Hi Karen,

I’m sorry to hear about your loss but I’m happy you are considering another dog. It sounds like he or she will be very lucky.

I’ll give you my standard advice. I strongly recommend that people visit shelters first. They always have great dogs available for adoption. I have found that people have a much more positive relationship with their dog when it’s started off by saving a life. I really encourage you to at least consider it. They do a great job of telling you the pet’s history and make sure that it’s a good fit.

I have a big heart for mixed breeds. They tend to be much less intense and much healthier than the average purebred dog. I know you may think otherwise, but many vets have found that mutts are healthier which is well documented on a website that many vets in North America are a member of, called VIN.

When thinking about a particular breed. I encourage you to think about the behavior more than the look. Make sure it suits your lifestyle and be honest with yourself. Some people get a high-intensity dog like a Border Collie and then have a limited time to walk it which creates havoc.

I like German Shepherds. They are a bit too intense for me but if you think that is a fit then I’d go with it. Don’t let it get overweight because they often have hind end problems. Get it checked regularly for any heart issues, ie. heart murmur.

Once again, go to your local shelter before doing anything. Just have a look!

Good luck.

Dr. Clayton Greenway