hello all!! I need your help choosing a new puppy!!!

[DrKym]

I second the doberman! They are one of the greatest breeds around.

hehe knew if I said it I would get a treat of more Maggie pics!!

Wolfsoul brought up some great points, but it sounds as if you are already an experienced dog owner. Just not with having kids around. I do urge you to adopt a dog, whether a pup or a young adult or adult.

With kids at that age span, I would reccommend a young adult , less hassles to an already busy schedule with potty breaking, etc.

The dog will also be happy to have another family to love!

[Freedom]

If you are looking at a rescue dog, for those in foster homes, you get a great idea of their personality before you adopt them. When I was looking, I needed to be sure the dog got along with cats as I had 7 already. Many of the foster homes have a cat or more. If they tell you "OK with children 4 and up," then it just means they have a child that age in the foster home.

Not to say a shelter dog shouldn't be considered. Depends on the shelter how much they can tell you about the dog. And on how confident you are with dogs.

Sometimes your vet will also know of available dogs. Those will also have a known history to them. Elderly who have to give up a pet to move in to senior housing, things like that. Good luck!

[mike001]

Having raised Shepherds with 5 children, I would have to say the German Shepherd. Lots of shedding, but easy to train, willingness to please, love kids, don't mind noise. I guess we're all a bit prejudiced but I think there are many good breeds out there. Just do some research and find a good breeder...ask for references though.

[Ceph]

I'd say petfinder.com...Its how I found my Dad's Jay (shep-husky-other). Also the rescues that grace petsmart and petco on the weekends are good...I also found my mother's DeeDee (aussie-beagle) there. Jay was a puppy and is always excited and a little rambuncious, DeeDee is older and calm all the time, but cant play for so long. You can find all types there.

This picture is my little (well...not so little anymore) brother and Jay....Matt used to be deathly afraid of dogs...now not so more and Jay's pretty big (and still younger than a year). If you find the right rescue, they will love you forever.