Help me find a good dog breed for our family

[Anonymous]

Believe it or not. .....Great Dane is the easiest breed we've ever had. One romp around the yard and he is pooped for the day! Called apartment dogs bc so quiet and low maintenance.

But definitely well above your weight & size requirements. He's 175 lbs

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have a cockapoo. She came out on the small side (13-15 lbs) but there are bigger ones. I think she comes from a mini poodle on the poodle side.

She has hair rather than fur so doesn't trigger allergies in people who are allergic to dogs. She's very much a people pleaser. I would say she likes to play and is alert and active, but not hyper. She is happy to cuddle when we're on the couch or in bed. Easily trained. Concerned when kids (even kids not her own) cry and has to go check on them.

+ 1

Parents have a Cocker Spaniel (boy) and a Cockapoo (girl).
The cocker sheds, but she doesn't. Obviously this means she needs to be groomed regularly, and between grooming's have things like her tear ducts wiped, or so on. I believe she's about 17 lbs, and also from a mini poodle. They come in a variety of colors depending on the parents - buff (beige), red, brown and black.

She's super smart, generally good with other dogs. Neighborhood toddlers scare her, but I think that's because she lives with my retired parents and simply hasn't been socialized for kids. Quite a few people in the neighborhood have them (they all got them from the same breeder, and they're all half or step siblings, after one family came home and everyone fell for the "breed") and I haven't heard anything about them being bad around children. Some of the neighbors have theirs breed with a standard poodle and their dogs are often in the 25 - 40 lb range, more tall than heavy. I wouldn't consider her especially hyper now, as she's four, but she was a handful as a puppy - though most breeds can be a handful as a puppy. She likes her schedule, and goes on three or four walks - of a couple blocks - a day.

I love both their dogs. I didn't know much about Cockers or Poodles prior to my parents getting their dogs, and I would definitely recommend either breed (except the cocker's coat for allergies).

[Anonymous]

If you're open to it, look into rescue organizations and visit to see if there's a dog that "clicks". Both of our dogs are rescues, and fit the criteria that you posted (one is 30 pounds, one is 40. Both don't shed a ton and are very clean, none of us have allergic reactions to them, they have energy and play with each other/go on walks but also like to veg and chill at home).

Sometimes rescues have some quirks because of their background. One of mine is fine, the other is a bit shy/nervous around strangers but is the sweetest dog ever and once she warms up she's very open to attention/affection. It's important to give them time to adjust after the adoption, and give time for training/socialization. For my nervous/anxious dog it's been a lot of socialization and training to undo any bad associations/experiences that she's had. She joined me for a cross country road trip last summer and she was not only awesome but it was really good for her.

I adopted them when they were 2. One is now 3, the other is 2 (haven't had him very long). Paid $200 for one and $250 for the other, and they were already house trained, vaccinated, and spayed/neutered.

[Anonymous]

You get the best of everything in a mutt you meet at the rescues. DON'T get a doodle of any sort. Too smart and hyperactive!

[Anonymous]

Consider a Tibetan Terrier - they are no/low shed and don't require excessive exercise. They do require grooming but a puppy cut will minimize it. They are a bit smaller than your target weight and are probably going to be upwards of $2k but they are a very healthy breed. Our current TT is a 4 month old boy who is a total love bug and hasn't met a stranger! Not to mention they are super cute!

[Anonymous]

We have a labradoodle. Worth every penny imho. Yes, has energy but would not describe her as hyper. Energy has dropped off now that she is two. Everyone says she is the perfect dog. Only 30lbs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Consider a Tibetan Terrier - they are no/low shed and don't require excessive exercise. They do require grooming but a puppy cut will minimize it. They are a bit smaller than your target weight and are probably going to be upwards of $2k but they are a very healthy breed. Our current TT is a 4 month old boy who is a total love bug and hasn't met a stranger! Not to mention they are super cute!

Thanks for this info! Although I can't afford a $2k dog, I must admit they're adorable! I've seen these dogs before but hadn't known the breed. Too cute!! (but we adore our lab! )

[Anonymous]

Shih Tzus are very nice. They are smaller than you want, and look a little silly, but have great personalities.

[Anonymous]

Wheatens are 2K dogs as well. Like the PP, I would not recommend a Wheaton after owning one.

I'd get a mutt from the pound. That is our plan.

[Anonymous]

Same age kids and wanted similar dog to what you described. Decided on a mini Goldendoodle - 15lbs. She is wonderful and not crazy or hyper and does not bark. She is also good for long walks or happy to lounge. She was easy to train. Overall, a great choice for our family. Agree they are too expensive! Also liked the mini schnauzer.

[Anonymous]

A PWD is in your size range. And hypoallergenic. Bo And Sunny Obama. High energy though.

[Anonymous]

We have had several hounds (redbone, treeing walker) and while they are slightly bigger than what you're looking for (50-65 lbs) and not hypoallergenic, they are by far the best dogs I've seen with kids - CRAZY loving. My high strung 9 yo calls our treeing walker his therapy dog b/c she is so committed to making him feel happy and safe. Bonus: there are lots of them available from rescues in the area that pull from high-kill shelters in the South.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Same age kids and wanted similar dog to what you described. Decided on a mini Goldendoodle - 15lbs. She is wonderful and not crazy or hyper and does not bark. She is also good for long walks or happy to lounge. She was easy to train. Overall, a great choice for our family. Agree they are too expensive! Also liked the mini schnauzer.

I have a mini golden doodle also. Agree with the PP. They are a delight.

[Anonymous]

Before you decide on a dog check with your home owners insurance company. Bringing home what could be a pit mix could void the policy-same for some other breeds.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Wheatens are 2K dogs as well. Like the PP, I would not recommend a Wheaton after owning one.

I'd get a mutt from the pound. That is our plan.

Most dogs from good, reputable breeders are in the 1k-2k range sadly. Breeders make a lot of difference in temperament and health of the dog long term.