I love it!!!:D How long did it take him to realize that Nigel goes where HE wants to go and sleeps where HE wants to sleep ~ even if that was in between the two of you! I see that being the hardest thing to get any boyfriend to realize with Winston. If I don't pay attention to him, he will whine incessantly to get my attention. (THINK the same sound of FREE WILLY!!!) http://www.handykult.de/plaudersmili...re/grommit.gif

Someone earlier in this thread posted to get an English Mastiff...my parents have one. I would love to have one. But they are HUGE! Think 220 pounds at the same age as Winston (just over a year.) Merlin also doesn't realize that he is that big, loves to get in your lap, and loves attention. Just a thought. If you get an English Mastiff ~ have plenty of room, they are going to need it! http://www.handykult.de/plaudersmili...y/biggrina.gif

I definitely agree with going to the Humane Society and finding the perfect dog...

but if you're going for a purebred, Akitas are the way to go. Big, beautiful, cuddly, smart, good-tempered, and they scare off obnoxious door to door solicitors!

My parents got our Akita at the Humane Society and she's just amazing. If I can find a picture I'll post.

The only caveat is the hair -- they have lots and lots and lots and lots and lots of hair. (Medium length hair -- about 2-3 inches long, but a lot of it, and it's thick.) But a good vacuum cleaner and a dog brush will take care of that no problem.

I wanna post my dogs pic too - her name is shelbie - the best looking mutt around :)

http://www.diaryofageek.com/shelbie1.jpg

Hi Sarah! Haven't seen you for a while -- welcome back! Shelbie is gorgeous!

Thanks babe - I am definately adding your site to my list on my little site :)

I'll vouch for Chow Chow's and Lab's. But only Chow's if it ONLY going to be you, they only take to a max of about 3 people. But otherwise very sweet and protective dogs :) Remember, that lab's have different temperments w/the different colors also! So Yellow in my book is the best way to go :) I had a yellow by the name of "woody" and he was the best dog ever :) Just give him a decent yard to run in and don't trust them w/a lot of food! They eat everything!

We had a weimeraner from the time she was a month old. Purebred. We took her to an obedience school, lol my dad was ALL about having this amazing perfect dog.

I do not think they're spastic. I think they need TONS of room, which we couldn't give her, living in the suburbs of Chicago. She ate my Eddie Bauer jacket b/c it had biscuits in the pocket. She inhaled Brillo pads like it was her job.
But with a family friend's son who was mentally handicapped, she was the most gentle dog on the face of the earth.

So insane? No. Do they need TONS O ROOM? Definitely.

Chinese Shar-Pei
 

I can't believe that no one's mentioned my dog! I have a Chinese Shar-Pei, and his name is Malik.

Shar-Peis are great dogs. They are born with the knowledge to use the bathroom outside (or away from where they sleep), so you don't have to housebreak them. And they are very smart and loyal, very protective. They are gentle, and good with kids.

They are Chinese Bulldogs,so they have the extra skin around their neck to protect them in fights. (other dogs can't tear their throats).

I love my baby! He's about 85 pounds, so they're big dogs. But they are get family pets.

***************************

AKC Ranking: 32
Family: livestock dog, mountain dog, Northern (companion)
Area of Origin: China
Date of Origin: 1200s
Original Function: dog fighting, herding, hunting, guardian
Today's Function: companion
Avg Size of male: Height: 18-20 Weight: 45-60
Avg Size of Female: Height: 18-20 Weight: 45-60
Other Name: Chinese fighting dog

History
The Chinese Shar-Pei may have existed in the southern provinces of China since the Han Dynasty (around 200 B.C.). Certainly by the 13th century strong evidence in the form of writings describing a wrinkled dog point to the breed’s existence. Its origins are unknown, but because only it and the chow chow have blue-black tongues, and both come from China, it is likely that they share some common ancestry. The Shar-Pei’s history is difficult to trace because most records relating to its past were lost when China became communist. At this time Shar-Peis were the working breed of peasant farmers, fulfilling roles of guard dog, wild boar hunter and dog fighter. After the nation became communist, most of China’s dogs were eliminated, with only a few remaining outside of the cities. A few Shar-Peis were bred in British Hong Kong and Taiwan, and the Hong Kong Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1968. Around this same time, a few specimens came to America, but the turning point occurred with a 1973 article alerting American fanciers to the breed’s perilously low numbers. Touted as the world’s rarest dog, fanciers vied to obtain the few available Shar-Peis. The breed has since been brought from the brink of extinction to the height of popularity, and it is one of the most recognizable breeds in America. Though known for its loose skin and profuse wrinkles, which are superabundant in puppies, the wrinkles of adults may be limited only to the head, neck and shoulders.

Temperament
The Shar-Pei is self-assured, serious, independent, stubborn and very much self-possessed. Although not particularly demonstrative, it is devoted and very protective of its family. It is reserved, even suspicious, toward strangers. It can be aggressive toward other dogs and may chase livestock and other animals, although it is generally good with other family pets. The Shar-Pei needs daily mental and physical stimulation, but its needs can be met with lively games throughout the day or a good long walk. It is not generally amenable to exclusive outdoor living, but it can divide its time between house and yard. The coat needs only weekly brushing, but wrinkles need regular attention to ensure that no irritations develop within the skin folds.

Upkeep
The name Shar-Pei means sandy coat, referring to the gritty sandpaper texture of the coat. When rubbed backward, the prickly coat can be uncomfortable, and even cause welts on the skin of an occasional sensitive person.

Health
• Major concerns: entropion, CHD
• Minor concerns: patellar luxation, elbow dysplasia, demodectic mange
• Occasionally seen: ciliary dyskinesia, renal amoidosis
• Suggested tests: hip, knee, elbow, (eye)
• Life span: 8 – 10 years
• Note: The breed is susceptible to fevers of unknown origin, often
occurring with swollen hocks.

Form and Function
The Shar-Pei is compact and square, with a head slightly large for its body. Its signature wrinkles enabled it to twist away when grabbed by a dog when in a fight. Its stiff bristly coat further afforded protection against bites. The coat can be of either brush (not to exceed 1 inch) or horse (very short) types, both should be extremely harsh, straight and stand off the body. The small, close ears and small, sunken eyes afford further protection. The gait is free, with good reach and drive. The wide, powerful jaws, scowling expression and hippopotamus muzzle create a look unique to the breed.

Re: Chinese Shar-Pei
 

I would not recommend a shar pei as they have many health problems and many have aggression problems-when these dogs come into the clinic my staff knows to use caustion when handling as they can bite. Not all will bite-I have met some nice ones but i place these guys almost in the chow category as far as how much I trust them.

I totally agree! While I enjoy pure-breds (I'm fond of the Setters, Terriers and Labs), I don't think I could ever purchase one, knowing that there are waaay too many dogs and puppys who need homes.

Pugs??
 

Anybody know anything about pugs? I am such a cat person, but I have wanted a pug since I was a little girl. You don't see them too much around here.

Lizz (PNAM tinydancer)

TBSG - the couple down the street has a pair of Keeshonden. They are so friendly and adorable! This winter I looked out my window and saw them playing in the snow. Awwwwwwww.

If you are set on a specific breed, try going through a rescue. (Just type "[breed] rescue into a search engine to find one.) A lot of the dogs are not there because they are problems - many of them are simply victims of circumstance, such as their owners dying or moving away.