I am hoping to add a dog to my family but I am not sure yet. I am hoping to find a breed that is in the small to medium range is short haired (I know hypoallergenic is supposedly a myth but a dog with little to no shedding is preferred) I know all dogs bark but barking at a minimum would be great as well as the dog can't tear up the house while I am at work so he must be able to be home alone for 8-10 hours (I know no dog should be left alone)


I know it is probably impossible to meet all these requirements but any help is greatly appreciated

I would rethink a dog with those kinds of regular hours - 8 to 10 hours alone is a long time.

Or plan to arrange a neighborhood kid to take the dog out after school - that's what I do.

I have been very happy with my short haired dachshund. She does bark but not incessantly - just if someone comes to the door or things like that, then she stops.

There are a lot of good books on the subject of choosing a breed. Several relatives have schnauzers. They are wire haired and don't shed, and are smart and easy to train as well as being small. I like my little dachshund better, but everyoe I know who has a schnauzer loves them, and all that I've know have been very trainable.

You need Fluffy! Fluffy is the perfect dog. Fluffy doesn't bark, shed or need your undivided attention and can sit at home up to 12 hours a day without wrecking your home.

In other words... You need a stuffed dog. No dog should ever be left home up to 10 hours a day. Even the calmest breed will go bonkers.

Reconsider a dog. Maybe a cat is more what you're wanting. They don't mind being alone and I have heard that the pure bred cats can be hypoallergenic.

I vote for a cat. In fact, two of them to keep each other company, since they won't have much human companionship, sounds like.