Hi All!

We are looking into getting a family dog and I would like some input. I will tell you all I can think of that would be a factor.

First of all....... I have 4 kids. 11, 5, 3 & 1. So it has to be a kid friendly dog. I would like it to be on the smaller side (i.e. lap dog) but I don't want it to be so small that I would be afraid of the kids playing with it. My kids aren't overly loud or obnoxious but there ARE 4 of them... so the dog can't be too timid, either.

This dog would very rarely be home alone because my husband works nights and I have classes periodically during the day. There is always someone home. But if we do leave to go somewhere... I would like a dog that would want to go with us for rides.

I would prefer a dog that didn't shed because some members of the family have seasonal allergies. None of them are allergic to dogs... but I think it would just be easier for us to have a non-shedding dog. I am willing to pay for grooming & upkeep to have a non shedding dog.

I was thinking possibly a miniature schnauzer? Or maybe a Lhasa Opso? I'm really quite undecided when it comes right down to the breed. I was thinking a female only because my husband had said they are generally calmer & smaller..... but it doesn't really matter for any other purpose because we will be having the dog spayed or neutered.

This has been a long discussion in our house. We are looking more for another member of our family than a pet... we can't have any more kids. So we are really looking hard for a dog that will fit in well.... and likes to be spoiled and played with.

Any help you could give me would be greatly appreciated!!

Hopefully it will work! It is a site where you can enter in prefrences about your home and family and what sort of dog you might like and will give you ideas on breeds that may be appropriate for you. Good luck with your search would love to know how you go!

PEDIGREE Get a dog

We went throught the same process a number of years ago.

Our first dog is a Hungarian Viszla - she is now 12 and we got her when my youngest child was 6. Her name is Coco and she is a devine creature. They are bred to be with people, so the best thing for her is to be around us all the time. They do need to be exercised daily and are very energetic. I highly recommend this breed, although your youngest may be a bit too little (these dogs are medium sized).

Ou second dog is a cocker spaniel/poodle cross. His name is Leo and he is a smaller dog (not a minature), he is a nice size and very friendly. I call him a teddy bear dog, because he just lies on his back to have his stomach tickled.
He is very intelligent and loves people.

Both dogs have great dispositions, have never gowled or bitten anyone and are lovely family dogs.

If you live in an apartment or have limited options for exercise you would need a smaller dog than these.

Anyway, good luck and I hope you find the right dog for your family

all the best
Janet

Hi. I would recommend looking online at dog breeds and their descriptions. Try something like nextdaypets.com. Also watch the dog shows on tv and see if one catches your eye. I had a Lhapso when I was young and as I recall they shed a lot. I know you said you were looking for a smaller dog but boxers are a wonderful "family" breed. They are GREAT with children even babies and are easy to train. Most love to ride in cars and be part of the family. They are very active and tend to stay "young" even in old age. We have 2 that are 7 years old and they are just like the young ones. They don't shed much and self groom(like a cat). Very loving dogs. And good watch dogs too. Maybe you'd be intersested in a smaller female. I don't think you'd be sorry. But I would suggest finding a way to "see" some breeds in action...talk to people walking their dogs etc...I'm biased to the boxer as I'm sure everyone is to their dog's breed. lol. Good luck!!