Jen, I think it's a good move to decide against a lab. My mom has one that is a mix- she looks about 95% lab but has that bushy tail from something else. Every year for about 6 months she just explodes and hair is everywhere! My mom goes through vacuum bags like you wouldn't believe. Her hair is what lead me to search for a non-shedding dog.
I love bulldogs and rotties. I think they are both such beautiful breeds. I would love to get a rottie, but for whatever reason, my bf is against getting one. He wants a boxer but I don't want a big dog that's going to jump all over me, so the hyperness is what's turning me off from that breed. I don't know your and Jim's schedules, but I would assume that city life might be a little too cramped for a hyper dog unless you guys have the time to walk him or her every day.
I'm not sure if you're still taking suggestions, but English Mastiffs are great dogs. My cousins had a male that recently passed away and he shedded a normal amount. They just got a female EM and she seems to have different hair, and doesn't shed other than her head. (Weird, I know!) Java (their new dog) is a big lump and you can lay all over her and cuddle with her! She's perfectly content to either lay on the couch all day or go for a walk and be energetic. They are a big breed, but their energy level is really low. My cousins wondered if it would a problem that they live in the city and don't have a big yard. Their breeder told them it's not the size of the yard that they need to worry about, but the size of their couch!! Let me know if want more information on the breed or would like to talk to a breeder. Their breeder is really selective on her breeding stock and new owners, and has proven to be a wonderful and caring person. |