Mediem sized dogs........

I am looking at different breed and I am looking for some help. Okay. I live in a 4 bedroom house with a backyard that has only one tree and is a third of an acre. I will be able to provide a good sized home and yard to an energetic dog. the this is that I don't want a dog that is too big or that sheds much. a little shedding is okay but I don't want one with long hair as I live in florida and that would be a problem. Please give me some ideas on breed and I will do some research.

 

Goldens, Australian Shepherds and German Shepherds all shed.

Mutts are my favorite. I'm sure you could find a suitable short haired mixed breed that sheds minimally at your local humane society.

Check out petfinder:
www.petfinder.com

 

I have a suggestion on a dog other than the ones in your poll. I think a Greyhound would be great for you. It is low maintenance as far as grooming. No Shedding. It's not a big dog, it just has long legs which gives the appearance of being big. Your yard sounds like it would be perfect for a Greyhound. They are well mannered dogs, like excersise, but not hyper. They're lovers of all people and kids. The ones I have been associated with got along with other dogs. They are really a great dog all the way around.

Also, there's plenty of them up for adoption in Florida. If you're interested I can give you names and emails of some Greyhound Adoptions Groups in Florida.

 

Ah a greyhound does sound perfect for you from what you have told us.
I had a friend in Denver who had two retired racetrack Greys. They were the sweetest most well mannered dogs. IM not sure how much exercise one would require but I know my friend would run with her's everyday.

 

A curly coated retriever might be what you'd like. The right size and energy level, far less trouble when it comes to shedding.

 

I put the poll up just to see what you guys liked more. My fav is the Aussie but I can't have a shedding dog like that. I already own a Maltese Poodle mix who gets along great with big dogs. One of her " friends" is a lab. I read that greyhounds skinn can tear sometimes. Thank you for all of the replies sofar. I will wait for more.

 

Jack Russell Terrier? My friend has one ... shes a little on the small side but she doesnt shed much and shes very energetic.......

 

I don't think I would be ready to take on that kind of energy level. The breeder we got our dog from breed them too.

 

i'd suggest a Doberman. They just so sweet, and well mannered.

 

If you don't want the energy level of a Jack Russell, you probably don't want the energy level of an Australian Shepherd, either! Goldens are really nice, but they do shed a lot.

I second the idea of going to a shelter and picking out a mixed breed. You can find one with short hair that matches the energy level and size and personality traits you are looking for.

 

I have an idea. Like Jamiya said go to a shelter, but look for a mature or Senior dog of your choice. Seniors are usually passed up for puppies.

My Brother adopted a Senior Cocker Spaniel that was approx. 9yrs old. She is retired and real happy to be a couch spud and a real companion.

My Australian Shepherd/Border Collie Sheba as she got older was knick named "Speed Bump" by everyone who knew her because all she wanted to do was lay around. She'd play a vigorous game of ball twice a day, and then took a nap for the rest of it. She did take quite a bit of grooming, though.

I still think a retired Greyhound would be great. You don't have to worry about their skin tearing, it's just as durable as any other dogs. I always thought of them as being "Polyester" because there isn't any grooming involved with them. (Just toe nails) In fact they groom themselves by licking, just like a cat.

 

Pit Bulls can be really sweet.... but mine sheds a bunch of hair!

 

Go visit a local dog park if there is one in your area. I know they have some in Sarasota and Venice. There you can see a multitude of breeds and talk to the people that the dog brought to the park. I have met several dogless people at our dog park that were just observing and learning about breeds.
Here is a link to find dog parks in Florida:
http://www.thedogpark.com/html/search.php3

 

I thought about an American Staffy but they shed. I really want an Aussie but they shed soooooo much. Can I have some links to Greyhound sites. I will let you know how I do.

 

Here's a few Adoption Groups and links for Florida. Contact any of the groups and visit with some of the adoptees that are close to you. They are really magnificent dogs

http://www.easy-finder.com/ghound/florida.htm

http://www.greyhoundpetsorlando.org/

http://www.greyhoundpets.com/

 

Never had anything but a mutt or mixed. I really love labs though, but can't have one. Our association only will allow 20# or under. All our mutts have been great. Just a note: I'm afraid of pitbulls. I guess the news media has created a monster in me. All I have ever heard is attacks that make the news. Everyone on these sites raves about pits. I would really like to get to know one of them so I can maybe get rid of that fear. Pits are the only dog I'm afraid of. I hate having that feeling.