Have a few questions about a few breeds

[Giselle]

Just to clear things up, it has been said that people are most often allergic to pet DANDER and SALIVA. Therefore, no breed is guaranteed "hypo-allergenic". That's right. There is no "hypo-allergenic" dog breed. Unless the dog has no saliva and does not shed its skin and does not urinate, you're going to be hard pressed to find a dog that won't aggravate your allergies.

However, because dogs with curly hair and human-like hair tend to shed less, it is generally easier to keep up with the amount of dander that pollutes the enviornment. Many breeds besides the three Poodle varieties are often recommended for people with allergies including:

Terriers - Schnauzers (Mini, Standard, and Giant), Bedlington, Soft Coated Wheaten, and Kerry Blue
Hairless breeds - Peruvian Inca Orchids, Chinese Cresteds (not the Powderpuff variety!), Xolocuintli (Mexican hairless), etc.
Single-coated breeds - Italian Greyhounds
"Human" hair breeds - Malteses
Curly coated breeds - Bichon Frises, Irish Water Spaniel, Portugese Water Dog

Like Karen has already mentioned, there is obviously controversy surrounding "miniature Australian Shepherds". I am personally not a fan of "new" breeds and I'm certainly not a fan of any miniaturized breed. I only support new breeds that fill a niche in the dog world. In my eyes, a smaller Aussie is comparable to a Shetland Sheepdog. There is no niche to be filled.

Are you a first time dog owner? Terriers usually aren't recommended for inexperienced owners due to their tenacity, but Soft-Coated Wheatens are generally very easy going and rather easy to take care of. From your requirements, I would recommend around a Soft-Coated Wheaten the most.

I also wanted to add: An easily trained dog is a dog that thrives on attention and thirsts for knowledge. You will need to train this dog regularly and keep it busy with various activities and mind-games. While independant dogs are more difficult to train, they do not have the same drive to learn more. Some food for thought

Your last requirement can apply to any and every dog. It does not matter what breed the dog is. As long as you can provide proper training, any dog of any breed will blossom into a dog that will tolerate others. Good luck in your search for the perfect dog.

Please remember not to overlook the shelter dogs, too!

[IShowDogsForFun]

I am not sure about the allergies, but I have Vizslas and they fit the rest of you discription. They are very playful, but at the same time they will curl right up next to you. They are extremly smart and very friendly towards others. The weigh between 40-50 pounds depending on if you get a male or female. My little girl at the most weighs 40 pounds, but she is also small for a Vizsla. I would have to say that their worst trait is if you don't like dogs that want to cuddle and be next to you than don't get one. Hope this helps!!!!

[Iilo]

I'd suggest something with hair, not fur, if you have allergies.

I second Giselle's suggestion of a SCWT -- but be careful to find a good breeder.