What kind of dog should I get?

[non sequitur]

Originally Posted by MikeWaters

Yes, that is my opinion.

Dogs are not furniture, and they are not appliances. They're members of the family. You'd never say, "I want a kid. Just as long as he's a boy, has blond hair, and doesn't poop too much."

[RockyBalboa]

Originally Posted by BarbaraGordon

Dogs *are* very social and need companionship. If kept outside they should have the company of another dog and a large yard. If you live where the temperatures drop in the winter, you may need to make arrangements for a garage at nighttime.

Goldens are great.

ps. Rocky, aren't Labs short-haired?

Labrador Retrievers are short haired but Golden Retrievers are not and people often get them mixed up.

[MikeWaters]

Originally Posted by non sequitur

Dogs are not furniture, and they are not appliances. They're members of the family. You'd never say, "I want a kid. Just as long as he's a boy, has blond hair, and doesn't poop too much."

There's nothing wrong with going in with certain expectations, as to size and what sort of temperament, and shedding, etc.

But once you sign on, it's a lifelong commitment. If the dog is outside, it is out of sight, out of mind. And it will quickly become a HUGE chore and you will get none of the joy that comes from having a dog, and ALL of the hassle.

Your kids will play with it for about 6 months, and then they will stop. And then what? he's going to chew on his leg.

[Venkman]

Originally Posted by MikeWaters

Where do you live?

Having grown up with outside dogs, and now having had my own dogs in my own house that go freely inside and out--I am opposed to outside dogs. Dogs are social animals, and your dog will be much more enjoyable if he is part of your family. He will be better behaved and your kids will have a better experience.

Some dog breeds are hypoallergenic by the way.

I'm in SLC.

There's no way my wife will allow a dog in the house. I agree though that it's much better for the family/dog if he's allowed inside. I'd plan on taking him for walks/runs every day and playing with him, etc. but winters would be pretty tough.

Which is probably why I'm still a little hesitant to get one, even though I love dogs.

[tooblue]

Originally Posted by MikeWaters

Yes, that is my opinion.

Agree completely. Our dogs are a part of our family. To prohibit a dog to live without the structure is cruel in my opinion.

[Venkman]

Originally Posted by BarbaraGordon

Dogs *are* very social and need companionship. If kept outside they should have the company of another dog and a large yard. If you live where the temperatures drop in the winter, you may need to make arrangements for a garage at nighttime.

Goldens are great.

ps. Rocky, aren't Labs short-haired?

Large yard, check.
Two dogs, hadn't thought of that. You may be onto something...

[SteelBlue]

I have a nice chocolate lab that you can have for free.

[RockyBalboa]

Originally Posted by Venkman

I'm in SLC.

There's no way my wife will allow a dog in the house. I agree though that it's much better for the family/dog if he's allowed inside. I'd plan on taking him for walks/runs every day and playing with him, etc. but winters would be pretty tough.

Which is probably why I'm still a little hesitant to get one, even though I love dogs.

Does your wife realize that kids (if you have any) will in the long run do far more damage to the inside of your house than the dog ever could?

[Venkman]

Originally Posted by RockyBalboa

Does your wife realize that kids (if you have any) will in the long run do far more damage to the inside of your house than the dog ever could?

I don't know, but it doesn't matter. If I ever bring a dog in the house, it won't be in the one she's living in.

[Venkman]

Ok. so far I've got:

A. Labradoodle
B. Golden Retriever
C. Labrador (although I thought they shed)
D. No dog. You don't deserve one you cruel bastard.

any others?