Choosing a dog breed

[skinnyman]

Some background:

The wife & I both grew up with dogs, her parents had toy dogs (king Charles spaniels and such) and my parents had what I would class as proper dogs, Border Collies. We're yet to get a dog, but we're considering getting one next year. We have a 3yr old now, and the wife is currently pregnant with our 2nd, so by the time we get a dog we'll have 2 small children. In addition, I seem to be allergic to some breeds. Border Collies I'm fine with, but was allergic to her parents on spaniels, but I'm ok with their current laso apso's (sp?), so we'll have to be careful with my allergies. Also, I don't fancy a dog that sheds constantly. My uncle used to have an awesome German Shephard, but ever time it flinched it was like an explosion of hair, I can't deal with that tbh.

So:
Good with small children
Low shedding
Hypoallergenic

Everything seems to point me in the direction of Labradoodles, is there anything else to consider? I like the look of hounds, but seems sadly they're not ideal.

[skinnyman]

MYOB said:

Cockapoo. Generally don't moult etc. Cocker spaniel and poodle cross. Research properly though, as with all mongrels, you can never be certain with what you get.

This is also a concern, images of said dogs varies massively, as it depends on the makeup of its bloodline, and inherited potential problems. With them not being a registered breed its all a bit hit & hope.

[skinnyman]

My wife is leaning towards cockapoos too, so we're probably heading in that direction. Next question, baby or dog first?

Our lad is 3, but the missus is currently 12 weeks pregnant too. So should we do dog then baby? Or baby then dog?

[skinnyman]

My mates parents used to have boxers, mental unruly things (owners didn't help im sure), but every boxer I've encountered has been just as lively and daft, which has always put me off them.