Which pup should I buy?

[newsguyatl]

Rat Terrier


Daschund


Beagle

http://www.thepuppyconnection.com/Puppy%20Pics/female_cocker%20spaniel%20DOB%2012_18_02%20$449%20ID%201013.jpg
Cocker Spaniel


I'm really itching to get a puppy in 2005. Today I was at a huge pet store, and these four pups caught my eye more than any of the others. I'm leaning towards one right now, but wanted others' opinions on these or other similar sized dogs.

Thanks!

[greatauntoftriplets]

1. The beagle...

How can you resist those eyes?

[newsguyatl]

4. yeh my friend has a

beagle/basset hound mix, and he's adorable

[mr_hat]

2. Don't buy! Adopt. Get a part-Cocker, etc.

[RebelOne]

87. Go to your local aninal shelter and save a dog from death row.n/t

[driver8]

89. I second that! Go to a shelter!

Lots of dogs and pups waiting for a good home!!

[kevinam]

95. I third that.

Shelter or animal control is a great place to go. Depending on what area you live in, there might be several to choose from. Although, I am a little torn about something. There are some shelters around me (Atlanta area) that don't kill the animals, which is great, but I feel a little more inclined to go to the shelters that do kill, because it is in essence saving a dog life if I adopt. I have noticed that some dogs from shelters do almost act like they know you saved their life. At shelters, there is a huge assortment of breeds, and ages. Sometimes going a slightly mixed route, helps to avoid some of the quirks of pure breed dogs.
Kevin.

[Cuban_Liberal]

3. Beagle!!!!!!

I just LOVE beagles. Great personalities, affectionate, playful, easy to train, etc..

:)

[newsguyatl]

13. my only concern with beagles

is that they might be a little too hyper for me -- in constant need to be outside running... whereas i'm looking to get a dog that's just as chill stayin inside and watching tv and being lazy with me :D

[lgardengate]

99. beagles don't need to be out constantly but...

they need human companionship if there not with other dogs.They hate being alone,and are almost too friendly.They DO like to chill and be lazy (But not always as puppys...my girl now was a devil as a puppy,but she's good just chillin now (3 years old).Beagles are very loving.I adore them.

[Debi]

5. I have a shih tzu and a lahsa apso...

and both are truly wonderful!

But if I had to choose from those four - the beagle

[newsguyatl]

7. i saw three tiny shih tzu's today too

SOOO cute

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

6. they are all cute

I've had friends say that dachshunds tend to get back problems, however. I would suggest that you adopt a dog from a local shelter-perhaps a mix of one or more of these breeds.

[newsguyatl]

10. really?

darn, because the daschund is what i'm leaning towards right now... the ones there today were so damned irresistable... three tiny brown ones...

i guess i'm leaning to them because they stay small.

[hangemhigh]

59. Dachsunds are....

very cool pets-smart, affectionate, loving-they do have a tendancy toward hip dysplasia as someone else pointed out. If your heart is set on a purebred dog, please check out the American Kennel Club site and learn more about all of the breeds you're considering-It helps to understand what the dogs were bred for and how they tend to behave, etc.
I love purebred dogs, but also am a big believer in rescue animals. If you stick with a purebred, please do yourself and your dog a favor and find a local or regional breeder. Pet store animals have questionable histories, many come from puppy mills-Many breeders will also guarantee against hip problems. You'll pay more and it will be worth it.

[yorkiemommie1]

67. my friend in TN

has adopted several mini doxies. she has four most of the time. a couple have died of illness or old age but she keeps rescuing them. they're very cute. they did build a ramp to help them get on the bed.

you can 'google' for dog rescues in your area and will probably come up w/ several.

good luck! 'your' puppy is out there somewhere waiting for you!

[tridim]

8. Rat terriers are fun

But I've always been a terrier fan. Bruce from Kids In The Hall would agree. :)

[newsguyatl]

12. yeh. the rat terriers

were getting ALL the attention at the store...

i'd never seen one before, but they're really cute... and they were quite playful as well.

[Ruffhowse]

9. Beagles are great, but if they get loose, they will go nose to the ground

and run forever. I hear Rat Terriers are really smart and easy to train. With Daschunds and Cockers you have to watch out for genetic health and behavior problems. They can be great if you get good ones, but it's tough to know. I think I'd go with the Rat Terrier.

[liontamer]

11. if you get a purebred

the cocker or beagle are less likely to have issues from over breeding. It's safer to just go to the pound and get a mixed breed. (much healthier)

[newsguyatl]

14. yeh?

i guess it's just harder to find them small at the pounds...

[miss_kitty]

21. It's really hard to find small ones at the pound

I was told I could get a lot of money for Stella, my foundling Cairn...

[HEyHEY]

15. No brainer - Beagle

[miss_kitty]

16. As a human who was just adopted by a stray

I say Go Terrier.

Do you know anyone with a Beagle? I do, and for that reason I personally would not have one. I have also known many Daschunds who re-affirmed my cat-personess. 'Shitler' was the last one I was somewhat acquainted with-he'd shit on MY lawn, then bark at me.

But I just got Stella back from the vet (mostly Cairn, could do stand in work for Toto) and it's official: She's a sweet sweet girl and a cutie to boot!

[newsguyatl]

20. what's wrong with beagles?

[miss_kitty]

27. The ones I have been around

were very hard to train. JMHO here, but I thought 'stooooopid'. And the howling and not listening shit-hey! I am not a dog person and wasn't looking for one, then Stella decided to like me, so I guess I'm a terrier gal.

A couple people have told me she's the kind of dog they'd think I'dve picked, so maybe I'm just predjudiced...:)

[lgardengate]

101. Beagle's a wonderful but...

If you want to train a dog to obey every command they may not be what you want.They are NOT stupid.All ours have been VERY smart but they "follow there nose" because they were breed to hunt and there sence of smell is very sensetive.If they get out with no leash they will chase other animals or whatever sent they pick up, so they MUST be on a leash if not in a fenced yard.My last dog would come if he got out if you offered him a "cookie" (food).Beagles also have big appatites because of there sence of smell.They can be tought to sit,or stay but it isnt easy.They are smart but they don't follow every command.They have minds of there own...and a sence of humor.

[Book Lover]

17. Reject the puppy mills

Go to the local animal shelter and save a life. Besides, you may get a puppy in 2005, but in 2006 and beyond, you'll have a dog.

[BlueJazz]

18. Golden Retriever

[MonkeyFunk]

22. heh. kindred spirit...

[newsguyatl]

23. they're just way too big

but they're great dogs.

[MonkeyFunk]

19. None. Get a Lab or a Golden Retriever.

Nobody likes a little stupid micro-dog.

[politicat]

48. I guess nobody = you.

This thread has lots of small dog lovers.

Go play with your prejudices elsewhere, wouldja?

[MonkeyFunk]

56. How exactly does one "play with" one's prejudices?

Perhaps a game of fetch with an unskilled Chinese driver?

Face it. The smaller the dog, the smaller the brain. If I were a poodle, I'd be pissed off that people bred my race down to little, retarded side show acts, instead of the proud swimming working dogs that we were meant to be.

[ET Awful]

66. You really don't know much about animals at all do you?

I know plenty of small dogs that are extremely intelligent, brain size has nothing to do with it. In fact, that's one of the most ridiculous things I've heard in a long while.

Hell, most dogs that do agility training are smaller breeds.

[roguevalley]

68. I have five dachsies. Always owned them. Great, great house

dog. Rat terriers are darling. Love them dearly. WOuld own any dog you named but for sheer having to play, I would not have a beagle. They are so active. The others are too, to a degree but can amuse themselves better I have found than beagles. But any of them will love you. I also recommend checking a breed rescue if you want one of these dogs. Most breeds have a rescue. Check the internet. And congrats. You have now become the lifelong friend of someone who will love you without even thinking.

[Cadence]

24. I would go with dachsund or beagle.

I've known a lot of very cranky cocker spaniels that weren't good with kids. My neighbor has a rat terrier and it's extremely hyper, literally bounces off the walls. I think beagle's like to howl if your not home. Dachsunds....don't know much about and the ones I've seen have seemed cute and laid back. :shrug:

All of the above ...just my opinion and highly subjective. There's good and bad qualities to every breed.
Personally, I choose Shih-tzu. I have a little ewok that I love to pieces, best personality ever!

Look how cute they are.

[newsguyatl]

28. thanks!

yeh, i'm leaning toward the daschund... i like tame and small... my second would be a beagle, but i just fear it'd be a little too hyper for me... i never thought i'd like a cocker spaniel but the ones i saw today were gorgeous, and they seemed real laid back...

shih tzu's are cute but almost too small. i'm afraid i'd step on it or something... they remind me of that little creature in the gremlins... i forget his name... lol

[Cadence]

34. I think Dachsunds stay smaller than Shih-tzu's

Shih-tzu's typically get to be around 14 lbs. My Shih-tzu is 17 lbs. Maybe it depends on if your getting a miniature Dachsund or regular Dachsund. But I will tell you if you're looking for a lap dog buddy that will chill with you.. the Shih-tzu's your dog! Very laid back. :)

[oregonjen]

36. Our shih tzu was named Oscar like Oscar the Grouch

When Return of the Jedi came out, we called him an ewok too! Shih tzus are loyal little companions. We now have a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. She is great!!!

[newsguyatl]

45. here's the thing i was talking about

[bahrbearian]

25. Rat's are the Best

I laugh when I see Dauchsunds run Aglity.
Here's my Molly Bahrbearian #10 Dog in the UKC 2002
She is now working on her Aglity Champion Certificate

[miss_kitty]

29. I was thinking of trying to get Stella to do agility

she dances and stuff.

[bahrbearian]

33. Miss Kitty did you get Stella from Freepless ?

[miss_kitty]

42. Yes.

She wasn't chipped, not spayed, and no one called in at the County Animal Control for her and there were no posters put up for her, so I'm sure she's mine now. She has yeast in her ears.

Other than that she's very healthy.

[bahrbearian]

51. I'm glad she found a good Home.

I offered to take her but I already have four here at home, so you saved my butt, I would have sleeping in the dog house if I brought her home. Say Hi to Freepless. Hope to meet up at a DU gathering soon
Go King County... Yeehaaw.. ( my Howard Dean yell )

[miss_kitty]

57. She is totally sweet

not too hyper, and makes me walk really fast. She is very very good.

Before I fell in love with her, and got permission for her to live in the building, I had 3 people who were solid about wanting her. So your ass would've been saved at any rate.

And if you'd brought her home, all would have been forgiven. I'm SURE she would have loved to have Rat Terrier playmates, too...

[newsguyatl]

32. wow, they get pretty big huh?

are there minature ones?

[bahrbearian]

Oh Yeah , Molly's about 20 pounds

but you can get them down to 10, I've breed Rats up to 35 lbs.
There is a Rat Terrier resuce that allow's you to Adopt , They usually are very nice dogs , most are good with children, they are very active they like to run, but stay near their master.

[Bronco69]

26. Go to the pound or shelter and adopt one.

I adopted both of mine and I've never been sorry. See if there is an animal in your area that has been abused and adopt him/her. They will be eternally grateful! :-)

[ElsewheresDaughter]

30. i second that advice

[newsguyatl]

31. yeh, that's an option i'll definitely consider now.

besides it's so much cheaper... most of the dogs i saw today were over a thousand dollars -- one was $1700!

[Bronco69]

38. WOW!

$1000 would cover vet bills for a long long time. I've always been a fan of adoption.

[bahrbearian]

43. I'll sell you Molly for $1700.. Adopt contact a Pruebreed dog Rescue

[DELUSIONAL]

35. As cute as these pet store doggies are . . . go to a breeder

These pet store dogs are very often bred and raised in puppy mills -- I saw ads for puppy mills as I drove through the South a couple of weeks ago.

Do some research about behavior -- and then go to a dog show and talk to breeders. Join a dog breed group on Yahoo.

Breeders who show and study genetics and behavior really should be supported -- they are preserving a genetic line -- sort of like a sub species. Good breeders will help you with training problems -- or health problems.

Then sometimes breeders have oops breedings -- I've seen a great cross -- A Pyrenees/Poodle -- both parents were pedigree dogs. Another cute cross -- Basenji/Chihuahua.

When you buy at pet shops you are supporting puppy mills -- if you want a pedigree dog -- go to the breeders who have just a few puppies and raise the puppies in their home -- these will be wonderfully socialized puppies.

Do some research on temperament -- there are pros and cons with each breed you are interested in. There are some good books on dog temperament -- and some good websites which describe dog temperament.

One dog about the same size you might want to consider is a Westie -- West Highland terrier -- http://www.dogbiz.com/dogs-grp4/westie/westie.htm



I followed my own advice when I wanted a new cat -- I did cat breed temperament research, contacted breeders and located a great one year old male Japanese Bobtail -- who travels well and gets along with my Chihuahua.

About Westies


West Highland White Terrier
Truly Sporty, Speedy and Cunning.

The "Westie" as he is known, is a compact dog with good balance and substance. The body from withers to root of the tail, is somewhat shorter than the height at withers. The coat is about two inches long, white in color, hard, with plenty of soft undercoat. The head is shaped to present a roundish appearance from the front view and should be in proportion to the body. The typical Westie expression with his piercing, dark, almond shaped eyes, is inquisitive and pert.

A large amount of Scotch spunk, determination and devotion is crammed into the small body of this popular dog, the West Highland White Terrier. Very alert, the Westie is also very intelligent, highly trainable, gay, friendly, good with children, faithful, courageous, and very devoted. The Westie is an excellent whole family dog, rather active and requires some daily exercise. His coat sheds a bit, not a
lot, and needs bi-weekly grooming. It's worthwhile to take a Westie puppy to obedience classes.

[newsguyatl]

37. OMG!

they had one of those there today as well!! yeh, they're really cute...

thanks for all the great advice.

[miss_kitty]

49. The other thing about a breeder

they may sell show quality pups for big money, whereas if you get one whose legs are too young or face is too short, and agree not to breed it, they'll sell it cheaper.

[welshTerrier2]

47. absolutely great advice !!

of course, while "Westies" are fantastic, i'm a bit partial to the Welsh Terriers ...

don't buy a "Christmas" puppy from a pet store / puppy mill ...

all puppies are "way too cute" ... take your time and do your homework ...

[Placebo]

39. Rat Terrier

I had one, she was very sweet. :)

[Tony_Illinois]

40. They are beautiful animals ... but

there are so many orphans available for adoption. Please consider visiting a shelter in your area before you buy.

[The empressof all]

41. Australian Terriers

These are smart little doggies with lots of personality. To top it off they don't really shed! And I agree if you must have a pure-bred---go to a breeder please.

[newsguyatl]

53. he looks like toto!

[miss_kitty]

61. Toto was a Cairn (like Stella!)

Stella looks like Toto

[radwriter0555]

44. They ALL have their pros and cons. Terriers are very ACTIVE, cockers tend

to nip a bit and get grumpy. They pee at the drop of a hat and have bladders the size of quarters.

Dachsunds don't like to be woken up and get grumpy too and tend to snap as they get older. They seem to not like kids much, and they're also prone to back problems.

Beagles bark and tend to have a lot of energy. Hard to house break, BUT very loyal, sweet and devoted.

They're all good doggies, but have those quirks.

[Medium Baby Jesus]

46. Please avoid the pet stores

They are outlets for puppy mills. You will read about the genetic problems that many breeds have and you are more likely to encounter them if you buy from a mill. If you want a purebred, I recommend you search for a reputable breeder and buy from them. You will find links through the AKC website. Just start digging and reading and you will eventually find a breeder you can trust. You will probably pay less than at a pet store. It took me about two months to find Decker (I just got him last week). Good luck and remember, patience is a virtue (you are going to need it).

[MidwestMomma]

73. Decker is adorable

Thanks for sharing his pic

[Dastard Stepchild]

50. Some rescue links....

lotsa purebred pups can be adopted :)

Dachshund rescue: http://www.daretorescue.com

Rat Terrier rescue: http://americanratterrier.com/index.html

Beagles on Petfinder.org: http://www.petfinder.org/pet.cgi

Cocker Spaniel rescue: http://www.petfinder.org/shelters/GA87.html

[newsguyatl]

55. great!

thanks a lot for these links!!!

[Dastard Stepchild]

72. my pleasure :)

always happy to find a pup a home :)

[Dastard Stepchild]

75. A neat site about pups...

this site gives some really good information about the different breeds, and how they might fit into your life..

http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/dogbreeds/index.html

[newsguyatl]

79. excellent, thanks!

i'm gonna have to bookmark this thread for sure.

[yorkiemommie1]

52. we adopted our dogs from internet rescue sites

two big yorkies. the first one came from a site that specializes in small breeds and the second came from a site called 'beagles and buddies'. here in CA there are lots of rescues that specialize.

the dogs are neutered and screened etc before adoption. our babies have been sooo good and so smart and so loving!

[Gothic Sponge]

54. They all need love

:)

[HuskiesHowls]

58. As somebody else said...DO YOUR RESEARCH!!

First of all....here is a link to the AKC breed site. They have a lot of good information about all the breeds of dogs they recognize-personality, size, temperament. In short, a lot of good information about all types of dogs.
http://www.akc.org/breeds/index.cfm?nav_area=breeds

Next, you would be well advised to talk to some breeders about dogs you are interested in. Not all breeders are puppy mills, believe me!!! A good breeder will ask what you want, what your lifestyle is and help you make a decision. If you talk to a breeder, do NOT act like an Animal Rights wacko....you'll be lucky if they'll even talk to you if you do!

Also, remember that the cute little puppy with those darling eyes will be a dog that has needs in about 6 months. If you're not willing to give this dog about 15-20 years of your life....decide that now because that's how long this dog will be around!!

I've only had my huskies for about 3 yrs, and I don't know what life would be like without them!!!

[politicat]

60. Whichever breed you decide... please go with breed rescue. Links below

http://www.dachshundrescue.org/
On edit: added this link: http://www.doxierescue.com/
http://www.americanratterrier.com/
http://www.brewbeagles.org/
http://www.csrne.org/

The links above are for regional organizations, but they can get you to a local organization or work with you to get a dog that's right for you.

The rescue dogs are usually pretty young - a year or two in many cases - and about half the time were given up by people who bought a puppy and then grew disillusioned when the puppy became a dog. Most are well behaved and rehabilitated if needed.

They're already housetrained, their personalities have settled down (and puppies and kittens can be brainless little things), they're fixed and they usually have a statement of health and temperament made by experienced rescuers and vets.

Plus, the adoption fee is usually significantly smaller than that of a new purchase.

Please consider it; there are lots of dogs that need homes. Puppyhood isn't eternal.

Pcat

[cally]

62. I would never get a daschund

It's a personal prejudice of mine. My grandmother had two and they were hyper but she doted on them. Even then, I was fearful of these dogs. They would growl and show affection only for their owners.

When she died, my parents adopted one of them. Big mistake. The dog was used to a companion and a doting elderly couple. This dog proceeded to chew everything, bite us and visitors, and just never blended into the family. All of my sisters and I have dogs now and the contrast is startling. We all have loving, fairly well-behaved, dogs that would never bite anyone.

To this day, I'm scared of daschunds even when I know it's a well behaved pet.

[ET Awful]

64. Dachsunds tend to bond VERY strongly with one person, and merely

tolerate others.

They are known to get jealous of that person when other people or pets are around.

It's just the nature of the pooch :)

[billie_]

76. daschunds are the best (in my very opinionated opinion!)

i have 2 and i just love them to death, but...they do tend to bond to 1 family member & they are jealous, but they are really good, sweet, smart, loyal lil dogs and they always look like puppies with their floppy ears :)

good luck, whatever dog u get...

billie

[Maddy McCall]

63. Rat terriers are hyper and need LOTS of attention.

[MidwestMomma]

65. Visit petfinder.org

You can put in your zip and search for dogs by size, breed, etc....

These are pets at shelters and rescue organizations.

But be warned, it is a VERY addicting site and once you start looking, you tend to keep going back.

I kept visiting petfinder.org regularly looking for a dog at the local shelter. Then when I saw one I liked, I would go down and visit and check the dog out and all the others. You can find out a lot more info once you visit. I kept going back until one day I found Sadie. She's a 2 year old beagle and she's worked out great.

As far as beagles go, they are stubborn. They are definitely not dumb. But they are sneaky smart. Sadie knows what she's not suppose to do, and if she thinks I'm not paying attention, she'll try to get away with stuff. Also, beagles are like labs in that they like to eat ANYTHING! I mean anything.

Have fun in your search for your puppy soul mate. You'll find a great one with all the advice from everyone.

[newsguyatl]

71. thanks, i've spent the last

30 minutes there, and there are TONS of dogs available in my area -- i had no idea!

i think i've found the little dog i want if i went ahead and got one -- look at her -->

[MidwestMomma]

74. She's looks sweet

What's her story?

Sometimes their stories are soooo sad.

I just read one story about a dog down at the shelter that got thrown out of a moving car! :(

Be prepared if you go through a rescue or no kill shelter, They will put you through the third degree before letting you adopt. But don't be put off by it. They're just trying to find the best match possible because they don't want to see the dog end up back at a shelter.

Take your time and good luck!

[newsguyatl]

77. here's the link to her

http://www.petfinder.org/pet.cgi?action=2&pet=3744264&adTarget=468doggeneral&SessionID=41ca1fde363504f6-app2&display=&preview=&row=0&tmpl=&stat=

the thing is, she's just 10 pounds and already 3 years old.

[miss_kitty]

81. She looks great! Her bio sounds terrific

If that's the dog you want, I wish you luck in your endevour!

[tridim]

104. I should have never visited that site

I want this pup now..

[fluffernutter]

69. we have a mini dachsund and i love him.

he has been the best dog ever. my brother and SIL also have one (a female) and she is wonderful too.

[newsguyatl]

70. i'm particularly fond of

minature longhaired dachsunds... a friend has one, and he's so cute and playful

[fluffernutter]

78. they are just the cutest things. they curl up and lay with you

and are so sweet and loving. plus, they always look like puppies which i adore :)

[newsguyatl]

80. i noticed that too

perhaps that's why the breed stuck in my head.


look at this little cutie i found available for adoption in my area -->

it's a cocker spaniel but favors a long haired dachshund

[Catchawave]

82. I think you should get them both !

Double your fun and they'll have the companionship of each other too.

I want them all :D

[roguevalley]

83. I agree. I have five weiners. That beagle and this black dog will

be so sweet together. I feel for animals in need. I just feel so much for them. You will save not only their lives but your own too. I am a better person because of my boys.

[Longgrain]

84. Boston Terrier

None of the above, I vote for the Bostons. We have two of these in our family, and the are friendly, well behaved and clean...not to mention extremely intelligent.

Plus they stay cute forever, as long as you don't mind looking into them sad puppy dog eyes...and that cute pug nosed face

[newsguyatl]

85. but they're so ugly

..... just kidding :evilgrin:

[Longgrain]

88. I know...

She's got a face only mama could love...

[tridim]

92. So ugly indeed..

[Longgrain]

93. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh....

Here's another one of my Joy that's been making the rounds, from whince she was jus' a puppy.

Can't reconize her, she's the ugly one...

[Doctor_J]

86. cocker spaniel

they have the right length fur, are pretty quiet, very friendly. Beagles are too noisy.

[Dem_4_Life]

90. I would go with the Daschund for sure.

My mother used to breed these guys and they are the best dogs you could imagine. They have wonderful personalities, very cuddly, loving, sweet natured little guys. You do have to be careful of their backs and not let them jump on things but you can get those ramps to get on the couch or bed and they will be fine.

Whatever dog you get try to stay away from pet stores they are known for getting bad puppies. Go to the library and check out this book. This book is the best and will tell you the good, the bad and the whole truth about every breed you could imagine (stuff the breeders won't tell you).

Author Kilcommons, Brian.
Title Paws to consider : choosing the right dog for you and your family / Brian Kilcommons and Sarah Wilson.
Publication info. New York : Warner Books, c1999.

[China_cat]

91. DON'T BUY FROM A PET STORE

If you have to get a breed, go to a reputable breeder who has done the needed testing on the parents to breed out any bad traits. Puppies in the pet store come from puppy mills, no matter what the sales people tell you. Only exception is a store like PetSmart that sponsors adoption days for the local shelters.

Keep in mind, AKC registration means nothing more than that the parents were of the same breed and the breeder had enough money to register the pups. It is NOT a guarantee of any kind, says nothing about health issues, etc.

Google the breed clubs for each of the breeds you're looking at. Every one of them will give you a good idea of what to look for, the problems that can arise and the health issues endemic in each breed. You should be able to formulate a list of questions from the information you find.

[OneBlueSky]

94. please consider adoption . . .

buying from a pet store supports puppy mills and generally guarantees your pup will have all kinds of health problems . . . I've gotten all of my companions from shelters . . . they've all been mutts, which are without a doubt the best natured, most affectionate, most loyal, most intelligent dogs you can find . . . and you can usually find a mixed breed that looks pretty much like whatever breed you favor . . .

you can locate your local shelter(s) here, and view the pets they have available for adoption . . .

http://www.petfinder.org/

[newsguyatl]

100. i've spent the last several hours at petfinder

i had no CLUE there were so many available animals... i'll definitely be adopting when i do decide to get one. i've already fallen in love with like 10!

[miss_kitty]

103. See how thw Samoyed has

two asses? Twice the poo. :7

:hi:

[LDS Jock]

96. what about a samoyed puppy? see pic

and grown

[lgardengate]

97. Assuming you can't get them ALL...

Pick the rat terrier...and SEND ME THE BEGLE :)

Seriously, i had a dog who was part rat terrier for 14 years (grew up with him) and he was the best little buddy i could have had.I have had begales for YEARS.The one i had for 10+ years was my "once in a lifetime dog".He looked almost exactaly like the one in your pick.I have a beagle girl now.She's a sweety.

[curse10]

98. ADOPT! any of them!

or get a mutt, the best kind of dog.

[2bfree]

102. Rat dogs are the best.

I have a 10 year old named Milo who is sweetest dog you ever saw. :)

[kariatari]

105. Rat Terrier.

Cocker Spaniels have kind of a cranky disposition.

Dachsunds have lots of back problems.

Beagles, while cute, are stubborn as hell.

Rat terriers are just cute.

[Lorien]

106. Go here:

www.petfinder.com many purebred adptable shelter dogs to be had.

[MAlibdem]

107. MASTIFF!

Only real dog is a big dog. Little dogs are fun, but don't pack that extra punch.