Originally Posted by
cshplumber
Boxer.
Our best dog was Lucy. She was a flashy brindle boxer. She was wonderful with our daughter using her bottom lip for support when learning to walk and SO smart. She obeyed hand signals and never (yes never) had an accident in the house. She was very tolerant of a house full of animals (2 other dogs, 4 cats, 2 birds, snakes, lizards, a pond of turtles....) except for Fiona, another female of the “bully” breed. Fiona is a “Frenglish” (French + English) bulldog that doesn’t like other females. Fiona was really the trouble maker but it takes 2 to tango.
Now the dislikes...farting! OMG! That dog could not just clear a room! There were times that we had to go outside! Quality dog food and one of those bowls that slows down their eating helped. As a puppy they are a spaz (like most puppies) and you quickly find out why they are named “Boxers” when they “box” you in the jaw. They do have some genetic health issues and that beings me to recommendations.
I do recommend that you do some research for a breeder that keeps genetic records because they are susceptible to heart issues & cancer. Talk to a trainer instead of a breeder. Trainers have seen all kinds of dogs and know what to expect both from hands on experience as well as from the owners and a trainer may have connections for the breed you choose.
All in all, Lucy passed on about 3yrs ago at 11yrs old and she left such a hole in our family that it wasn’t until just recently that we got another one, Emma. Emma is mostly white except for a brown patch over her eye and while that was just adorable to us, it brings another recommendation. Lucy is deaf. This is very popular with females of the “bully” breeds that are predominantly white. We knew this but even though we THOUGHT we had tested her, she was picking up on the cues from her siblings. She came when called (cuz all the others did) and looked at whichever of us was making noise (cuz all the others did). Being deaf she seems to “talk” in her sleep which is hilarious. She is about 10 months old now and has gone through puppy & intermediate training learning hand signals.
Good luck.