Dog Types

[jamesglewisf]

I'd like a dog that doesn't shed.

My wife would like a big dog that doesn't shiver and is good with kids.

Any suggestions?

[Clowner]

A dog that doesn't shed, I would have to say a cocker spaniel....My Sister-in-Law has one, and Breanna is a beautiful dog....They have never had any problems with her and the kids either...

I grew up with a Doberman, and she was an awesome dog...She did shed...

Best of luck finding the right dog for your family!!

[Grimey]

Did you ever pick a dog Jim?

[jamesglewisf]

We haven't picked yet. I think we are leaning toward a Jack Russell terrier. I think that is what they are called.

[jamesglewisf]

Now we are leaning toward the Westie Terrier.

[raybeck]

Terrier's are great dogs! We love schnauzers, and they don't shed. Very smart, too. I think the terrier family is a really good breed.

[jamesglewisf]

Are schnauzers supposed to be good with kids? We want one that will be good with the neighborhood kids as well as our own.

[Noseypoo]

I'd like a dog that doesn't shed.

My wife would like a big dog that doesn't shiver and is good with kids.

Any suggestions?
Kinda late but hey ...
Get a poodle (the biggest of poodles, I think it's standard, but not too sure) ... friend of mine has a whole house full of them ... just make sure not to give them goofy hair-do's, they look a lot nicer au-natural ;)

[CuriousG]

Staffordshire Bull Terriers are great dogs with kids. I have an American Staffordshire and he has a short coat and doesn't shed too much. They look like Pit bulls, but a bit smaller. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier doesn't get over 35 or 40 lbs. They call them "nanny-dogs" in England since they are so good with kids. My dog is great other than some separation anxiety problems that we are getting through. They are kind of intimidating dogs to look at, but very sweet. Just like any dog, its all in how they are treated and raised. It's a shame how some dogs get a bad rep. just because of their breed. That's just not fair.

Good luck with your new addition!

[raybeck]

Schnauzers are wonderful with children. Ours is 11 in September and we have 3 grandsons, ages, 5, 1 and 4 mos., she puts up with all of them. They really are wonderful dogs and very smart! Have you decided on what you are getting yet, Jim? Good luck!!!

[jamesglewisf]

Well, I never really wanted any pet. I was going along for my wife's sake.

After 9 years of talking about getting a pet, she changed her mind and decided that she didn't want someone else to take care of that you can't take on trips and such.

[XoColemanXo]

Well, I have a Brazilian mastiff puppy, they are big dogs and excellent with people and kids as well, ( as long as you socialize the dog and bring him/her around people at a young age). SHe is only 4 months old and already excellent with my 3 little children (ages 7, 4, and 2). They are all over her, granted I stop it when I see it becuase even though she is nice to the kids , lets face it a dog is a dog, there are instincts. But anyway, this is a very protectful breed against people you DO NOT want around, and loving toward the people you do.

[muscratgrrl]

Greyhounds are Wonderful. I have three dogs, but the greyhound is Greyt with the shedding, smart, extremely affectionate with children, quiet, and they don't get into things! *All of the myths about them being highstrung are just that- myths. Insiders call them 45mph couch potatoes! They go out in the yard once a day to run and then retire to the dog bed. They look "skinny" but many males are well into the 80's in weight, females 60-65lbs. Large, but very manageable.

I have a Pitbull/Labrador mix, and I must say, all of the Pitbull myths are just that. Pits are some of the most loving, gentle, and protective love-sponges ever!

[jaimegerise]

I know some people that have what's called a labradoodle. It's a cross breed of a labrador and a standard poodle. It's as big as a labrador but it's coat is curlier. Supposedly this breed was bred specifically to not shed as easily and it's quite cute!!!

Personally I have a husky and a husky/chow mix. NOT the kind of dogs you want if you don't like shedding! :D

[CuriousG]

I've heard of the labradoodle. They actually had one in the pet store that is in the mall a year or two ago. They were advertising them as hypo-allergenic dogs.

[spirit renewed]

Shih Tzu don't shed. But they do need regular grooming. They look like fluffy little things, but are very sturdy. Probably not good for families with very young children, though. They are great watchdogs, but not good guard dogs. You always know when someone is near the house, but if they got inside, they'd lick them to death. If you happen to prefer cats to dogs, then these are dogs you would want if you ever got one. They've got a delightful bit of independence in them.

[JacMac]

I don't think you're still looking but my advice if you've changed your mind again and your wife wants a larger dog that doesn't shed and is good with kids, I'd actually suggest an airedale terrier. I don't think these terriers have AS MANY of those quirky terrier tendencies you see in the smaller terriers, like westies, cairns, etc. (and pits and staffordshires are not terrier-like at all! they are wonderful but they DO shed). When you require something as strict as "no shedding" you severely limit your options in other areas. I've got a bluetick coonhound and a bloodhound. I've learned to deal with the drooling to have 2 of the most mellow, even tempered dogs you could imagine! My 2 year old niece lies on them and plays with their big long ears and they don't mind a bit! They just love to be loved!!

Whatever you decide, please look into the breed quite thoroughly before you make your decision... Jack Russells are cute but A LOT OF WORK...they are not a breed for just anyone, and research before purchase prevents pooches from ending up at a local shelter for simply being themselves and doing what they were bred to do. Each breed was created with a purpose...most terriers are ratters which is what causes their often neurotic behaviors. Domestication may have made them people oriented, but you can't necessarily override their natural instincts. Be aware of what those instincts are.

Good luck if you are still considering! If not, I hope you feel better prepared for if you do ever decide to!

[jamesglewisf]

Thanks. My wife decided she didn't want a dog.