Which breed (yet again)

[Rosemary]

My parents decided that my sister was not ready for a dog, and my sister decided she did not want one (she wants ANOTHER cat). So now, in 2 or 3 years, I might be able to get a dog. I am not sure what breed though. As of now, we do not have a fenced in yard. We might soon though. This dog would have to get along well with other dogs and cats. It would have to be good with kids around 5 as well.

My mom says that the dog had to be under 60 pounds. She does not want a dog like a Bichon or Poodle, with so much hair. Shedding is not that bad though.

I am am probably just get a mix of this breed, from a rescue or shelter though.

[mara]

Sounds to me like you have lots of time to research different breeds. Read all you can, visit breeding kennels, volunteer at local rescues and humane shelters and spent time around as many dogs as you can. You're in no rush (which is good--becoming a dog owner should take some time and planning.)--There are so many wonderful dogs--rescues are full of them.

[Rosemary]

I volenteer with a rescue, and they have alot of lab mixes, and shepard mixes. I really like border collies, shelties and australian shephards, but I do not think they would be happy here. They just have so much energy, and we would not be able to occupy them enough. I have a feeling that I will just fall in love with a random rescue dog, but I want to research different breeds so I know where to start.

[Rosemary]

Anyone have any advice. Right now we are looking at standard poodles, a welsh springer spaniel (we have one and she is great), an english spriger spaniel, and possibly (but probably not) an australian shephard or sheltie.

[fostermommy]

Nothing to do with breed.... what so ever! I have 2 poodles, one is nippy and the other is all kisses.. I have an aussie that is supposed to be great with children, but she bit a little girl... go to a shelter normally u can bring ur own dogs and have the dogs meet the dog you are interested in. Bring the children that the dog needs to get along with. If all goes well you have a new pet!

[fostermommy]

sorry, just noticed your last post. It seems like you are looking into dogs that need a lot of grooming... Are you prepared for that??? Think of all that you want in a dog. Write them down, add some anytime... you have a whole lot of time to think about this. To me it seems to help when I look at the list and then when you're looking for a dog you know what you added one day that you might not think of today, but in the future this could happen... It also seems like the dogs you're looking into have a lot of energy!!! Are you prepared to keep a dog entertained?

[pomlover80]

I would also spend time reading about training your dog because having a well trained dog is just as important as the breed you choose.

[Rosemary]

Yeah. I do not mind the grooming. We have a poodle mix, and during the winter we let his coat grow, and since he gets messy, he gets bathed/brushed alot.

I have been working with our dog, and it is so much mfun, he seems to be a fast learner. That is one of the reasons we are looking into more intelegent breeds (not that all dogs are not intelegent), because I would like ot do some agility/obedience classes (not with the akc though. I do not like them)

[whimzikal]

All 4 of mine are poodle mixes and I LOVE grooming them. It is fun and they never complain! They are all very smart and easy to train too. None of mine are snippy like a pure bred poodles are said to be.
My Giant Schnoodle might be a good candidate for all the fun agility stuff later When he is older! Right now he practices agility by dodging the smaller dogs LMAO

[Peewee]

I never thought I'd like a little dog, but I worked briefly at our local H.S. a few summers ago and ended up bringing home a little Yorkie Poo, I just couldn't kill the little fella. He doesn't shed, he's a blast to trim...a new look every time And he's just the smartest little guy, as smart as my Border Collies. I put him thru an agility class and he loved it. He looks like a little bunny rabbit running around the course.