help in finding a dog to suit my needs

I've recently moved to Northern Colorado and want to explore the
outlying areas of natural beauty that abound around here (I am a
photographer.) I am a woman alone, and have thought I would be and
feel safer if I had a dog with me.

I have had dogs years ago so I know how to take care of an animal.
Presently have a wonderful cat. She has weak rear knees, so cannot
jump higher than on bed or sofa. I would need a dog that would could
be trusted to respect her rights.

So which breed to buy. I have thought of a poodle..standard or
miniature. I'm not sure that a miniature would fill the bill as far
as making me feel safe. A standard might and appears to have the
intelligence and disposition I would like. A standard seems a bit
fancy for my taste, but I have read the threads and realize I could
keep in a puppy cut for a no nonsense look. I would want black or
gray. Are there health concerns or genetic concerns I should be aware
of? I did cruise thru dogfinders and many of the mini poodles they
are wanting to place have cataracts. I raised cockers in my last
life, and I know that cataracts are genetic and progressive and that
the dog will eventually become blind. Even if someone tells me a dog
can have cataracts and be fine, it is not a problem I want to deal
with. Same with hip problems.

I have considered a Greyhound. They are not as intelligent as a
poodle, and my cat may not be as safe around one, are my concerns
there.

I have considered of a chocolate Lab until I read the threads about
shedding.

I have considered a Doberman. I think they are so georgeous. But I
have read that many have mental problems that cause them to be
unstable. I want to feel safe, but don't want to frighten or harm
others I may encounter.

I would not consider a German Shepard. The shedding is terrible.

I have considered a German Shorthair till I read that they are hyper
and will bark a lot if left alone.

I do not work a regular job, but I like to visit with other people, go
to the movies, or concerts etc, do some Wedding and Event photography.
So I will not be with the dog 24/7.

Last of all I want a dog I can love. I see many people with dogs that
are just a handful to manage. Everything takes a backseat to that.
Not for me.

Thanks for any and all feedback.

Carol R

In article <d165fe69.0312200914.76a6fbe3 RemoveThis @posting.google.com>,
Carol R <Carolro RemoveThis @msn.com> wrote:
>I raised cockers in my last
>life, and I know that cataracts are genetic and progressive and that
>the dog will eventually become blind.

Cataracts are not necessarily progressive. I've got a dog
(Siberian Husky) who has juvenile cataracts and about 25%
vision. The opthamologist says that he won't become
completely blind (at least not from the cataracts
expanding). He gets around surprisingly well, and does okay
on hikes on level or sloping trails, although he does tend
to step into holes or off the edges of things, so he can't
go hiking where the terrain is broken. His vision is a
problem but it's certainly not a major one.

(I really like standard poodles, BTW).
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