Breed suggestions?

I'm seriously thinking about getting a dog. I'm a SAHM with an 18 month old DS, and will hopefully have another DC in the next year. DH works a lot, and can be away from home for days at a time with his work schedule. Since having a child & DH working all the time, I feel like I would be more comfortable being home along (especially at night) with a dog in the house.

Our house is small, so a really big dog is out of the question (so are small yappy dogs ). I can't deal with a lot of shedding either, so labs are out. We have a pretty decent sized yard, and I would bring the dog on daily walks & running with me, but I don't think a super high energy dog would be a good fit either.

Does anyone have any suggestions on what breeds I should look at?

Re: Breed suggestions?

What about looking at the shelter, at perhaps a mixed breed dog?

I know a lot of people say that mixed breed dogs (mutts ) have longer life-spans and less health issues then a lot of breed dogs since many breeds have particular health issues that go along with them.

Behavior issues too.

I don't know, maybe we just got lucky but our small to medium sized mutt from the shelter is so insanely well adjusted....she's such a great family pet!

I would start looking at some local shelters and see if there is a dog who stands out to you! Our dog kinda found US!

Good luck!

Re: Breed suggestions?

Posted by Melbernai

What about looking at the shelter, at perhaps a mixed breed dog?

I know a lot of people say that mixed breed dogs (mutts ) have longer life-spans and less health issues then a lot of breed dogs since many breeds have particular health issues that go along with them.

Behavior issues too.

I don't know, maybe we just got lucky but our small to medium sized mutt from the shelter is so insanely well adjusted....she's such a great family pet!

I would start looking at some local shelters and see if there is a dog who stands out to you! Our dog kinda found US!

Good luck!

Re: Breed suggestions?

I know they are not a breed but I have a Cockapoo and it fits your criteria. He barely sheds, he's smart, medium sized (ours is about 18 lbs), doesn't yap, LOVES kids, very playful, and such a mushy dog overall. Be aware though that he, and other breeds with "hair" vs fur will need constant grooming which does get expensive. Our friend had a goldendoodle and she was a total sweetheart too. Probably bigger than you are looking for.

Every cockapoo owner we've met say the same things about their dogs, especially the mushy factor! Our 3 year old niece dreams about our dog and says his name in her sleep! WIth any dog, it is important to expose them to lots of different people of all ages, take them to different places etc. I think that helped a ton in having well adjusted dogs.


Other breeds we considered were havanese and coton tulear. We had read that they are very family oriented and do NOT like being left alone. Since you stay at home, that won't be a factor and they would also fit your criteria. They are smaller though.

good luck! I always say to start at the shelters first but a heads up that you may have a problem with them adopting out to you with such a young child.

eta: yikes, pic too big

Message edited 11/9/2011 12:25:46 PM.

Re: Breed suggestions?

Chatham Hill Retriever

We just got one and he is the sweetest puppy ever! He is basically a miniature retriever- a mix between a spaniel and flat coat.

The family that breeds them is so great. The puppies are brought up around children, so our little guy is very good with kids and people. He's very sweet, doesn't yap, and loves people. He has a decent amount of energy but not overly crazy either. He's just a fun pup with lots of love to give.

Re: Breed suggestions?

Mini Schnauzer. They're small but not too small (mine is 20lbs) They're not delicate so they would be good with kids in the house. They're very smart and easy to house break. And they don't shed!!!

Re: Breed suggestions?

Ita with a shelter dog. Purebreeds do have issues, but most importantly the kill shelters are overflowing

Re: Breed suggestions?

Re: Breed suggestions?

You can get a pure bred shelter dog. Search petfinder.com once you've decided on a breed.

It may take a bit more time, but to help a dog that would be otherwise killed IMO is worth it.

Good luck.

Re: Breed suggestions?

Some kind of poodle mix or a schnauzer.

Re: Breed suggestions?

Hi Organic,

I just happened upon this website and joined :)

I own a Mini Schnauzer as well. I cant say enough about this amazing dog and how much I love him.

We did a lot of research. We wanted a small dog that didnt shed. He is smart and a lot of fun as well. He is non allergenic dog.

I cant say enough about this breed!

Also, my brother has a dog called a "teddy bear". Its a shitza-pooda-bija-something combo. She also does NOT shed, smart, and great with his kids. Non allergenic. Good dog.

Google "teddy bear dog".

Re: Breed suggestions?

i'm expecting a baby in Feb and we recently lost our dog & it was heartbreaking...i knew we needed another dog ASAP b/c i couldn't stand to be alone everyday (our dog was my buddy) and with being super emotional & pregnant i needed a distraction - not a replacement but something else to keep me from falling to pieces instead of focusing on my grief...

we looked for a dog that met certain criteria and we didn't worry so much about breed type instead we looked for a dog that was friendly with all people and animals and most importantly children...like you i didn't want a shedder...also the dog needed to be housebroken, fixed, needed to walk well on a leash and i wanted a dog that knew a few commands already....there was no way we were getting a puppy with a LO on the way...so i went on petfinder and looked for the dogs that met the criteria we were looking for and the first dog we had an appointment with we ended up taking home....i've had her for a few weeks now and she is AMAZING....she is 1.5 years old and like i said she is amazing - adopting was the best thing we did...

we did look at only the dogs that were placed with fosters b/c they tend to know more about the dogs and to me that was important since we are having a child...for example there was one dog we were really interested in that seemed like a good fit but the foster mom told us the dog may become jealous of the baby and that was enough for us to move on...

our dog is a mix, probably a pitbull, boxer mix, maybe some hound in there and i would have never expected to get any of those breeds - so that is why i say if you are open to adopting it may be best to meet a bunch of dogs based on what you want in a pet and go from there after seeing their personalities....we spent the day with our dog walking her, playing with her, petting her to see how much she shed we saw how she interacted with people, other animals, kids, etc.

eta: our last dog, my baby, was a purebred chinese shar pei that i had shipped to me as a puppy from missouri - so i've had experience with buying a purebred puppy vs adopting and i think from now on we will always adopt

good luck!!

Message edited 11/14/2011 2:26:25 PM.

Re: Breed suggestions?

Thanks for responses everyone. I've always wanted to rescue a dog (a weim specifically), but that was before I had DS. I am way too nervous adopting an older puppy or adult dog, my cousin's 2year old was bitten in the face by an adopted dog (that was supposed to be good with children). I would feel much more comfortable with a young puppy, and this way I can make sure he/she is properly socialized, and good with young children right from the start.

I've been doing a little research, and I keep going back to the Viszla. They're a little more active than what I was thinking of, but I would just run with the dog (and baby) every day for exercise. They still shed a little, but nothing like a lab. I just can't have a dog that sheds a small puppy every single day, winter or summer

I will wait a little while to make sure this is the right decision. I go out of town for weeks at a time to my parent's house in Florida, so that will weigh in on my decision. Thanks again!

Re: Breed suggestions?

We have an English Bulldog and he is the best, just a total love with everyone. Bad part is they are pricey.