Funny you should mention, Good Owners, Great Dogs. I buy a copy of that book for every one of my friends or neighbors who acquires a new dog or puppy. I just bought my umpteenth copy on Saturday. They also have a website which is very good.

When we were looking for another dog to add to our family, I was very apprehensive, much like you, in wanting to get a dog who would fit the mix of Hannah and my husband and me. I had my mind set on another female and simply did not want a dog that shed. My husband's coworker had adopted a dog from the shelter for their daughter. The daughter was not taking care of the dog and they were going to take it back to the shelter. The coworker asked if we would be interested. Because I wanted a female and a dog that wouldn't shed, I almost said no. But I also wanted to know how Hannah would react to another dog, so this was an opportunity to find out. We told the lady that she should bring the dog over and we would take a look. When she arrived, this little guy stopped to squat (just like a girl) on the grass (sign #1), was the same size and coloring as Hannah (sign #2) and jumped into my lap and gave me a big kiss (sign #3) . Although Hannah did not fall all over him and there was a bit of grrrr on her part, neither one tore into the other. The lady asked if we would like to keep him for the weekend (no obligation). He wasn't there 30 minutes (acting like he knew the whole routine) before I knew that he was in his forever home. Forgive me for telling this story as I know it isn't all that helpful in terms of what you are looking for, but I guess the message is to keep an open mind. No, I didn't get my female (but I did get a male who doesn't mark) nor a dog who doesn't shed, but I did get a *lover* beyond any other I have had and a dear, sweet little boy. Yes, he has his *baggage*. He literally cannot tolerate being locked in a crate, but he really doesn't need to be crated! He gets up one or two times in the night to *go*, but then so do I!

You may not get exactly what you think you want, but you may find that what you get is better than you could have ever imagined.