 Barked: Tue Dec 12, '06 11:05am PST |
 | |  | | Wow. That list is quite demanding. I also had a similar one, but realized myself that when adopting a puppy it would be somewhat of a gamble.
Two breeds that I found that match most of those criteria are the Tibetan Spaniel (9-15 pounds), and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel(11-18 pounds but I've seen some bigger). The Tibbie has a double coat but is still considered a moderate shedder as its coat is medium length most places. They shed less than most of the double coated shorter haired dogs.
The Cavalier has a single coat and is a mild shedder. Cavaliers are loyal and hang on every word, so are easy to train, but as well, they are velcro dogs and will seek out your lap all the time. There are also A LOT of health issues in the breed, so please be aware and find a good breeder if you decide on one.
Tibbie's are a little stubborn about training (especially coming when called), but are fairly easy to housetrain as they love to be neat, and like their routines. They are steadfast, curious, fearless dogs, and therefore fine with rambunctious kids. The kids, however, have to be careful as they do with any smaller dog. Tibetan Spaniels are a very healthy breed.
Both breeds tend to reserve their barking, but will bark at strangers. Both breeds are known to be mellow and laid back, and very friendly (a poorly bred Cavalier can be nervous though). Both breeds should be walked at least once daily to get their "zoomies" out, but will self exercise around the house as well. Both mine require a brushing behind their ears once a week to prevent mats. The rest of their body needs a brushing only occasionally. My Cavalier has more energy than my Tibbie/Cavalier mix. They're not great guarders. They watch and bark, with tails wagging the whole time, so they do not meet that requirement.
I have a Cavalier, and a Cavalier/Tibetan Spaniel mix, both not quite a year old, and they both meet their breed descriptions exactly. We have gone through many stages of puppyhood with very little destruction and housetraining was quite easy. I put effort in, and maybe I lucked out.
I agree with some of the above posts that you can find many older, already settled dogs, with this temperament, and it would be less of a gamble to find a rescue dog where the temperament is already known. I guess it depends on what is available where your aunt lives.Edited by author Tue Dec 12, '06 11:12am PST
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