Yes, follow the recommendations of consumer reports... Can't go wrong there. BUT, as an owner of three large breed significant shedders (I'm talking really significant amounts of hair, everywhere, all the time; in my food, in my bed, in my mouth, in my clothes, Everywhere), I would recommend that you NOT get sucked in by vacs that say they are intended for pets. Save the extra they charge for that because they are really no different than a quality, regular machine you can buy on Craig's list. Don't get a dyson. My current is a shark, and it is every bit as good as every other vacuum I've killed since deciding to have Newfoundlands in my house back in 1991. 5 newfies and at least five vacs later, I now just get the cheapest one recommended by CR because I know it'll die before my dogs do (even though newfs don't live very long).