On Tue, 1 Nov 2005 11:44:38 -0800, "culprit"
wrote:


"Judy" wrote in message
...

Like Matt, my concern is that you need to look further ahead than next
year.
There are cities that are more dog-friendly than others and in some places
it can be difficult to find an apartment that will allow pets. Having one
can limit your housing options and you have to be prepared to handle that.

I also have not ruled out adopting from a shelter...that's what I hope
to do, actually.

A wonderful idea. And (I think Matt mentioned this also) definitely
consider an older dog. Puppies take a lot of time and have immature
bladders. And there are all those puppy issues and teenaged dog issues to
work through. Getting a dog that is past all that gives you a little jump
start. And they are usually more settled and therefore find it easier to
handle longer separations than puppies can.

In general, the best, first question to ask yourself when you are
considering a dog (and/or a breed) is "what do I see myself doing with the
dog?" Consider what you expect to happen in an average day with your dog
and your life. You have started to do some of this and that's a great
start.

adding to Matt and Judy's great info...

a lot of dogs in shelters in my areas are Lab/BC mixes. my sister has one,
and he seems the perfect dog. very young, and yet so easy to train it's
disturbing. able to hold a down stay in another room all the way through a
buffet dinner, at 15 months? yes, training goes into it, but as you've
said, some dogs just have the aptitude for it. recall seemed to come
instantly to him. finding a mixed breed that mixes that retriever
personality and lovability with the intelligence and smaller package of a
BC, with your exercise requirements, sounds like it might work out.
just look for the medium, moderately coated black dogs at the shelters. the
ones that won't stop looking at you. :-)

Or go through rescue to find one that meets your needs.

Yes, I am addicted to petfinder.com. Why do you ask?

--
Paula
"Anyway, other people are weird, but sometimes they have candy, so it's best to try to get along with them." Joe Bay