Florin
01-22-2008, 07:47 PM
Ouch. Just had to say that final goodbye to our American Staffordshire (that's a guess only -- she was from a shelter) bitch. Rosy was hands down the greatest dog i've ever known. :(
I'm frankly more of a mixed breed kind of person, liking the hardiness of a mutt, but the shelters are near me have nothing but heartbreaking furry stories of pitt bulls and guard dog mystery mixes that were mistreated (either consciously or not, but people who shouldn't have owned any dog, much less ones that can take out most masters) or misraised. My kids (who am i kidding -- their parents are ripped up about it too) are heartbroken over this last loss, so I can't take chances with the next dog, and don't have the time/knowledge to correct the behaviors of one of these poor shelter dogs.
Anyway, I've had a field Springer -- loved her, but they need more exercise than my family can fit into its schedule. Have also had a German Shepard -- another fabulous beast.
THis time, i was thinking of something smaller, perhaps one that flies (in an airplane in the cabin, not the cargo) as we spend a month a year overseas, and we would love to take our dog on our travels to see family.
SO, any suggestions on a good family dog that fits in an airplane cabin, can get along with a few cats, and isn't too fragile? I am especially leery of breeds that have been prone to overbreeding these last years, and suspect that Bichons and American Cockers fall into that category.
I'm frankly more of a mixed breed kind of person, liking the hardiness of a mutt, but the shelters are near me have nothing but heartbreaking furry stories of pitt bulls and guard dog mystery mixes that were mistreated (either consciously or not, but people who shouldn't have owned any dog, much less ones that can take out most masters) or misraised. My kids (who am i kidding -- their parents are ripped up about it too) are heartbroken over this last loss, so I can't take chances with the next dog, and don't have the time/knowledge to correct the behaviors of one of these poor shelter dogs.
Anyway, I've had a field Springer -- loved her, but they need more exercise than my family can fit into its schedule. Have also had a German Shepard -- another fabulous beast.
THis time, i was thinking of something smaller, perhaps one that flies (in an airplane in the cabin, not the cargo) as we spend a month a year overseas, and we would love to take our dog on our travels to see family.
SO, any suggestions on a good family dog that fits in an airplane cabin, can get along with a few cats, and isn't too fragile? I am especially leery of breeds that have been prone to overbreeding these last years, and suspect that Bichons and American Cockers fall into that category.