[candymonster.]

- little to no shedding- healthy- small to medium sized- nice to strangers and okay with other dogs- good with little kids [preschooler]- good-looking [opinionated]- little grooming [i am willing to brush it often, no professinal grooming needed often]- smart- can stay home alone for at least 6 hours. im thinking cavachons, poochon or cockapoo..anyother suggestions? [can be mix or pure breed]

[Know All's Daughter!]

How about a cuddly toy one?

[~Rachel~]

cockapoo. I have 1. They housebreak very well. Just get dog pads.

[laurenx]

Most dogs shed... I think Poodles, and Poodle mixes shed less. If you don't want to fork out $$$ for grooming, then obviously don't get a long-haired dog.As for the beahvioural stuff (good with kids, OK with other dogs and strangers, can be left alone), that's 100% down to you.

[ClarenceOddbody_AS2]

Well, I love boxers and pugs... but it sounds like what you are looking for is a miniature schnauzer.... leaving any dog alone for 6 hours ain't exactly too cool, but... what are you gonna do? Avoid buying a dog from a pet store.

[::h:o:l:l:i:s:t:e:r::]

dobermans! they are awesome dogs. They are independent and good with childeren. They need almost no grooming since their hair is very short, dobermans aren't always good with strangers. I mean, if you were walking down the road one day and came upon another guy with his dog, a doberman would be friendly, they love attention, but i mean like, if someone breaks into your house or somthing, anything that is like sudden, they don't like that. dont sneak up on them. But if you did have a buglar or somthing, a doberman would protect your child. Some dogs, if someone broke in, they'd come over the guy and let him pet him.. won't metion any names..

[kid12202006]

well a german shepard can stay home alone for 2 days but they are very proctective. and wont let anyone near and i mean anyone but a labador is good with all those

[barker]

No doubt get a goldendoodle little shediing and grooming. Unbelievable temperment and so nice and good looking. They are nice with kids andlove other dogs. They also do good by themselves if you give them a few toys. Trust I just got 1 and appointed the dog to a friend who got 1 and loves it to.

[wander, wonder]

When it comes to temperament because a lot of that is based on how you raise them. Mutts are always the best. Somebody mentioned a pug - those shed like crazy!!!!!

[hailygirl2244]

Hey the best dog would be a boxer they are wonderful dogs and very affectionate. I was looking for the same things you are 2 years ago and my friend said that once you own a boxer you might not ever have another dog again there great with kids they get along well with other animals (you should get a puppy so it grows up with another pet i did) they don't shed as much and have short hair. Boxers are a medium size dog. They are very loving but if someone was trying to hurt you or family they probably wouldn't be happy. I have nothing against smaller sized dogs but they do tend to get jealous very easily and if you have small children that could be a problem just my experience. Good luck