Orlando

Hi Mita, thanks for the suggestion. Buddy looks really cute, although I have reservations about starting my life with a new dog with perennial ear infection problems. Also, I can't get a new dog until I return from the north-west in December. However, I'd be happy to get updates from you or anyone regarding rescue dogs. I'll also keep an eye on the website.

Thanks Alibi for the tip (don't know if this reply will reach you - can't seem to highlight your entry and respond to it directly). Definitely don't want barkers living in close quarters with neighbours. And while clingy sounds cute, I can see it wearing thin very quickly! All the best

Mita, Thanks for the comprehensive response. I know that it's pot luck with pups sometimes, and the only 'half' sure way is to go with an older dog whose been trained etc. Might have to go down that route. Went to a dog pound a week ago, and all they had was big dogs (probably due to trend towards smaller, more manageable breeds). Will try a breeder. Thanks again!

Thanks Scratch - sorry for the late reply, I had problems logging back in! Just checked out the Affenpinscher - cute, reminds me of Oscar the Grouch!

Hi, I'm a passionate dog lover, having had dogs in the family since I was 13 (I'm 62 now). After losing my last dog 12 years ago, I've been waiting for the right time to get another one, based on my changed circumstances. I live alone, in a small block of units, but two minutes walk from the Swan River with acres of parkland for dogs to run around in. I'm looking for advice on which breed I should look for (in the past it was based on the saddest looking eyes at the pound!!) I'm healthy and do a fair bit of exercise; so keeping a dog fit is no problem. I'm looking for a dog that's: small to medium not anxious - not prone to separation anxiety not yappy, and doesn't bark at every sound intelligent and easy to train, very obedient preferably not a 'shedder', but that's open to negotiation fun-loving and sociable likes to sit with the owner in front of the TV, but not clingy Can anyone make any suggestions? I do have a soft spot for 'russells', but I don't want my heart to rule my head on this. Thanks, Orlando