I think it's time for me to get a dog.

[Redlinerobert]

My vote is call the local rescue groups. You can find a resuce for about any type of breed. Many time they have dogs that are a year or two old and you can really see their personality, something you cannot do with a puppy, no matter what breeder you use.

Pure breds also have a much higher heath issue rate than a dog with just a little mix.

Do what you feel is right but a dog with papers is no better than a dog with out.

I'm sure you can lucky sometimes and find a good dog at a rescue center.  However luck is a variable I prefer to minimize, so I'll be looking for a breeder with history instead.

[slomoe]

My vote is call the local rescue groups. You can find a resuce for about any type of breed. Many time they have dogs that are a year or two old and you can really see their personality, something you cannot do with a puppy, no matter what breeder you use.

Pure breds also have a much higher heath issue rate than a dog with just a little mix.

Do what you feel is right but a dog with papers is no better than a dog with out.

Solid advice!

[Raul]

However luck is a variable I prefer to minimize, so I'll be looking for a breeder with history instead.

And there 's where I 'm more than qualified.  

[Redlinerobert]

However luck is a variable I prefer to minimize, so I'll be looking for a breeder with history instead.

And there 's where I 'm more than qualified.

If you can pick a dog the way you pick a restaurant, I would happily agree my friend.

[Raul]

If you can pick a dog the way you pick a restaurant, I would happily agree my friend.

I can do that.

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

Raul, he still thinks those skewers were beef  ;D :

[Hookemdown.]

Hey, I GOT IT!

Why don't you get a baby LBH?  I hear they don't get much bigger after a few months, so they're pretty small.  They're lovable, but can be frisky at times.  I hear they get along with cats great...

8-)

[Hookemdown.]

Never mind, you'd probably want a good looking dog... :

[logger]

I have a brittany. Orange and White and is my best friend and hunting partner. She is incredible with my 1 yr old son and is just a blessing to have. Only thing that may not be your thing is she has a short/medium coat and sheds in the spring for a while.

[Styx]

Any help from my bro's here would be great. These are the charachteristics I'm looking for, so feel free to chime in.

Small to medium size. Short hair. I don't like hairy dogs. I prefer dogs that are of athletic build. I've had a Vizsla and a German Short Hair in the past, been happy with both.

Considering but not limited to:

Vizsla

German Short Hair

Doberman (smaller one, not a Miniature Pinscher though)

Terrier (like Scott's!) Is that a Jack Russel?

I suppose a dog that isn't so hyper would be preferable, and any one of the dogs that I've mentioned usually are. This is where the breeding would come into play I imagine.

Any other suggestions guys? Know any top tier breeders?

Here's another fine choice to consider. These little guys think they're a 125 lbs and the king of neighborhood. They do shed but obviously not in the quantity of a larger dog. This fellow keeps me in stitches.....best dog I've ever had.

Cosmo

[Redlinerobert]

Considering one of these....no rush though, I want to make sure I get the right dog.

http://yellowrosekennel.com/index.html

[Hooked_On_Bass]

Considering one of these....no rush though, I want to make sure I get the right dog.

http://yellowrosekennel.com/index.html

Sweet upland dog!!!!!

[RWHusker.]

Robert, are you a bird hunter if so the Vizsla or Shorthair is hard to beat.  If not I would consider a Labradoodle or a Goldendoodle.  Don't let the stupid name fool you they are wonderful pets.  Limited to no shedding, smart, loyal and loveable.  We have had Nick for 3 years and couldn't be happier. Both of our best friends purchase Goldendoodles after our purchase and are very happy.   They are bred to size choice but that also eliminates the rescue people as a rule.

GO BIG RED

[Jeff H]

I have a 3 yr old male tri color Llewellin Setter and a 5 yr old female Large Munsterlander.  If you don't like hair, steer clear.  I love 'em though, ain't never had a dog that don't shed.  My Llewellin (Tucker) is a d**n hair factory.