Quoted from Oldgoat:Tough call. It depends on your definition of 'lots of exercise'. Do you have a large fenced in yard? Will you be able to walk it at least once a day? You say good with families; however, that also depends upon what is in the family. Some breeds are better with small children. ( For example, while the Italian greyhound is a very sweet breed they do tend to be very 'fragile' so maybe not a great choice with small kids that may grab a leg) What about other pets? Another dog or a cat? Do you have family or friends with pets that you will welcome into the home? If you don't want any shedding, then you are better off with the curly coated dogs like poodles and water spaniel. Some breeds shed constantly while others tend to blow out their coats a couple of times a year but have minimal shedding between those events. IS that OK? Most breeds will be good with a family if socialized properly; however, some have a predisposition toward bonding to a single person. As you would expect, hunting breeds that work with other dogs tend to be more social than sight hounds but that is simply a tendency. If you toss out some breeds that interest you, I think you may be able to get some better thoughts.
Thank you. Let me address some answers to you.
Yes, large fenced in back yard, one half of an acre, but only a five foot fence and it can't be made higher due to fencing restrictions. I'd like the exercise to be primarily in the back yard.
No family or friends with pets that come into the house and we have no other pets.
Small child, our friends bring their children over frequently and they are multiple ages.
The dog would be regularly groomed. Dogs that shed would be off the table as the dog would come to my office three days a week and hang out. The dog must not have aggressive tendencies or this feature would not work. One other dog is at my office a lot, a golden retriever (groomed every week) and she does fine but is a mature dog.
Lake Charles, LA
