How about a Golden Retriever?

 

I think a well-bred golden would work... he wants something a tad bit smaller, though. It's in the running.

I'm so awful once people put all their "conditions" on what they want at coming up with things. I wish he'd just get over the size thing an get a dane. lol

 

Well I'm gonna be zero help with breed suggestions, because I don't know a lot about most breeds lol. But it certainly sounds like he's ready for a pup, even with baby number 2 on the way - so long as he's thought it all through, it all sounds good. And I think the fact his wife and kids will be a notch or two above the dog still makes him a good pet owner, just means he's a good family man too lol. My husband's health and wellbeing will always be my number one priority over my pets (though I would say my pets come before my friends - don't tell them that lol), but that doesn't mean I love them any less, he's just the LOVE of my life, so it's hard to compete with that :thumb: lol

What about an Australian cattle dog? Or a GSP? I've heard both are very intelligent and easy to train, as well as very good with kids. I'm not sure how they are energy wise though, and if they might be a bit much. But that's about all I can suggest haha

 

Well I'm gonna be zero help with breed suggestions, because I don't know a lot about most breeds lol. But it certainly sounds like he's ready for a pup, even with baby number 2 on the way - so long as he's thought it all through, it all sounds good. And I think the fact his wife and kids will be a notch or two above the dog still makes him a good pet owner, just means he's a good family man too lol. My husband's health and wellbeing will always be my number one priority over my pets (though I would say my pets come before my friends - don't tell them that lol), but that doesn't mean I love them any less, he's just the LOVE of my life, so it's hard to compete with that :thumb: lol

What about an Australian cattle dog? Or a GSP? I've heard both are very intelligent and easy to train, as well as very good with kids. I'm not sure how they are energy wise though, and if they might be a bit much. But that's about all I can suggest haha

Both those breeds are EXTREMELY active..

 

An English cocker spaniel I think would be a good fit.. the main problem is most of the medium sized breeds are high energy working dogs.

 

Honestly if the dog is getting that little exercise I would not even recommend a golden.. they are HYPER puppies.. would he consider dropping the easy to train part and going for something like a pug, frenchie or bulldog?

 

He doesn't need a NO activity dog... it's not like they never leave the house. They're a young family... days at the park, he jogs about a mile in the morning (very little compared to most dog's needs) they spend a lot of time in their backyard-weather permitting. He's just not going to take it on 8 mile runs, or day-long hikes all the time, or compete in agility, which is why I say "moderate activity." He's probably more active than most people, really, and between that and daycare I'm pretty sure a moderate activity would be just fine.
I advised against the three listed based on general health issues.

My idea of "low activity" would be a walk around the block every day, and some playtime.
My idea of "moderate activity" would be like I said, a lot of out and about, a reasonable jog regularly, maybe some daycare/dog park time regularly.
My idea of "high energy" would be regular agility, weight pulling, 8 mile run/hikes every day, etc.

Sorry if I gave the impression the dog would never see daylight, or go out. Yeesh.

 

A Basset Hound?

 

Someone commented on a different thread today about the awesome temperaments of greyhounds and whippets and that they're a lot like Danes -- can be lazy but can also be quite versatile with exercise -- so if they wanna hike one day that's fine, and go to the kid's soccer game the next, that's fine too. Also often good with people and other dogs -- social and bright -- with little grooming needs and within the weight range.

Also adorable. I don't know crap about those breeds other than what people mentioned to me today though... just a thought!

 

Or a Bulldog!

 

Maybe a golden would be fine then... but I really would get him to look into an English cocker. They seem to fit his needs perfectly except the short hair!

 

Hey, what about greyhounds, huh?! I just did some research and they seem like awesome dogs! There is a huuuge influx of them here in southern Wisconsin because of a big race track being shut down, and boy are they cute. :wink: You know my ultimate preference is Danes, but I guess if I couldn't/wouldn't have a giant breed, I'd probably end up with a greyhound -- seem very similar.

Btw, I have seen Goldens adapt to alllll kinds of lifestyles...they are just that awesome. I love 'em...just not the hair. :smile: Minnie's boyfriend is a GR and she thinks he's totaaaaallly dreamy.

 

A Bichon Frise seems like it would fit besides the grooming issue. Every Bichon I've known has been an absolutely great family dog though - plenty of energy to play, but not really requiring a large amount of exercise otherwise, along with being really friendly and loveable to nearly anyone. They all seemed pretty smart/easy to train too.

 

I second the "Well bred" golden idea. I raised my two little toddlers with a labrador and something that size is great with little kids. They can crawl around on top of the dog, sleep on top of it, hang on it, and the dog just loves it. My son was crawling on the Lab from 9 months old on up. If you get sometime smaller, like a cocker, then you have to really start to worry about toddlers accidently stepping on it's tail or chasing it, or yanking it's ears too hard and you have to constantly watch their interactions. I like a dog of at least 60 pounds minimum (prefer bigger) with toddlers. My chows were even that size and did well with toddlers. If the kids got too rough, the Chows just stood up and left. Goldens would be the same but I think less 'hyper' as a pup then Labs. At least the ones I've met.

I had to keep the Lhasa away from the little kids at all times......they'd step on her and there would be problems. Kids are just plain painful to little dogs.

 

I thought brittany as well.

Whippets are great dogs

 

I think there will be a down-side to any breed given the criteria.

A Keeshond would work well for size, temperment and energy levels. The coat might be a big no-no though, it's still not as high maintenance as it may seem.

Or how about an English Setter, not as large as a golden, and probably a little more even tempered (bench bred).

They could also try those on-line pet matching tests...........

 

If you do a pet breed matching tests, I suggest this one. It is the most accurate one I've done... I got 100% matches for Labs and Vizslas, which are the breeds that I'm going to own. Already have my Lab, just gotta get a V now :wink:

K9 Country- Dog Breed Selection Tool

 

I like that test except the disclaimer that said "if you aren't willing to train your dog, then you will be limited to tiny breeds that don't need training"

Personally I think if you aren't going to train your dog, you need to get a hamster.

 

First and foremost I am going to push for a rescue and an adult. Even if he just visits a couple of shelters that would make me happy. You never know what you might come across while browsing.

If he really really can't find anything through that avenue then I guess breeders are ok. Is he sure he wants a puppy? A baby and a puppy at the same time would be like having twins lol.

Finally these are my suggestions, with every breed there will be one or two undesirable traits...he going to be hard pressed to find a breed that meets all his needs but here's my two cents...

Pug or French Bulldog: both big dogs in a little package, short hair, and good family pets with an on and off switch as far as energy. On the other hand they may be smaller than he's looking for as well as the health aliments and possible stubborness.

Bernese Mountain dogs: although a working breed, I see many ppl with them. They seem to work when its time to work and relax when its time to relax. Though he could get one full of energy...who knows? The hair may be a bit long and they can get pretty large maybe bigger than what he's looking for.

Stafordshire terrier: yes I said it. Although they can be a high energy breed I have seen many many with an off switch. They can keep up with the energy of the family or happily snuggle on the couch. They are great family dogs, love kids and actually because of their high pain tolerance are better suited for children as they can handle some rough play (of course kids and animals should always be supervised together). They have short hair and are generally 30-40lbs. No they are not a dog for everyone but I can tell you right now Avery (my dog who is of course a mix, which is why I already pushed the mix factor) would fit perfectly into your brothers family.

Boxer: you didn't mention them? They have about the same energy requirements as staffies. They are great family dogs, they are within his size range and have short hair...

Ok that's all I've got.

Oh Greyhounds are a good suggestion. Not sure of he would get a pup or a retired racer. I know many ppl don't like the "look" of them, I love them. Not sure how they are with kids though.

 

I was going to suggest English Cocker, English Springer, Basset Hound...I have had 2 out of 3 of them....well bred ones are even tempered great dogs, and I cant even begin to imagine how happy our 3 Spingers or our Basset would have been on PMR!LOL :lol:

There was a REALLY good breeder of English Cockers up in Draper when I lived there, met her at the Sandy PetsMart when I worked there.....I shall see if she is still breeding, her dogs where BEAUTIFUL and OMG so sweet!!!

 

I still think the key here is that the brother has toddlers. Toddlers are very scary to smaller dogs. They toddle. They fall a lot. They SQUEAL and grab when they fall. Big dogs don't mind this. A twenty pound toddler grabbing onto a 100 pound dogs tail and hanging on is no big deal. A twenty pound toddler grabbing a twenty pound dog's tail and hanging on is a VERY big deal to the dog.

An example is Rocky. He does NOT like adults. But little bitty kids can look him straight in the eye and throw their arms around his neck and hug him with no problem. They are not a threat to him. Most are below or at his eye level. Scares their parents half to death!

I think big is better with toddlers. Also, big dogs move slower and are less of a threat to a toddler. They don't dash around and make real sudden movements. They just kind of lay there and take the abuse but occasionaly will knock a toddler over by accident.

If I ever had toddlers again (dog forbid) I would stick with dogs over 100 pounds. My lab was over 100 pounds and could take anything they could dish out. Heck, I'd probably go Great Dane, or Newfies. Now, once you start talking 6-7 year old kids, then you are talking a whole nother catagory of dogs.

 

This is SOO true!! I know we had our 2-3 Springers till I was 3 and 1/2....they where AMAZING with my brother and I!!(I use to escape my crib to go curl up with my Dad's female....I SWEAR I thought that I was one of her pups!!:tongue Then we had a Malamute/Husky, when my sister was 1-2, so I was 4-5 and my brother was 3-4, Chico was A-MAZ-ING with us!:thumb: Now our Lhasas, although they are/where GREAT dogs...Im VERY glad that my sister was the youngest at 6 when we got them!:wink:

 

English cockers aren't tiny though, they are just under or right around the 30lb mark. My boyfriend's boss has one and she is lovely and is the sweetest dog ever. They don't have kids so I don't know but she puts up with Tess pulling on her ears and chewing on her tail, LOL. If he takes the dog jogging with him most dogs would probably be fine though I still would not recommend a Brittany or viszla, weimeraner, GSP etc. They are some of the most active dogs you can get.

WOULD they consider a greyhound? They may be a good choice as has been said.

 

I got two matches.. Italian greyhound and whippet! Shelties were high, also!

 

What about a Doberman? They come in various sizes (you can get them about 50-60 pounds) and they have medium energy, as well as being really good with kids and overall have wonderful dispositions.

They do have some health issues but not as much as alot of other dogs. Their body structure is ok, some chance of cardiomyopathy.

I had a Doberman when my son was a toddler. Not only did the dog allow anything to be done to him, he would put his body between my son and any perceived danger. He truly thought he was a nanny.

 

A Beagle seems to be right up his alley!!

 

What about a beagle? Not my breed of choice but if he's ok with a scent hound it sounds like they might be a good match. I also think that a greyhound might be a good match.

ETA: Muttkip, beat me to it!

 

Interesting test. Apparently I need to get a Chow! Then maybe a GSD, an Akita and a Shetland Sheepdog? I have no idea where that last one came from!! I only got 9 breeds to chose from, but they threw in all the northern breeds as my back-ups so that's okay with me!

 

Standard Poodle.

Very smart, easy to train, no shedding, great with kids, easy to groom and keep the hair short...

 

Just maybe... he needs a Tobi!!! :lol:

but in all seriousness i'm terrible at selecting dogs for people! good luck to him it's awesome he's going to be feeding PMR!! :becky:

Just wanted to add... i checked out the dog finder tool... crazy enough i am 100% match for colored or white bull terrier!!! :lol: who would have thought!?!