Dog Breed Selection! Help???

Does anyone know of a dog that doesn't shed too much, is not too destructive, is medium to large, and doesnt have too high of an energy level??
we're going to have a house for it in the back yard, and so far the only dogs that match are the carolina dog and canaan. But there are hardly ANY up for adoption, or even sale!.


help?? any suggestions? if not, then does anyone know where to adopt a labrador retriever for free in NYC?
thanks in advance.

we're not chaining the dog up outside, we just can't have a 40 lb. dog wandering in the house during the day, because a family member has allergies. and I am asking for suggestions or answers, not opinions.

Dogs that don't shed are the hairless varieties. Otherwise, ALL dogs shed, some just mat as the hair grows out if not kept brushed. The American Hairless Terrier (aka Rat Terrier, hairless variety) for one, is an awesome dog. They don't have any inherited diseases, and are a hardy little breed. They wear clothes in the winter to protect them and keep them warm. Sunscreen in the summer to keep them from getting sunburned. People that are allergic to dogs can tolerate this wonderful dog. They are a medium size dog and are not hyper. (Except for a few). Look at the parents before buying a pup. If the parents are hyper the pup will most likely be too.

If you are going to just stash the dog in the back yard and not let it come in the house to live as part of the family, stay away from AHT. They are people dogs. Labrador Retrievers are a dime a dozen. I'm sure you can find one in your area. Don't buy from a pet store.

Actually, there are dogs that don't shed. Really cute ones are cockapoos, I have one and she is amazing and really sweet. Poodles are hypo-allergenic, also. (They don't shed.) Your dog does not have to be hairless to be shedless. =D Report It

If your going to chain the dog up outside, why get one? That's not a pet it's a possession. I wouldn't adopt to you.

Labrador retrievers need alot of exercise. All (most) medium to large dogs need moderate to high amounts of exercise. I SUGGEST not to get a dog.

Why not get a small dog. Poodle come on different sizes, and are hypoallergenic.

Yes border collies shed alot.

Mtniture or stadard Poodle,or mini or standard shnowzer.

pit bull

German Shepperds, I think

Labradoodle (lab & poodle) or poodle. They won't shed and are medium to large. Might need a little excersize though...

Also try other poodle mixes. Some dogs might be mellow despite their breed and you won't need to worry that much about exercise. My border collie spends most of the day just sleeping for example.

Labradoodles don't shed and are a medium to large size dog. And they are so adourable. My friend has one and it is such a great dog.

Mini Schnauzers are wonderful pets. Don't shed. Dont smell
"doggy", very smart. I have one after having, shepherds,
poodles, doxies. labs, etc. they are the best. I highly recommend them.

good luck

You could probably get a labrador really easily by going to the pound. It's not free, but it typically is really cheap. Labs are such popular dogs that they are everywhere, and unfortunately that means in the shelter, too :(

If you want a dog that is not too destructive and not too hyper, you should get an adult, not a puppy. Most adult dogs have mellowed as they grow, so they aren't so hyper. Labs are really mellow after they grow up. If you have an allergy sufferer, poodles and poodle mixes are hypoallergenic. They shed very little, if at all. The standard poodle is a big dog. There are also mixes, like Labradoodles and Golden-doodles. Look on petfinder.com and I bet you'll see a lot of dogs that would work for you.

I KNOW that dogs want to be part of the pack. In the wild the pack ( wolves and coyotes which are related to dogs) has a hierarchy. There is an alpha or leader and then the lowest dog is isolated. It is with shame and the worst thing that can happen. So if you get a dog and put it out away from the family, it is worse than not getting one. I know that there are millions of people who get a dog and put it out back. But they are wrong. I urge you to re think this seriously. He will bark and the allergic person will not want him in and I just see chaos lurking. I am not trying to be mean or anything and I admire you for trying but please think about this.
PS Labradors do need exercise and shed. All young dogs are destructive until age 3 or so especially when they are teething. Perhaps at a Labrador rescue site you could find an older one but he will be lonely and want loving.. Its the big great Pyrenees or Newfoundland, great Danes that dont need as much exercise. Also I think some of the smaller dogs like Lhasas don't but they absolutely HAVE to be with you at all times.