Which dog breeds should we consider?

[AngelaVA]

We are considering searching for a puppy this spring. I do have two rescue pets and am aware of rescues and all it entails however this pet, for a variety of reasons, will likely be a purchased pup from a breeder.

We want a dog that can bond with our whole family instead of being my dog as our current dog is, that will allow my husband to run with it and my older child to walk it and will sleep in our lower level with our older child. We want a playful non timid happy dog. My daughter really wants a lab or a lab golden retriever mix. I really love labs and am considering it but I am a bit concerned that our house and yard could be a little small for a lab and that my daughter herself who is small for her age might be a bit small to handle a lab.

Logistically I need a dog I can eventually train to use our invisible fence so beagles and bassets are out. I would also prefer a dog that doesn't need it's hair cut frequently but that's not entirely a deal breaker if everything else is a good fit.

Which other breeds or mixes should we consider?

[CelticJourney]

I'm not sure about a pure breed, but my Rottweiler mix is the more 'people oriented' dog I think we've ever had. Probably on line with our German Shepard, but he was dh's working dog, so it was a different dynamic.

[sprout]

we have both a pug and a boxer. Both are super friendly, sweet and love on all the kids. I think that these are two really awesome breeds. They are also both very playful with the kids, which they like a lot.

[Hannah Elise]

I always loved my Schipperke growing up... but we always had solid fencing, so I don't know what they would be like with invisible fencing. We had a couple of Miniature Poodles over the years - one was VERY bonded to my mom, but she also had sight issues, so that may have been more about her own security - but our second one was very people-oriented in general, happy go lucky. But they do require either a tripbto a groomer or learning to do it yourself. I can't remember how large a Standard Poodle tops out - they are taller, but I know they wouldn't be as heavy as a Lab.

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---------- Post added at 09:26 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:25 AM ----------

English Shepherds are around the right size, but I don't have personal experience with them (yet). You can check out farmcollie.org ... or. Com ... I can't recall which it is. Lots of good info, though.

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[domesticzookeeper]

One of the best things you can do is find a breed you might be interested in and then find a reputable breeder to call and ask, "Why shouldn't we get this dog?"

Finding a breed with positive traits (low shedding, patient with kids) is a good start, but it's the potentially 'negative' traits (requires a lot of exercise, likes to chew, chases small animals) that will make or break your experience with a dog, and a good breeder will have no problem telling you right up front those issues that you'll want to consider

[JessicaTX]

My female boxer doesn't need a fence, though from the local lost pets page I see that male boxers have more of a wanderlust. She's incredibly sweet and friendly, though food aggressive to other dogs, my kids can hand feed her just fine. She's been mostly easy to train. (with the exception of chewing everything she finds left on the floor and having to be fed separate from the other dog.)

[SpringMama5]

We have a corgi mix from a shelter that we never expected would last in our home but hes been one of the best dogs we've had. He loves hanging out with the kids and for down time follows me around. Haha!
Reason why we didnt think he would last is because...we've never liked corgis: normal sized body but short legs. He's mixed with german shephard so not sure where his personality comes from. German shephards are the best breed so I guess I got the mini version.
Animal planet website has a (i think its called) what is the best dog breed for you quiz. Ours always had Corgi as the #1 match. Haha

[Elspeth]

How much exercise can you commit to? Our Aussie pushes us to our exercise limits at the moment, so she's making us get into shape, lol. High energy breeds require more than a 15 minute walk around the block. More like a few miles of hiking! Something to really think about, and any reputable breeder will fill you in on the requirements of the puppy they have.

[SouthPaw]

Do you want a dog she can take on walks or just play in the yard?

I'm a little concerned that you think your yard is too small for a lab, but you have an invisible fence. Some dogs become anxious about being in the yard when it is too small and they are afraid of the boundary. What is your plan for training the dog to the fence, and what are you going to do for the 6 months (minimum) that the dog is too young for it?

[AngelaVA]

My yard is 1/3 acre, but probably only 1/4 acre within the electric fence. We also do have a dog park in our neighborhood for running purposes especially before he is trained for the fence. She wants to both walk the dog and play with it in the yard. Our current dog won't walk or play unless I am right there and it's extremely frustrating for her. Our plan re before it's trained for the fence is to keep the dog on a leash in our yard and for walks and run it at the dog park.

Re exercise we def can't hike for miles each day, realistically the dog will be played with in the yard quite a bit, twice a day at least, taken on probably 5 block walks regularly (daily unless raining) with longer walks on nice weekends when I can accompany. He will also have another dog to run around with in the yard when we get to that point.

[SouthPaw]

That sounds good. I have a Labrador and even at 5 he is still too much for my 9 year old to safely handle. I think a smaller breed would be a good choice. What about a French Bulldog, or a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel? You can go smaller without going tee-tiny if she wants more of a dog to hug and cuddle.

[Johns_Gal]

Originally Posted by SouthPaw

That sounds good. I have a Labrador and even at 5 he is still too much for my 9 year old to safely handle. I think a smaller breed would be a good choice. What about a French Bulldog, or a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel? You can go smaller without going tee-tiny if she wants more of a dog to hug and cuddle.

I was thinking sheltie, but of course I always am.

My concern with a smaller dog and invisible fence is other dogs. The fence might keep your dog in, but won't keep others out. Hopefully if that happens you'll get the equivalent of a puppy play date, but. I'd never leave a dog out alone in one of those anyway, as I regularly get my neighbor's funny little JRT mix scratching at my front door when she gets bored. The first few times she just went hurtling down the street towards the main road.

I do love shelties and think they could be a great fit if you get a well bred one. I love corgis ad pet type beagles (but not with just an invisible fence). I would not choose a lab puppy for myself, but would go with a nice retired dog from a good breeder if that is what I wanted.

I'll add that my front walk is full of labs towing their kids every afternoon. They are not under any control, there's always a nine year old or younger at the end of the leash squawking "Bailey! Sit!" and Bailey is like "Love you, but.... nope."

Keep in mind (I just have to say this, I'm sure you know) your daughter's capability to manage emergencies that can arise when you're out aloe with your dog. I live in a nice area full of mostly sweet collies and goofy labs, or big dogs who just bluff. Still, I have had to tell a bulldog my chihuahua was NOT a snack, and we have had several nasty dog attacks when a person has been walking their dog. Dogs attract other dogs.

[Elspeth]

Shelties are soooo fluffy and cute, but they barkbarkbarkbarkbark. Youtube it if you want to listen.

[AngelaVA]

We saw a litter on Petfinders that seem to be a golden retriever mixed with some sort of smaller spaniel. They look like Goldens but smaller with longer rounder ears. DD is really keen on them. Seems like it could be a good mix.

[bananacake]

I used to run with my cocker spaniel, and he was a senior dog.