that will not be inside.? I have two children 10 & 8 years, so the breed will have to be suitable for them. I also don't want a yappy dog. Although the dog wont be allowed inside we do have a big back yard.

While growing up we had a beagle they are smaller dogs and she stayed outside. The only negatice was she barges a lot, not sure if this is part of the breed or if it was just her. Hope you find a great family friend.

You have to keep you're medium small dog inside. It could freeze or get hurt. A medium small dog might be a yorky. Or a Siberian Huskie. BUT YOU CAN'T KEEP IT OUTSIDE ALL THE TIME. That could kill it.

umm i really dont reccomend having outside dog bc of the parvo going around i dont like the fact ppl make there dogs outside bc when i volunteer at a vet alot of ppl have dogs out side and they always end of gettinng sick and getting dieses there are small dogs u can have in side yorkies.... peekapoos....miniture poodles those are very kid friendly but yea if you wanna have a out side dog i rec. having there shots up to date and not to use ne type of yawn growing stuff or ne chemicals on your lawn or weed killer or plant stuff but yea have fun finding a dog ^^

If the dog is the family pet it should be inside....If you intend to keep it outside you have no business having an animal period!

Get a beagle

Probably a beagle.

The best dog in the world is the springer spaniel. they are medium sized dogs, and are perfect for the family life. My best friend has two of them and they are the best dogs I have ever seen. These dogs are very loving. However, if the dog won't be allowed in the house, it is not the dog for you. by the way, no offense, what is the point of having a dog when you leave the poor dog outside 24/7. I would recommend not having a dog.

If you are not going to keep the dog in the house, you dont need to have one.

I think mutts are great. They come in all sizes and personalities. You could go to your local shelter or Humane Society and look over the dogs there. I'm sure the staff would be more than willing to tell you everything they know about the dog and let your children be around it to see how it behaves.

I agree with the others who said you should not get a dog if you intend on keeping it outside. They are 100% dependent on you for food, shelter and companionship and it is basic neglect to keep a dog outside.

I would suggest a medium to large stuffed dog. There usually do not shed, bark, or need any training which is what it sounds like you are looking for. You can stick it in a closet when it become an inconvenience, and I assume from the information you posted, this is already a major concern...can't have a pet that may inconvenience you or your family. Luckily, with stuffed dogs, you will not be inconvenience with things like attention, providing a safe, loving home, vet expenses, and when your family gets tired of it, it is much easier to dump on someone else, or simply toss out. Seriously, getting a family pet to leave in the back yard for the rest of its life is irresponsible regardless of the breed. Why bother getting a family pet unless you are going to actually make it part of the family. I don't know too many families that toss inconvient members in the back yard, not to mention, what an example to set for your children. As long as people like you keep animals the way you do and teach your children that it is acceptable, animals will continue to live sad, depressing lives.

"Although the dog wont be allowed inside we do have a big back yard."People who keep their dogs outside are spoiled, selfish, irresponsible brats. Dogs are our buddies, our confidants, our companions, our helpers, our BEST FRIENDS, if we only allow them to be. What kind of cruel-hearted person throws their best friend out in the cold? Or the heat? Or the rain? While the family he loves and would lay down his very life for is inside living their lives and forgetting that there is a dog in the backyard waiting on them for just a bit of affection. It frightens me that so many people like you are raising children to be indifferent to the one animal who devotes his entire being to pleasing humans. All the awareness and good that the ASPCA and other organizations put into education about good pet care is wasted. Just the thought of someone actively seeking a dog so they can abandon it to the elements or potential torture at the hands of dognappers (either for sport or animal testing) makes me so angry I could spit fire. The dog will lay down his life for you and your children. All he asks in return is a warm bed, food, and the occassional kind word. I don't think you'll find a better deal anywhere else. Too bad you are too blind to see the price tag. “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated” -Mahatma Ghandi

Go to www.pedigree.com.au they have a process whereby you answer questions to find out what dog best suits you and your family, it is great!