You're right, Jeff. Labs and golden retrievers have oily coats because they're water dogs. We picked a lab, based on the breed's well-known gentle temperament - we have no issues with her shedding, which only occurs in the spring. Wonderful breeder, who breeds mostly field trial champions (Daisy's daddy was 'Gunner') and dogs for the disabled.
A Wheaton is a great non-shedder, but the ones I have met are aggressive, as most terriers tend to be. My other favourite dog, which is non-shedding, gentle and smart as a whip, is the standard poodle. It's the same size as a bigger dog, and wonderfully graceful. I knew a cool black standard named Harry once upon a time. His owners never groomed him at all like the, well, slightly poofy show animals. He was just all shiny black curls. Brilliant animal.
Dogs, when properly selected and trained, are a wonderful thing. And, once you've bonded, you're toast.
Love this topic. I could write pages and pages.
B
