Help me pick a dog!

[amirm]

We used to have a couple of adorable dogs: a Shih Tzu and Lhasa Apso. We loved them but had to give them up when we moved cross country and couldn't have them in the house we were staying.

Fast forward 20 years and we are thinking about getting another dog. This time, some of the motivation is to have a bit of safety when my wife stays at our vacation house (which is kind of remote). Don't need it to attack anyone but should bark and put up a good show if needed in front of a stranger. Otherwise, need it to be obedient and not chase people for no reason.

Our kids are all in college so no worries about small children. And we have no other animals.

Looking for a medium sized dog with soft hair that doesn't shed. Being cute is also a requirement .

Hopefully this is not too much to ask . Any suggestions?

 

[Phelonious Ponk]

I'm pretty hard-core dog people, Amir. I've mostly had big dogs, hunting dogs, though I don't hunt. But a few years ago, this old man with a young boy needed a small, playful, low-maintenance dog. I did a lot of research and ended up with Duke, the Arnold Schwarzenegger of Cairn Terriers (he's 25 lbs. lean; breed standard is 18 lbs.). He's a bit stubborn (he's a terrier) but in many ways the smartest, most trainable dog I've owned. He will raise cain as someone approaches the house, but become their best friend once they're inside. He loves to go for a walk, especially to the dog park, but doesn't suffer for a few days without going out. He doesn't shed much but will develop a hard top coat if not kept cut. Otherwise, he's soft and content to sit lay on the couch next to me being petted. Last but not least, as long as you have a Cairn, you will not have rodents. Not any that survive for long, anyway.

Tim

 

[Gregadd]

For companionship and safety with children I would say labradour retreiver. For protection the German Shepherd remains a standard. Also good with children. Despite all the bad press the pit bull is great choice. Just needs to be properly socialzed.

 

[naturephoto1]

Amir,

We had a couple of Dachshunds one was a mini that turned into a maxi and a full size that was just about a mini. But, if you can get a full sized Dachsi, they can get upwards into the mid twenty pounds. They are a relatively small dog (available in short hair, long haired, etc.) with a big bark. They are loving, faithful, family oriented dogs that get along with kids and adults alike. They can have back issues. They are generally bright, bond with their owners, have a sense of humor, like to have fun, but don't like to be made fun of.

Rich

 

[DonH50]

I love our lab mix. She's great with people but barks whenever someone comes to the door. After you open the door, well, she'll lick them to death, but at least we get the bark!

All dogs shed. Stick with shorter-hair breeds if you want minimal, but I have yet to see a dog that doesn't shed some. Brush often (use the spray conditioner or similar -- works better, and easier on the dog), keep a little battery vac around, and enjoy the love! - Don

 

[Johnny Vinyl]

I've owned all kinds of breeds through the years, but my fave was the last. "Remy" was a Yellow Labrador Retriever and the most wonderful companion anyone could have. Smart, playful, obedient and personality galore! He'd give a worthy few barks when the doorbell rang, which kept people on their toes, but as soon as the door opened he was a typical Yellow Lab again. I never found Remy to shed a lot, so that was never a concern for me.

I'm considering the purchase of another dog as well, and one that has caught my eye is the Korean Sapsali. A medium sized dog with good temperament, and cute, cute, cute! They are also known as Sapsaree

 

[flez007]

Amir - I have had three Schnauzers in the past 18 years - mid sized Schnauzers to be more specific.

I did extensive research as for the best option for kids, indoor, smell-less dog and this one came in second place just after the Boxer which I also like a lot.

Schnauzers are very intelligent dogs, not fly-sized, muscular and love exercise.

 

[amirm]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I am researching them. John, the wiki says there are only 14 of those dogs in US??? How do you find these rare breeds? And get them to your home if not local?

 

[RUR]

...this one came in second place just after the Boxer which I also like a lot.

And with that, I'll stick my oar in the water. Cute and medium-sized are subjective, but Boxers are fantastic dogs which meet every other requirement. Intelligent, athletic and fun-loving (though remarkably calm once past the puppy-stage), Boxers are utterly safe with kids and strangers, but will instinctively react when the owner is in danger - and only when the owner is in danger. Ditto barking i.e. they just don't bark unless there's a very good reason. My girl was on the small side @ 42#, which was still large enough to provide a good measure of deterrence and protection. Best dog I've ever owned, she passed away two years ago and I'm still in mourning. :-(

 

[Jeff Fritz]

http://www.policedogs.us/home.cfm

I have known this breeder for about ten years and have my second GSD from her. I have two small children and a wife at home when I travel, and Aslan is always a comfort to have -- 98 pounds of love, but if the moment called for it . . .

If you choose to go with a GSD, let me know and I'll make an introduction for you -- truly no better breeder of GSDs in the US, IMO.

 

[Johnny Vinyl]

Amir - I have had three Schnauzers in the past 18 years - mid sized Schnauzers to be more specific.

I did extensive research as for the best option for kids, indoor, smell-less dog and this one came in second place just after the Boxer which I also like a lot.

Schnauzers are very intelligent dogs, not fly-sized, muscular and love exercise.

I've owned one of these as well. "Jesse" was him name and you're absolutely right with your description flez. I would add they make for a terrific sentry as they are fiercely protective...these guys won't back down from anything. With family and friends though they are loyal and very affectionate. Great dog!

 

[Johnny Vinyl]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I am researching them. John, the wiki says there are only 14 of those dogs in US??? How do you find these rare breeds? And get them to your home if not local?

I found the breed in a book I purchased recently and it just wowed me. They are extremely rare here so I will have to investigate some more. We have a very large Korean community here in Toronto, and I personally know many of them through my business contacts, so I will start there and see what the scoop is so to speak. Maybe they can turn me on to a local breeder (if there even is one).

 

[mep]

I second all of the boxer lovers. They are great dogs, fun loving, and very protective. Many people who grew up with boxers as children have stories to tell about how their parents couldn't spank them when the boxer is around. They won't stand for it. Their stories always end with "I loved that dog." I wish I would have had one when I grew up to keep my old man in line. I currently have a female boxer as well as two other dogs. The boxer is my favorite.

 

[Phelonious Ponk]

I second all of the boxer lovers. They are great dogs, fun loving, and very protective. Many people who grew up with boxers as children have stories to tell about how their parents couldn't spank them when the boxer is around. They won't stand for it. Their stories always end with "I loved that dog." I wish I would have had one when I grew up to keep my old man in line. I currently have a female boxer as well as two other dogs. The boxer is my favorite.

There was a massive boxer inside a fenced yard down the street from where I grew up. He looked so tough. He barked and ran along the fence line when people passed by. My parents used to warn me to stay away from him. We used to jump the fence and play with that boxer. He was a big sweetie pie. My son and I refer to all the bully breeds as "smushy face dogs." I'd love to have one, but we don't really have the space. Well, I guess one boxer would take up about the same space as our three terriers, but we're keeping them...

Tim