kairus's Profile

I, too, prefer the larger breeds. The Gentle Giants over the yappy and nippy little ones. I truly believe that so many landlords have it all wrong!!! The well-behaved large dogs are so much calmer than the under-30 lbs-dogs...

I grew up with dogs, from small mutts to large pure breeds, and I loved them all. My last one was a HUGE (110 lbs!) female Golden Retriever, and she was the BEST dog I'd ever known - after she turned 3 y.o., that is. Until then she was a destructive, wild maniac (in a house with a yard. She pretty much destroyed both, despite of all kinds of training...). I had 2-3 horrible and 7 wonderful years with her (the latter in an apartment, with a roommate and her dog) and had pretty much forgotten about all the "growing pains" - until I saw "Marley and Me". ..It's been about 7 months since my fur-baby passed away, and I am now ready for a new dog. Because of my last 7 yrs of wonderful experience with my "gentle gian Golden" I wanted to get another Retriever. But after reading/seeing "Marley and Me" the old repressed memories came rushing back... (I still live in an apartment, but no roommate or any other pets. I live in Los Angeles and work in walking distance of my pretty generous-size apartment. I LOVE daily long walks, hiking, etc., No kids, just active, social lifestyle. And my BF/LP works from home, so the doggy would not be home alone, just no active play-time at all hours until I come home from work.) I still want at least a medium - if not large - size dog, but perhaps a little lower energy level than the Retrievers... I also would prefer to rescue than to buy from a breeder - but then again, I prefer a young one without the memories of abuse and neglect, and I really want to have a good idea what to expect as far as the temperament and looks go...*I* want to be able to teach and mold into a sweet and friendly "gentle giant" vs. a "neighborhood terror.".. .
I've been thinking about Schnoodles (Standard or Giant, NOT Mini).
Any suggestions as to are they sweet and smart? Where can I find one?
(P.S. If I find a good breeder, I want them to be local, somewhere in So-Cal. I do not want the puppy to have to go through the stress of being flown in from a far...)
Thank you.