A good breed for Hawaii?

[ellyvstheworld]

I am dying for a dog since I moved to the city (Atlanta)...we live right next to this beautiful park and everyday I go running or biking and wish I had a dog to curl up with and read, or tumble around with...a friend who loves being outside with me and gives me an excuse to run and play :) I'm trying to find a dog that is right for me though, because I do not want to misplace a dog in my living situation. The main thing is, I will be moving to Hawaii in 2-3years for graduate school and how a dog will do in Hawaii is my main factor. So, I need a dog that:

1) Loves to be outdoors but can be satisfied indoors when I'm stressed with classes and can't go out for more than a walk a day.
2) Good with cats, I have 3 of them.
3) Good with warm weather.
4) Loves to swim, because in Hawaii I will definately be at the ocean :)
5) Good in apartments of around 700-800 sq ft (seems to be the average in Hawaii).
6) Medium-large sized dog.

I keep going through breeds and the only ones I can find that match my lifestyle are small dogs. I do have my eye on the windhound, but I am not sure how much they swim!

Thanks for any suggestions:)

[jervis]

Hello ellyvstheworld,
I have a cross rhodesian ridgeback shepherd girl, she is more ridgeback than shepherd both in temperament and looks, and I think she may be what you're looking for. We live by the beach in Australia and she comes running/jogging with me every morning. Being part sighthound, of course, likes to put nose to the ground and sniff out kangaroos, but with obedience training, you'llhave one mighty powerful good looking dog!
She is happy to sit around with me sunbaking, relaxing, whatever, and doesn't require lots of space indoors. She's very happy to sit around sleeping all day (not that we let her!) Have a look at some webistes (i hope her photo loaded ok).
Good luck
jervis:)

[Ziggy]

I'd reccomend going to a shelter and just pick a good dog that needs a home.
If you do want a purebred, there's a dog breed selector quiz at: www.animalplanet.com

[ellyvstheworld]

I rescued my three cats and was a foster home for kitties for around a year :) The dog breed I do decide on I will get from a rescue shelter, not a breeder.

Thanks for the suggestion on the Rhodesian Ridgeback! There are a lot of rescued Ridgeback's available for adoption in my area. I was not familiar with the breed at all but now they are definately an option for me!

[jervis]

My girl is also from one of the shelters here in Australia (one that I work for) and she is one of the best dogs I've ever had. I fully support shelters and foster families. I've had pure breds before and of course we loved them dearly, but this time we decided to rescue a dog in need and we are more than happy. I will be getting my girl a companion soon too!
good luck again.
:)

[lassie]

a cavalier king charles would be suitable;)

[skunkstripe]

Do you know about the restrictions bringing pets to Hawaii? You might be better off gett a dog there and in the meantime walking other people's dogs or volunteering at a shelter to become familiar with the different dog personailties.

[ellyvstheworld]

I'm familiar with the restrictions and as long as you prepare in advance they don't do the 6 month quarantine, from what I understand. I am not too worried :)

[skunkstripe]

Any kind of spaniel/retriever LOVES to swim. I think the Brittany is the smallest, and I love the look of the Water Spaniels. They are also friendly, nice dogs who won't try to eat your cats.

[EnchantedGypsy]

I do have my eye on the windhound, but I am not sure how much they swim!


Do you mean a SILKEN WINDHOUND?? Most Silken Windhounds are affectionately referred to as "swamphounds" due to their love of water. There are a few who inherit the Whippet's dislike for water. But, if you get a pup from 2 swamphounds you're pretty likely to get another swamphound; or you could get a little older Windhound who's already a confirmed swamphound:D

Here is a link to some confirmed swamphounds doing what they love....
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/talismanhounds (http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/talismanhounds/album?.dir=4662&.src=ph&store=&prodid=&.done=http%3a//pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/talismanhounds/my_photos)

There is already one Silken Windhound in Hawaii, and there are tons of them in the southern states where you are now. Have you met any yet?? I am keeping my fingers & toes crossed for a puppy from a breeding planned for this Winter!

[Tunsafun]

Okay, I am a little bit biased, but i think a boxer would be a good dog for you, or maybe a staffy. Just a suggestion.

regards
tunsafun