The main issue here is that if you want to add a dog to your family, PLEASE make sure you have the time to spend with it no matter what breed it is.
I have probably had, over 25 dogs in my lifetime, and I have learned that you will only get out of them, what you are willing to put into them.
I have had muts from the pound, strays that just happened along, and etc.
Presently we are on our second Australian Sheppard, which I believe to be one of the smartest, most loyal dogs available.
She just turned 5 this past December, and has become a pretty important part of our family ( 9 and 13 year old daughters)
Aussies are not native to Australia, but were bread in this country with the Border Collie being the basis of their orgin.
They are loyal, obedient, really easy to train, and,at least ours, has a vocabulary (understands ours) that is unbelieveable.
If and when I ever have to replace her, I will head straight to another breader who raises nothing but this breed.

Marc

 

My black lab is very even tempered at 9 years old. Be warned though that they shed like crazy and you will swear it is going to go bald in the summer. Mine stayed an oversized puppy till 2 years old.

 

I agree with Mr. Carpenter wholeheartedly. In fact, my dog is at work with me right now because she hurt herself last night and we had to go to the emergency vet at 9:30 last night. I wanted to keep an eye on her today so she went with me to a conference at another office and is now chewing on a bone on her bed in my office.

 

EVERYONE has a damned lab. I had about 15 when I was a brat. The only breed I'll even consider anymore is the Australian Shepard. If you have the chance to get close to one, do so before selecting a breed...you'll likely choose an Aussie afterward. There a bit reserved with strangers at first, that's why I suggest getting close to one. I absolutely LOVE my puppa man.

-AR

 

My babies!! I still have the Border and the Aussie, but sold the last of their puppies (the darker brown one). BEST DOGS ON THE PLANET!!!



Jenn

(crappy pic, it was the morning, and I am NOT a morning person)

 

You can't go wrong with a lab. We have ****er Spaniels and Dalmations. I ove both of these but they are high maintenance and some ****ers and Dals are not the greatest around kids. Before tackling either of these breeds I'd suggest something not as posessive as these dogs can be.

 

We have two golden retrievers and they are great!! They are very playful with each other and keep each other company and they are great with kids!!

 

Your in Iceland and knowone even mentioned a Siberian Husky. Built for the cold.

 

LOL -- Fair's fair, I guess -- She listens to me talk ad nauseam about Ham Radio and Trucks.

I did help her clean out the Rolling Kennel yesterday (and even drove it to work today).