What breed do I need?

Question
Hello, I am a teenager and my dog recently passed away of natural causes about four months ago. I was interested in getting a new dog and would like to know which one would be better suited for my family and I. I will be able to take the dog on daily walks but I have a small backyard meaning it would be an indoor dog. My mother wants a large dog. My last dog was a black labrador retriever. I would like a dog that is kid friendly, because most of my cousins are children and a dog that is short haired and doesn't shed that much. My dad and mom are considering a German shepherd or a Siberian husky but I would like to hear your recommendation.

Answer
Hi Marbeline,
I'm so sorry for your loss. With GSD's and Siberians shedding will be a definite issue. Since I have GSD's I have to tell you they are extremely wonderful dogs. They are working dogs however and do need a lot of exercise and both mentally and physically challenging activities. Siberians are lovely but can be one person dogs, and can be stubborn. They also are high energy working dogs and fit the same profile as a sheperd. In your particular situation I wonder if you might not be better off with a Greyhound or a Great Dane. Both are calm, easy going, kid friendly, smart, dogs who while they require exercise as any dog does, and frequent runs in the park or lots of playing with along with daily walks as any dog does, they are low maintenance and love to be couch potatoes inside as well. Both breeds are short haired and neither are bred to be outside dogs. Most people think of Greyhounds as high energy high strung dogs when the truth is they are usually the opposite. Granted exercise is necessary but they love to laze around the house too. Danes grow quickly but are kind, and forgiving of little ones. They can take up an amazingly small area for their size. Check with Greyhound rescue, they do a FANTASTIC job of placing retired racers in appropriate homes. I bet you could qualify with no problem, and get a nice dog suited to your personality that is already housetrained,crate trained, obedience trained , spayed or neutered. They really do have some lovely dogs. Check with some local Great Dane breeders as well, often you can get a nice Dane from rescue or from a breeder that is not necessarily a young pup but a teenaged or adult dog looking for a forever home. Good luck and happy hunting :)