Doggy shopping

Mutt

Entlebrucher Sennenhund

Boxer

Beauceron

As I mentioned earlier, I am dogless for the first time in nineteen years. Our dogs have died, one a year, until Sweet Cali Girl traded my recliner for God's on April 14, 2009.

I often daydream about having another dog. I have owned Chihuahuas, a Beagle, a couple Doberman, a Springer Spaniel, and several Border Collies. I love them all. But, I want to choose a dog that will fit my lifestyle and have her needs met, too (I know it will be a girl).

Statistically, Borders are the smartest dogs in the world. Before you get all huffy because you think little Tinkles is way smarter than any other canine, take it up with Animal Planet. I didn't make this up. And, I suppose you could argue testing methods, but I won't. Of all the dogs I have had, Borders are up there with the smartest. The least smart dog I have had is a Chihuahua. Again, I wonder if her general timidity made her appear as an empty headed plaything.

So, I have been doing dog research. My, there are certainly a lot of them. Maybe you can help. What dog would you choose? I want one who is not too big, not too small, outgoing, able to go hiking and camping, loyal and short haired. All of the dogs I have had, except the Chihuahuas, have been all these things (except the hair thing for the Borders).

There is a dog like a Dobie called a Beauceron bred for bear tracking. Sounds cool.

Or a Boxer. They look so neat, and are fun loving and loyal. Hmm.

Maybe a Entlebrucher Sennenhund. You know, silly, the tri-colored Swiss cattle dog. Loyal, cute, sturdy, handy with a cowherd. Not too big, either. Good with kids and animals. And each comes with a, get this, naturally docked tail, about four inches long. No kidding, like the Manx cat of the dog world.

Or maybe a mutt, a rescued puppy (for it must be a puppy, I fear, due to learning manners around poultry). Nothing with Pit in it, just because I don't like the face of Pits; I love dogs with big expressive eyes. And I will not reinforce the breeding of Pits. If I adopt a Pit, it's like saying that there is a home for every Pit that gets abandoned by the lower 95.

Have you noticed that most of the larger dogs in any shelter is either full Pit Bull or mixed Pit?

Anyway, I keep dreaming of the next dog. Any ideas?

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