a Cocker Spaniel. It LOVES kids. Good luck in your search

[Roxie's Mom]

OK, even though I am a PROUD chihuahua owner I would recommend a West Highland Terrier. They are very good dogs, and do not shed and are perfect for people with allergies. I haven't heard about the training, but really that is about the owner taking the time every day to consistantly train and work with their pet. Once the dog reacts the proper way you must reward them and praise them for a job well done. Good Luck and let us know your final choice.

[jackiesdaisy1935]

Hi Kelly and welcome to Pet Talk. As Souraya said we have two Schnauzers which we love very much. Mini Schnauzers average approx from 14 to 20 lbs. They do well indoors, in fact they love to take walks and play catch but prefer coming indoors the rest of the time. They are not a dog that you could put out for the day, they love the inside. They are rugged and muscular. The do not SHED, if you brush them every other day or so. My black Mini sleeps with me and I have never found a hair in my bed or on my sheets. They have a wonderful funny personality, can be contrite at times. We have taught Daisy and Perry to sit up, lie down, shake paws and crawl. They can be independent, but that's part of the personality I love. They should be socialized as early as possible as any dog should, we made a mistake in not socializing them when we should have. The only draw back is that they should be groomed about every six weeks by a groomer or you can do it yourself with a little hands on experience. Hopefully I will post a picture of Miss Daisy the black and Dom Perignon the salt and pepper. I hope this helps you a little and again welcome.
Jackie

[BandiTank]

Are you looking for an active or more mellow dog? If you are looking for an active dog that you could take hiking and camping I might suggest a miniature (if you are looking for a smaller breed) Australian shepherd. They are great with kids and actually don't shed that much taking their long coat into consideration. If you are looking for a more mellow dog I think that a English Bulldog or French Bulldog. They are a bit more mellow than Boston Terriers. I think that the Flat-Coated Retriever would be a great breed. They are great dogs. Shelties do shed quite a bit (we have one), they may bark a lot, but are otherwise great dogs. Let us know what your decision is!