I bought a Brother at Walmart for my daughter in law and liked it so much that I got a second one for me! I don't remember whether or not the feed dogs dropped, but they were really excellent little machines for piecing and stitch in the ditch quilting. They were both destroyed in Sandy, and if she ever gets situated again with enough room for a sewing room, I'll get her another. I should add that I originally bought her a Singer at Target and it was so awful that I brought it back.