What kind of dog should I be looking for?

If you want a pure bred, go to a dog show, there are so many breeds now recognized by the AKC that I never even heard of before. Find one whose look you like and then after the dog is finished being shown ask the owner if they can tell you about their breed. It is a good way to find out the good and bad aspects of any breed, they will be honest.

If you want a little mutt, go to the SPCA and keep going until you see one that strikes your fancy.

There are a bunch of breed selector quizzes on the Net that can help you narrow your decision. If you go to the HSUS and let them know what type/size you’re looking for. They can help you select a dog that will fit in well with your current situation.

I wouldn’t recommend selecting a dog based on what it will and won’t do, it’s just like picking the rich kids to be friends with instead of the poor. A good dog you find in the pound could end up being one of your best best friends regardless of hair type, yeah people generally pick pets similar to them, but they shouldn’t go out looking for pets with that set in mind.

Another option is to go through a rescue group that uses the Foster Home system. They will know their dogs’ personalities quite well.

After reading this again, @erikaVT I’d say any poodle mix would fit you well. They aren’t barkers or shedders. Poodles occasionally shed little hair clumps.

@Samurai No, it’s like picking out a dog based on its qualities because I can’t stay home all day with it or have it shed all over the place when people in the house have allergies. Certain dogs have good fits with certain people and that analogy is completely irrelevant.

Thanks to everyone who has answered my question.

@erikaVT Even if I don’t agree with what you may choose to do, as long as your question is answered that’s fine.

Visit your local animal shelter, tell them the type behavior you need from a dog, and they can point you in the right direction. They have adult dogs who will be ready to go ahead and start playing with Luke. A puppy would require too much attention for your busy schedule, so I think you should go w/ adopting an adult dog.

My shorthaired chihuahua barely shed and didn’t bark much at all even when people knocked on the door. They are such lapdogs too. Mexicans royalty used to use them as hot water bottles. They love to get under the covers and sleep next to your butt or in between your legs. Ive had two chihuahuas and they both did this. The both also licked to lick the water off your ankles when you got out of the shower. And I think chihuahuas are cute as a button. I sometimes worry though when he goes out to pee a hawk might carry him off.

Boxers are cool because their cylinders are horizontally opposed. This makes for a lower center of gravity for improved handling.

However I think that Black Labs have the perfect personality: Loyal without being sappy or cloying.

Italian Greyhounds are small with a gentle and sweet personality

Talk to your vet, and look at the message boards in the clinic. Ours is full of postings from people who can no longer keep their pets because of moving or loss of jobs. It’s really sad. You could do a dog a really good turn by taking one in that needs a home.

That’s a good idea @PandoraBoxx !

Get a Border Terrier.

Check out Boston Terriers. They are short haired, small dogs and usually don’t bark a lot. They don’t need to be taken to the groomers, and the ones I have known have not had a lot of health issues, so the dog wouldn’t be going to the vet a lot. That being said, please try to get one from the animal shelter or a rescue site or look in the paper for “free to good home” dogs.

@PandoraBoxx Lurve!

I was just coming back to this discussion since someone at my husband’s office emailed the company that due to his/his wife’s current work schedules they can no longer keep their two dogs. A lot of animals are being “let go” from their households due to the economic crunch, too.

@proXXi Tater is half boxer and half black lab!

Cutness! What an adorable name.