[icemaiden]

A push toy would fulfil most of your criteria

Seriously now, you don't say what you want the dog for and what you are prepared to do for the dog in return - in terms of exercise (all dogs should have walks no matter how small),mental stimulation - in terms of play, training, how long the dog is likely to be left alone - if long, what can you arrange in terms of dog sitter, doggy day care or similar.

Health issues - I'm sure we all hope none of our dogs ever develop them, but life isn't always that kind. Can you afford pet insurance, vet fees if your dog does develop health issues? Training? Can you spare the time and money to find a good training class? Can you put up with a new puppy's soiling/crying/sleepless nights/neighbours complaints/nipping/destroying of things whilst he settling in, learning what is acceptable and what is not?

So, in reality, without more information, it's impossible to guide you to your 'ideal' pal.

 

[icemaiden]

There are lots of dogs that meet one, two, or maybe even three of your requirements, but some of your requirements are directly conflicting each other.

Good watch dog and doesn't bark a lot do not go together. Really I think you can either expect a dog to shed a lot or you can expect to pay for grooming. The only dog I can think of that would require no grooming/shedding would be a hairless Chinese Crested, but they do not handle the cold very well, and they really don't like being alone.

Also, just because a dog is under 20 lbs doesn't mean it doesn't need ample exercise. Most of the little dogs I know can just go and go and go.

My understanding of Chinese crested is that although there is no brushing etc as there's hardly anything to brush, doesn't mean low maintenance - they need frequent bathing, moisturising, sun screen etc. Also their teeth need care as, I believe, they are genetically predisposed to bad teeth. So, in my mind their grooming requirements are higher than average.

 

[icemaiden]

Mail order puppies....Sounds good considering dogs are bred for various purposes. Hmmm, breeding people for specific traits, thats a good idea....

Actually, I have owned dogs before. It was fine and fun. I am not ignorant.

"Ideal" okay, let's move on. Focus on the positive. I cant tell you how everyone in my industry is basically a naysayer, and I am the opposite, and I find answers where others tell me its impossible.

How many dogs have you owned? What breed/type? Who did most of the looking after these dogs? Did you like the dogs? If so, why not choose the same breed/type again.