Well, I'm home at least 6 out of 7 days now. Thinking about going up to the pound (actually a place called wayside waifs - they have a 'no destroy' policy) and getting a dog. (I'm a dog man). The last one I had died of stomach bloat (NOT PRETTY).... tore my heart out. Which really is one of the main reasons I havn't gotten one again, plus I don't think it'* fair to leave a dog alone in the house all day (at least a large one). Dogs need people.

I tend to like bigger dogs, not marmaduke or anything, but certianly not poodle size.

I also like to buy adult dogs, as they are leash trained/housebroken, and are less likely to get adopted then puppies.

Last dog was a shepard/border collie mix. Best dog in the world.

I know with a dog, hair all over the place is a price you pay.

But does anyone have any suggestions on breeds that perhaps shed less than others? Also any breeds that tend to be mild tempered. I realize that'* partly due to how the dog was raised/treated, but wayside waifs screens for overly aggressive/mistreated animals.

My wife and I have a Golden Retreiver. She'* absolutely beautiful and has a GREAT temperment. I wouldn't trade her for anything.

The shedding, on the other hand, leaves something to be desired.

We also have a Golden (although I think he'* got some Irish Setter mixed in). We rescued him from the pound 12 1/2 years ago. He'* now 13, diabetic, blind, almost deaf, and has cushing'* disease. Up until about a year ago he was pretty healthy. Once we got him through the first year of chewing everything in sight, he'* been the best dog (and he'* no sissy-dog). We found we could control the hair somewhat by getting a periodic trim - makes him look rather like a yellow lab. Yeah, he'* embarassed for a few days afterward but he'* a lot more comfortable in warm weather and the hair doesn't seem to be as bad.

He'* been around kids a lot and loves to be around people. Not a mean bone in his body. I'm sold on these dogs, but when he leaves in a year or so, he won't be replaced. He can't be.

Woof.

JP... You want someone to hang out with while the car'* being worked on huh?

Grew up with shepards ... size is about right. There'* no winning with fur..

Boxer FTW. I love boxers, they are a great dog and have wonderful personalities. My dog is a Boxer/Shepard mix, and he is such a cool dog.

I have a mixed kid... She'* an Akita, Blue Heeler, Chow/Rot mix. The only reason I bring it up is because she is pretty much 55% Akita, 35% Heeler, and the last 10% is split between the Chow and Rot, so I feel she'* an Akita with Heeler trim (no auto pun intended, lol). She'* got to be one of the SMARTEST dogs I've ever seen/had. Sometimes smarter than her own good. She'* a very protective dog, but will not bite anyone/anything unless they physically attack me/her, and/or come into the residence uninvited. She loves the dog park over here and gets along with EVERYONE. She'* about the 3rd Akita I've known for more than a minute, and like I said, smart as can be. She even talks to us sometimes. lol

I've also had some experience with Goldens, very awesome dogs once you can get them past the chew stage.

As far as fur, your only luck that way is to get a dog with hair so short it can't afford to come off.

Sorry so long, I'm a bit of a dog-lover. What can I say... I like ruff, lol

well I currently have a Norwegian elkhound and sheds like mad but I had a springer spanel and black lab mix as a kid and that was the greatest dog. he is still around too but getting really old

Wow, thanks for all the input, please keep it coming.

My last dog was a genius (AFAIAC), and very loving as well. One time my brother (not a dog hater, but definately doesn't 'get it').... anyway he was on my couch, the dog with it'* head on his lap. He was basically making fun of the dog, and wouldn't shut up. She raised up her paw, and I kid you not, put it directly over his mouth.

You should have seen his (my brothers eyes) bug out. Never said another negative thing again.

Then one time my sister in law had a newborn, and was scared to let it get near the dog. FInally I convinced her it was OK... the dog very slowly, very gently..... eased toward the baby and gave her a 'kiss' right on the cheek.

black lab, or a mutt

Yeah, mutt is a must. Absolutely no question there. Who wants a high priced inbred?

No offense to those who own purebreed animals..... but I want a dog for companionship - not show.