What AKC recognized breed would you get if you had to pick?

[Kaitee and Orwell]

I know we all love our doodles, but it occurred to me that I think I'm actually different than most of you. Getting a labradoodle was NOT my first choice. Heck, it didn't really even register on my top choices. Since I still live at home with my parents, I had a size requirement (which didn't really work out anyway, lol) and had to compromise. Needless to say, I absolute LOVE and adore Orwell and wouldn't trade him for anything. I just know that I probably won't get another doodle. Most of them that I've met seem pretty independent and headstrong. Orwell is not. He can be an independent thinker, but I know how to get him to do whatever I want because I know I'm at the top of his priority list. I love my velcro dog.

If Orwell wasn't in his litter, I can honestly say that I would not have a labradoodle right now. I did not particularly like his brothers and sisters. I'm sure I would have come love them eventually, but Orwell was special. I even met his new brothers and sisters and didn't really like them either. While I thought it would be pretty cool to have a girl the same color as Orwell, none of them really connected with me.

If things were entirely up to me, I would have gotten an Irish Wolfhound. I have loved those dogs ever since I met one when I was 7 years old. I was scared at first because this dog who was almost as tall as me at the time came lumbering up to say hi, but he was the sweetest thing ever. All Irish Wolfhounds I've met are like that. I must say that I don't have any allergies to dogs, and I know some of you might, which would influence your decision on a breed.

However, let's all pretend that we don't have allergies for a moment. Let's also exclude poodles, labs, goldens, bernes, and any other breeds that might make up your doodle. Under these constraints, what AKC recognized breed of dog would you get, and why?

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Lola is adorable!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

If you're looking for a dog under, say, 18 lbs, a Havanese is a wonderful choice. They're guaranteed shed-free, they're available in just about every color and pattern imaginable, they're affectionate, they have long life spans, and it's easy to find a top-notch breeder. 

[Kaitee and Orwell]

I actually said that if I ever own a small dog, I will go for a Havanese for all the reasons Karen listed. 

Lola is so cute. My grandfather recently adopted a Chihuahua/Corgi mix and they have the same body type, lol.

Also, there are breeders trying to prolong the Wolfhound's life span. Orwell's trainer knows of breeders who average 9-10 years. While that's still short, I realized after my labs death that I didn't really care. At first I swore off dogs (which lasted a week), but I realized every one of them is worth it no matter how long they live. I just want a healthy, happy dog while they are alive. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I agree with that. No matter how long they live, it's never long enough anyway. It hurts just as much to lose one at 12 as it does to lose one at 7. 

[Kaitee and Orwell]

Exactly. Long enough would have to be our lifespans. It's a great tragedy that they have significantly shorter lifespans than we do.

[Cindy and Olive (Ollie)]

Amen to that, Kaitee! Worth it no matter how long - and let them be healthy! Best,

[Diane and Alma]

I would also consider the Havanese.  And they were bred to be quiet, lap dogs.

[Kaitee and Orwell]

The quiet is important to me... I don't like the yappy little dogs.

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

Lola is so cute!

[Gracie, Jade, & Barkley]

What caused you to pick him? What was his personality like?

[Gracie, Jade, & Barkley]

Oh and my pick would be a beagle. Love their personalities!

[Moe]

She was just the cutest little thing. I think she was 4 months old when I got her. She was 3 lbs. She is a sweet little lap dog. She is definitely not the smartest dog in the bunch but she is gentle and great in the house. I tried training her to do tricks but gave up. She takes forever to learn them. My doodle picks anything up in 3-4 repetitions. It takes this one weeks. It is enough that she is just happy and sweet. :)