That's quite the deal. I just got a quote on a Glen of Imaal Terrier for $2,000....

If you want a family friendly dog that's not too big, you might want to check out the English Staffordshire Terrier. They are known to be very people friendly. My friend has one, is about 35 lbs, loves people and is very smart. I'm a big dog person, so aside from that breed, I can't help you out on any of the other medium sized breeds.

There are breed specific rescues, so if you decide on a particular breed, you can check with those rescues first if you want to go the adoption route. We just recently adopted a puppy from a rescue. Don't know the adoption rules in NY, but here in LA, all adopted pets have to be neutered/spayed by 4 months of age. The alteration, as well as their parvo shots, are usually covered by the adoption fee. I think a shelter is a little different as they don't cover shots with their adoption fee and I believe the puppies are already altered, but I'm not sure. Getting a pup from a breeder requires you to take care of the shots as well as altering if it's required in your area (it is here in LA if you're not a breeder). Good luck with your search.

__________________
If you feel the need to bash/rag/insult/demean someone, please read this before you do. Thanks and have a great day!

The 'KONG' brush is awesome!!! Bought by accident and it is a life saver.

Buy from a reputable breeder. B-line is very knowledgable here. He has a long/sordid history with the 'bitches'

Adopting is noble but ripe with pit falls. The end results are usually above non shelter dogs but to get there is a lot of work. You need to know what you are doing. If not, you will just continue with bad behaviors or they might even become worse.

You should be allowed with the animal in a room, outside on a leash, leashed in an enclosure and off leash in an enclosure. The animal's behavior towards you should be consistent. If not, move on.

You need to bring a hat, glove and sunglasses. Fear of gloves usually indicates puppy mill. Check it's reactions (make the movements casually and NOT directed at the dog) if you make a fist, raise your hand or move a leg to kick.

I rescued. 2 weeks of intense 1 to 1 work. (If it didn't occour on my vacation he would have gone back) Then months of socialising work.

The dog will ususally pick you out.

Attached Images

  

__________________

2001 e53 4.4i Sport, Nieman Marcus Edition. Stealth One.
2013 e70 3.5d Stacked, Custom

Thanks for the advice guys. What kind of glove are we talking? Like working gloves or leather/winter gloves? Will I need to bring a leash to North Shore Animal League? Or will they have one that I can practice with for the dogs.

Good Luck with the dog search. I have 3 dogs, German Shepherd, Akita, and a Norweigen Elkhound, they are all great dogs but the one that we got from the pound was 2 and he has some issues. The other 2 I got as puppies, one I bought and the Akita was from a rescue and I got her at 3 months old, dumb luck I had a friend in the rescue. But they ALL shed like crazy and we fill a grocery bag with hair when we brush them. So if shedding is something you do not want, beware. I vacuum and clean all the time. It is totally worth it though.

I also think that either a breeder or a pound is fine, like someone else said here bred dogs need homes too. Try the pound first see what you find, skip the gloves and all that stuff, just look around and see if one you like and if when you are alone it is not a loving dog to you, move on. My pound dog we went in saw him, he jumpd on my lap and 6 years later here he is! GOOD LUCK! Hope to see pics when you get one.

__________________
Denise

2005 X5 3.0 Alpine White/Truffle Leather
2006 Porsche Cayenne S/Black

any glove will work

usually you need to bring a leash

__________________

2001 e53 4.4i Sport, Nieman Marcus Edition. Stealth One.
2013 e70 3.5d Stacked, Custom

Thanks for all your help. I'm looking forward to going to North Shore Animal League in Long Island this weekend. I plan on bringing my cable/bank/etc. bills and statements to verify my address... I heard you need to bring these to complete the application process? . I even found out there was a "Anti-Bark" collar, which sprays a non-offensive scent when a dog continually barks?

Good pick on getting a new pooch at the shelter, imo.
BR,mD

__________________
Ol'UncleMotor
From the Home Base of Pro Bono Punditry
and 50 Cent Opins...

Our Mtn Scenes, Car Pics, and Road Trip Pics on Flickr:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/4527537...7627297418250/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/4527537...7627332480833/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/45275375@N00/

My X Page

norwich terriers don't shed that much. i have a friend who lives in brooklyn as well and his norwich is fairly easy to manage and small

__________________
2006 4.4i Sterling Titanium/Black Interior