Greetings, We have 3 cats (age 7), and are looking to get a dog. The cats have full run of the house, and are VERY independent from each other. 2 female cats & 1 male. The male is very docile (when he is not chasing the females), 1 of the females is very territorial and has been known to hiss and bang at the window if a stray comes near it, and will attack strange cats if given the oppurtunity. The other female is a loner attached to one family member only (myself), and needs constant attention (she is the house prima donna). All of them are indoor cats. However my wife has always wanted to get a dog, and I am now giving it serious consideration. However I am very concerned about finding a breed that will not be aggressive with the cats. They were here first and I would not want them feeling too usurped:) I know that the chemistry of the house will be thrown into chaos for a while regardless, but would like to minimize the impact. So, what breeds should I look at and what should I stay away from? Have heard that malamutes should be avoided at all cost. Some breeds I have been looking at are a Greyhound (Would adopt from the local track, something majestic about this breed I have always liked), Whippet (Family had one growing up, always loved this breed) or a Collie (again past experience with this breed). But am open to other suggestions. Any thoughts or advice is appreciated. Sorry if the crosspost was off the mark, wanted to hit both groups to see what experiences people have had. Many thanks, Paul

[link] I don't see the Australian Shepherd part of this one at all, but then breed ID isn't one of my best skills. Diane Blackman [link]/ [link]

Hi, I am living is a meduim sized apartment and I am looking to purchase a dog. Although I am permitted to have pets, if there are any noise complaints by my neighbors, I will be forced to either move or give the dog to friends to take care of for a while. Because of this I am looking for a small, low-energy dog. I would prefer one that has short hair and requires less grooming. I would also like a cute, cudly dog. 1. My top choice was the beagle, but I have read that they are noisy.Is this accurate? 2. The only other dog that I have been able to find that islow-energy, and quiet is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Any thoughts on this breed and apartments? 3. Do you have any other suggestions of dogs that would be good for meand the apartment? Thanks, GW

Looking for the best attributes of both of these breeds, so that we can decide which one to pick. We do not have children, have a large yard, are retired. We like gardening, boating and fishing. Would really appreciate all your comments! I guess, even the worst traits of these breeds would help us!!!

german shepherd puppies imported lines.4 males 2 females ready june 3 2004 working lines from v and va rated progeny.Belgium german lines 750.00 plus shipping and crate. [link] odessa texas (Email Removed) [link]

Hi everyone, does anyone got some personal experience with this breed ? how trainable are they ? how are they with kids ? thanks

I posted the original query "looking for a smaller breed". Thanks for all the helpful suggestions. What are your thoughts about choosing a pure vs mixed breed? I would like to rescue a dog from the local pound if possible. Almost all the dogs there are mixed breeds. We are not looking for a show dog but rather just a good companion. I loved my poi (cannot see any particular breed in the dog) dog, which looked more like a calico cat. I assume that the pound makes sure that the dogs have their shots and are relatively healthy. Thanks for any suggestions.

My husband and I have been contemplating getting a dog. However, we are a multi-pet household, and I am very concerned that *if* we get a dog, it will be one that will fit into our family! I don't really know any knowledgeable "dog people", so I figured I would ask for help here. First, which breed would be ideal? I realize that dogs, like people, are individuals with their own personalities - but breeds can be generalized by character traits etc... Second, would we want to look at males? or females? Here are our criteria, in no particular order: 1.) minimal shedding (we both have some allergies) 2.) gets along with small animals (we have 2 cats and 2 parrots 3.) medium-sized or larger...we don't want a tiny dog, we want onethat can go backpacking, camping, play frisbee, etc... We live in a large city, but right across the street from a large park. We are both quite active and would enjoy a jogging/romping in the park buddy. Thanks! ~angela

My husband and I want to have one of these dogs, but not sure which one. Neither one of us works, so companionship is no problem. We do like to travel and would bring our dog to Hawaii (we are aware of the rabies quarantine, but would have all shots in order). I want our dog to be playful as well as settle down when we do. We do not want a yappy or aggresive dog. Any suggestions? Do they both like supervised swimming in calm waters? Thank you!

Hi,this is my first time posting, but the posts I have read have been very informative and I am hopeful someone can point me in the right direction.We have a 9 year old GSD male,neutered,who is our baby. His name is Jagr. We've had him since he was a puppy, and along with that, all his many medical problems. As taxing as they have been financially, I wouldn't trade him for anything, because what he gives back is one thousand times more valuable.(usually!) However, most recently, his situation has deteriorated. I could go on and on (and on) about everything we've done, but mostly, I am trying to find detailed information about the condition "Progressive posterior paresis" which I have seen listed as a common GSD health issue. I cannot seem to find any info that goes into detail about causes, symptons, treatments, etc. I even searched on the Tufts Vet School for info but no luck (and its possible I didn't search in the right place.) If anyone could point me in the direction of a good website or resource for canine medical issues, or a GSD website, I would be thankful. Thanks so much! Julie

Does anyone know of a Vet in Connecticut that specializes in Great Danes??? This question is also posted in the Health section.. just in case. Thanks in advance..

I have been taking all of the online questionaires that are supposed to help determine which breed of dog is best for you. Are these things accurate at all?? Because nearly all of them have told me that a Standard Poodle is the dog that would fit best into my household! Now, I've always thought that poodles were floofy lounge dogs...? I'm looking for a dog that will (a.) not attack/bother my cats and parrots (b.) go running with me, backpacking into the wilderness and camping with me and my husband (c.) likes to play fetch (d.) doesn't shed very much. Do these sound like a poodle to you guys? I'll do more research, but I'm looking for firsthand information from active folks with standard poodles. tia, ~angela

[link] Putting the Fun in Refund May & June 2004 Eight ways that big fat check from the IRS can change your life! Bring Home a Best Friend A puppy's floppy ears and oversized paws won't just tug at your heartstrings. A pooch can provide companionship and encourage you to exercise. You could get a pup free at the animal shelter, but you won't be sure if you'll have Toto or Marmaduke when the dog matures. If you want specific characteristics, consider a thoroughbred. You'll pay $750 to $1,500 or more for a pure-bred dog. Spring for one with great bloodlines and champion ancestors, and he may even earn a few bucks occasionally; stud fees range from $250 to $750. Now's a great time to buy, as many breeders time their litters to arrive in the spring, says breeder Linda Ciocci of New Haven, Connecticut. Also, it's easier to train a puppy with lots of warm weather ahead. While at the breeder's, spend time with the pup's parents (the mother, at least) and siblings to see how the breed behaves, advises Gail Miller, a spokesperson for the American Kennel Club in New York City. Three gentle, easy-to-train breeds: the Portuguese water dog (active and won't shed), the Yorkshire terrier (small and intelligent), and the greyhound (mellow and large). See dogbreedinfo.com or the American Kennel Club's website for more information.

Please help with my 1yr old Jindo, he has been biting his buttocks at the base of the tail lately. He actually bit and pulled a big chunk of hair out, literally bald. I was wondering if anyone else have noticed this type of behavior on their dog? if so, please help with any solution. It was a real struggle for me to clean up his wound and patch it up so it wouldnt get infected, but he continues to bite it whenever I take my eyes off him. The last time I caught him biting himself on the spot it was bleeding. Thank you for your time and solution, Veronica

Hi everyone, Atlas and i just got home from our sunday morning obediance classes. They had the meeting after and i hung around to listen. I have been asked to help out first thing in the morning with vetting the dogs. They then asked me if i was willing to learn to train so if someone is away i can fill in. Then they are talking about a fun day and need help organising it Also signed me up to help out at the trials in november (said it is better to watch a few before i enter Atlas in it so we know what we are doing) On top of that i am working with the RSPCA organizing the million paws walk and selling chocolates to raise money for them. Cant say i dont like being around animals... Cin [link]/ We really never lose the ones we love... They live forever within our hearts. They say a man isn't dead unless he is forgotten, my brother will never be forgotten When a baby is born the angels weep and humans rejoice. When a loved one dies, humans weep, but the angels rejoice."