Puppies!

calindi · November 2011

FI and I have been tossing around the idea of getting a dog for awhile now, and I think it might be time! We discussed what will happen if he gets an overseas duty station after TBS that won't let us bring the dog with us, and we have a very reasonable answer - his sister or my brother will take the dog (and yes, we've checked with them, not just assuming). Other than that, I think this is a good time for us to get a dog as we're mostly around the house, don't have any extended trips planned where we'd have to find someone to dogsit him, and we want a dog that's small enough to take on planes anyway.

We've started looking into adoption, and there are some really sweet dogs available. If we don't find one now, we might wait until right after Christmas, as undoubtedly some people will be "returning" dogs that their children didn't like (stupid, but true) and we will likely have more options than pre-Christmas.

Soo.... oh wonderful dog experts.... what are your thoughts on these breeds?

Cockapoo
Poodle
Maltese

Any other suggestions or ideas or things I should be aware of? I had a lab growing up, and my grandparents had a bischon (which was a little prima dona) and FI's family has had tons of dogs. I've never been the primary caregiver, though, so I'm curious what I should take into consideration or be sure to do!

LetsHikeToday · November 2011

We have two big dogs: a shepherd mix and hound mix.

We don't have kids yet but our dogs are great family dogs. Geno absolutely loves our friend's son. They are guard dogs but not aggressive. They will bark at some knocks but as soon as people come through the door, they love the people up.

I will say that our shepherd is probably a belgian malinois (they are mistaken for shepherds a lot) and he has SO MUCH energy. So if you're not looking for a dog with energy, don't get a dog like Geno. Walks and the dog park do let his energy out and he does calm down.

I have also had experience with labs and love labs! Golden retrievers are pretty amazing too.

If you're going to adopt, I'd look at dogs that have been fostered. Both of our dogs have been fostered and they came to us with great temperament.

LetsHikeToday · November 2011

And P.S. Yay for puppies!!!!!! I can't wait for you guys!!!!

aykayp · November 2011

I would love a little Maltese, or a Chiweenie... have you seen them?! SO adorable. However, Fi would kill me if I brought home a dog that wasn't a German Shepherd. =[

calindi · November 2011

Thanks! Yeah, Hike, the two we're trying for right now are both fostered.

One I really want is actually in California right between San Diego and LA, and I'm checking to see if they'll adopt out of state. If not, I may have a close friend go pick her up for us next week and I'd try to fly out to get her in a week or so (I have a free flight on American Airlines, and that's a good excuse to use it!)

This is that dog:
http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/21239347

The other one I inquired about is this one:
http://cockapoo.rescueme.org/Florida

We'd drive up to pick that one up as it's in Florida!

Irishcurls · November 2011

I'd like to file a formal complaint about this thread. I was expecting PICTURES that I could coo over.....ok now back to read the actual post

amh04 · November 2011

Aww yay for puppies! We have a 9 month old german shephard - she's a handful to say the least. but so loving. I grew up with dogs that came from the SPCA, a hound mix, a cocker spaniel, a saymond huskey mix - they were alll amazing dogs. I am a firm believer in couples having a dog together. We knew that once we got her, we would not do any overseas billets and with FI's rate its hard to go overseas any how.

They definitely have a lot of rescued/foster dogs here in FL from what I've noticed. But Congrats and I can't wait for you to AW your new puppy!

amh04 · November 2011

FYI - Calvin is flipping adorable!

Irishcurls · November 2011

Ok, I am not a dog expert so take this with a very tiny grain of salt. My only experience with any of the breeds you mentioned is a Maltese. My mom has one and he is reallllly yippy, because they have some sort of guardian instinct--too lazy to google it right now, but the point is, he flips out about everythingggggg. Entirely possible that it's just her dog though. He's cute as a freaking button though.

calindi · November 2011

Haha, Irish - check out the pictures of Calvin (our first choice, but out in CA, so hopefully they'll let us adopt out of state! Otherwise, I might twist Stan's arm into "adopting" on our behalf and then I'll come pick up the dog).

Did you see that video? Aw, I fell in love! I really want Calvin!!!

The video is on the same page I posted before, but to save scrolling up:
http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/21239347

ETA: Irish, FI's Mom has two maltese, and they're super sweet. From what I've read, a lot of small breed dogs tend to have barking issues mostly because of a "small dog syndrome", where they're lead to believe they're in charge so they get defensive and bossy. Apparently it's important to demonstrate clear rules and establish dominance, which I think FI would do just fine - he's VERY good with dogs and would definitely be "master" while I would be "mommy"! Haha!

KendallR10 · November 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_military-brides_puppies?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:13Discussion:46f9fc62-c050-4454-aff8-12b7bb4ed13cPost:aa5a2f39-d1d6-465d-b9ae-8955313c5feb">Re: Puppies!</a>:
[QUOTE]I'd like to file a formal complaint about this thread. I was expecting PICTURES that I could coo over.....ok now back to read the actual post :)
Posted by Irishcurls[/QUOTE]
I want to second this

Irishcurls · November 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_military-brides_puppies?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:13Discussion:46f9fc62-c050-4454-aff8-12b7bb4ed13cPost:bc9867d1-a9f2-4ddb-a2eb-1661c967d466">Re: Puppies!</a>:
[QUOTE]Haha, Irish - check out the pictures of Calvin (our first choice, but out in CA, so hopefully they'll let us adopt out of state! Otherwise, I might twist Stan's arm into "adopting" on our behalf and then I'll come pick up the dog). Did you see that video? Aw, I fell in love! I really want Calvin!!! The video is on the same page I posted before, but to save scrolling up: <a href="http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/21239347" rel='nofollow'>http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/21239347</a><strong> ETA: Irish, FI's Mom has two maltese, and they're super sweet. From what I've read, a lot of small breed dogs tend to have barking issues mostly because of a "small dog syndrome", where they're lead to believe they're in charge so they get defensive and bossy. Apparently it's important to demonstrate clear rules and establish dominance, which I think FI would do just fine - he's VERY good with dogs and would definitely be "master" while I would be "mommy"! Haha!</strong>
Posted by calindi[/QUOTE]
And I bet it's actually a lot of dogs in general, because that makes a lot of sense. I'm so far from being a dog person, so like I said, teeny eensy grain of salt. :) I didn't see a video, will have to go back and look!!!

AmandaSC1988 · November 2011

Not a huge fan of “Designer dogs” (aka Cockapoo) I think they are silly and generally do not take into account the different breeds tendency’s. They are glorified mutts.
FILs have a Cockapoo. She is really sweet, but she got the Cocker Spaniel’s brain (Stupid) and she sheds A LOT. Personality wise, it may just be her, but she is pretty awful, she doesn’t like new people..I have been around since day one and she still hates me. She barks all the time at nothing and is pretty annoying overall. I have heard people actually having success with this “breed,” but in my opinion it just isn’t worth it.

My sister has a Maltese. She is super sweet, loves everyone and a great size. They have not had too much of a problem with shedding. She used to be really clingy toward my sister, but that stopped last time I visited. The main problem with them is that they can get really matted if you don’t brush their hair daily.

Poodles, I don’t have much experience with them, but I do know they are very smart dogs and don’t shed. Temperaments are a little iffy, the toy ones have the possibility of having temperament issues…but that can happen any time with irresponsible breeders for any breed..

I am a firm believer in buying from a responsible breeder, they will make sure you get a puppy that will fit into your life style and tell you straight up if this breed won’t work for you. They may be more expensive, but they take great care in placing their pets. I am also all for rescuing dogs, but my luck with rescuing dogs is pretty terrible so I can't really say how fantastic rescuing it. One thing though, don’t feel guilted into keeping the dog if it doesn’t fit well. However you go about getting your puppy, PLEASE do not buy from the paper/wal-mart parking lot, those people are only in the market to make money. Responsible breeders have the puppy’s sold before they do the breeding, because they do not want to create animals that won’t have homes.

*steps off soap box*

crownsuperstar · November 2011

Ditto to Calvin. He is so cute and I really like his name. I just picture him being really laid back. HA I don't know why but the name Calvin makes me think that.

We have two rescue dogs. Well I call them pound puppies. Roxie is a border collie/lab mix. I shall call her a border/lab. She is really smart like the border collies and never meets anyone that she doesn't want to make her friend. Gunner is a gordon setter and is just chill. He is super laid back. They are both great with children but for differnt reasons.

I have a special place in my heart for dogs. They just add so much to the family.

kyrgyzstan · November 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_military-brides_puppies?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:13Discussion:46f9fc62-c050-4454-aff8-12b7bb4ed13cPost:871ac2b2-937d-4917-ada9-1ff103c2894d">Re: Puppies!</a>:
[QUOTE]One thing though, don’t feel guilted into keeping the dog if it doesn’t fit well. However you go about getting your puppy, PLEASE do not buy from the paper/wal-mart parking lot, those people are only in the market to make money. Responsible breeders have the puppy’s sold before they do the breeding, because they do not want to create animals that won’t have homes. * steps off soap box *
Posted by AmandaSC1988[/QUOTE]<div>
</div><div>Well, I'll hop on my soap box. Please do feel guilted into 'keeping it even if it doesn't fit well'. That's part of the reason I think adopting close to home is best, because you can feel if a dog is right for you or not. But if you adopt him long distance and put him on a plane, please, please, don't put him through the trauma of rehoming him. Can you imagine being in a shelter or a rescue, getting put on a plane, going to a stranger's house and then being put back into a shelter?! I honestly have faith that you wouldn't rehome a dog without putting a lot of time, effort, and $$ into training. It's not the temperament, it's the training!</div><div>

</div>

divinemsbee · November 2011

Completely agree with Hike about getting a dog that has been fostered--I really think it allows you to know a lot more about the dog's personality.

I adore poodles, and if/when we get a bigger dog, I am desperately in love with black Standard Poodles. I also really love King Charles Cavaliers (in case anyone had missed that one), and that will probably be our next pup.

We went through Dog LIberator (based out of Orlando-they are great people, you can find them on Facebook) to get Archie (who is finally, blessedly, housetrained), and they were wonderful. I will say that if you haven't done this before, make sure to ask about pricing and what the rescue group does in terms of medical before you adopt. Archie was $450, but he came with his first shots, microchipped, and was already neutered. I know people don't like talking money about things like this, and there are many rescues who balk at having to do it, but it's important to know. With the King Charles national rescue (http://www.cavalierrescueusa.org/ go there for incredibly awww worthy pics) they charge a flat $200 for every dog and rely on donations.

Also, I know those applications can be killer, and many rescues want to meet you before they will adopt out to you. You also may have to sign a paper that says that if you no longer want the dog (not talking about deployments, talking about permanently), you must return it to them. Also, if you find a rescue that you really like, but the dog that you wanted to adopt from them is already adopted out, "like" them on Facebook or get on their mailing list, that's how we found Archie.

It took us almost 4 months of seriously looking and filling out applications (I probably did 5 or 6 to different organizations) to find a puppy that we really wanted who hadn't been adopted (puppies go really fast, like within weeks, as do desirable breeds, and sometimes Petfinder isn't updated-we had that happen to us) or that we could get to meet. Also, some rescues may say they want a home visit, sometimes it happens, others not. It can happen really quickly (Archie was with his fosters on a Sunday, up for adoption by Tuesday, we contacted about him on Thursday, and took him home Saturday), or it can take a while. The more breed specific and the rescues that tend to foster do make it a little more difficult to adopt than going down to a regular animal shelter.

Sorry for my length, but this experience is still pretty fresh for me. Good luck and post many pics!
Edited to fix link.

calindi · November 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_military-brides_puppies?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:13Discussion:46f9fc62-c050-4454-aff8-12b7bb4ed13cPost:3d05bade-2b0d-45d5-ab7f-aae6e78b42be">Re: Puppies!</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Puppies! : Well, I'll hop on my soap box. Please do feel guilted into 'keeping it even if it doesn't fit well'. That's part of the reason I think adopting close to home is best, because you can feel if a dog is right for you or not. But if you adopt him long distance and put him on a plane, please, please, don't put him through the trauma of rehoming him. Can you imagine being in a shelter or a rescue, getting put on a plane, going to a stranger's house and then being put back into a shelter?! I honestly have faith that you wouldn't rehome a dog without putting a lot of time, effort, and $$ into training. It's not the temperament, it's the training!
Posted by WishIcouldbeinthe'stan[/QUOTE]

Stan, you better believe we wouldn't "re-home" the dog. We've done a lot of research into breeds, which is why I selected these three. Asking for insights or opinions is just part of my research, but I've read a lot online and in the library about these animals. There are several other breeds that I have eliminated based on temperament, such as a bischon frisse or a chihuahua (lots of barking!).

I agree that it's best to meet the dog first, but I figure it's like a child - you don't get to pick what kid you get, you love what you have and you train it out of any bad behaviors it may have.

I wouldn't put him on a plane alone - I feel like that would be traumatizing for the little guy! I'd either fly out myself, or pay for a friend in LA to fly out here with the dog (Stan, wanna visit? Only half kidding - one of my college roommates and my god-mother are in LA). Heck, I might just fly FI out to get it as one of his best friends is getting married Nov 19th in San Diego! He'd get to see the wedding, and we'd get a puppy.

calindi · November 2011

DMB - great information, thanks! Yeah, I think if we don't get Calvin (who I totally have fallen for, and FI loves the name), then I think we'd wait until after Christmas and do a foster-to-adopt with the local animal shelter (all those dogs that people didn't feel guilted into keeping if they didn't like them, ya know).

AmandaSC1988 · November 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_military-brides_puppies?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:13Discussion:46f9fc62-c050-4454-aff8-12b7bb4ed13cPost:3d05bade-2b0d-45d5-ab7f-aae6e78b42be">Re: Puppies!</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Puppies! : Well, I'll hop on my soap box. Please do feel guilted into 'keeping it even if it doesn't fit well'. That's part of the reason I think adopting close to home is best, because you can feel if a dog is right for you or not. But if you adopt him long distance and put him on a plane, please, please, don't put him through the trauma of rehoming him. Can you imagine being in a shelter or a rescue, getting put on a plane, going to a stranger's house and then being put back into a shelter?! I honestly have faith that you wouldn't rehome a dog without putting a lot of time, effort, and $$ into training. It's not the temperament, it's the training!
Posted by WishIcouldbeinthe'stan[/QUOTE]

I agree to a point. Yes, if you are doing long-distance you should commit to it. But, I used to train problem dogs, so I really truly do have a soft spot for them.

My mentor would rescue dogs and she would hand them off to me to focus on making them "Home ready" I had a lot of experience with that, I worked with the dogs until they were socialized and trained. I focused on one dog at a time and I had crazy dogs that were scared, hyper, aggressive...etc. Then we focused on having a fantastic forever home that they would blend well with (that was another problem of finding perfect homes for those problem dogs so they wouldn't be in a shelter again).

But it took a lot of effort on my part, I couldn't imagine someone without a lot of experience having to deal with a problem dog like I did. I few cases where the dogs had problems and would get attached to the owners and the owners just couldn't do it anymore and had to give him up. My point was don't let the dog get too attached, if in the first week you know you can't handle the problems associated with the dogs then you need to do your both a favor and return him before he gets too attached..

shan87 · November 2011

It seems like your mind is made up. But I also am not a fan of "designer breeds" like a cavapoo. I had some bad experiences with my uncle's Cocker Spainel when I was younger, I was bitten several times. (One included taken several pieces of flesh off my face and leaving perm. scars.) Cocker Spaniels are very protective over their family unit so if you have family members with small children that will be visiting I caution you to be vigilant. They have also been known to bite for no reason or provoking let alone if your around a child that mistakenly pulls their cute ears. People started cross breeding Cockers purely to give their cute look to other breeds, but unfortunately didn't pay attention to their protective temperament. Based on my experience I will never trust a Cocker Spaniel. Yes they love you as their owner but it's important to understand what they may do to others.

I love muts but it's very hard to know what traits of which breed they are getting. At the very least I think it's important for you to see the dog in person, instead of relying on a paragraph description online. I found our dog online from a breeder, but made sure to have H go and see her in person, I had him ask specific questions and "test her." (See what she did if H tried to take her food while eating, or tug on her ear, hold her paws etc)

ETA: Grammar

calindi · November 2011

Shan, that's a very good point about being able to tug the ear or take the food away, etc. I have read a lot of research that says cockapoos are generally very good dogs, and I have several friends who have them who swear they're the best dog ever. So I really would like a cockapoo, and I'm looking forward to see if we can get Calvin, but if not we'll definitely be looking for something local so we can get some interaction with the dog first. A "foster-to-adopt" would probably be ideal.

As far as "designer breeds", I'm going to be adopting from a rescue or shelter. So no one designed him/her for me! And there's no way to tell for certain what mix they are. Why would a cockapoo be less deserving of a home than a purebred dog? I had a purebred Lab growing up and I'm inclined to buy a mutt, whether it's a popular mix or not, simply because they tend to have fewer health problems than pure breeds. And I like dogs that induce less allergies because I do have some dog allergies (though I'm more than willing to put up with them and get allergy shots). And "hypoallergenic" dogs are quite popular. I'd take a poodle if I find one. Or a maltese. So why not a cockapoo?

firsttimersluck · November 2011

because I don't have much time... but have a lot to say.. here are a couple cliffnotes:
I hate "cockapoos". that's not a real breed, although they are breed to have a better tempermant. Something to consider there since you're adopting and not getting from a pretend "breeder" of the dog. They will not be as yippy for this reason.

Small poodles can be nasty. They tend to have a bad tempermant. A standard size poodle is surprisingly a very good dog. All poodles are more difficult to train than MANY other breeds, but the standard will be the easiest, and not as barky as, say, the maltese.

I hate malteses, so I'm bias. More often than not they don't have good temperments because they are incredibly intelligent and if you dont' work them to death, be it obedience training constantly or agility, they will run all over you. They also have a lot of skin issues, which means they get rashes and sun burns super easily.

ack. gotta run..

SamiJoeB · November 2011

IL's have a bichon and a cocker spaniel. The bichon is super whiney and very attached to MIL. The cocker, who was a beautiful girl, but as she's gotten older she has developed lots of health problems. She has Cushing disease which makes her have to pee constantly and 8 out of 10 times she would go in the house, and she has also lost all of her fur on her back and has lots of warts all over her (I think also because of the Cushing). If I'm not mistake she also has an enlarged heart. She's 11 I think. Also, Ditto Shan about the loyalty thing. I mean it's good.. but to an extent, when they bite (or even try to bite) strangers just for interacting with their family, that's when you have a problem. Chanel (the cocker spaniel) would snarl and bark at me, she bit me a few times, and she would pee under my chair at the table, all because she loves H. She thinks that he's hers so when I came around she was having no part of it. Eventually she warmed up to me, but not when H or MIL were around. The bichon would also jump on me, and scratch the doors, and mope around whenever MIL was gone, and all of those behaviors together.. I just found him really annoying.

I know you pretty well though C, and I know you wouldn't rush into anything that didn't feel right. Good luck!!

ETA:spelling

shan87 · November 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_military-brides_puppies?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:13Discussion:46f9fc62-c050-4454-aff8-12b7bb4ed13cPost:1160e0b9-6b15-45a7-98b6-a32b12ee948b">Re: Puppies!</a>:
[QUOTE]Shan, that's a very good point about being able to tug the ear or take the food away, etc. I have read a lot of research that says cockapoos are generally very good dogs, and I have several friends who have them who swear they're the best dog ever. So I really would like a cockapoo, and I'm looking forward to see if we can get Calvin, but if not we'll definitely be looking for something local so we can get some interaction with the dog first. A "foster-to-adopt" would probably be ideal. <strong>As far as "designer breeds", I'm going to be adopting from a rescue or shelter. So no one designed him/her for me!</strong> And there's no way to tell for certain what mix they are. Why would a cockapoo be less deserving of a home than a purebred dog? I had a purebred Lab growing up and I'm inclined to buy a mutt, whether it's a popular mix or not, simply because they tend to have fewer health problems than pure breeds. And I like dogs that induce less allergies because I do have some dog allergies (though I'm more than willing to put up with them and get allergy shots). And "hypoallergenic" dogs are quite popular. I'd take a poodle if I find one. Or a maltese. So why not a cockapoo?
Posted by calindi[/QUOTE]

I wasn't using "designer breed" to mean your furture dog was specifically breed for you. I meant it to mean......... <em>The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Encyclop%C3%A6dia_Britannica" title="Encyclopædia Britannica">Encyclopædia Britannica</a> traces the term "designer dog" to the late 20th century, <strong>when breeders began to cross purebred <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poodle" title="Poodle">poodles</a> with other purebred breeds in order to obtain a dog with the poodles' hypoallergenic coat, along with various desirable characteristics from other breeds</strong><sup>.</sup></em><strong><sup>

(From Wiki)
</sup></strong><sup>
Most of the time they are trying to get one disreable characteristic while ignoring temperament or other qualities. Most of the time its for looks or for allergic reasons.
</sup><strong><sup>
</sup></strong><sup class="reference"> BTW I also don't know if Allergic is a word. LoL
</sup>

SamiJoeB · November 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_military-brides_puppies?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:13Discussion:46f9fc62-c050-4454-aff8-12b7bb4ed13cPost:1160e0b9-6b15-45a7-98b6-a32b12ee948b">Re: Puppies!</a>:
[QUOTE]Shan, that's a very good point about being able to tug the ear or take the food away, etc. I have read a lot of research that says cockapoos are generally very good dogs, and I have several friends who have them who swear they're the best dog ever. So I really would like a cockapoo, and I'm looking forward to see if we can get Calvin, but if not we'll definitely be looking for something local so we can get some interaction with the dog first. A "foster-to-adopt" would probably be ideal. As far as "designer breeds", I'm going to be adopting from a rescue or shelter. So no one designed him/her for me! And there's no way to tell for certain what mix they are. Why would a cockapoo be less deserving of a home than a purebred dog? I had a purebred Lab growing up and I'm inclined to buy a mutt, whether it's a popular mix or not, simply because they tend to have fewer health problems than pure breeds. <strong>And I like dogs that induce less allergies because I do have some dog allergies (though I'm more than willing to put up with them and get allergy shots).</strong> And "hypoallergenic" dogs are quite popular. I'd take a poodle if I find one. Or a maltese. So why not a cockapoo?
Posted by calindi[/QUOTE]

I wish my H were more like you C!!

DaKelliAB09 · November 2011

yay, for puppies! I'm just now chiming in! I think Calvin is sooo cute!! I've had a lot of dogs growing up. We had a poodle/bichon mix and she was the SWEETEST and the cutest dog ever! I also had a yorkie. She wasn't a tiny one and she was really sweet and not yippy at all! The negative: she shed a lot, but I miss her!! She was so funny and had so much personality.
I've never heard anything bad about cockapoos.
I had a friend who had a maltese and he wasn't a very friendly dog. I do think it has to do with the owners and how they're trained. My uncle also has a maltese and he's trained it to hate everybody except him so naturally it hates everybody except him. The dang dog bit the crap out of me once.
I'm sure whatever you get will be awesome. You're doing your research and you're being responsilbe about it.
I also don't believe in "designer dogs" but I do believe every dog is deserving of a good home. It's not their fault. Just my opinion.

Well good luck with finding a pup!

khuxley · November 2011

My parents have a cockapoo who I have grown up with. She is now 16 years old! She has been friendly with all the other dogs we have had or she has been around and plays well with them. Also, I was younger when we got her but she was always good around children and very tolerant of things kids can do to dogs. She doesn't shed at all, never any health problems other than difficulty hearing/seeing now that she is 16 and is old. She is definitely more attached to my mom than anyone else, but I think dogs generally (at least in my experience) always find one person they are more attached to.
My grandmother has a mini-poodle who is also generally a great dog. He is 14 now. He is very protective of me when I used to watch him and he would sleep with me, if someone came into the room he would growl and sound vicious, but was just trying to protect me. Otherwise, he is also a very friendly dog and great around people/ other pets.
I do agree that a lot of being good around people/other pets comes with the training and what they are exposed to especially as puppies.

Good luck!

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