[OT] What kind of dog do you have?

We have an American Brittany (as opposed to a French Brittany, also called Epagneul Bretaine). She's very sweet, but I don't recommend this breed for apartment living, unless you are seriously committed to many long walks/runs each day. Brittanys are bred to be hunters, and have a very high prey drive. They also have boundless energy, and will get into trouble (destructive behaviors) if they don't get enough exercise or attention. Also, unless you do extensive training, from early puppyhood, they aren't reliable off leash outside of a rural environment. Let me explain. If my dog sees a squirrel, or rabbit, or cat, she's going to chase it and catch it if she can. And she can. Then she'll shake it to death, usually without leaving a mark, and bring it back to me. I won't be able to call her back until she has either caught the prey or lost it. This behavior, which is bred into her (and other hunting breeds too) is completely maladaptive in an urban environment. Like a greyhound, a hunting dog would likely be hit by a car if off leash when prey happened by.

Now, the positive things about Brittanys (Assuming you think the previous qualities were negatives. I don't.) are that they're bred for health, intelligence and tempermant rather than head shape, coat quality, size, etc. So they're a healthy breed, and smart as whips. They are also very much people dogs. Brittanys that are kept outside or in a kennel instead of in the house with their people become neurotic. They need lots of love and attention, with regular sessions of belly rubbing and kill-the-squeaky-toy.

To sum up, while I love this breed, I would not recommend them to anyone who didn't have the time, space and energy to give them the life they need to be happy.

I've got a half-beagle, half-something-else sort of dog.

He's not all that bright, but he's very friendly and pleasant, and for some weird reason, rarely makes any noise.

In my experience with viszlas and Australian shepherds, they need a pretty large amount of exercise, or so it seems. They're not exactly small, either.

If I got another dog, which'll be when this dog's deceased, I'd probably get a pug or something, maybe a basenji, if I was still in an apartment.

Dogs are better in apartments, but your dog can still live a healthy, happy life as long as you take good care of him/her.

I have an american pit bull terrier. This guy is so gentle and nice, contrary to popular belief and reputation pit bulls have (unless you're a cat -- he hates cats, and squirrels, and anything else small that he can chase)

Anyway, my dog, Buddy, is 15 years old now. He's my best friend, and I love him dearly. I know it's off-topic, but when you have such a healthy, good looking dog get old and not hear/see/move nearly as well as he used to, it really breaks your heart.

We see our older relatives getting older, but the change isn't nearly as fast as it is with our animals, who we see grow up from little babies. I guess it's kinda like RP'ing an Elf who's watching his Human companions age before his eyes.

Honestly, a pit bull really is a great animal, and if you don't get they're ears or tail clipped off, they're really adorable too.

When I lived with my parents, we had a black labrador, named Blackie. She lived to a very old age of about 16 and was put to sleep because she was in real pain constantly.

Have bought one of my own.

My chow-chow/australian heeler.


My Shih Tzu-Poodle-something-something

Keeshonden

I have had all sorts of dogs throughout my life. But after having a Keeshonden, I would never have another type.

I've got a golden retriever and a shih-tsu. Both are incredibly sweet dogs. The golden is quite active, though, and somewhat needy. My biggest challenge with him when playing frisbee is to stop before he overheats or freezes to death. He's kind of dumb that way. He was very easy to train, though, as he hates being in trouble. My shih-tsu turned out to be a much nicer dog than I was expecting, but never trained well for anything except "come" and "stop". Both are very good with small children, although the golden seems to prefer older children that can throw the frisbee to him.

The key to being in an apartment with the golden would be having access to a park or something like that that you can get to reasonably, as he'll need lots of exercise to work off energy. I've got a small house and periods of bad weather get really rough on mine.

I have a Husky/ Golden retriever named Guster. Not a good apartment dog. Loves the water, loves people, loves to lay on my for some reason he cannot sleep anywhere else. Never did it as a puppy though. Anyway I guess it depends what kind of apartment you have. And when you are moving. Let us know what you choose.

7 dogs, here: golden retriever, chocolate lab, Australian shepherd, 2 pugs, rat terrier, and a Chihuahua. Top that off with 8 birds, 4 cats, and 750+ gallons in saltwater aquariums.

I've got an 11-year old miniature Schnauzer named Charlie. He's a great dog and a real old fart--little guy doesn't do much but eat, sleep, occaisionally beg to go out (and of course get the obligatory treat), and sometimes bark out the window.

He's a great little buddy though