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[quote=Anonymous]Definitely an older dog -- I'd say between 2 and 5 -- given that you're not experienced dog owners and you work full-time.

And a mutt is probably better for a non-experienced dog owner, as each breed usually comes with its own particular quirks.    If you don't mind a bigger dog, something that is mixed with some retriever usually has a good temperament.  Some of the small dogs can be territorial or snappy.  The breeds that were bred as "sporting dogs" are usually less neurotic than the ones that were bred as rat-catchers; less movement-oriented than the ones that were bred as sheep-herders, and less territorial than the ones that were bred as lap dogs.  Sporting dogs have to be human focused, to follow the hunters' commands, but also have to be willing to just lie around for a while, as most people don't hunt every day and there's a lot of waiting in hunting.  So try to get something with at least some sporting dog in it.  I don't agree with PP's post about bigger dogs being hard to train -- the sporting dogs were bred to be easily trained, and if you get one that's older, you can easily check to make sure he was trained to have proper canine manners (like not jumping up on someone).

I would get your kids to promise -- in blood -- that they will walk the dog every single morning before school and every single afternoon after school and every single night after dinner (unless you want to take 1 of those).  If they won't agree to this now, they never will once you actually get the dog.  You have leverage now, and make them really promise.  If you can dog sit for a friend/neighbor for a week, so they realize the commitment, that's not a bad idea (and your friend will be happy you save them hundreds in boarding fees while they go on vacation!).[/quote]

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