i see that many of the BOTL are dog owners--i have have had to put two dogs down to old age and illness.

i am about to select another member to the family---looking for a breed that is low maintance,will not drop a lot of hair, will be a inside dog most of the time--not a large ,and not a real small one--will not be around many children but can be a bit protective if need to be---any suggestions

Rich

There is no perfect dog. A goldendoodle is about the ugliest thing walking, but they are supposed to be shedless, great with kids, and protective when they need to be. They are a standard poodle/golden retriever cross. If you don't mind the size they are a good bet.

I'd go with a boxer, but only from a very reputable breeder. They shed like mad, but they are awesome, awesome, awesome dogs.

Love my Golden Retriever. Loses some hair but not alot. We keep her in but she loves to run down by the lake. Will chase birds for hours if you let her.

A cocker spaniel might work for you. Had one years ago. Great dog also.

There's always the pound puppies also.

Check into Viszlas, they are beautiful, love kids, short hair a good family dog, as is a Golden Retriever, Lab, and a host of other dogs, but there is not a perfect match, they all have their needs...

Charlie

pitbulls are what you describe but they can be a little hyper inside if not exercised daily. labs shed dont let them lie to you like that lol. standard poodle fits that bill too. Beagles are good too.

We love our bull terrier, he's a fun pal and a great member of the family. The breed meets all your requirements and much more.

a pug....easy spasy dogs...like large cats

We have a beagle. She is very easy to deal with. No real hair shedding, inside most of the time (usually by my wife's side), and very protective of the family.

We have a Min Pin. Awesome dog. There is a breed that is a tad bigger than them but cant think exactly what they are called. Its in a dog book at home. That is going to be our next choice once spock is gone.

They are a great breed, not barkers..only when something is wrong, nice short hair, very very lovable. They also have tons of personalilty, and charm. I will top a picture in the picture forum for you.

Happy hunting

v

I'm old. I've had dogs all my life. Loved 'em all. But . . . . . . there is one answer to your question -

BOXER

I could write pages, and still not say it all.

The biggest love bucket in the world, but you better not mess with my wife.

Our's is Tucker.

I am Tucker's Dad

My suggestion would be a Boston Terrier. I had one as a child and he lived to be 14 years old. He was small, but mighty. Loved being cuddled, but very protective if need be. Some day I am hoping to get another one, but right now I can't at my apartment.

beagle

A black, female, greyhound.

Medium sized (average about 60 pounds)

Low maintenance (they sleep 12-18 hours a day, have short hair and don't shed much).

They don't bark unless really aggitated.

You can adopt a purebred with its teeth cleaned, and fixed for under $250.

They are an inside dog. Walk them two or three times a week for 20 minutes and they'll be exhausted. A very mellow breed.

Most states have greyhound adoption groups. I laughed my butt off, because there is actually an application process. The make sure the match is good for both you and the dog.

If you are in a warm weather state and have a fenced in back yard, its a perfect situation.

When i was growing up , we had a Beagle/Basset Hound mix that was tops!

not a lot of hair loss and an all round great pet.

my brother has a beagle and it's about the same.

as soon as i get to where i can have one , i'm going to try to find a beagle /basset hound mix.

(but i've alway's been a "Snoopy" fan)!

Beagles. My brother had a beagle. He was one of the smartest dogs I have ever known. He trained my boxer to open the bread drawer. Seriously. He also figured out how to sneak out of the gate. Being a hunting dog, he got on the trail of something and ran. Luckily he was obese, and couldn't run far, so we always caught him.

For me low maintence and dog shouldn't be in the same sentence. Do your homework brother. What does not big but not to small mean? Sorry but just hit us with some numbers.

Last dog my family had was an Old English Sheepdog.........doesn't fit in your "doesnt drop hair" and "low maintenance" category ....lol. BUT.........a sweeter, more loyal, smarter pup you will not find.

My whole life I have owned big dogs. German Shepard, Golden, Black lab. I got married 1.5 yrs ago and wife wanted a dog. I wanted a Golden and she wanted a purse dog!!! Well I gave in and bought her a toy Maltese. Its now 1 yrs old and its 4 lbs! I thought I would hate the dog, and i love it. Dog is so house trained its unreal. We can leave her for 24hrs and shes fine. I know you said you didnt want a small dog but my friend has a regular Maltese. Its 11 lbs decent size. Alot of people told me a Maltese are so hard to take care of, no way!! I bring her to get a haircut every 1.5 months and she good to go. Great dog!