It's awesome to see someone doing their research first to find the best breed to fit their family.
The only experience I have is with Saints.
Their activity level is perfect for me. I'm definitely not an extrememly active person. They are happy with a slow paced walk/hike or a good 20 minute romp in the front yard and they are out cold.
My Saints are short haired, so grooming consists of a good brushing once a week, maybe twice. But regardless of how much you brush you still find hair everywhere.
Cons would be drool. Bubba slings drool everywhere. On the ceiling/walls, the TV, in my morning coffee, on my dinner plate.
The gross factor increases if there is food, lint, grass etc stuck in the drool. I've even been slapped in the face with a flying slinger quite a few times. LOL Not to mention my poor cats walk around sporting 'cow licks', it's worse with my long haired kitty. LOL
Another con would be the hair, I have tumbleweeds on my kitchen floor. Hair stuck on my clothes.. I no longer wear black. I've picked hair out of my mouth, out of my food.. I could go on and on.
Bubba and Lola are both so different personality wise. Bubba at 2 and a half is still very puppyish. He's goofy, affectionate, loves to cuddle and wants everyone to kiss his nose, lol. Yet he can be hard-headed, stubborn and pushy at times and it drives me crazy.
He's too smart for his own good and has learned to open the screen doors (which are now locked at all times) and cupboards. I've had to move all food stuff out of the lower cupboards so he can't help himself since he still opened them even after I put child locks on.
Lola on the other hand is affectionately known as my 'special' girl. She's not the sharpest tool in the shed but I love her anyway.
She's very selective with who she likes and who she doesn't. With those she considers her family she's almost smothering with her affection, yet she's shy and reserved with people she doesn't know. She will do anything for food including jump our fence when she saw my son on the other side with an ice cream cone. *shakes head* LOL
I agree with Tina about the vets bills. Bubba is now past the weight for a single dose of the Revolution heartworm/worm/flea combo. So I get 2 boxes for him and Lola is still within weight for a single dose, but next year she will probably need 2 boxes too. Some people also consider my food bill high too. We currently spend $145CAD a month. They go through a large bag of Orijen every 2 weeks.
By the way, Welcome to BPO!
