Thanks Motown - I am researching just wanted the opinion of other dog owners. I was given a great site and am starting the elimination process there.

Thanks Atlantis - actually never thought of a dachshound as it's a small dog, but going to look into it further. Also looking into the Vizsla.

Thanks Shasta - yes it will be my first dog, any suggestions?

that was a really good list. spent about a half hour looking at dogs

it describes each breed's temperment and intelligence and trainability. and their coat and maintenance and potential heallth problems

well worth going over

Myself I have had Dash hounds, Chihuahua's, Bird dogs, Coon dogs, Cow dogs and now have a cocker spaniel which is spoiled rotten.

Smaller dogs tend to be lap dogs medium size or larger tend to stay at your feet and lay around close by. It really all depends how you treat them even smaller dogs will stay their distance if they learn that is how you prefer it.

Myself I prefer the smaller dogs that are lovable. Sassy the one I have now is always by my side and sleeps with me as well. But that is what I like.

At this time I have my sons bird dog in the back yard and he will play ball with ya all day long loves people but want jump up on you at all and short hair just has a lot of energy to go with him. Where Sassy is and inside dog and would rather lay beside ya or in your lap.


But you have to consider unlike cats dogs can't be left alone for long periods of time and it will at times limit you from going places if you can't take them then you have to find someone to watch them. They are like kids they rely on you where cats go on their own. Myself have never been a cat person and have always learned to deal with the issues with dogs.

And oh then the training as far as bathroom time. Got to have patience and expect the accidents on the floors as well just another thing to look at. lol

How about a beagle?

Yeah those are good as well. Smart and short hair and not too small.

Quiet - I have been on that site since yesterday (lol) trying to make sure I make the right choice, and have been pestering YellowRose for suggestions as well.

Txs - I am leaning towards a medium sized dog but have found quite a few smaller breeds that I think I'd be able to manage as well. Like the beagle cutie suggested.

Cutie - thanks the beagle, boxer, vizsla made the list

Boxers are prone to some health problems. Vizslas can be fairly large and need a lot of exercise, they are hunters after all. Beagles are a nice smaller dog but they can be barky. That is their job after all.

I have a miniature wire haired one...Gorgeous, grumpy but needs to be around people all the time...

Have a friend that had a boxer she was medium size of course short hair as well. She was one of the best dogs I have ever seen and smart as heck. A lot of that all depends on the person and the time they take with them as well. Not only was she loyal and very friendly even with my little Chihuahua at the time but a protector as well. But she ended up dying of cancer she did live to be 14 though so still lived a long life for a dog.

Have known those with Labs that are great as well.

Labs are great! but they do shed!! poodles are good for allergies and are really good dogs and come in various sizes too

ive had a sheltie mix- smart dog very smart and great with kids
chocolate lab- beautiful, and stupid!!!
and a rottweiler- bloodhound mix- huge and stupid!!!!!

but i agree that a rescue dog would be good- what about a french bulldog-??

A lot of it has to do with the breeder you get the dog from.
And the other half is training and socializing.

If you are getting a breed dog, a suggestion would be is to get a book on that specific breed. Dogs do become dependent on you, and they become like your fur children.
I found a excellent book for dog training and problem behaviors written by the Monks of New Skete. They train German Shepards, and have been for years and years. I had a Alaskan Malamute, which are very head strong and physical strong. She was 4 months along when getting her and had no prior training. I almost gave up on her after 2 months until stumbling onto this book. It's- title is gone from me now, but it's a dog training book. Pounds and the ASPCA will usually let you 'borrow' the dog for 1-2 days and then you can see what they know. Dogs are very social creatures and any habit can be broken or taught with alot of love and patience. Most adult dogs reach the mental age of a 3-4 year old human child as far as comprehension and learning, yet there are dogs individually that can be far more intelligent and some far less. They communicate very well with their eyes- blinking, their mouths but you will learn this as you get to know your fur person. Good luck, they are so worth it!

My "Boys" picked me :laugh
I didn't seem to have a choice,they stole my heart the moment I laid eyes on them
Good luck,you will do fine.

Usually the dog that picks you, is the one for keeping...My dogs picked me too...

curious how does a dog pick you?

You go to view them where ever they are for sale, or adoption, and there will always be one who makes a beeline for you and wants your attention, and wont leave you alone...My baby came and lay down on top of my feet and wouldn't budge, her brothers and sisters ran around my legs, then found something else to amuse themselves with...

Thanks that's good to know, going tomorrow to see some pups, maybe I'll be chosen instead of doing the choosing.

Go on pet finder .com and find a rescue dog. The rescues will know all about temperment and try to match you up w/ an appropriat breed All my pets are rescued and they are all great

What Aingel said plus you just "Feel" that instant connection.
You can't leave without them . Its hard to put into words but you just know!

Schnauzer is a great dog. Small, smart and they don't shed. There is some coat maintenance involved, but I shaved my dog myself.