What type of breed does not shed and is o.k. for a family of 4 kids ages 5, 7, 13, and 15?

Question

The dog would preferably be small with little grooming and shedding. It will get plenty of exercise including lots of walks and hopefully be an off-leash dog so it can run and play.

I have two girls, 7 and 13; and two boys, 5 and 15.

Answer 1

I have a Yorkie and she does not shed, besides my love for the breed, it's the main reason I wanted a Yorkie. I had a Pomeranian as a child and the hair drove me nuts it gets everywhere. I would not have that in my house. I think all terrier breeds don't shed, but i'm not certain. Shitzsu's do shed my sister got one they said she wouldn't shed but oh she does. Yorkies do not I never take wads of hair to work with me. As for kids there great, non agressive, and mine loves kids. I've read many books on them. Just make sure the whole family is willing to share puppy responsibilities. And make sure everyone agrees on your pet of choice. Mine was trained in less than 2 months! Great breed! Whatever you decide, be sure to do research!

Answer 2

Hi! I have a Bichon Frise/Poodle mixed, sometimes called a Bichon Poo, and she's SO great. She's just the friendliest dog, and after her puppy-hood coat change which pretty much all dogs go thru, she no longer really sheds. She's about 90% shed free. BUT with poodles or bichons, you must must must comb them at least 2-3 times per week, for about 20 minutes. If you can do that, then I'd definitely recommend them. They must also be groomed. Please look into all those aspects before purchasing a doggie, because I actually didn't know about all the upkeep before I purchased mine. This is a really great place to find all those things out, as well as various sites on the internet. They even have some 'which breed of dog is best for you' quizzes if you search the internet, like on a search engine. Good luck!

PS, bichon poos are generally GREAT with kids.

Answer 3

i am a fan of the toy poodle--all dogs require grooming but the time you save in cleaning pet hair off of the clothes, furniture and floors can be spent on a couple of baths and combing- once every 6-8 weeks make a beauty appt for your new family member and you will have a nice looking dog that is friendly, active and loving. remind the boys that poodles were originally bred for hunting before they became the fashion dogs that the girls will appreciate. this is an all around dog everyone can love and enjoy

Answer 4

A Staffordshire bull terrier has long been called the nanny dog. They have a slick smooth coat and need little brushing and shedding is low to moderate. They are between 25 and 35 lbs generally. The AKC temperament standard: Temperament From the past history of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, the modern dog draws its character of indomitable courage, high intelligence, and tenacity. This, coupled with its affection for its friends, and children in particular, its off-duty quietness and trustworthy stability, makes it a foremost all-purpose dog. The UK Kennel Club Temperament Standard: Characteristics Traditionally of indomitable courage and tenacity. Highly intelligent and affectionate especially with children. Temperament Bold, fearless and totally reliable. That's the kind of dog I would like with my kids. Really small dogs can be easily hurt by kids rough housing and many are not very kid tolerant.

Answer 5

I have a chihuahua.. There's not too much to the grooming. He does shed but all animals shed. Short haired chi's never need a haircut..long haired do. The biggest thing with mine is his nails grow out rather fast so i have to get them cut at least 1x a month. They do bark when they are scared or nervous. Mine is a great guard dog. He's calm, loves to be petted and his hair combed. I think chi's would work for you.

Answer 6

Poodles, Airdales, and of course Mexican Hairless are the three I can think of off the top of my head. Airdales are going to be biggest of the three. I'm thinking Bichon Frises don't shed either. Other small dogs will shed less with a healthy diet (such as Nutromax or Science Diet) and frequent brushing. I have a St. Bernard mix and he barely sheds since I switched his food.

Answer 7

There are some great mixtures that have been popularized lately that fit this category well. Have you heard of Labradoodles and Goldendoodles? I am serious. These dogs are bred to have the characteristics you are looking for AND to NOT shed.
For small dogs, you might try a mini Wheaton Terrier.

Answer 8

I grow up with a Vizsla Dog and that breed is very good with young children and is short haired so next to no shedding.

My sister and I would dress her up in all kinds of outfits and she would just sit there we would even pull on her ears when we were really young and she would not do anything but sit there and then give us lots of kisses.

If you are looking for a beautiful, energetic, intelligent and affectionate family companion, a Vizsla puppy may just be the right choice for you!

Answer 9

there is no such thing as a NON sheding dog. all dogs shed. as do we humans. it's the dander *dry dead skin* that ppl have probelms with.

here is a list of dogs that are LOW shedding, with links to their breed info. that way you can see if that breed will fit into your family.
good luck!! and remember that children need to be taught how to respect an animals space too! no matter how well behaved a dog is..if it feels threatened it will defend it's self.
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/lightshedders.htm

Answer 10

a shih tzu is "non shed", it's considered a toy breed so it's very small. usually they go up to a max of 11 lbs. They are cute and mellow and good for all age groups.