what dog is best for me??

[borzoimom]

How about a Greyhound? I know a lot of British Greyhounds They make wonderful pets. They require minimal grooming. They're not energetic in the house, but if you let them out, they'll run their butts off. This is why their nickname is the 45 mph couch potato. As well, many Greys live nicely with cats as long as you train them correctly.

I AGREE COMPLETLY! Sighthounds are more calm than other smaller breeds. I have even had Borzois in a 800 sq.foot apartment, and you would never know it. Even a hotel room for a month.. They are naturally quiet, and actually sighthounds are considered the " new senior persons dogs". The reason is they are healthy, quiet, easy to walk, and house couch pototoes. They are also not tail waggers, that would knock things over, and well aware of their size. You actually have to train them to jump up on you- no kidding! Even the long haired breeds the coat has little undercoat, so they never mat, and all it takes is a quick pin brush once a day or every two days. With little dander, they stay clean. They do not fawn over strangers, but friendly just reserved. That is such a nice trait when someone comes to the house- no wild moments at the door.. lol. Most people come to my house say as I open the door, with 4 standing there " I didnt even know you have dogs.." I put decals on the doors to let people know so they are not shocked to see 4 large dogs just standing there- slow tail wag back and forth side to side, but slow and quiet. They have few health problems. Good hearts, and hips are a given. They can be hypothyroid, with a blood test easy to determine, and sensitive to anethesia from the lack of body fat verses muscle. But I warn you- they are a pototoe chip breed. They are so easy to care for, you can not have just one. You need to watch them around small animals outside, need a fenced in yard, and their speed can get them far away fast, and should be kept either in a fenced yard, or leashed. They are lovely to walk, seldom pull ever. This is not breeds that are " trick dogs"- and usually learn what they want to. But very easy to manage, with total dignity pressence about themselves. I am not sure if you do dog racing there, but if so, the greyhound track rescue is a good place to start. They have a long life span so you need to consider they easily live to 15 years old.
** the Irish Wolfhound is the only one of the sighthounds with a short life span, and also more of a bull in the china cabinet when young.. lol. Lovely dogs, and I have a friend that has 3. There is a difference in the aloof part of the temperment. The Scottish usual life span is 12-14. ..**

[borzoimom]

"But some greyhounds, as with any breed, have VERY HIGH prey drive. Dont get me wrong, I love em. Just make sure you socialize the crap out of whatever puppy(or rescue) you do go with and throw in some obediance classes.Some goldens tend to be as hyper as any labs. Again, great breed, but I've seen just as many silly goldens as I have seen calm ones. "..

Its not a "prey drive" its a "chase drive". When you think about it, if they will chase a white plastic bag, they will chase anything. They are also naturally great with people- as they perceive themselves as one. They do great with strangers, and naturally accept people. They also make excellent therapy dogs as well.
These breeds are not like a shepherd, dobie etc. They are natural people dogs. They do not need high socializing as they are already accepting. They do have a royal pressence about them, and can ignore strangers. With Borzois its like " do not mess up my coat with your dirty hands.. lol. " However accept in a calm pressence.
As far as accepting cats- depends on the dogs. There are some precautions you can do. Remember- they may accept the cat in the house, however- turned loose in the yard with a fleeing cat could court disaster. Hottie was raised with a papillion, and one maine coon ( the cat died when he was about 6 months old I guess from urinary cancer.) Anyway- the papillion- when I had them in the yard- one of them was leashed. Or turned out seperately - other than that my papillion ran the house. They are so aware of their feet, I was never worried about my papillion being stepped on either.

[k9friend]

I think the Deutsche Dogge is the dog for you. Maybe even a couple of them with all that land. They are wonderful dogs. I've had them for the last 30 years and will always have one. Good, friendly tempermants. People make friends with me wherever I go when I have my dog with me. They are great with children and other animals as well, uh, except pigs. If you have pigs, don't get one. Be sure to research the breed thoroughly, as any breed you decide upon.

[wolfsoul]

I think an American cocker spaniel would be a good choice for you. They are between small and medium, have alot of energy but aren't rambunctious in the house, they love going for walks, they are good with cats, and they are very friendly. You would just need to get the dog groomed, or brush it lots if you keep it long.

[animal_rescue]

A flat-coated retriever might be a good choice too?
Or maybe a pit bull, don't believe the hype they are a very good, sweet breed.

[tareraven]

I have English style Labradors. They are very calm, but when they begin to play they gather a good jolt of energy. That's expected of course.

I would go with looking into a few breeds.

Labrador, from the proper bloodline.
Greyhound
Clumber Spaniel
Portuguese Water Dog
Standard Poodle
Border Terrier
Cocker Spaniel (either type)

Just remember, long hair does not mean more grooming. It can actually mean less depending on the breed. Good luck on your search.