Still on the dog search, any recommendations? Good family pet, running buddy, medium size?

I have young children, a smallish yard only a 5' fence, I like to jog (or rather am trying to get back in the habit) We live near a large dog friendly park. We need a medium size dog that is great with all kids, other dogs, preferably one that can be trusted off leash. I can't chase kids as well if I'm always holding the leash. Needs to be able to withstand colder temperatures, will be an outside dog, with indoor visits, full access to garage. I'd prefer a low maintainance hair style dog, I already have more than enough hair between myself and my kids! We are in a subdivision so a breed that isn't a constant howler/barker is a must, I don't want to tick off any neighbors. Any suggestions? We've considered Britany Spaniels, Border Collies, Beagles %26amp; other medium hounds are attractive, except for that whole catch a scent and howl issue. Okay, so now everyone either astound me with the perfect dog suggestions or if my dream dog doesn't exist, feel free to break my heart :) thanks

Still on the dog search, any recommendations? Good family pet, running buddy, medium size?

Ha! Before I even got to your additional info I was going to suggest an ACD/Blue Heeler. My family has had three. They are great dogs. Most of them are wonderful with kids, very protective of them, but not to the point of biting others unless you train them that way. They like other dogs (we have two that aren't ACD and they love them, too.) They *love* to run. One of them liked to ride alongside the bicycle. She could always be trusted off leash; the other only after she got too old to really run. That one was a jumper, too, so she'd jump the fence. I think it's the luck of the draw as far as those traits are concerned, but training is essential.

We got one as a puppy, and the other at a year old from the shelter. Our other dogs have been shelter dogs, and it's always been a wonderful experience. (The puppy was an Xmas gift.) I do urge you to reconsider the outside dog issue. Your children and your dog will be happier if they are inside. ACDs don't' shed too badly, anyway. They are better off leash if they feel like your trusted partner and companion. If it thinks of the kids as its family, it will want to stay close to you and to them.

Still on the dog search, any recommendations? Good family pet, running buddy, medium size?

get a small husky

Still on the dog search, any recommendations? Good family pet, running buddy, medium size?

Get a sheltie...they are the best!!

added: Why all the thumbs down? Shelties are great...they are like lassie. You people don't have a clue if you thumbs down a sheltie!!

Still on the dog search, any recommendations? Good family pet, running buddy, medium size?

Boxer

Still on the dog search, any recommendations? Good family pet, running buddy, medium size?

german shepherds are excellent running dogs and great with kids too. very protective and loyal.

Still on the dog search, any recommendations? Good family pet, running buddy, medium size?

get one from the shelter and save a life. They are usually healthier and very loving.

Still on the dog search, any recommendations? Good family pet, running buddy, medium size?

watch dog shows no kidding you learn alot but my sugestion is a cockerspaniel there medium love to hunt and run and are very loveable and sweetso all those who bro0ke her heart i just mended it :)

Still on the dog search, any recommendations? Good family pet, running buddy, medium size?

as a kid we had from a puppy a cocker spaniel. beautiful friendly dog. loved the outdoors, going on jogs, was awsome with me. i have considered getting one for my kids here pretty soon because like you i want to get back into the habit of jogging and i'd like a jogging buddy, plus it would be nice to have a family dog. i'm not saying don't adopt a cocker spaniel from a humane society but i really think with this breed it's best to start as a puppy.

Still on the dog search, any recommendations? Good family pet, running buddy, medium size?

I have a great yellow labrador retriever. He is a FABULOUS dog. I have a two year old son which the dog is great with. he comes when called, was house trained in a matter of weeks, knows a lot of tricks. Has enough energy to go on daily jogs with us. He is about 75lbs. He has low maintenance coat, a little shedding but you do not have to trim or groom him like a lot of other breeds. They do well outdoors...overall the best dog for your situation (in my opinion)

Still on the dog search, any recommendations? Good family pet, running buddy, medium size?

"Needs to be able to withstand colder temperatures, will be an outside dog, with indoor visits, full access to garage."

Why get a dog if it's not going to be a full member of your family? Why do you need a furry lawn ornament?

By the way, outside dog + 5 foot fence = disappearing dog. Any dog big enough to be a jogging partner can clear a 5 foot fence with no problem.

Outside dog + "able to withstand colder temperatures" = a dog with HAIR.

Outside dog + Border Collie + 5 foot fence = disappearing dog after he has dug up your entire small yard out of boredom...

Still on the dog search, any recommendations? Good family pet, running buddy, medium size?

闄?reccommend you to get a mutt out of a shelther they are the best dogs and they are very calm. My dog walks and runs by my side when i go on a trail ride with my horse.

Still on the dog search, any recommendations? Good family pet, running buddy, medium size?

it sounds like you dont have "room" in your life for a dog.

Why get a dog and leave outside?......There are not many "medium" outdoor dogs. Outdoor dogs are big, and they have fur not hair, which means they shed like crazy. Dogs with hair, are indoor dogs, ...they cannot with stand cold weather. So unless you change your "wants" and will be a responsible owner for the dog...perhaps you should think otherwise.

Still on the dog search, any recommendations? Good family pet, running buddy, medium size?

I have a Shi-Zu I love him to death. Very easy to train and very good with my kids 7 and 12. I also run camp a lot of out door activities he always keeps up. The grooming is the only high maintenance for him, I take him once a month to Pet CO 15 dollars usually. I found him from a private breeder in town. I have had a few dogs growing up and he has been the easiest I'm so glad I found him. There really cute!!!! and great companions!

Still on the dog search, any recommendations? Good family pet, running buddy, medium size?

I have a westie, and he's so adorable, but they're not recommended for small children. If you're children are 7 or older, than it should be okay, but when they are puppies they get paranoid easily and it's not okay for little children to be tugging their tails and getting all over them.

I think, maybe, a border collie would be good for you. I have never known a border collie to nip or go crazy. As a puppy, they might growl, but it's hard to find a dog that doesn't growl when they are young. As they get older, this phaze will stop, though. They are normally calm, quiet, and gracious dogs that are easy to take care of and train. Go to the website below for information about them.

Still on the dog search, any recommendations? Good family pet, running buddy, medium size?

We have a soft coated Wheaton terrier which is 45 pounds and he's at the top of his range. He is great for running and is ok with kids. I think he would be a lot better if he was around them more. He is very friendly and doesn't bark much at all. The are very social so I'm not sure I would leave him or any dog out side for long periods of time. He's fine being in the house we don't have to play with him all the time but he likes to be around us as much as he can. He doesn't shed so he does have to be groomed every few months and brushed to keep his coat from matting. Not much work compared to cleaning all the cat hair up from my cat. He's fine in the cold weather and we have him cut really short in the summer to cut down on grooming and because he doesn't do well in the heat. Like all dogs he needs to be trained.

Still on the dog search, any recommendations? Good family pet, running buddy, medium size?

If your dog is going to be made to live outside....what is the point of even having a dog.

Really, think about this......

A dog is a loving companion and deserves to be treated as a member of your family, not just brought inside for "visits" when it suits you. Please don't get a dog if this is how you are going to treat it.....your dog deserves much better!!

Still on the dog search, any recommendations? Good family pet, running buddy, medium size?

Few breeds do well as outside dogs....certainly not the 3 breeds you listed. And, most any breed will bark/howl if left outside. Also, while you may find a dog that is great with all kids, all dogs, and can be trusted off leash (after training....none would if they have not been trained)...I can't think of any breed that this would be true.

And no, I would never suggest you get a dog from a shelter when you have young children. There is just no way to know what they may be like with kids. A much better option is a dog from a rescue group where the dog is in a foster home. Find a rescue near you and tell them your requirements. You may have to wait awhile to find the perfect dog. However, a dog in a foster home with kids would be ideal.

Still on the dog search, any recommendations? Good family pet, running buddy, medium size?

You said it 'will be an outside dog '. DON"T even think about getting one. Dogs should not be kept outside.

If that is your attitude, you have no business getting a dog.

Still on the dog search, any recommendations? Good family pet, running buddy, medium size?

labrodor retrievers may be too big, but mine has been with me since i was six. they love to run, and since they also can be blind helper dogs, they can be trusted off the leash.

Still on the dog search, any recommendations? Good family pet, running buddy, medium size?

How about a golden retriver or a lab?

Still on the dog search, any recommendations? Good family pet, running buddy, medium size?

In my humble opinion, mixed breed dogs are the best pets, especially if you adopt from a shelter. A reputable shelter like the ASPCA will spend a lot of time working with you. They want a successful adoption as much as you do. Breeders want to sell dogs. Any dog will require a fair amount of your time training it the way you want it to act. The younger the dog, the easier it usually is to train.

The other big advantage to a shelter dog is you can really take your time and see how your family and the dog interact. They also are usually already altered and have had the necessary shots.

The other thing to consider, if you are really concerned about barking and howling, is allowing the dog to be inside and a part of the family. You'd be amazed how well behaved they can be and short haired dogs do not shed much at all.

Still on the dog search, any recommendations? Good family pet, running buddy, medium size?

ok.. my family and I have all rescue animals! So I suggest how about getting a dog from a shelter or from a rescue orginization of a certain breed of dog! When you go to shelters or rescues they have tried the dog on every thing, which means they know if the dog jumps, or howls alot, or good with children and on and on! But dont count out any dog just because the size of the breed or the habits they NORMALY have! Cause there is always those few that are the runts and/or are quite peaceful animals!

Now about the puppy.. I wouldnt suggest it since you have kids! Because it would be a hassle to have to go through potty training and other training while doing things with your kids and work! So that is a bad idea!

I hope evrything that goes well! :)

Still on the dog search, any recommendations? Good family pet, running buddy, medium size?

Well that's a pretty good list of requirments. At first thought, Beagle sounds good, til you read a little further and see 'no howlers. Aussie sounds good, til you read 'the part about easy hair/coat maintenance.

You're probably on the right track with a Brittany - but honestly, if you don't have a real preference for breed, why not just check out the shelters and the rescues to find a dog that meets all your requirements. Lots of mixes will do just fine and you'd be giving a good home to a dog that needs one. A young adult dog will probably be better for your situation than a puppy.

Still on the dog search, any recommendations? Good family pet, running buddy, medium size?

I would suggest adopting a Shepherd mix from the pound. I've had German Shepherds all my life and I have nothing but good things to say about them - in my mind, the perfect dog. Of course, they shed like nobody's business, but if you get a mix from the shelter with something that doesn't shed so much, you might be alright. I have a Shepherd/Chow mix who sheds like it's going out of style, but if you find one mixed with something less shedding-inclined, you might have better luck.

Still on the dog search, any recommendations? Good family pet, running buddy, medium size?

You're extremely contradictory:

1. Low maintenance hairstyle = short coat

2. Outside dog in cold temp = longer coat

3. Big enough to jog = big enough to go over 5 ft fence if left outside and bored.

4. Great with kids and other dogs = lonely if left outside (see number 3)

I don't think such a dog exists.... and I've been around a LOT of dogs. Rescue a dog from a shelter... I don't know a responsible breeder who will sell you a dog given your criteria and at least you'll be saving a life.

Still on the dog search, any recommendations? Good family pet, running buddy, medium size?

I think you sound like you need a personal trainer to run with. That's really the only thing, it seems, you want a dog for. Dogs arent motivation for your new year's resolution. Sorry!

Still on the dog search, any recommendations? Good family pet, running buddy, medium size?

If you want a jogging companion, get an iPod.

An outside dog (even with some indoor vists) isn't going to be a good off-the-leash jogging buddy. A shorthaired dog/dog with low maintenance and non-shedding hair isn't going to do well outside. A dog that can be a jogging buddy is going to jump a 5ft fence. A medium sized dog isn't going to be able to jog all that far. You're seriously contradicting yourself. Unless you want a dog as a pet (meaning a family member who lives in the house like everyone else), or unless it's going to be a working dog....don't get a dog.

Dogs should have outdoor vists, not indoor visits.

Still on the dog search, any recommendations? Good family pet, running buddy, medium size?

Okay, I won't comment on the "outside dog" part, but be forewarned that many shelters, rescues, and reputable breeders will not adopt out dogs to people who intend to keep them outside. There, that's all I'll say.

However, I'm afraid I must break your heart a tiny bit more. Please, do not get a border collie. BC's were bred to herd ALL.DAY.LONG. They are incredibly intelligent, usually far too intelligent for the average owner. They crave exercise and they have enormous bounds of energy. And, best of all, they have a boundless stamina.

I have many friends and agility classmates with BCs and they all agree on one thing: no Border Collie should live the life of an average pet. Every BC needs a job. If it were up to them, BCs would only be available to performance or working homes. And if you've ever dog-sat a BC, you'll know where they're coming from ;) Granted, some lines of BCs have had their working instinct dulled down, but most BCs retain a very strong work and herding ethic. They're not your average Joe Schmoe family pet.

Still on the dog search, any recommendations? Good family pet, running buddy, medium size?

boarder collies are really nice dogs and they like having a routine purpose like being a running buddy and they are great with children. Although they have long hair they really do not shed at all. I have never met an excessively yappy boarder collie. There long hair makes them good outside dogs in all sorts of weather.

As for shelter dogs, they are probably the best dogs you can buy. They are usually mutts so there are lots of shapes and sizes to choose from and they don't cost a fortune. Also shelters do not sell vicious dogs so when you buy a dog from a shelter you can be sure it has an agreeable family personality.

Still on the dog search, any recommendations? Good family pet, running buddy, medium size?

you can't go wrong with a lab...it's impossible.

Still on the dog search, any recommendations? Good family pet, running buddy, medium size?

DO YOU PEOPLE HEAR YOURELVES??? Dog should not be kept outside????? Geez!

Dogs have lived outside for centuries. I mean it's all bubbles and flowers that some of you want to treat your dogs like babies, but that doesn't make it so. So give it a rest!

To answer this nice persons question: Yes you do have a long list of demands that will make selecting a particular breed a challenge. I agree a mixed breed is the way to go.

And don't listen to the nonsense about a dog that's big enough to run going over your fence. Even smaller dogs just love to climb out. It's not the size of the dog, it's the temperament and wanderlust that causes dogs to jump/climb.

Getting an adult from the pound will allow you to assess exactly what you're getting, (ie good with kids, strangers, dogs, escape artists, etc. )rather than taking a risk on a puppy.

Good luck with your search, and to the nay-sayers, get some help!!