Thanks for all the replies and ideas, you guys are just GREAT!

The French Bulldog sounds good but is way out of our price range. I am really leaning toward a toy poodle or boston...probably a toy poodle because of the added allergy potential issues.

Is that breed dreadful, or can we get a great family pet in that breed? I'd also consider a mini poodle (a little bigger) if that would make a difference in temperment or health.

I would love to hear any other thoughts or observations though.

One thing is for sure, regardless of what we get, we're gettng all of Ed's DVD's!

Here's my $0.02 based purely on observation only.

French bulldogs are wonderful dogs but VERY expensive. Something to do with difficulties in whelping, I believe.

Shibas can be aloof, independent, and stubborn to deal with. Not always the friendliest of dogs, they remind me a little bit of Akitas and Chows.

IMO Pugs are simply WONDERFUL dogs. Yes, they have some health issues (but what breed doesn't?)and yes, you do have to pay attention to their skin, but for personality and all-around good heart (not to mention the MOST incredible face) pugs are hard to beat. We have a lot of pug clients and, honestly, we do not see them more than other small breeds for health-related issues.

I have two Pugs, and they aren't my first.

I won't comment on what a terrible idea the bracheocephalic breeds were (IMO), but I will say that mine belong to a training club of 30 or so Pugs and a few "siblings" of other smallish breeds (no, NOT the training club the GSD belongs to :grin, and my own experience is that Pugs seem to be pretty health-challenged.

My own two are among the healthiest, but I attribute it to raw feeding, and the fact that one of them is WAY over breed standard in size and doesn't have the teeth-crowding, the collapsing trachea, bulging eyes, and so on, resulting from the flat face. He just has a lot more room.

It's very good to hear that your experience is better, Sarah. You have a much larger sampling, too, I'm sure.

I agree with you, Sarah, about their personalities. Not a prey-driven breed, but definitely funny, engaging, and personable. (Since I am well-acquainted with thirty of them, I feel OK making broad statements like that. :grin

Jim, when you ask "Is that breed dreadful, or can we get a great family pet in that breed?" about toy Poodles, my own answer would be that you can find great family pets among most breeds. I don't think their intelligence or working ability can compare to a Standard, but then, the breed is meant to be a "toy" breed.

I think that I have seen great companion dogs of most breeds. I understand the small Poodles may have to be screened more carefully to avoid the nervous, highstrung individuals.

But research research research, IMHO, is your best friend.
http://yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/miniaturepoodles.html

Which is what you are doing, now that I think about it!

This is a very comprehensive site for finding the best dog suited to your familys wants/needs. I enjoyed finding out what kind of dog it stated was best for me..if it doesn't help, it's fun all the same.

http://www.glowdog.com/bestdog/

Connie...after a less-than-stellar Monday, just thinking about a group of 30 pugs, all together, is bringing a real smile to my face. How fun!!

 Quote: Connie Sutherland

I have not personally run into insurmountable housetraining issues with any dogs. After taking into account the smaller bladder and resultant frequency compared to my GSD, I've had no problems. I've heard and read that smaller breeds can be harder to housetrain, though, so I guess some must be.

There is a big difference between how long they can hold it and how long a big dog can, of course.

I think as long as the owner is home frequently enough to get the dog outside (or they litter train) there shouldn't be a problem. The toy dog must be treated like a big dog though in terms of leading them around, crating, etc. The problem with the toy breeds and housebreaking is related to their bladder size, but also the fact that they're often allowed to get away with it because the mess is so small... But it stops being fun after a while, and then all you're left with is a bad habit.

The family I work for has a mini poodle. She is smart, expressive, and still quite playful at 13. Doesn't seem to delicate (as small breeds go). Her big fault is that she's yappy, but that's a training issue, not a poodle issue.

 Quote: Jennifer Ruzsa

....The problem with the toy breeds and housebreaking is related to their bladder size, but also the fact that they're often allowed to get away with it because the mess is so small...

I couldn't have said it that well. 100% correct, IMHO.

If a shiba inu gets out the door it's bye bye puppy - you can practically hear the dog saying "taa taa for now stupid human!!!"

I think the miniature poodle is a little less breakable than the toy & easier to train.

 Quote: sarah_morris

Connie...after a less-than-stellar Monday, just thinking about a group of 30 pugs, all together, is bringing a real smile to my face. How fun!!

It sure is. At the holiday party in December, there were about 22 Pugs and several big and small "siblings."

This was all in someone's home, so it was truly impressive.

She hosts these guys several times a year, and I wouldn't miss it.

I do love training the big guys and really love my GSD's training club, and I've always considered myself to be a working-breed, big-dog person ..... the Pugs are just a whole different experience.

They band together, so on the training field when they are released to have fun, they all move together like a big beige amoeba with black dots.

I apologize for the hijack. Cindy, what a fun site you posted!