[QUOTE]Originally posted by Shamu
[B]I've always loved Boxers but never got one...

 

Three years ago, my wife and I brought a sable Sheltie (Shetland Sheepdog) home on a Sunday. On the following Tuesday, we went back to the breeder and brought one of his tri-colored brothers home. This was the most amazing thing that I have ever witnessed. My original puppies' attitude changed immediately (he had been very lonely) as soon as his brother came to our home. They have never given us a minutes worth of trouble, period. They are home by themselves during the day and have the run of the house.

These dogs are the smartest dogs I have ever had. They almost teach themselves. Mine were raised on a small farm and they were treated like family members. The importance of early socialization cannot be overstated. The breed makes a wonderful pet. The only quirck is that they are usually close at hand, sometimes on my feet. These dogs have been tought, via hand signals, to stop barking on command, so as not to bother the neighbors.

Just another opinion.

 

i agree with whoever said that there is no way for there to be any consensus of what is the right breed...but i will give you my $.02...we had an english springer (otis)that developed a bad habit and had to be put down after a serious incident with my son when he was 9...we waited a year and he wanted a new dog and he chose a golden retriever(phoenix) and she has taken over the house...she is now 9 and both sons are away at school and they call home and the first thing out of their mouth is how is phoenix...then hi dad or hi mom...she is the greatest companion and she absolutely loves to ride shotgun in the "s" ...i think she thinks it's her car and i'm her driver...if i'm out working on the car and leave the door open. she'll jump in and sit in the driver's seat...thank god she hasn't learned how to shift...it's most likely the short legs and can't reach the clutch!!!!!!!!!

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by boiler
[B]The only quirck is that they are usually close at hand, sometimes on my feet.

 

The problems with refresh rate.....

I think it was actually our BBC news. Emma (the golden) gets freaked out with the quality of the AV system.... When there's people just talking like news etc she'll sit and watch our TV for ages. At friends and parents who don't have an AV system she just walks past the TV.

Unfortunately, my Sci-Fi programs have the same effect on her as my wife. She tends to leave the room.....

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Sondra S2K
[B]

1. Get any purebred dog from a rescue!

 

I don't plan on getting the dog for at least a few months- I need to put in a back yard first or there will be muddy puppyprints all over my house. I have some time to figure out which breed is best. My yard isn't very big but there is a park down the street where people walk their dogs that is perfect for frisbee and butt-sniffing.

I have two cats which I've had since they were snatched from the wild as kittens. It's a good feeling to know that they would surely be dead if it weren't for their rescue. My main concern with adopting a dog from the shelter is finding a puppy version of whichever breed I eventually decide to go with. It is important to me that I get my dog as a puppy.

My brother adopted a Greyhound that was retired due to injury and he is an awesome dog. Greyhounds make very good pets and attract a lot of attention. If I was willing to adopt a full grown dog, a Greyhound would be at the top of my list. I don't think they would like riding in the S2000 though.

Of all the dogs I've lived with, I think the Rottweiler is my favorite. If you train them correctly they are very well-mannered and not aggressive at all. Border Collies are extremely intelligent but they need acres of space to be fully enjoyed.

Thanks for all the input! More pics!

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Guntersmurf
[B] I don't think they would like riding in the S2000 though.

 

The bear looking one is our Chow -- Berber! The other one is the Shih-Tzu, Tabo!