One thing I have noticed in talking to other groomers and people on different list are how varied the temperaments are in different breeds in different parts of the country.Guess it depends on what the local "breeders" are producing For example Pembroke Welsh Corgi's. How cute are they but the majority of the ones you see here anyway are pure evil. Shelties spin in circles and bark non-stop. Worst bite I've even had was from a Sheltie. Westies, major skin problems. Maltese might be sweet, might not. Breed most likely to have to be sedated to be groomed, Poodle. I would talk to a few vets in your area and find out from them what the most easy going breeds are that they see on a regular basis. When you get it narrowed down to a couple breeds then you might check to see if there are breed specific rescues in your area. A dog from a municiple shelter is going to be a very stressed animal and you may not see his true colors for several days or even weeks after you take him home. With a dog that's been in a foster home for a while they will be able to tell you much more about his personality.

The breed I've had the least amount of trouble with? Chow Chows - go figure.


Lisa

What about a Schipperke? Those are nice little dogs!

Someother suggestions: Shelties (I noticed already mentioned repeatedly, but I'll throw them in again!) Pembroke Welch Corgis, Border Terriers, Whippet, Mini Bull Terrier, Mini Poodle, American Eskimo.

Depends on how much grooming and activity level you want!

If it doesn't have to be AKC or even purebred you can check out Petfinder.org. They have tons of dogs looking for homes and you might find a surprise there!

Tiffany

The breed that stands out in this thread that also suits your daughter's wishes is the American Eskimo. It's got the fluffy fur, it's cute, and it's very trainable. Eskies used to be extremely popular with trainers of circus or vaudville act dogs. If your daughter liked curly hair, I'd say a poodle.

Thank you so much to everyone who has replied. This certainly gives us some direction from reliable sources.

Hey Becca, Let us all know what ya decide on and do.

Maybe I'll start a pool.
Randy

I really like mini-aussies and shelties for kids. They are easy and fun to train, energetic but not insane, and usually easy going and great with kids.

Becca, if you haven't decided yet...may I throw in another suggestion. My son showed two cocker spaniels for four years in 4-H. The cockers we had were very mellow, sturdy, happy dogs. Great with kids. My son won several individual first places in obedience and showmanship. He finished his 4-H years winning the State 4-H Tandem Obedience Championship.

4-H is a good place for kids to learn about the responsibilities of dog ownership. Our 4-H club also had required projects they needed to complete and papers they had to write (canine health, different breeds, breed groups, their breed's standards, etc.). If they had a mutt, which was allowed, they had to do the homework to find out what it looked like the most, and show them accordingly.

Good luck!

Sandy

I would definately suggest going with a spaniel. I grew up with English Springer Spaniels and they were great. Very trainable, beautiful coats, and great with kids. I think that goes for all the spaniels (Cockers, Cavalier King Charle's, and English Springer). Just make sure you get one from a responsible breeder so you don't have to battle health problems. Our Springer's always came from "field" lines. The working dogs of English Springer Spaniels.

English Cockers are nice too. I remember seeing a number of them in agility. They are less hairy and not as cobby as their American cousins.