Which dog breed would be best for us?

Question

We have small children. We have cats. We want a small-mid sized dog breed. WE DO NOT WANT A YAPPER. Meaning, no chihuahuas, min pins, etc. It will get a daily, mid-length walk, but would not have a yard to run around in, would be an indoor dog, but in a rather large house. We don't want something that would require being brushed more than once a week; don't want a high-mainenance coat. My husband does not like the more slender breeds, like italian greyhounds, whippets, etc. Other than that, we're open to suggestions? Any ideas? And please mind the conditions we have, we're after the breed that will suit us best, we want a few opinions. Thanks in advance for the help!

We do have a yard. But we would prefer the dog be indoors with us rather than outdoors by itself, left to it's own devices. Thus, the dog would not be allowed to just run loose in the backyard unless we were with it.
And I did not say a low maintanance dog. I don't think there is such a thing. I said a low maintanance coat....

Answer 1

You have small children and a baby on the way, cats, and no yard, little maintenance allowed for dog, nothing yappy... maybe you shouldn't be getting a dog but maybe a goldfish -- doesn't sound like you have enough time to give a dog the time and attention it would need...

not sayin, just sayin

Answer 2

My recommendation would be a American Staffordshire Terrier. But then again , I am biased. They can be around 70 LBs. so that may be to much for you. But another recommendation that I think will yield you more answers is to go to AKC.com and check out their breed selection on there. Somewhere on that site is the option that allows you to answer question and at the end it tells you what breeds would suit you best. That is really what you should do, since it gives you more then one choice.
Good Luck. Oh and one more suggestion, do not buy from a paper or back yard. Look for a breeder who does not always have puppies, you may pay a little more but in the end you will know where your dog comes from and also that the breeders really care about the dogs they raise. That is the reason you do not want them to have puppies galore.

Answer 3

Any dog you get is going to be a responsibility and will require training. The so called "yappers" (chihuahua's) don't have to be yappers if they were trained properly. I have four and they are not yappers and are very good dogs. I would suggest going to your local animal shelter and finding a good mixed breed that needs a home. Also, if the dog doesn't work for your family the humane society will take it back. You don't really need a pedigree dog if your not planning to show it in competition or breed it. A mixed breed usually is the best breed when finding a good, healthy, loving family pet. Good luck.

Answer 4

I am going to answer much different than I have found in the answers so far. I could tell you about my dogs, & have similar criteria to yours, but I think it would be best if you searched online at the AKC web site. I am not promoting the American Kennel Club nor saying anything against it. Their web site is very helpful though & has many good links in response to the type or breed of dog which will be best for your. I agree you should go with a breeder, but have had great dogs from a pound. Regardless of the one (or ones) you choose, they all have their own personality. Some dogs chew, some don't. Terriers are known for "yapping" but I had one that did not. Again, check out the AKC web site. It helped me decide based upon some of the very similar questions you have & what is "best" for you. Good luck.

Answer 5

Get a pug!! They are small to medium, they like walks but not so interested in hanging out in a yard all day. They have soft short coats that are really low maintenance (ours shed fairly little), it is definitely not a slender breed.

OH ya they are NOT YAPPY!!

Ours is a mix of a pug and Shar-pei, she will probably be no bigger then 20lbs. She is excellent with our 10 month old daughter (even though she's only 12 weeks old) and gets along with the other dogs in our lives.

Answer 6

I have had many many many dogs and here are some that sound like they would be suited best for you.

Toy Dogs.
Toy rat terrier( Rat terriers come in three sizes: toy, medium, and standard size) Great dogs , I have had three in the past. When I had mine, I lived in a house with a small yard and kept mine in. Though in advance, don't leave papers lying around when you are gone, these dogs don't like being alone! Rat Terriers do not require much in the grooming area. Brushing with a firm bristle or rubber brush occasionally will remove any loose or dead hair. Bathing too often will remove the natural oils from the coat, which can cause skin problems that this breed is prone to having. The Rat Terrier should be protected from cold weather via sweaters as this breed has a very short coat and gets cold very easily. Great dog, loyal easy to train, can be wilful.

Another dog:
Toy fox terrier-similar to rat terriers, still a great dog!
If you want a pet with a shorter coat, try the Miniature Fox Terrier. This lively little dog will need lots of exercise, and appreciates having a collection of toys. Fox terriers can be yappy, so your pet may need to go to obedience school if she annoys the neighbors. This is a healthy and low maintenance dog breed, suitable for the owner who just wants to enjoy having a pet without all the grooming fuss.

The Boxer is a medium-sized, square built dog of good substance with short back, strong limbs, and short, tight-fitting coat. Boxers should have a broad, blunt muzzle and an expression of alertness. Boxers should have a fenced yard to roam in, but will do well in a city environment if walked daily. The Boxer is considered a "people dog" adapting well to other dogs and children. They should never be aggressive, but rather even-tempered, but does make a good guard dog.

Height: 21 - 25 inches
Weight: 66 - 70 lbs.

Colors: Fawn, brindle with white markings
Coat: Short, glossy and smooth

Temperament: Boxers are playful, affectionate, friendly, headstrong, high-energy.
With Children: Yes, loyal playmate.
With Pets: Socialization required. May be aggressive with other male dogs.
Special Skills: Working dog and family pet.

Watch-dog: High
Guard-dog: High, deliberate and wary with strangers

Care and Training: Boxers requires low maintenance for grooming. Nails need regular attention. Boxers are an energetic breed who needs lots of exercise either by a walking or a well-fenced yard. The Boxer does well with obedience training.
Learning Rate: High. Training can be a challenge as high intelligence combined with dynamic nature demands a patient owner willing to spend extra time and energy on their training.

Activity: High
Living Environment: Indoor dog as they are a people dog and love to be social. Boxers will not let you forget them in the backyard.

Health Issues: Usually healthy. May have problems with heart murmurs, skin tumors, digestive problems and hypothyroidism

Life Span: 10 - 12 years
Litter Size: 5 - 10

Country of Origin: Germany
History: The Boxers origins come from the mid-nineteenth century mating of a small Bullenbeisser (mastiff-type breed) female to a local dog who produced a female who was then mated to an English Bulldog. Boxers were once used for fighting and bull baiting but over the years they become more refined with a non-aggressive temperament.

First Registered by the AKC: 1904
AKC Group: Working
Class: Working
Registries: AKC, CKC, FCI (Group 2), KC (GB)

I could name alot more but I have written to much as it is! Also don't rule out your local animal shelter. They have many homeless and needy dogs. Mixed breed dogs have many advantages over the pure bred ones. One if they are more the just two dog mixes then they won't be acceptable to many inherited health issues associated to the purebred ones. Hope i was of help to you and good luck! Also something i have forgoten to suggest: shiba inu, great dog, one of my fav!

Answer 7

Have to go along with alex_blakus. Boxers are one of the most affectionate and reliable dogs I have ever been around. I met my first one 4 yrs ago and immediately fell in love. They are low maintenance with the brushing and don't shed much. They love kids and people in general. Another breed is the Chow, but you don't want the long hair maintenance.

Answer 8

Cocker Spaniel. Good smart faithful medium sized dogs that don't shed more than a human. You do have to give them a buzz cut in the summer to keep them cool and somewhat groomed, but I've had three, and they were awesome with other people and animals. And they're not yappy, and not scary. Good lap dogs.
You and your family would love them!

This is what my Murphy looks like. She was wonderful!

http://www.puppydogweb.com/gallery/cockerspaniels/cockspan_moriah.jpg

Answer 9

Every pet site says that Border Collies are the smartest breed. But make sure get from good breeder not a puppy mill. Will be better behaved and healthier.

Answer 10

First, please do not purchase your pet from a Mall store. Mall stores are overpriced, and their puppies come from inhumane puppy mills.

Purchase your pet from a local breeder who does it because he/she loves the breed and cares about the dog. They will want to know as much about you as a prospective owner as you about them as a prospective breeder.

Second, I would suggest either a Cocker Spaniel or an American Eskimo. We have owned both breeds with very few problems.

Both are good dogs with children.

Both are territorial and protective of their home and pack. [Remember dogs are pack animals, and in a dogs eyes, all of you are dogs too; kinda funny perspective, isn't it?] That said, they are not "yippers" or constant barkers. Will they bark if a stranger comes to the door? Certainly - and you want that!

Both are good indoor dogs. A dog needs to have a kennel which is suited to her/his size, that is not much bigger than they are. They need a small space which is their own to go to when they want or need. Kennels are especially helpful and necessary if your dog is going to left home alone during the day. They are better in their kennel, and when inside of it, they cannot do anything destructive around your home.

Our 4-year-old Eskie is such an indoor dog that her shedding seasons are reversed: she gets more hair during the air conditioning months and loses hair in the heathing months.

Grooming: Both breeds require some grooming. the type is different for each.

Cockers: need to be trimmed up at least twice a year. Either do it yourself [purchase electric shears] ortake to a groomer. Close attention to ears [they get ear mites easily because their ears flop over and moisture is held in]. That said we had ours for 10 years and had very few peoblems. Shampoo once a month and brush weekly.

Eskies: next to no maintenenace except brushing [no haircuts!]. A ***** [female] will have two major shedding seasons which are in sync with her being in heat. A dawg [male] will have one major shedding season. It is a good idea to brush them out once a week; once a day during shedding season. Other than that, shampoo once a month. No haircuts are needed.

We found both to be easily "potty trained" within a few months. Housebreaking a dog is more about the OWNER'S habits than the dog's.

Both breeds are very comfortable with the pack [family] and will play and lounge with each member of your family. We now have two Eskies, a 4 year old and a 4 month old. Anna follows my wife everywhere. Abby follows me everywhere. Both will sit with either of us. Both breeds are good "Lap" dogs. They will curl up in your lap or next to you on bed or couch or in easy chair.

Either breed will give you years of unconditional love! Please make certain you are ready and willing and able to do the same for your pets. Pets become family members. It broke our hearts when we had to say goodbye to Amber, our ten-year-old Cocker who got very sick at the end of her life. Our whole family has ten years of very pleasant memories of Amber, and we are building memories with Anna and Abby now!