breed for the future

[Brattina88]

I don't think greyhounds would like the MI winters too much...
I'd say look into some of the medium sporting breeds. Naturally I have to say Cocker Spaniel, but you have to be careful when getting one from a breeder. BYBs have ruined this breed, and you might get one with a snappy temperment. Adult rescue cockers are such gems! I've heard well breed cockers being compared to miniature [well breed] goldens. I've never had a golden, so I wouldn't know. Clumber spaniels actually require a little less, and more sedate exersize. I love those! To me its like a mastiff and a spaniel rolled in to one sweet package! LoL!

I agree with the Pom, Standard poodle, and lab suggestions. I think the poodle would like a little more excersize than that, but that's just me :crazy:

I might splurge and say GSD. They do require a little more exersize, shed a lot, and some aren't good with the small animals...

 

[FoxyWench]

of the spaniels id prolly say a cav king charles (from nothing but a great breeder) or english cocker spaniel (american cocker too just be VERY carefull about selecting a breeder!)
wonderfull breeds, spaniels of all kinds are known for their merry dispositions, and would do fine with a good 1/2- 1 hour run/play/walk aday, my parents american x english mix is a gem, hell go out in the yard and play about 1 hour a day, inside the house hes calm and sweet though occasionally he loves a god game of fetch which he'll happily play by himself by rolling his ball down the stairs. they also do fine with the heat and the cold, however of course are NOT meant to live outside and should never be left out in the snow or midday heat...
im also a big fan of grehounds, great apartment dogs and wonderfull big sweethearts, if your not keen on the size a whippet is basically a mini version lol, ive got no experience with italian greyhounds so i cant say much on their behalf.
Poodles are wonderfull, rember though the standards were origionally bred to work so might be good if you can do a job with a poodle once a week, ive known poodles to make wonderfull therpay dogs. however so long as mentally challenged they make great apartment dogs and wil be fine with 1/2 -1 hour a day of excersize. (grooming if hair is kept in a simple puppy cut isnt as painfull as grooming a poodle can seem and no shedding )

 

[JennSLK]

I would vote for the greyhound.

True the cold would bother them, but a coat isnt that expesive and you would only need one or two (so you had a spare).

When you go up north they would have a ball running around.

 

[Dreeza]

ok, i totally havent read this thread at all...i was just surprised about the greyhound thing...having an issue in MI

I really never knew that. I know there is a pretty big greyhound rescue somewhere around me. I cant imagine that it *that* big of a deal...as long as you are careful of course!

 

[pocket warmer]

border collie would be perfect

 

[BlackDog]

border collie would be perfect

A BC would NOT fit my lifestyle because of these two very important reasons I stated in my first post

"Doesn't require a ton of exercise, 30 minutes to 1 hour a day. But can handle a good amount of exercise when we go up north.
Good with other pets, even small rodents or bunnies."

 

[qwiksilver]

Mutt. Especially the Heinz 57 variety.

 

[MK&C]

Cavaliers fit your lifestyle pretty much...but before considering one, google "matral valve disease cavalier king charles spaniel". Matral valve disease is a serious problem with Cavs, half of them have it by the time they're 5 and they all have it by the time they're 10 . They can go on without symptoms for a while even after they are diagnosed, though, so, if I were you, I would look into those.

Also, why not a good ol' mutt? There are plenty of shelters that have a ton available for adoption. They have fewer health problems and are great family pets. You may find the best companion you'll ever have!