Kevin's Watch

I've currently got a golden retriever (had him since about 7th grade). A great dog, but I'm not sure I'll get another retriever next time. For one, they require lots of attention or can get depressed (my dog has, when occasion calls for me to be away for long periods of time). Another thing is that I'm just looking for a change.

I'm looking for a breed that is an outdoor dog but won't need to be fenced in. I know some breeds need to be contained more than others, due to their temperaments. Also looking for a breed that is good around people and not overly protective (I don't want a lawsuit, heh). Lastly, I'd like a dog that is around medium to large height (no chihuahuas).

Don't suggest the following, cause I've already owned 'em and had my fill: dachshund, basset hounds, miniature pinscher, schnauzer.

My best outdoor pup was Jamaica 1/2 yellow lab 1/2 tri-color collie, she was a real sweetheart water-dog and stayed close to home. Her sister (Lothlorien Goldberry) was a full breed tri-color who was a little kooky and tended to escape and run away. Tri-colors are fine and will stay home as long as they have a buddy, or sheep to tend. Border collies are probably a better choice they stick around, mind what you say and are all around good guys.

Border collies, eh? Hmmmm. Do I have to make them herd sheep/give them lots of attention to keep them from being neurotic? I'd like a stable-headed dog, if such a thing exists. *sigh* Maybe I just need a cat. *shudders*

I love Rottweilers and Dobermans!!

Stay away from boxers,they are insane and needy.

Look for a Lab/Shepherd mix. They're loyal, good with kids, and protective of their family.

Noo! Get a St. Bernard! They'll love you, they'll give you booze, what's not to love?

I have had best luck with MUTTS. A pure breed will need more attention and be more demanding. A Mutt is just happy to have a roof roof over his head I have a black lab/chow mix with some small collie thrown in for good luck and he is a great dog. Independant, but Loyal. You'll take your chances of course but I think you cant go to wrong with a labrador mix. Best of all, they are cheap, you can get them almost anywhere.

Yeah, I'm thinking of going with a mutt, cause my mom has had several and they've always had a nice disposition. The pedigree dogs are probably as crazy as King George III with all that inbreeding.

Hopefully I can snatch me up a puppy from someone I know for free. God knows I'm not paying $$$!

Go the mutt route, and go to the animal shelter. If you have no luck, try a dog rescue. We have a lot that are based out of animal foster homes and don't have a central location. They all just visit local pet stores to show off their dogs.

Border collies are very intelligent and can be taught to mind well, but they have to be kept very busy because they tend to be high-energy dogs. That's why they do so well in herding, competative frisbee, obstacle courses, etc. Don't get one unless you have a lot of time to devote to it. Otherwise it's not fair to you or the dog.