Still on the dog search, any recommendations? Good family pet, running buddy, medium size?

Question

I have young children, a smallish yard only a 5' fence, I like to jog (or rather am trying to get back in the habit) We live near a large dog friendly park. We need a medium size dog that is great with all kids, other dogs, preferably one that can be trusted off leash. I can't chase kids as well if I'm always holding the leash. Needs to be able to withstand colder temperatures, will be an outside dog, with indoor visits, full access to garage. I'd prefer a low maintainance hair style dog, I already have more than enough hair between myself and my kids! We are in a subdivision so a breed that isn't a constant howler/barker is a must, I don't want to tick off any neighbors. Any suggestions? We've considered Britany Spaniels, Border Collies, Beagles & other medium hounds are attractive, except for that whole catch a scent and howl issue. Okay, so now everyone either astound me with the perfect dog suggestions or if my dream dog doesn't exist, feel free to break my heart :) thanks

Also, mention if you have had success adopting a dog from the Humane Society or if you suggest raising from a puppy.
Any input on Blue Heeler/Austrailian Cattle dogs as pets also needed, there are a lot currently up for adoption.

I guess I should be more specific, by inside visits, I mean, when we are home, the dog comes in with us, if I am folding laundry, unloading groceries, or scrubbing the toilet, the will be outside so I'm not tripping on him, he isn't trampleing clothes or eating chemicals, etc. The dog we are sitting now is so small he can fit under the fence, but I feel bad that he can't go outside and just sniff and play without being on a leash.

Answer 1

Ha! Before I even got to your additional info I was going to suggest an ACD/Blue Heeler. My family has had three. They are great dogs. Most of them are wonderful with kids, very protective of them, but not to the point of biting others unless you train them that way. They like other dogs (we have two that aren't ACD and they love them, too.) They *love* to run. One of them liked to ride alongside the bicycle. She could always be trusted off leash; the other only after she got too old to really run. That one was a jumper, too, so she'd jump the fence. I think it's the luck of the draw as far as those traits are concerned, but training is essential.
We got one as a puppy, and the other at a year old from the shelter. Our other dogs have been shelter dogs, and it's always been a wonderful experience. (The puppy was an Xmas gift.) I do urge you to reconsider the outside dog issue. Your children and your dog will be happier if they are inside. ACDs don't' shed too badly, anyway. They are better off leash if they feel like your trusted partner and companion. If it thinks of the kids as its family, it will want to stay close to you and to them.

Answer 2

Okay, I won't comment on the "outside dog" part, but be forewarned that many shelters, rescues, and reputable breeders will not adopt out dogs to people who intend to keep them outside. There, that's all I'll say.

However, I'm afraid I must break your heart a tiny bit more. Please, do not get a border collie. BC's were bred to herd ALL.DAY.LONG. They are incredibly intelligent, usually far too intelligent for the average owner. They crave exercise and they have enormous bounds of energy. And, best of all, they have a boundless stamina.

I have many friends and agility classmates with BCs and they all agree on one thing: no Border Collie should live the life of an average pet. Every BC needs a job. If it were up to them, BCs would only be available to performance or working homes. And if you've ever dog-sat a BC, you'll know where they're coming from ;) Granted, some lines of BCs have had their working instinct dulled down, but most BCs retain a very strong work and herding ethic. They're not your average Joe Schmoe family pet.

Answer 3

If you want a jogging companion, get an iPod.
An outside dog (even with some indoor vists) isn't going to be a good off-the-leash jogging buddy. A shorthaired dog/dog with low maintenance and non-shedding hair isn't going to do well outside. A dog that can be a jogging buddy is going to jump a 5ft fence. A medium sized dog isn't going to be able to jog all that far. You're seriously contradicting yourself. Unless you want a dog as a pet (meaning a family member who lives in the house like everyone else), or unless it's going to be a working dog....don't get a dog.

Dogs should have outdoor vists, not indoor visits.

Answer 4

ok.. my family and I have all rescue animals! So I suggest how about getting a dog from a shelter or from a rescue orginization of a certain breed of dog! When you go to shelters or rescues they have tried the dog on every thing, which means they know if the dog jumps, or howls alot, or good with children and on and on! But dont count out any dog just because the size of the breed or the habits they NORMALY have! Cause there is always those few that are the runts and/or are quite peaceful animals!
Now about the puppy.. I wouldnt suggest it since you have kids! Because it would be a hassle to have to go through potty training and other training while doing things with your kids and work! So that is a bad idea!
I hope evrything that goes well! :)

Answer 5

We have a soft coated Wheaton terrier which is 45 pounds and he's at the top of his range. He is great for running and is ok with kids. I think he would be a lot better if he was around them more. He is very friendly and doesn't bark much at all. The are very social so I'm not sure I would leave him or any dog out side for long periods of time. He's fine being in the house we don't have to play with him all the time but he likes to be around us as much as he can. He doesn't shed so he does have to be groomed every few months and brushed to keep his coat from matting. Not much work compared to cleaning all the cat hair up from my cat. He's fine in the cold weather and we have him cut really short in the summer to cut down on grooming and because he doesn't do well in the heat. Like all dogs he needs to be trained.

Answer 6

Few breeds do well as outside dogs....certainly not the 3 breeds you listed. And, most any breed will bark/howl if left outside. Also, while you may find a dog that is great with all kids, all dogs, and can be trusted off leash (after training....none would if they have not been trained)...I can't think of any breed that this would be true.
And no, I would never suggest you get a dog from a shelter when you have young children. There is just no way to know what they may be like with kids. A much better option is a dog from a rescue group where the dog is in a foster home. Find a rescue near you and tell them your requirements. You may have to wait awhile to find the perfect dog. However, a dog in a foster home with kids would be ideal.

Answer 7

In my humble opinion, mixed breed dogs are the best pets, especially if you adopt from a shelter. A reputable shelter like the ASPCA will spend a lot of time working with you. They want a successful adoption as much as you do. Breeders want to sell dogs. Any dog will require a fair amount of your time training it the way you want it to act. The younger the dog, the easier it usually is to train.

The other big advantage to a shelter dog is you can really take your time and see how your family and the dog interact. They also are usually already altered and have had the necessary shots.

The other thing to consider, if you are really concerned about barking and howling, is allowing the dog to be inside and a part of the family. You'd be amazed how well behaved they can be and short haired dogs do not shed much at all.

Answer 8

Well that's a pretty good list of requirments. At first thought, Beagle sounds good, til you read a little further and see 'no howlers. Aussie sounds good, til you read 'the part about easy hair/coat maintenance.
You're probably on the right track with a Brittany - but honestly, if you don't have a real preference for breed, why not just check out the shelters and the rescues to find a dog that meets all your requirements. Lots of mixes will do just fine and you'd be giving a good home to a dog that needs one. A young adult dog will probably be better for your situation than a puppy.

Answer 9

I have a Shi-Zu I love him to death. Very easy to train and very good with my kids 7 and 12. I also run camp a lot of out door activities he always keeps up. The grooming is the only high maintenance for him, I take him once a month to Pet CO 15 dollars usually. I found him from a private breeder in town. I have had a few dogs growing up and he has been the easiest I'm so glad I found him. There really cute!!!! and great companions!

Answer 10

You're extremely contradictory:

1. Low maintenance hairstyle = short coat
2. Outside dog in cold temp = longer coat
3. Big enough to jog = big enough to go over 5 ft fence if left outside and bored.
4. Great with kids and other dogs = lonely if left outside (see number 3)

I don't think such a dog exists.... and I've been around a LOT of dogs. Rescue a dog from a shelter... I don't know a responsible breeder who will sell you a dog given your criteria and at least you'll be saving a life.