New dog in the family!

[Gempress]

My sister and bro-in-law are closing on their first house. Yay! And my sis, knowing me as the dog weirdo, has asked my help in picking out a dog for her family.

Here's the info: the family is my sister, BIL and little niece, who will be turning 3 years old in May. My sis and BIL grew up with dogs, but this is the first dog they'll actually raise and train themselves. My niece is very familiar with dogs and knows how to treat them. The house they're buying is fairly small, but the yard is a good size and has a six-foot privacy fence.

Sis wants to get an adult dog, rather than a puppy. She said a toddler and a puppy teaming up in the same house would get into more mischief than she could handle. ;) She'd also prefer a medium-sized dog (25-40 lbs), but is willing to go larger.

She is currently in love with corgis, "cute scruffy mutts", and....you wouldn't believe this one....Voodoo. :yikes: A mutt is great, but I really, REALLY don't think either a catahoula or a corgi would be good for a first-time dog trainer.

So, breed ideas?

[~Tucker&Me~]

Petfinder? ;)

~Tucker

[oc_spirit]

How about an Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?

[PWCorgi]

Sent you a PM.

[Spirit2010]

A Mutt!!! :D Petfinder.com :) A good mixie for them, for their first time dog will be good for them. :)

[showpug]

I would say a shelter dog that they meet and feel is the right fit.

Other than that, I would say a bulldog if you want a medium breed that is fantastic with children and doesn't require a ton of living space.

[skyeboxer]

I honestly couldn't have wanted a better dog with kids than Skye, our boxer. She came first though and was one year old when the first baby came along.

Boxers are very bouncy of course so that would have to be taken into account with a little kid but as far as character goes, Boxers and kids generally are a match made in doggy heaven.

Otherwise, yes a trip to the local shelter. I just bet there a sweet dog waiting there right now that would be perfect for your sis and family.

[stevinski]

mini poodle

[joce]

I definately say no to the corgi. When someone says a small or medium dog thats one of the signs thats not what they need:p

they shed more than any other breed I have dealt with and I have a husky:p

And as with a lot of herding breeds space is an issue with them-my girl would run circles all day if she couldn't get out and straight run for a while-and she still has to much energy.

And as much as people say dobes are not for the first time dog owner I thought my corgi was a million times more challenging than my dober boy.

I'd advise her to look for a smaller lab mix. the hair will probally be a general shed and not corgi insane and they should be pretty good with kids and wanting to please and learn.

[stevinski]

maybe a shi-tzu or a maltese, or a pug???

[RD]

Golden Retriever? A small female wouldn't be too much larger than what they want, they're intelligent and quick learners, biddable and not intense like Corgis or Border collies.

[Denaluvscorgis]

I also think that a shelter dog would be great for them!!!:)

I also agree that a Corgi would be a bit of a handful.:)