yikes thanks for the input Vivian - attacking small children yikes.

ewww maggots in ears ewwww

How old was he when you got the one from the rescue group?

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I could tell you what dogs I've had and my experiences, but it doesn't mean you will have the same.

Rescue a mutt. Go to the shelter with an open mind. It's good to get basic info on different breeds, but some dogs didn't read the rule book on their behavior and don't always behave in appropriate protocol.

I do suggest deciding if you want a male or female set in mind. Since I've had male dogs that will mark their territory, I only get female dogs now.

Whatever you do, good luck in your decision and definitely keep us posted.

Did just that, went to my local shelter during lunch and sad to say there are so many animals without homes, but I too feel that the workers are just trying to unload their inventory.

Wow, I don't take this long when choosing nor shopping for shoes, just don't want to make a bad choice.

Keep looking Fran till you find that special one. The one I have now a friend brought over to the house after finding her rolling under a car on a busy street. It was night time he was going to take her to the pound the next day. I had been real sick for over a month got up the next morning and he was sleeping on my couch I asked him what was up said he had to take a dog to the pound and told me what happened. Needless after seeing her I feel in love with her and her with me. Called the pound gave them all the info in case someone claimed her checked local papers and vets.

After taking care of her for 2 months I finally legally adopted her well in a sense took her to the vet for all her shots ect. Pound said go ahead no one had claimed her missing.

The one before that my daughter got for me, one before that was fixing to be put down.

When you find that right one regardless of breed or if it is a Heinz 57 you will know.

My gf parents wanted a small lap dog and went to a pet adoption day and the vet there actually told them that the pup they wanted was older than he was, and that he would be small; a month later I saw him and told her he was going to be a horse by his paws size. 2 months later she calls me and says 'Jack' is knocking them over and they can't walk him. He's with me since, just turned 12 a few months back, all 85 loving pounds of him. They were going to take him to the pound. He's a hreat dog , protector and the 'Mayor' here. He walks with us and never needs a leash. The other dog, a Boston Terrier is one I pet sit for a woamn who lives at the test site. They are very intelligent and will purposely mess up if they are upset with you...then look at you as if to say...I didn't do that. They have smaller bladders and need to go out more often.

When looking for a dog for my husband( he was using a cane) we found a west highland terrier.."westie" .. He was the most gentle dog, looked after him when out walking, was good with the little gdaughter when she was learning to walk, wonderful personality( everyone would smile and wave at him when were in the car and he only weighed 25 lbs...and was well behaved.... good luck

sorry double post

well my 2 cents...
bully breeds...like dobies, rotts, and pitbulls require constant attention in that u have to keep ur eyes on them because they are dogs that can be unpredictable.

my suggestion...go volunteer at the humane society, and walk dogs. they know the mild mannered dogs.
then, u want a dog that does not attack. nor do u want a dog u have to muzzle....cause it might bite. then, u want a dog that is not nuerotic nor suffer from anxiety should you have to run to the store.
watch out for ankle biters.

then, u don't want a dog too old, that could suffer from this and that, and kick it suddenly. get pet insurance to save u some headaches.
then, be prepared to commit yourself for several years if u get a younger one. they live u know. short hair or long? they need protection from cold. cannot stay outside all the time.
then, at least try your dog out before you get, or purchase if possible. like renta dog...
and a vet check never hurts..to find out things like galloping heart which can turn into a deathly thing.
some of my experiences from doing things wrong with dogs.

thanks Mssilver, Duffy and Kristi

Appreciate all the feedback, I am doing my best to make sure I make the right decision.

I have a pet badger named cooder....He's GREAT!!

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My aunt bred westies. Good smart dogs, but like ALL of the terrier breeds they can be fiesty. These dogs were designed to go after rats and vermin. They are cute but can be a whole lot of trouble in a small package.

If you are really looking into Terriers the Kerry Blue is a good one to look into. Medium sized 35 to 45 pounds, smart and usually well mannered if trained right. and you can keep it's coat trimed short.

Vizlas are sweet dogs. I always enjoy checking them out at the dog shows.

What do you consider small? What do you consider big? Mild-mannered and social are aspects of the owner. You have to get them out and about with people, kids and other animals.

Bulldogs and boxers are both high energy dogs.

Have you wandered through the AKC website and taken a look at their breed listings for an overview? Also, there's usually a list of dog shows, and you might consider wandering around and chatting with the owners and getting solid information, and a look at dogs. Take a notepad, and write down breeds you like or dislike. The AKC site also has breed-specific dog rescues listed too, if you want to go that route.

Regarding the comment by Vivian and the Vizla, that is an individual case. Some friends of ours has one who is an absolute doll, and loves having young babies crawl all over him. He also likes small dogs, and the rest of the family has a Scottish Terrier and a West Highland White Terrier over for family get togethers, and they all do fine. Finnegan is in obedience classes, agility, and is getting his Canine Good Citizenship award shortly. His owners love him, and expect him to behave. Ditto for basic health care. No dog should be so badly neglected as to have maggots in his ears!!!! Water dogs or not, that's obscene!

What were the two breeds you were interested in?

You cannot go wrong with a Labrador, be it white, chocolate, black or yellow...A loyal friendly dog too...I love my choccy lab...wouldn't be without her...

I agree with everything you posted. When someone says "oh this dog is bad with children" or whatever, it's the individual situation. Some people are scared to death of pit bulls because of their reputation. I've met pit bulls who are docile and lap dogs.

OP I think the allergies should be your biggest concern and then go from there. There are lists on line for recommendations for hypoallergenic dogs.

I've owned Labs. Good solid dogs, excellent hunters, and great companions, but strong as an ox and can be bull headed and single minded. Also some of the Labs being bred these days are huge, upwards of ninety pounds. As with all hunting breeds they are high energy and need a lot of training.

well here r more rules on dogs.
l. don't name ur dog bo, joe or mo. it all sounds alike to him.
2. don't think ur dog is stupid. sometimes they do nothing because they r sizing u up, and don't know exactly what u want from them.
3. never hit or yell at your dog. cause when it comes time to save u, he will go the other way. they do remember things.
4. feed him good food. don't feed the el cheepo dog foods because it will come back to haunt u in the end.
5. most of all when ur dog gives you the invitation to play or go for a walk take it. dogs live in the moment, and so should you.
6. keep it simple with your dog. don't spend alot of time discussing what you want him to do. point or show him. use sign language. they really do understand that. especially if deaf.
7. most of all show love to your dog everyday. u never know when the grimreaper will come and take him away. he only has you. remember that. when he is gone, there will be sorrow and regret.