What is a good small dog breed for a house dog?

[B Calm]

I don't want a poodle, but I want a dog that doesn't shed to bad. Must be a loving, smart, and playful breed.. Any ideas?

[BlueJazz]

1. try this>>>

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/searchcategories.htm

[B Calm]

7. Checking out Terriers, great link

[Longgrain]

2. Boston Terriers are great...short haired, cute

intelligent and extremely loyal.

But I'm only saying that because both my mother and my sister have one...

[readmylips]

3. Hot Dog...

on a bun...the only dog I want in my house.

[redqueen]

4. Chihuahua!

They're the BEST!

Great personality and very playful... also very small and the short-haired variety hardly sheds at all.

Good luck finding a canine companion. :)

[mopinko]

5. terriers

i love my terriers. i wouldn't get a jack, unless you are ready to devote a lot of time to it. but there are a lot of terriers out there, including course coated ones, and short haired ones, neither of which amount to a lot of hair.
they are noisy, but they are very trainable. if they get enough exercise and attention, they aren't usually annoying.

[ET Awful]

6. Dachshunds, corgies, and what everyone else already said :) n/t

[mr_hat]

8. Well, most terriers/terrier mixes fit the bill. "House dog" >

is a bit troublesome as a description, though. Could you provide more details?

Most "loving, smart and playful" dogs need attention, or they'll be naughty.

[Sanity Claws]

9. Bichon Frise

My friend had one and was very happy with it. I've also known people to be happy with dauschunds and chihauhaus (sp??), although I don't particularly like the way they look.

[radwriter0555]

16. LOL I hate the whole fluffy head thing.....

Never cared for the dogs.

[Sanity Claws]

19. I'll bet you have straight hair!!

For those of us born with curly untamed locks, Bichons look cute!

[cornermouse]

What about energy level?

Have you thought about whether you prefer a dog with a lower activity level or do you like them hyper?

[B Calm]

14. Both.. is that possible??

[Nikia]

10. We have an American Eskimo

And he is loving, smart, and playful. He is shedding a bit this time of year, but only this time of year.

[mcscajun]

11. Do some research beyond your basic requirements.

A lot of breeds will fill the bill, but some may have qualities that won't fit your life. Like the supersmart animal who simply must be with you, and is a born digger, so it tunnels (or at least tries to tunnel) out of your house when you're gone.

http://www.about-dogs.com/quiz_for_choosing_dog.htm

And even this site is just a starting point...

[B Calm]

12. Thanks, I'll do my research before deciding.. I had a Bull Terrier

when I was kid back in the 1960's. I really loved that little dog, but boy he was a handful. Fearless little guy..

[Mr.Green93]

13. Shelties

or a mixed breed small dog.

[radwriter0555]

15. I'm loving our new pommy pup, she's a real pistol and real sturdy...

lots of energy, but smart as a whip.

We have a maltese, but she's as frail and delicate as a bird, but so completely loving and sweet!

[Bzzzz]

17. We Love Our Little Min Pins...

our girls are 2 of the smartest dogs we've ever owned. Very loving and devoted. Playful and mischeveous.

[thoughtanarchist]

18. Papillion!

[B Calm]

21. Really a cute breed, do they shed much?

[thoughtanarchist]

27. 'lil bit...

great house dog though. smart, good w/ kiddies and needs virtually no outdoor exercise.

[KG]

20. a freind breeds Havanese

they have hair, rather than fur, so people with allergies a own them. very loving and rather quiet fot little yappers.

[Hatalles]

22. Get a Wishbone.

The Jack Russell Terrier -- I think that's what they're called.

EDIT: *Note from AKC: The name of the Jack Russell Terrier was changed to the Parson Russell Terrier effective April 1, 2003 as requested by the Jack Russell Terrier Association of America, which was changed to the Parson Russell Terrier Association of America.

[B Calm]

24. I do like Terriers.. They are a fun little dog.. and they are not afraid

of water. I live in the country and have a nice little farm pond..

[DemExpat]

25. I'm on my second Jack Russell now.....high, high energy dogs who

love to be active a good portion of the day - with their owner!

Fantastic little dog.

DemEx

[leftofthedial]

23. small mutt

from the shelter

[solinvictus]

26. Chihuahua!!

They're smart, loyal, playful, and damned good watchdogs as well!

[B Calm]

29. My dad had a Chihuahua (Chico) he thought he was a doberman..

[Liberal In Texas]

28. Terriers. But you'll have to put up with the hair, believe me.

Very good natured, and good guard dogs.