I'd definitely recommend getting an older animal, no matter what kind you choose....it'd do better being left alone for a long time. It all depends on what issue is most important to you. If it is the shedding, then don't get a cat, or a dog that sheds....Two breeds of dogs that don't really shed are schnauzer and a poodle. I have both of them, lol, so of course I'm biased too. Schnauzers are great little dogs, but you have to keep up on the grooming. They are very intelligent, and easy to train. They tend to bark at "intruders" though, lol.