Help me pick a dog breed.

[robinb]

I am looking for a dog with exactly the same criteria.

We used to have a Japanese Akita, but like the Sammies they blow their coat twice a year (yuck!). I was terribly allergic to our dog, and became more allergic as she got older. Akitas are very protective and dog aggressive, but Akiko only barked when she needed to. Even so, she was a great dog and we loved her but with a 5 year old and my allergies another Akita is not an option.

The standard poodle is on my short list. My DH also doesn't want a prissy dog and we both want a big dog as our Akita was 100lbs. We're also thinking about a Scottish Deerhound or a Portuguese Water Dog. I still might be allergic to the Deerhound and the PWD may be too darn water-crazy for me, so the poodle is still my first choice.

Edited to add:
Here's a PDF file about the PWD:
http://www.pwdca.org/Puppy_Pkt/packet.pdf

They may be a little too active for you, but they are really darn cute!

 

[Papa Deuce]

Originally posted by Pooh67_68
Go bigger and get a Newfoundland, of course they need constant brushing and drool all over the place.

Try www.petfancy.com

One of my favorite dogs but won't get one just for those reasons.

 

[Papa Deuce]

Originally posted by Lisa L from MI
I would go a little bigger too....a Bullmastiff! Babe was the BEST dog ever!!! Meets all your criteria (except the weight..)and then some!!!

>>> Another favorite of mine, but my wife thinks they are too big, and very expensive to buy in my area. But I love 'em! <<<<

 

[Papa Deuce]

Originally posted by goofy4tink
We have two Soft-Coated Wheaton Terriers in our family. Non-shedding, about 40-50 lbs., good with kids, the one with-out baggage doesn't bark, not clingy. Or I would go with a standard poodle without the clipping. Nothing prissy about that. Boxers are also nice family dogs.

I once had a boxer.....good dog, his name was Sarge. Dumber than dirt! Once knocked himself out running into a tree ( for no reason I could tell ).

 

[Papa Deuce]

Originally posted by stamper
Well, I am a bit biased and would say a Samoyed...except they do "blow coat" 1-2 times a year . I am willing to put up with that to get the wonderful family dog these guys are! And they just love the snow!!

If we didn't have Sams, Bernese Mountain Dogs would our breed...very easy going dogs. The short haired version, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is also very nice.

We go to lots of dog shows and we get to see a lot of breeds. The Bull Mastifs and the Mastifs are big, but what sweet dogs. As are the Danes. Bigger dogs are quite often more tolerant of kids. Boxers are great too. I'm not a poodle fan, but that's just me . I agree that the Working Group dogs are very bright, but so are the Herding Group dogs. Herding dogs though require lots more exercise, which means more time commitment on the owners part as well as ample space.

So many things to consider. Good for you for doing your homework! Chose a reputable breeder or check into rescue....every breed has it's own rescue. Good luck on finding your new furbaby!

1. We LOVE the Berms!. But they are known for having a lot of health problems. A vet once told us that with a Berm you get 7 healthy years, 7 years of rapidly declining health, and then death.

2. We have a herding dog... an Aussie. In many ways he is a great dog. But in many ways he really is the wrong dog for us. He is a HUGE barker when he sees or hears anything, but quiet most of the time. We did a lot of research before getting him, and I mean a lot, but still we didn't make the best choice for us. BTW, we like the Berms so much that our Aussie is a black tri color --- the same colors and look as many Berms. OH, and when we got him we were childless. Now we have twin 3 year old girls. He loves the kids and is good with them, but I would never recommend a dog with this strong a herding instinct to someone with small kids...... he is constantly herding them and knocking them over when they play outside! If we had known that kids were on the way when we got him, well, we we wouldn't have picked him.

3. Thanks. Maybe I can convince the wife on a bull mastiff. I love those and the Newfies..... but that ain't gonna fly!

 

[MinnieMe2]

I have a basset -- not the dog you're looking for.

I think the suggestions of a soft-coated wheaton or a standard poodle without that god-awful show clip are good ones for you. The AKC site has lots of good info regarding purebred dogs, you might want to check that out.

 

[Lisa L from MI]

Just to add....Bull Mastiffs don't "drool" either....as many assume they do. They may "drip" water after drinking but Babe never "drooled" or "slobbered".

 

[TexasErin]

We LOVE our Great Pyrenees. She is such a sweet dog. She is almost 7 months old and weighs about 60 pounds. She is a huge white fluffy dog (we call her our polar bear.) She is wonderful with our kids and only barks if somebody comes to the door (or if our other dog barks). The only problem is she does shed, but since she is so furry she could easily tolerate the cold. We have really enjoyed having Molly. She has so much personality.
We also have a Skye terrier mix that we found on petfinder.com. She is also a sweet girl who is pretty good with the kids. But she only weighs about 30 pounds. She doesn't seem to shed much- her hair is a strange texture kind of more like hair than fur.
I think a Boxer would meet your criteria (not sure about how they tolerate the cold, though.)
Good luck in whatever you decide. Dogs are always a wonderful addition to a family.

 

[DWhittles]

<<I have a basset -- not the dog you're looking for.>>
I'm REALLY curious why you would say this. I recommend the breed to anyone who will listen to me. I'm completely hooked on my houndies and don't think I'll ever own another breed!
Diana

 

[TandJ61574]

Here is a pic of my son's puppy Titus. He is a boxer.

He is only 1 but he was so easy to train, he is so obedient, loving, doesnt bark, doesnt shed.

 

[Hercules10]

From your description I'd suggest a Siberian Husky (especially the no-bark part and being a snow-walker). Although I don't know much about their shedding. I'd guess that since they have a lot of hair they would be a 'shedder'.

And note...I don't HAVE a husky. Got a German Shepherd Dog. AKA Mr. Hemorrhoids.

 

[CyranoJones]

Not a "clingy" breed.

They don't call greyhounds "Velcro dogs" without good reason. If you don't want a shadow, I wouldn't recommend a greyhound. Just my personal experience, of course.

 

[Crankyshank]

huskies blow coat twice a year, as do keeshonds. I would love another kees (had one when I was a child) but I spend enough time fighting the losing battle against beagle fur.

LOL Cyrano - my friend Aimee's grey is called Shadow for that very reason. Sweet, easy going, lovable dogs. Fabulous with kids. Not terribly independent

A friend of mine has a BullMastiff. What a love he is. So big and threatening looking but you've got more to fear from a poodle than him. He is a huge space hog, though.

 

[Lisa L from MI]

A friend of mine has a BullMastiff. What a love he is. So big and threatening looking but you've got more to fear from a poodle than him. He is a huge space hog, though.

EXACTLY........I miss my BullMastiff-Babe-it is terrible......hse was the BEST dog in the World......you could NEVER get a better one!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Crankyshank]

Bubba is the epitome of "big dumb dog". He's such a mush, though.

 

[chrissie123]

Staffordshire bull terrier????
Great with people & other dogs...My sister has always kept Staffys as pets & loved them to pieces...When Holly died (previous dog)aged 16 She went out 12mths later & bought Summer she is a real sweetie & really really good with my dds who are 11 & 12 she is sociable...I am not a dog fan (Sorry... i am a cat person ...got 3 of my own)... But if i had to have one this is the breed that i would personally get...Good Luck....

 

[Rozzie]

As mom to two retired greyhounds, I would have to vote for this breed. We have had labs, dobies, etc. and these two greyts are the most wonderful companions. One is velcro, and one isn't. which brings to something I wish we talked more about--

I think we run into a trap stereotyping dog breeds. To say "greyhounds are the best for children" makes everyone believe all greyhounds are great with children. Same with our rescue lab, he loved to hunt, but not all labs like to hunt. (of course they are few) I guess what I am trying to say is like children, all dogs are separate idenities, look at dogs as individuals.

And please don't forget about rescues. We only do rescues, and I wish I could articulate the look in their eyes. They really do know you saved their life, and they dedicate their life back to you.

 

[QuiltTeddy]

I firmly believe in adopting as opposed to purchasing a pet.

We have a sherpard mix (they told us at the pound that she was a shepard/lab mix, but we seem to think she's shepard/terrier). She is 46 lbs., very gentile and loving. The best dog we've ever had and we rescued her from the pound.

I think a very good family dog (although not a favorite of mine) are labs. They have a very gentile demeanor, are good with children and seem to fit most of your criteria.

As with any dog, they are as tame as you raise them to be. Good luck with your selection. Post a picture of your new addition once you select one.

 

[heart4pooh]

I'd go with the boxer. Mine meets all your criteria. I can't imagine her being dumb enough to run into a tree!! I love her always, but especially when she sleeps on the floor next to our son's bed while he sleeps, "protecting" her boy. Yep, she's our "Angel".