Xerxes
Posted : 5/17/2007 3:27:44 PM
All dogs are going to have some level of prey drive, but that is something that can be deconditioned.
Bad hips: If you are researching breeds, concentrate more fully on those that are on the smaller side of 40lbs. There are lots of dogs out there in that size range. You'll also need to interview a few breeders, or perhaps even attend a few dog shows and ask lots of questions.
Just a few quick suggestions: Maybe a corgi? Maybe a beagle mix from the shelter? (though beagles tend to be a bit more houndy than most.) What about a Portuguese Water Dog? Or a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever? Those are good places to start. Clumber Spaniels are pretty cool too.
If you're looking for smaller than those, there's Papillons, Japanese Chins, Chinese Cresteds, American Eskimos (they have a bit higher prey drive than others though.)
I almost forgot...have you thought about terriers? Bull Terriers are great family dogs. (Think Spuds McKenzie) They can be a bit stubborn though, like all terriers.