My husband and I are wanting to get a second dog and are looking for breed suggestions to consider.

We currently have a Labrador Retriever (our pride and joy) just over a year old, and she needs a friend to play with and keep her company while we are away at work. We want to find another dog that will fit our family as well as she does.

We have a house with a large yard, and spends the days outside and nights inside with us. We would love to get another Lab, but our house is somewhat small inside and the thought of a 2nd large dog is intimidating so we are thinking a small dog to medium dog would be best.

We go camping in the desert & mountains, and fishing, and spend a lot of time outdoors, so we need a breed that is hardy, but not hyper.

It needs to be a good family dog (we plan on having children in the next couple years), and very friendly--we don't want to worry about it biting friends and family that come to visit. Being low-maintenance in the grooming department is a must as well.

We don't really know where to start, because all the ones we can think of or know much about, are either large dogs, or small lap dogs that we would worry about bringing camping.

Any and all suggestions are welcomed and appreciated!

**Special note: Many people have suggested the Beagle to us, and I know they are very sweet dogs. However, all the ones I have met personally tend run off whenever they are off a leash, and we would like to not have to worry about a dog that runs away when we go camping...

We've heard some good things about Cavalier King Charles Spaniels as well. Any info on those is appreciated, as I am not too familiar with the breed.

I'd suggest going to the pound and adopting a dog. You can usually find a good mixed breed dog there & you can find an adult that won't suprise you with a growth spurt, getting larger than you thought he/she would.

About the beagles... My friend has a beagle mix & she never runs off when she's off her leash. But my friend spent 2 years training her, so that may be the problem with the beagles you've met.

Australian Shepherds are usually good friendly dogs. Their size would match it up well with labrador retriever.

I dont know too much about smaller breed dogs as I have never had them but selectapet or the pedigree brand site might be able to give you some sort of idea, they both have an interactive survey where you enter your prefrence for size and maintainence etc and what size your home and yard are and then voila!!!!! You have a list of dogs that may be appropriate. It could be a good starting point for you to then research some of these breeds further to see if they fit the bill!

Thanks, I was kind of looking for something like that, just had a hard time finding one. I'll check it out. Thanks!

thats OK I hope you find it helpfull, I know I found it to be a good starting point when I was trying to choose our dog. make sure you let us all know how you go!

Ia m in total agreement..... But I have one better.. try rescue groups!
These are babies that need love and are often older ones that have already been quieted down.
Basset hounds are very very laid back,, s much so they are walking or lying foot stools.. shorthaired,, loving. loyal and will eat anything!
The basset rescues are looking fo rgood homes.,. and talk about longevity 30 years is normal,, 16 years is average. So if you got a baby thats 1-5 years old that will grow up with anyone. they travel well, and many hotels love them.

If you do not care about AKC registration or a dogs bloodline, and want a dog from a rescue site, go to petfinders.com. This site will hook you up with dogs from various rescue sites in your area.

I can't really help with the breed selection. But I hope you find what you're looking for. Good luck.

I'd go to an animal shelter and find an older (3 years or so) medium sized dog. Not only are you getting a great dog but your also saving his life.

I have a beagle. She is a great dog. No, she's never ran away from me when she isn't on her leash:mrgreen: . And we also have a black lab and they get along GREAT. They are both our outside doggies.

[animal farm]

A great family dog and although large very polite. They get along with other breeds and love to play and can entertain themselves but love to be around their family.