A Dog Question

[nikuman]

Sorry to interrupt the more serious regularly schedule programming, but I am looking for some advice on dogs. Many of you know that we lost a daughter a while back, and it's been hard - like you'd expect - on my second oldest daughter, who was about a year and a half younger.

So we're looking at getting a dog to at least help with the companionship part of the deal. Here's some info:

1. We need at least a medium sized dog. No dachshunds, etc.

2. We have a high aversion to shedding.

3. Normal backyard, but my wife would probably go jogging with it.

4. Small kids abound, so nothing mean (although big is okay).

5. Could be both an indoor or outdoor dog.

We're looking, preliminarily (and I realize that this represents two nearly opposite ends of the size spectrum) at either a beagle or a Great Dane. Any other breeds we should consider? Or any inputs on the two I listed? We plan to raise it from a puppy, prefer a neutered male, willing to pay for obedience school, etc.

[cougjunkie]

Originally Posted by nikuman

Sorry to interrupt the more serious regularly schedule programming, but I am looking for some advice on dogs. Many of you know that we lost a daughter a while back, and it's been hard - like you'd expect - on my second oldest daughter, who was about a year and a half younger.

So we're looking at getting a dog to at least help with the companionship part of the deal. Here's some info:

1. We need at least a medium sized dog. No dachshunds, etc.

2. We have a high aversion to shedding.

3. Normal backyard, but my wife would probably go jogging with it.

4. Small kids abound, so nothing mean (although big is okay).

5. Could be both an indoor or outdoor dog.

We're looking, preliminarily (and I realize that this represents two nearly opposite ends of the size spectrum) at either a beagle or a Great Dane. Any other breeds we should consider? Or any inputs on the two I listed? We plan to raise it from a puppy, prefer a neutered male, willing to pay for obedience school, etc.

I have a pomeranian, shitzu, poodle, terrier mix. They specifically breed them like that, he weighs about 18 lbs. Is the perfect dog. Not to big, not to small (although he was very small as a puppy). My wife jogs with him, and he loves our daugther and plays with her for hours.

He is black nad his name is leroy.

[MikeWaters]

I would suggest a labradoodle (lab + standard poodle mix). You get the pleasant eager to please personality of a lab with the non-shedding of a poodle.

I've always liked standard poodles, they are kind of freaking looking.

[non sequitur]

Originally Posted by nikuman

We're looking, preliminarily (and I realize that this represents two nearly opposite ends of the size spectrum) at either a beagle or a Great Dane. Any other breeds we should consider? Or any inputs on the two I listed? We plan to raise it from a puppy, prefer a neutered male, willing to pay for obedience school, etc.

You do not want a beagle. I lived next to one once and it howled incessantly. It was a horrible dog. Great Danes are just too big and slobbery.

[Jeff Lebowski]

Our neighbors have a golden retriever. A wonderful dog. Medium-sized. Intelligent. Playful.

I like Jack Russell Terriers also, but they are pretty small.

[il Padrino Ute]

For kids, you can never go wrong with a lab and they are good dogs for your wife to take jogging. No shedding problems either.

German Shorthairs are great dogs too.

Rottweilers are another great choice and the best for your wife to take running. They are gentle with kids and protective of their owners. With a dog like a Rottie, you have to let it know you are the boss and it will be a very loyal and great family pet.

[FMCoug]

Originally Posted by il Padrino Ute

For kids, you can never go wrong with a lab and they are good dogs for your wife to take jogging. No shedding problems either.

Hard to go wrong with a lab. Fantastic family dogs. Heck, nik, you even met ours at the Tulsa tailgate.