Help Finding The Right Breed

[SouthernWoman]

I am considering getting a dog and I would like some suggestion on the right breed for me. I know I could rescue a dog and that is an option, but I do somewhat prefer pedigreed dogs because I can trace health, temperament, etc. back several generations and a mixed breed is often a guessing game for that.

Okay, I am going to give some information on living arrangements and requirements for the dog:

1. I live in a decent-sized apartment, not huge but not a shoe box. So a smaller dog (under 50 lb.) is probably best.
2. I am more than willing to take the dog on 2 or 3 walks a day lasting 20 or more minutes (I need the exercise).
3. I don't mind shedding much, but not really into those breeds that shed huge clumps in spring, etc.
4. The dog needs to be able to handle Floridian weather, which is hot, wet, and has fairly mild winters.
5. MUST be very good/safe with children; I have nieces, nephews, and friends with children so I want a dog I can trust with them. I will not leave the dog unattended or anything, but I don't want to have be overly worried that the children are around the dog.
6. I prefer a dog that will offer some warning of people at the door and bark if someone enters the house uninvited. Again, not looking for big dominance or aggression, but definitely some protectiveness.
7. I would like a dog that is fairly easy to train and affectionate, does not have to slobber all over me constantly or know how to drive, but one that enjoys my company and I can train without a huge struggle would be nice.

Anyone have any good suggestions? And I can answer any questions to help so please, ask away!

[Rusty-Buck]

Sounds like my Brittany boy, Buck

Brittanys are great dogs and they seem that they would be a good dog for you. They are about 30-40 lbs (I think Buck is about 37)
They do need alot of exercise but if you can provide it then that would be ok
Buck does shed, but not too too much
Yall have about the same weather as we do Brittanys can handle the hot and the wet and the cold. They can pretty much handle anything
Buck is awesome with kids, he is very patient and gets along well with small children. But you need to raise them with kids from the time they are pups
Brittanys are easy to train. They are eager to listen to their master and they are very smart and able to connect the command with the action.
He will bark when people are in our yard or come to the door but he won't attack them or hurt them, he barks at them but then wants to be their friend! He is a very sweet dog who loves people and just wants to be loved!
I have a good site on the other computer that you answer the questions and it will tell you the right breeds for you. I'll post it later. Good luck finding the right breed! You may find out that Britts aren't perfect for you, but they seem like they would be a good match.

[Rusty-Buck]

ok I found the site:

http://www.k9country.com/perl/dogBreed.pl
this is a real good site I think. Ok I didn't see that you had an apartment, so does your apartment have access to a fenced in yard or something? This should help you pick out the right kind of dog for you. And it's fun too. Good luck!

[Nightrise]

I would have never thought of a Brittany but that's not a bad idea at all ^^

[Rusty-Buck]

I wouldn't have except I have one and I love him so... and it seemed like it would fit.

[whimzikal]

Mini or standard schnauzer comes to mind.
Great watch dogs but very friendly and tolerant. Brittanies are great too!
Or a Westie, Scottie, Shih-tzu, Corgie, nearly any terrier...
Yeah, back to the Schnauzers

[SouthernWoman]

No yard, but access to lots of areas to walk and at least a couple of parks that I know of (might be more but I am just moving it and have not looked too hard yet .)


Some of the breeds sound interesting and I will look into them, but I will definitely pass on Miniature Schnauzers. No offense intended to any owners or admirers of the breed, but I really don't like them much. My fiancé's parents have one that is an absolutely horrible little creature so they have completely turned me off the breed. This dog barks piercingly and CONSTANTLY at me despite the fact that he has known me for more than two years, gets into everything, has the worst manners and behavior of any dog I know, and is very snappy. AND to make it even worse, he is on the doggy version of Prozac apparently so I can't imagine him OFF it .

I know he might just be one bad example, but honestly because of him, I really don't want a Schnauzer.

[Moo]

For your needs, I'd avoid most hounds, herders & terriers. Sounds like a sporting or working dog to me. Non-working may work. I wouldn't go too small either. Brittany's a good choice. A miniature or standard poodle, maybe. Or a Bichon Frise. Your good old lab, maybe a boxer? A bull dog is a little slobbery...

[ESlover]

Ok Being a Brittany owner myself here is the warning. lol. My girl is almost too smart for her own good. I was really frustrated with her till she was about a year and a half. This dog was intended to do a lot of obedience competition. At two years of age she had her 2nd obedience title. Of course I was very determined too. She is a great dog to warn if anything is a little out of order. This is also a very healthy breed, that is one big reason for me choosing one. Try to do yourself a big favor and go visit some before buying tons of brittanies end up in rescue. Maybe you could rescue one!! Brittanies can be very mild and clam or be pretty crazy. That mostly depends on the breeding. My girl is very dually bred, She can be a bit crazy some days. lol go to my site and you could check her out. Destiny is her name.

If you want an awesome dog with kids, my English setter is amazing with kids. This is the Bench type of course and can be spendy to get also. They may be a bit bigger then you are looking for. my ES I think is about 50 lbs. and about 23 inches at the shoulders, my britt is 35lbs and about 19 inches at the shoulders. The english is also a lot of coat care but is very loving and sweet not to mention beautiful! Also they take a bit more repetition to learn things. This may not be the best choice for you but only you can really decide that. If you do want an ES please let me know so I can steer you in the right direction.

Corgi would probably be a good way to go too. Fun loving little guys they are.

[Deb's Tiny Dogs]

I am a HUGE fan of Toy Poodles!! I have two.

They are the perfect size, smart as whips, soft and cuddly, VERY trainable,
good around kids if introduced early and often, don't shed (I love this!!), and can easily be trained to bark only when someone's at the door.

They do best with puppy school followed by adult obedience (as do most dogs). Without it, they can be yappy. They need to go to the groomer about every 5-6 weeks and I brush mine a couple of times a week.