Anonymous wrote:Maltese

+1

Whippet, they are small, lazy, and sleep under covers.

Dog sit for someone for a week. I REALLY wish we had done that. We would have never gotten a dog if we did. The kids would have had their eyes opened, it would have scratched their itch for a dog and it would have strengthened my resolve to say no. Now our dog has grown on me, but the first 6 months were brutal and I would go back and NOT get the dog if I could.

Foster first

My husband never wanted a dog, didn't like dogs, never wanted to be near dog. Our sons begged and begged and saved up their money to buy a dog. We agreed when they were 10 and 12. Our boys do walk the dog in the afternoon but it turns out my husband adores the dog. Gets up with the dog, feeds the dog, etc. He has worked from home the past year and if I am home I see the dog curled up at his feet all day and he takes breaks and plays with the dog.

Don't underestimate how much a dog can grow on you.

Get a puppy/young dog so the cats can show it who's boss. And adult dog who wants to chase a cat will always chase a cat.

Anonymous wrote:Get a dog that you will not mind getting up with at 5:30 in the morning, because you absolutely will.

Not true if you get a slightly older dog ( say around 2) Our dog doesn't need walking at 5:30am!

Anonymous wrote:I'm considering relenting to a relentless campaign by my children and husband to get a dog. We have cats, which is one of my reasons for not wanting a dog (what if they never get along?), plus the usual concerns about who will walk the dog, clean up the poop etc. My children swear they would walk it, but I don't think they fully understand what it would be like to have to deal with a dog that has to pee at 5:30 a.m.!
With all that said, can anyone recommend a small-ish, non-shedding, good-natured breed or mix that might fit our situation?

How old are you kids? If under ten, there is no way they will take responsibility. We have a dog and two cats but, we got the cats when kittens after the dog. They absolutely love the dog! You can't pick a dog that likes to chase small animals or herd. But, I think you shouldn't get a dog. Tell them when they are adults they can get a dog. Or they can start a pet sitting business/walk dog service/volunteer with dogs.

If you get a dog, it will be your dog. Then you will ask us if there is any "positive" re-homing stories. My dog is my dog. And I love taking care of her so I only got her when I was ready.

How old are the kids? I wouldn't give in with kids under 12 if you really don't want a dog, since you and spouse will be the ones walking and taking care of it.

We have a bichon frise. Small and fine with very few true walks (he goes out in the backyard to pee) because bred as a house dog. Gets along well with our cat and non-shedding. Has been a great pretty low maintenance dog.

Get a dog that you will not mind getting up with at 5:30 in the morning, because you absolutely will.

Right there with you, OP.

Maltese

Anonymous wrote:I'm considering relenting to a relentless campaign by my children and husband to get a dog. We have cats, which is one of my reasons for not wanting a dog (what if they never get along?), plus the usual concerns about who will walk the dog, clean up the poop etc. My children swear they would walk it, but I don't think they fully understand what it would be like to have to deal with a dog that has to pee at 5:30 a.m.!
With all that said, can anyone recommend a small-ish, non-shedding, good-natured breed or mix that might fit our situation?

Don't get a dog unless you will love it unconditionally.

I'm considering relenting to a relentless campaign by my children and husband to get a dog. We have cats, which is one of my reasons for not wanting a dog (what if they never get along?), plus the usual concerns about who will walk the dog, clean up the poop etc. My children swear they would walk it, but I don't think they fully understand what it would be like to have to deal with a dog that has to pee at 5:30 a.m.!
With all that said, can anyone recommend a small-ish, non-shedding, good-natured breed or mix that might fit our situation?