After our last dog was killed last year (run over right outside our driveway. Very sad. He was a border collie mix, freebie dog. Horrible about chase cars, but I think the one that hit him were theives anyway. Long story), we decided we didn't want a freebie dog anymore.

DH said he always wanted a German Shephard. So, that's what we got. He's an outdoor dog only (I've tried, DH will NOT let me keep pets in the house, not a dog or a cat). So far, he is great with the kids. In fact, yesterday the baby snuck out of the yard and was on his way to the cow pasture, the dog stayed with him the entire time. He's sweet and loyal, and has personality. He minds pretty good, but I haven't had much time to do any real training on him yet. Great guard dog, even though he barely barks when someone pulls up. Most people just see we have a german shephard and think twice about getting out unless I go out there (so far, he will just lick them to death).

My drawbacks with him is he loved cats. Alot. I had 8 cats when I got him, now I have maybe one that stays hidden in the barns. He just liked to play with them a bit too much. He also jumps my 4 foot fence (but so far he can't on his 6 foot pen). On the shedding, I think if he was brushed daily, especially in the spring, it wouldn't be bad. Being an outdoor dog I don't brush him alot, so when I did it was a hairy mess. But daily, I don't think it would have been a big deal.

I also think a Golden Retriever would be great. The breeder we got Tex at also had goldens, but DH HAD to have a german shephard. LOL! My daddy has a golden and that is the most spoiled and sweet dog ever. He loves and treats that dog better than he ever treated me! (I'm not kidding, I was treated like crap compared to that dog, who gets her own bowl of ice cream every night!). But Lucky is a great dog, too.

One more drawback: Dogs chew. the first two years, they chew alot. Garden hoses, motorcycle helmets, extension cords, toys, soccer balls. You name it, we have had a dog chew it. Between 18 months and 2 years they seem to outgrow that. It's just getting to that point is the hard part. Now, I've never had a house dog, so maybe the more human attention and they don't do that. My daddy's dog didn't chew (but she also hung the moon, didn't you know?).

Growing up, I had cocker spaniels, and I loved them. Again, outdoor dogs. Brandy was my baby, such a good dog. Randy was horrible and hyper. But he was given to us by someone who didn't have time, so his bad habits were already in place.

I think a Weimaraner or an English Bulldog would be great, too. Little hair on them, I wouldn't think they would shed much at all.

Of course, check out the akc website (www.akc.org). You can get info on every breed out there.