Help Us Agree on a Breed!!

[sillysally]

DH and I have been discussing dog breeds since a couple of family members have added new dogs. The thing is that we have a hard time agreeing on a breed for the most part. I think I should have a bigger say since I am the one who does the exercising and training--he will if I ask him but not on his own--but obviously hr will be living with the dog too. He would prefer to own only one lab at a time and while he likes Jack, is not a fan of the breed in general. The only breed he has completely nixed are newfies--the drool and hair combo grosses him out.

We live in town in a roughly 1800 square foot house. We have a yard with a 6 ft privacy fence--I wouldn't call it large but it is big for a town yard.

What DH wants:

-an off switch
-nothing too small (think chi or Maltese)
-a dog that likes to be with their people but not constantly in your face
-a dog that is somewhat reserved with strangers, or at least not an over the top greeter
-a dog that is at least somewhat interested in pleasing its people, some hard headedness is ok with him but I think something that tends to blow him off a lot would annoy him
-good with kids


What I want:

-an off switch
-a dog that is not too likely to be nervy or shy
-a dog with a young lab or young pit bullish energy level--a bit less active than that is fine, but I don't know if I want to go much more active
-could at least be trained not to bother the birds
-I want to avoid dog aggression--it doesn't have to be a "ZOMG!!!! FRIEND!!!" type dog, but I would prefer not to have to crate and rotate and would like to be able to foster with minimal drama
-nothing super tiny or Dane sized
-don't want fila type guardiness, some guardiness is ok (but not necessary), but I don't want a dog that is going to take matters into its own hands (or mouth)
-the less grooming the better, but ultimately I would be fine with lots of grooming for the right dog
-some barking is for a reason is fine, but I don't want a dog that barks to hear itself bark
-a dog that is at least moderately biddable, I like biddability (or biddableness-lol), but its not necessary for the dog to be super-duper handler focused
-a dog that will be good with kids, as well as fine with kids friends that come over to play, etc.


Any ideas? I'm at a loss...

[Catsi]

Mmm... I'm not really good at these, but what about a Pointer? Yes energy levels are high, but maybe not as high as a lab or some of the other gundogs? My impression of them is that they definitely have an off-switch. But I think they fit the bill in the grooming, kids, lack of DA and biddability departments. Maybe someone with more experience with them could give you a better idea though?

Whippet - one of the more biddable of the sighthounds and certainly not known for DA. Not highly active either. Very easy care coat.

[CharlieDog]

I was thinking JRT, Sheltie or even a smooth coated collie.

[Kat09Tails]

The only thing that is striking me as within your parameters is a golden retriever.

[SizzleDog]

Sounds like you need a Cricket. Or a Talla.

[sillysally]

Originally Posted by SizzleDog

Or a Talla.

Perfect! We will be there to pick her up Tuesday!

[katielou]

Abe?

No seriously how about a Aussie? Or maybe a Brittany?

[CharlieDog]

Originally Posted by katielou

Abe?

No seriously how about a Aussie? Or maybe a Brittany?

ROFL

hahahahahahaha

[katielou]

Originally Posted by CharlieDog

ROFL

hahahahahahaha

What?

[OutlineACDs]

Aussie sound about perfect. Minus the grooming, but really, an occasional brush out is all you really need. The shedding can be rough, but the coat is actually pretty easy to care for.

They are biddableand usually non-dog aggressive. Can be aloof with strangers, but if well socialized are very friendly. They are tight-lipped dogs, so no drool, active, but usually with a good off-switch.