Good breed for toddler & working parents

We are researching dog breeds. I'd love to hear what experiences other families have had with pet dogs. We have had mixed breed dogs in the past and plan on purchasing a purebred puppy or finding an older dog through rescue. Our son is now 2 1/2. We want a dog that will be ok being left alone while we both work, and will be satisfied with daily walks during the week for their exercise needs. Thanks, Laurie

	1.  gentle as can be -- they love people
	2.  they sleep a lot -- they are real happy to only have to walk once a day
	3.  they are very loyal to their families
	4.  they do not bark a lot -- we have neighbors with "sensitive ears"
	5.  they are really good with small children
	6.  they like lots of attention

On the down side:

	1. they eat a lot
	2. they are really big -- ours, when it stops growing will be about 175 lbs.
	3. they get a lot of attention in public -- this may not be a negative

She is very loving and has adjusted wonderfully from being an only child to sharing the house with our 9 mo. old son. She has even tolerated hair-pulling reasonably well. They tend to be a very emotionally attached breed and are great watch dogs. She has a fierce bark (but only when there are visitors...never without good reason...she won't even bark when other dogs bark at her) and looks fairly wolf-like (black w/long hair and a German Shepard shaped face).

She is fairly high-energy, but seems to be fine with daily walks and play time, and stays home in the back yard while we're at work. When we're home she's definately a "house dog" and doesn't want to miss out on anything the family is doing.

I would highly recommend a female of this breed (I think the males can be a little more agressive), if you can find one. They don't seem to be that common in this area...we feel like we lucked out when we got her 3 years ago. Kelli

Patches did shed some but we really did not keep up with brushing or grooming her which really would have made a difference. She did alright during the day by herself but loved it when people were around. Good Luck in your searches, Janette

Dog breeds aside, I would suggest that you check with the different rescue organizations to get more info about the type of dog you're considering in terms of temperment, medical conditions some breeds are prone to, and even to weigh the pros and cons of getting an adult dog vs. a puppy.

I was a volunteer with the rescue and fostered a puppy for a short time. I was in for a real eye-opener--puppies demand a lot time, energy and patience. Good luck! Karen

Cocker Spaniel