[Mister Bent]

Originally Posted by Gemme

Standard poodles are super smart and can play with all sizes. I like Rottis and Dobies, but not everyone does and some places won't let you have them as are often on "vicious breed" lists. If you don't like drooling, stay away from all bully types. Irish setters are lovely as are wolfhounds. Great Danes are awesome too.

True story: My first dog-of-my-own (as in not a family dog) was a Standard Poodle. Sophie was my constant companion for 14 years, she finished grad school with me, moved across country a time or two, and ran alongside my horse everywhere. They're very athletic, extremely smart, and often quite goofy. The hair is decidedly a bit of work, but I was really glad to have a dog that didn't shed, and did her grooming myself (no pom poms).

After she died, I fostered a Bull Terrier for a while, and was involved with rescue, but I just couldn't bring myself to get another dog. Until James. (Insert shameless plug for my awesome mutt here).