please help us pick a puppy!

[Pam]

Welcome to Pet Talk and I commend you for asking for help in your search for the perfect puppy. Too many people just plunge in without much thought and then Fido gets "too big," etc." and winds up in a shelter. The advice of my fellow Pet Talkers is all good but that is not surprising. This is an excellent place to come and ask for advice and there are some very kind and caring people here! I would comment on the Basenji just briefly. My sister-in-law has had two, a male and a female. The male was a bit of a handful. Although their female is a much better pet, this breed is very strong willed and aloof as has been mentioned.

As you may have noticed by my signature and avatar, I am a BIG poodle fan. They come in three sizes and many colors. They are very intelligent, easy to train, don't have any "doggie odor" don't shed, and make wonderful companions. They do, however, need a good clipping and bath about once a month which you can learn to do yourself or you can find a good groomer. Depending on the size of the dog, the prices for grooming vary, with the larger the dog the more $.

The black poodle in my signature (Ripley) was a shelter dog. I adopted him in January and he has brought so much fun to this family with his silly little antics. This goes right along with what others have said about shelters. There are LOTS of terrific dogs there just waiting for that special person - pure breeds and the Heinz 57 variety also. Whatever you choose, we would all love to meet him/her! Good luck in your search!