I'm trying to do my homework before getting another dog. I have a family of four kids ranging from 9 to 1 year. We already have a fairly well behaved 1 year old Shi Tzu that is my wife's dog. I'm looking for recommendations for a dog for myself.

We live in Ohio and any dog we get will be an inside dog. That's something of a problem because of my wife's allergies. She does fine with some dogs. I think it's something about the dander, but it's probably related to shedding as well. We had a labradoodle for a while (that still shed) she did OK with that dog, but not great.

I work from home as a computer programmer. I also run in the mornings for exercise. What I'm looking for is a dog to hang out with me in my office while I work and run with me. I'd love to do obedience training and other stuff like fetch/frisbee. I'm hoping for a dog between 35 - 65 pounds. That's a wide range, but I'm open minded. I don't suspect I'll be able to do things like enter competitions and such. I really just want a good dog that I can train well, will run with me, and is happy enough to hang out with me in my office while I work.

I'd really love a Lab or a GSD, but I know my wife can't handle the shedding. I've thought about Border Collies, but I'm not sure I can give a BC enough exercise and mental stimulation. I've also thought about Portuguese Water Dogs and a couple of the Terriers. I'm a little concerned with these water dogs because I won't have the opportunity to take them swimming much. I'm kind of focusing on working dogs though because of their size, strength/endurance (to run with me), and their trainability.

We had to get rid of the labradoodle because I was traveling a lot at the time and we didn't train it very well. It had issues with the pecking order with our kids and bit my oldest son (the dog's closest competition). I really liked the dog and miss his companionship, but I'm very aware of the impact such a dog can have on my family. I understand the importance of training a dog right and I want to do a good job, but I'm an inexperienced dog handler even though I've owned several good dogs.

My husbands son has allergies also. He has a Lab and a Beagle (both are in the house a bit, more so in the winter) and he does really well. He trains them so there is a lot of contact between him and both dogs.

Neither one of his dogs sheds too much and they make sure to groom them regularly and bathe them as needed.

My Lab also sheds minimally.

Not sure if this is a breed characteristic or if we are just lucky......

I am sure you will get some great suggestions. I am not personally familiar with many of the non shedding breeds, so I will leave it for others to comment.

 Quote:

I've thought about Border Collies, but I'm not sure I can give a BC enough exercise and mental stimulation

However, I will give you the advice you are correct in NOT getting a BC. With your history with the labradoodle and the age of your children, I do not think this would be a good idea. Plus they DO shed.

Boglen Terriers (Boston Terrier X Beagle) are very easily trained, gentle family dogs, athletic, and love to hang out. The ones I have are 25lb max. They have very short hair which will minimise the allergy situation, as will the smaller size. Mine are not in your size range, maybe you can find someone who has BIG parents.

Well if you are looking for a companion dog, and don’t really care about breed, have you considered looking at a rescue? While I don’t ever approve of breeding mutts on purpose , they can happen on accident, and many need homes. Go look for a younger (8 mo to a yearish?) pup. You will get an idea of size, likely energy level, and temperament, but won’t have to go through all the “puppy” things like late night potty breaks, accidents, and crying. There are literally thousands that would love a good home!

If you want a pure bred doggie, a neighbor of mine has three Wheaton Terriers. They are the size you are looking at, can be very playful (and love to go for a run with her husband), but are great indoors. Oh yeah, and she does have allergies. Actually that is why she chose this breed. They seem to be very gentle and are also quiet. BTW, it looks like a lot more grooming than they really do need Check out this link and let me know what you think!

Wheaton Terriers

Good luck!

We have a neighbor with a Wheaton Terrier. It seems to match up with all of my requirements. The only thing is I've heard they can be stubborn and hard to train. I know my neighbors have really struggled with this and their isn't really trained that well. I'm just not sure if I'll have the chops to handle it.

Your skills are what matters with training most of the time. My mother is a very intelligent woman, but she couldn’t train a dog for the life of her. It takes patience, consistency, and patience. Mom lacks consistency, like most unsuccessful trainers I know, and when they get the poor results that brings, they become impatient. A self fulfilling prophesy

This breed is very intelligent like most terriers and is trainable, individual dependent.

Good luck, and I really do recommend at the very least Ed’s Basic Obedience video. It really is worth the money!!!

P.S. Stick with this board, no matter what breed you choose. These people are always eagar to help!

 Quote: debbie bruce

Boglen Terriers (Boston Terrier X Beagle)...

Lol...Debbie, are you serious??? Are there really people calling these things "Boglen Terriers" instead of a mix between "x & x"? JMO, but the world really doesn't need more breeds. Man has screwed up enough breeds as it is.. I know some of these crosses are used with "low or non-shedding" in mind, but to breed for that reason only is as bad as breeding for looks only.

Anyway, Doug, I commend you for doing your research beforehand. I'm thinking from your descriptions, the Wheaton Terrier is a good choice. Maybe a Schnauzer? I like bully breeds, so I would say a Pitbull or Boxer. A Boxer will be a bit bigger, but it's excellent with kids. More stubborn than a PB though. Although, since you live in Ohio, I'm not sure what breed bans are out there.

 Quote: Alex Corral

 Quote: Debbie Bruce

Boglen Terriers (Boston Terrier X Beagle)...

Lol...Debbie, are you serious

I am just trying to imagine what they look like.....

My uncle had a wheaton terrier when I was growing up. He was reasonably well-trained and seemed to be good around kids, though he was quite stubborn; I was pretty young then so I might not remember very well either.

Have you considered a large poodle? If looks are an issue you wouldn't need to shave it like one. If you got either a black or liver one you could shave it appropriately and tell people its an Irish water spaniel, curly-coated retriever, Chesapeake Bay retriever, ... I think I'm getting carried away here.