Dog breed suggestion

[Noah930]

Unlike an earlier poster, I would NOT recommend a Weimeraner. We got ours through a rescue. The dog is nuts. She's supermodel gorgeous, but crazy, too. Somewhat high strung, with major separation anxiety. She loves my wife, and that's it for the family. She'll jump through a (closed) window to get to Mrs. Noah. Doesn't really care one way or the other about the kids. And given your wife's bad back, the dog's strong enough that the dog will do something (squirrel!) to hurt your wife accidentally.

[pavulon]

Have 4 kids...13 to 5 y.o. . Brought Sully home from the Humane. Soc. last January as a pup. He's Border Collie, Blue Tick, Aust. Shep., Newfie and German Shorthair...and probably some gopher but at this point what's the difference? He's smart, food motivated and will play until you can't take it. He's a nervous pee'r and won't let me go the loo alone. Doesn't shed much. Sleeps well in the garage. Good coat for outside all day in real winter temps. He's never shown aggression toward anything but some Robins and a squirrel. My kids can't get enough of him and he loves it. So far, so good.

After reading your post a little closer, my parents had an Airedale that fit your requirements really well too.

[tedg04]

+1 on pound puppy and proper training.

But, I'll second the Australian Shepherd vote. Never met one that wasn't well behaved, and a good size between a lab mix and bishon (though any dog under 60lbs is just a cat... and cats are worthless).

[RANDY P]

Originally Posted by Noah930

Unlike an earlier poster, I would NOT recommend a Weimeraner. We got ours through a rescue. The dog is nuts. She's supermodel gorgeous, but crazy, too. Somewhat high strung, with major separation anxiety. She loves my wife, and that's it for the family. She'll jump through a (closed) window to get to Mrs. Noah. Doesn't really care one way or the other about the kids. And given your wife's bad back, the dog's strong enough that the dog will do something (squirrel!) to hurt your wife accidentally.

Actually, that's true- you have to break them of separation anxiety-

Mine's docile... you gotta find the right one...Mine is way, way mellow.

Here's mine on a typical night...

[porsche4life]

If you want a bigger dog, a labradoodle is an awesome choice, and with a pinch collar you can train them pretty quick to not pull.

[LeeH]

Originally Posted by porsche4life

If you want a bigger dog, a labradoodle is an awesome choice, and with a pinch collar you can train them pretty quick to not pull.

+1 - Our labradoodle (55 pounds) is a wonderful dog. Super gentle. Doesn't pull on the leash at all. When on a walk he's constantly looking up to see where WE are going. He comes up to me when I'm on the computer and drops his head in my lap, then looks up at me as if to say, "Pet me, please."

[Jim Richards]

Our mini schnauzer loves the snow. That might not be true of all the breeds twobone is considering.

[wdfifteen]

My white Schnoodle, Madison and miniature Schnauzer, Owen. Both 12 lbs, energetic, and SMART. The best dogs I've had have always had some poodle genes. The most behavior problems I've ever had was a Yorkie, next was a long haired Chihuahua.

Owen's baby picture, Oct. 2013

[Jim Richards]

Great dogs, Patrick!

[zelrik911]

Our son's dog had a bad habit of pulling on the lead.
Our vet recommended a Halti over her snout and it worked effectively.

Dont give up on a breed because they pull on the lead, as this can be easily fixed.

Son is an only child & his Border Collie was a wonderful companion. A very clever dog & we all miss her so much.

[sammyg2]

Originally Posted by twobone

Hi,

Can you give me some suggestions on a dog breed. Here are my criteria:

-Small/medium sized dog. My wife has a bad back so she needs something that will not yank her off her feet
-Short hair and not a major shedder
-Something that has at least some traditional dog energy. I want my young boys to be able to play fetch and rough-house wrestle a bit with this dog...I don't want a foo-foo lap dog
-Not a major barker like a hound
-Good with kids and other dogs
-Something with lots of personality
-Easy to train with a mellow disposition

You just wrote the definition of a short haired dachshund.

[911dean]

Here's my choice and I'd totally recommend. A Bull Terrier is honestly the best dog I've ever had. Great personality, not too big, sheds not too much and is just awesome!

Mine is a total sweetheart female that I come home at lunch just to spend a little time with. She will walk through typical neighborhoods without a leash, won't cross the street unless I allow it and is a total noodlehead. GREAT with kids too

This breed was in the running when I got my Boxer. If I don't get another Boxer a Bull Terrier is first in line.

Skylar and Domino say get rescue dogs. Even if you decide on a particular breed, there are nationwide rescue organizations for most.

[95avblm3]

Originally Posted by regency

We love all breeds but you can guess my vote

1973 911 T MFI Coupe, Aubergine

Steve

Beautiful puppies... We love our dachshunds, no matter how much they bark!

[sammyg2]

I never considered having a dachshund until we found a dachshund mix at the pound.
Loving, smart, well behaved, a great dog. He rarely barks, when he does it surprises us because we don't expect it.
I bet we had him for 5 years before we ever heard him yap.

I wouldn't hesitate getting another one some day.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Our Lab is only about 70 lbs, with young kids we intentionally picked one of the runts of the litter. She definitely checks all of your boxes for desired traits. They are fantastic dogs for families, she and my three year old are best buddies.

[sc_rufctr]

Snip...


My white Schnoodle, Madison and miniature Schnauzer, Owen. Both 12 lbs, energetic, and SMART. The best dogs I've had have always had some poodle genes. The most behavior problems I've ever had was a Yorkie, next was a long haired Chihuahua.

Owen's baby picture, Oct. 2013


Snip...

Beautiful dogs Patrick.

I've been thinking about getting a Schnauzer for some time now but recently I visited an old girl friend from my Army days and she owns a British Bull Dog.
She got her dog "Cowboy" from a rescue shelter and honestly you'd think he's actually a person rather than a dog.
He "talks" to her... He makes these incredibly low grunting sound whenever he's hungry or he wants to go outside. She said it's like living with an old man. lol

This is Cowboy. I've made enquirers with a local breeder and they want $4,000 for a "good" puppy. This is the average price for the pick of the litter from a top breeder.

[KFC911]

Haven't seen anyone suggest an 80lb pit bull

I'm a lab guy through and through...doesn't have to be a pure bred, but I do like their inherent traits. Dawgs are like humans though...each is unique, and breed stereotypes etc. all have exceptions and it simply comes down to the individual dog and the owner/trainer. Decisions, decisions, decisions....a good decision though

[bugstrider]

Originally Posted by atcjorg

australian sheppards, smart as heck lower maint than a border collie great with kids and other pets

Rescue shelter is the way to go. Many have a trial/foster program to make sure the puppers will blend with the family. Here in ElDorado County, ElDorado Pet Club is a great organization that rescues dogs from the high kill shelters and places them in homes. Very successfully I might add.

We too are huge Aussie fans. Unfortunately we lost both last year. Brothers from the same litter 5 months apart. A very empty house now and the wife will still get sad on occasion thinking about Merlin and Oz. I try my best to try no to think about it because if I do, I'll get emotional. What can I say, our pets are family...........

On a brighter note, Aussies make great family dogs. Very high energy puppies and extremely loyal to the family that has them as part of the tribe.




Our Oz & Merlin(rest in peace puppers)

[bugstrider]

Originally Posted by regency

We love all breeds but you can guess my vote



1973 911 T MFI Coupe, Aubergine



Steve

Yeah, your breed is great UNTILL..........LOL(this picture made me laugh so I had to post it)


I guess they can be prone to brake light failures too...LOL


Brake! Brake, brake!!!!!!