What type of dog should we get?

Do some serious research to see what type of dog best fits your lifestyle. Purebreds are notorious for health problems so if you opt for one of those be sure to get a confirmed pedigree going back at least three generations to be sure that there are no known health problems lurking in your dog's background.

I would highly recommend a shelter dog. I am a shelter veterinarian and we have a lot of wonderful dogs, mostly mutts but some purebreds, looking for another chance. Millions of animals are put to death in shelters every year so if you adopt a dog you may be saving a life!

If you do get a purebred, be sure the breeder is reputable. There are some decent breeders out there, but there are also some who are just in it for the money.

And whatever kind of dog you get, have her/him spayed/neutered!

Good luck!

You've got to be ready to take care of the hair on an Irish Setter. Retreiver is a good idea - Golden or Labrador. You may think about a Boxer. I've always loved the Weimeraner also. Springer Spaniel ...

I have a black lab/golden retriever mix and she is an excellent dog. She looks very much like a Flat Coated Retriever, or a black Golden. Or you might consider a German Shorthaired Pointer, Weimeraner or Gordon Setter if you want an athletic sporting type dog.

Golden Labs, or Labs in general make really good pets and they are smart and athletic as well. Rottweilers? Chesapeake Bays? Check out the link below. Perhaps that will give you some ideas.

Agree with you on those yappy things. I used to live next door to Miniature Pinchers and OMG...I wanted to shoot the damn things!

A labrador retriever. They are the smartest dogs, get trained very easily, aren't small dogs, but aren't huge, they are medium sized dogs. They have lots and lots of energy, and are lovable. They are extremely athletic. Also a dalmations are very good choices, They are extremely athletic and smart dogs.

Little yappy things that pee everywhere - that would be a stereotype and poor training. Don't blame the breed for poor training.

I own a Chi and she has far fewer accidents than my JRT. Don't judge.

Good luck with your search. Goldens are lovely pets as are labs.

You could get a Labrador retriever(lab)! that's the kind of dog i have, 2 actually. They love to swim and run in big places! And their super smart every time they have to go to the bathroom they pick their leashes up and bring it to us, well mine do. We didn't even train them to do that! Their great dogs!

Cocker spaniels are a medium sized dog and highly trainable and eager to please. They great hunters and lap dogs. Any dog will pee, not just the little ones, its submissive behavior (fear) and can (but not always) be associated to bad breeding...Good luck

Check out these great dogs! Just put in your own zip code, and click on each dog's pic or name, (for more info) until you meet the one that you can't resist..

I'm certain you will find the one to meet your needs here> http://search.petfinder.com/search/search.cgi

these are the babies, and most are less trained> http://search.petfinder.com/search/search.cgi?acti...

i agree of getting a gold retriever.. :) they can be a house pets at the same a protector too..