I'm looking for a breed of dog. What's best for my situation?

Please define "protective", because I'm sure you don't want the dog eating every person who walks onto your property and only attacking those who are a threat. :)

Actually, and I know this doesn't sound the greatest to your wife, pit bulls (if you get one young) are amazing around children and are protective of their family, but will be great dogs if you socialize them properly. Pit bulls have been known to take care of their family's kids like a sheepdog will.

the "I don't believe in feeding mutts" statement upsets me a lot, I'll admit, because everything in a breed (looks, personality, even shedding, diet, and exercise level) varies from dog to dog and a mixed breed is the same. My pit bull mix is absolutely great, but enough defense of mutts.

A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel will suit both the children and protective needs, but keep in mind this is a smaller dog, and while will be a great watch dog, will attempt to protect but might not be able to fully attack someone. I also know little about their shedding, but as far as I know it's seasonal.

Again, sorry to mention your no's but: St. Bernard's will also suit your needs (as will a German Shepherd). The actual problem with St. Bernard's is drooling, not shedding. With a German Shepherd you may get both, or just one, or possibly none.

I can't name everything off the top of my head, but my best bet would be to head into a local pet store that sells dogs or an animal shelter and tell them your situation, as they're amazingly helpful and informed about this kind of thing. Once again, I beg you don't write of mixed breeds unless you have a serious reason against it (like you show dogs for a living or something)

Pit bulls and Rottweilers can both be potentially bad with children, depending on the disposition of the parents. And a strongly defensive and protective dog is NOT a good thing. I understand that you want your family to feel safer with the dog around, but teaching a dog (especially the breeds you have singled out) to be protective can lead to unwanted and dangerous aggression.

Why don't you believe in feeding mutts? They are just as important as every other dog and could probably fit the description of your desired dog far better than many purebreds.

The fact that you mentioned "attractive" first on your list of desired traits is a huge red flag to me. You should always want a dog for disposition over appearance.

To answer your question; a dog that is both good with children and doesn't shed much would be something like a Great Dane or a Labrador. Both shed about as much as a Rottie. I have a husky who simply adores children and actually whines whenever one is around that he thinks is unsupervised because he is afraid it will fall and get hurt. I know you don't want shedding though, so that is out of the question.

Go to the site below, look at the links on the left hand side and click on each breed. Also make sure to read the breed's history and what the dog was bred for it will help with your selection. Remember beauty is in the eye of the beholder and you should only take in a dog that is beautiful to you so that you will love it and it will then have a good home. People are most often better owners when they really appreciate the dog, its behavior and and appearance.

I also have to agree with Boxer. They are wonderful pets who are loyal, protective, and are great around children. I love my boxer with all my heart. He's a playful little guy and for some reason, I cant keep him out of the water. Anytime were near water, he has to go in. It's funny. Here's some more information on Boxers.

http://www.viewpoints.com/Boxer-Breed-reviews

Boxers are excellent with children. They are short-haired and are intelligent watchdogs who if socialized a lot will enjoy meeting your friends and family.

Get a Boxer!

beagle, golden retriever, pug, pomeranian. those dogs are loving and are awesome guard dogs!! and most of them arent hairy. hope this helps :)

oh i think a poodle there are three sizes Miniature, standard, large they have a lot of hair but they don't shed so it is not much af a problem