[YouMeandPupMakes3]

I am trying to decide on a breed and/or mix breed (would look for these mixes if I adopt from shelter or petfinder). I have the chance to get an Aussie, but I want to make sure all of my options are explored before I make this big decision. (I didn't struggle this much over my apartment or car choice, BTW.)

Here are the things I'd like to have:

*Smart, pretty easily trained
*Basic tricks
*Maybe play ball/frisbee
*Attractive (aren't they all?)
*Good with older kids (mine is 7, visited occasionally by a 3 year old)
*Needs moderate exercise
*Eventually would like to get my daughter into 4-H with the dog
*Barking would be a problem as we can hear our neighbors all the time! (I can't wait to move to a house!!!)
*Small to small-medium dog (Avoiding toys or gargantuan dogs. LOL)


My facts:

*I live in an apt, second floor. Large floor space to play, and large yard/field in back right out our door.
*Off in the summers, work during school year 7 hours a day. Would be crated.
*I have a 7 year old daughter that NEEDS a companion and is very responsible and dog savvy.
*We walk about a mile or more each day and go to the park a couple times a week and walk even more.
*We have time to devote to play and training every day.

 

[Keechak]

sound to me like a whippet or Italian Greyhound would be a good choise. but As you know I'm partial to the aussies myself ^_^

the sighthound group is known for being very quiet and the more "companion" type ones tend to be easier to train and less hard headed. I have known some Obedience champion Whippets.

only thing with them is they are not good with small animals.

oh and they are also a low shedding breed.

 

[crzy_brunette77]

Miniature poodle! Only real deal breaker would be the grooming, but I think everythimg else is about right.

 

[YouMeandPupMakes3]

Miniature poodle! Only real deal breaker would be the grooming, but I think everythimg else is about right.

Grooming isn't an issue for me. I love to brush and my parent's neighbor is a groomer. She does some private grooming in her home as well as in the salon where she works. )

 

[jesirose]

What would a kid do with a dog in 4H just out of curiosity?

I think your best bet is to go meet dogs and see which ones you like, since you'll be adopting. You'll have no promises but you'll get to actually see what the individual dog is like.

Good with kids, tricks, that's all training - it's up to YOU guys. Some breeds are better with people in general but that's not my area of expertise

I'd worry about a whippet or an IG with a 7 and 3 year old. I always feel like I'm going to break them when I pet an IG. And all the ones I've met were skittish with people.

Go for a sturdy medium mutt

 

[Xeph]

There's lots of things kids do with dogs in 4H. Showmanship, obedience, agility...

An English Cocker Spaniel might serve your purposes well Or a show bred Welsh or English Springer

 

[jesirose]

I thought 4H did farm stuff. No idea they could do obedience stuff in there, cool.

 

[YouMeandPupMakes3]

An English Cocker Spaniel might serve your purposes well Or a show bred Welsh or English Springer

Although it is irrational, I am deathly afraid of Cocker Spaniels. I was attacked as a child and it never left me. It is so silly, and I have met several to face my fears and I cannot get past it. Maybe I need dog therapy. LOL But they sure are gorgeous!

I thought 4H did farm stuff. No idea they could do obedience stuff in there, cool.

I was suprised, too. I was talking to a teacher about my daughter not liking all the things we've tried like dance, soccer, cheer, etc. I told her that she was into animals, dogs mostly, and had tunnel vision in that regard. She told me all about the options in 4-H and I knew right away that that was right for her on MANY levels.
But first we need a dog.....

 

[ioreks_mom]

i agree with the "sturdy mutt" suggestion

i think that going to a shelter and meeting the dogs there with your daughter is your best bet. that way you can get to know the dog before adopting and you and your daughter can make sure the dog is the right fit for your family

 

[RRM_Mom08]

Ok my breed of choice for you Boston Terrier

*Smart, pretty easily trained YES
*Basic tricks YES
*Maybe play ball/frisbee YES
*Attractive (aren't they all?) Definitly
*Good with older kids (mine is 7, visited occasionally by a 3 year old) great with my 4 boys (11,8,5 and 3)
*Needs moderate exercise They love to play but are not overly hyper dogs
*Eventually would like to get my daughter into 4-H with the dog
*Barking would be a problem as we can hear our neighbors all the time! (I can't wait to move to a house!!!) My bostons don't bark unless someone comes with-in a foot of my fence..But they were taught from 8weeks on that barking is not tolerated
*Small to small-medium dog (Avoiding toys or gargantuan dogs. LOL) they range from about 10lbs to 25lbs

 

[YouMeandPupMakes3]

Tomorrow, my daughter and I go to volunteer orientation at the local no-kill. So, that way we can help dogs and cats in need, and get a first look at the dogs as they come in. We can get insider info on all of the aggression tests they do and even watch them. If we decide to get a pup from a breeder or rescue, we are still helping.

 

[tipper]

a working standard Labrador covers all also.

 

[skelaki]

If your daughter's interested in getting into Jr. Showmanship in more than 4-H you will need to get a purebred. Otherwise either a purebred or mixed breed will work. A Herding breed such as as Aussie, Collie (rough or smooth), Sheltie, or Corgi (either one) could work as long as you realize that these dogs absolutely must have jobs to do (i.e obedience, showing, agility, herding, etc) and require a lot of exercise. I've had Collies in apartments so it can work but some apartments have size restrictions so that's another consideration. A Whippet could be a great choice if there's a safely fenced area you could take the dog to a few times a week to run. Other possibilities would be a Border Terrier, Australian Terrier, Fox Terrier (smooth or wire), or a Toy Fox Terrier. Yes, I knoe the last one's in the Toy Group but they are terriers through and through.

 

[animalcraker]

You may want to look at Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retreivers. The English Cocker Spaniel seems to fit your bill perfectly. English and American Cockers are 2 seperate breeds and have very different personalities and looks, is it both breeds of cocker that you're afraid of? Of course you could always go with an lovable shelter mix, since 4-H allows you to show mixes. I will however warn you though that the show bug is contagious and your daughter may want to go further with her dog and show ay AKC or UKC shows, especialy is she's into animals. I started with my family's mix in 4-H and ended up getting a purebred within a year so I coud do even more than just 4-H.

I thought 4H did farm stuff. No idea they could do obedience stuff in there, cool.

4-H is WAY MORE than just "farm stuff". There is of course optin to raise acution animals, but they have projects for just about anything ou can think of. My county had projects for other things Fine Arts, Llamas, Leadership, Public Speaking, Cake decorating, Outdoor cooking, Fishing, and we even had a Rock Climbing project. The projects available depend on your club/county and if there's anyone available to teach them.

 

[digits mama]

Cairn Terriers are yes to all of your questions. But they are Terriers and with the right element, the right kind of training, and love. They are the perfect for what you are looking for. Good luck on your search and cant wait to hear all about what kind of pup you choose Good luck!

 

[YouMeandPupMakes3]

Can I just say that I am BLOWN AWAY by the time and kindness you are all giving me. I never imagined I'd feel so welcomed and touched by everyone's willingness to help me become a new dog-mom. I have always had dogs given to me or even abandoned with me, so this is my first forray into actually seeking out a dog. I am shocked at the strss involved in this decision, and this forum is a GODSEND in helping me. I can't wait to pick and then start posting pics, great stories, and a whole new set of stresses. LOL

 

[Thracian]

Another vote for miniature poodle. They are just the right size, smart, and very fun.

 

[alphadoginthehouse]

I am biased toward Mutts. If showing isn't what your daughter wants, for training, agility, etc., many mutts are perfect. Both of mine are perfect for my lifestyle...slug...but both would have done well in agility, if I was so inclined.

Yes, it's a crap shoot on what you will get in the mix, but I don't know that I would have anything else.

Good luck. So did you decide the Aussie was not for you (from another post)? I had an Aussie mix and she was the smartest dog ever...and loved the water (she had her own pool).

 

[YouMeandPupMakes3]

Another vote for miniature poodle. They are just the right size, smart, and very fun.

I have always wanted a Standard Poodle, but a mini might be a good idea in the meantime, then add a Std to the family when I get my house.

Good luck. So did you decide the Aussie was not for you (from another post)? I had an Aussie mix and she was the smartest dog ever...and loved the water (she had her own pool).

I haven't decided against the Aussie, I just don't want to get one just because it's there. I want to explore all of my options and make an informed decision.

 

[Xeph]

The Mini Poodle is a wonderful idea if your daughter isn't too big on grooming and getting into AKC Juniors (you never know). Otherwise, grooming up a poodle for show (especially the Mini and the Toy) is extremely important (and hard) to learn to do.

By the way, these are English Cocker Spaniels:
Nohea's Desdemona "Mona" I've shown this bitch many times, and she's LOVELY!

Nohea Lysander "Jack" Mona's brother. I've shown him as well. They are both still puppies, but look at the difference in coat and size Definitely male and female!

These are American Cocker Spaniels (the ones more known for temperament issues):