*This should be posted as a reply to my thread titled Opinions on Which Breed*

Wow, I'm at a loss for words here. It seems my ignorance has been far overplayed. First off let me say that I never said the dog would be in a crate a lot of the time. That's kind of appauling considering I said almost the complete opposite. I'm not sure how saying I want to run possibly 100mpw (waiting about 2 years would be no problem), do sport work, and take him everywhere with me that it was inferred the dog would have to be in a crate most of the time. Plus I'd be buying the house, so a landlord wouldn't be a problem.

As far as the vet comment, I can see your point, but I feel you'd be almost hard pressed to find a vet or pre-vet who didn't have at least one animal. Plus, managing stresses is what life is all about, and a dog would be a welcome relaxer for me.

Also, I realize this topic is very opinionated and has been asked before, in fact I even said that. I have also used the search function on this site numerous times and for this very subject. I was simply asking for comments.

I made the "really good" dog comment as a general thing I found by emailing a couple breeders about prices. Perhaps really good wasn't the right term.

Deanna Thompson I appreciate your reply. It seemed like the only truly constructive response. I will definately take that into account.

For everyone else, I appreciate the comments, perhaps I took it the wrong way, it was just a little disheartening to read so many people killing the idea of simply owning a dog, something I've been looking forward to for years. (I will be a great owner regardless of the difficulty)

If anyone has any comments still on the original question I'd still love to hear em. Thanks again.

Get a German Shepherd, there are a handful of good breeders who have nice pups out of nice parents for around 1000 bucks.

I think you'll end up better off with a working bloodline GSD. Don't get a black and red showline dog, they suck. LOL


Deanna is one of the breeders who does a nice job. . .and you'd be catching her on the way up. It's easier to buy in at the ground floor, if you know what I mean. LOL (not expensive)

I still think that an adult is best if you want to make sure that the dog will be suitable. What happens when the pup ends up with joint problems, or one of many other things that prevents an active lifestyle? Doesn't happen all of the time, but if it does you are in trouble. I got a pup when I was 16 (wanted an adult, but parents insisted on a pup) and you do not want to know how many of thousands of dollars I spent on Auster's medical care, and I never had the joy of doing SchH with her. She was showlines, but problems happen in all lines.

Thanks for the plug VC, but I won't have anything in the fall.. possibly for a while.