They do not know on these ones about cats, but they have 3-4 "office cats" that they test the dogs with, then we would have to do a visit with the dogs on leash with mac. HEE!!!

Basically a big dog does not appeal because it will overrun our lives. Mac particularly loves Huskies, so I would consider that one. I love Boxers, but I fear their strength and size while we have the grumpy old man cats.

Yeah, boxers can be pretty boisterous.

I am impressed at a non-barking Husky, because normally when those Northern breeds make noise, they're LOUD.

I am leaning toward the Boston mix because of temperament traits and it being a bit bigger that the other two terriers.

Makes sense.

The lab-pitt mix puppy my neighbors got initially didn't bark much at all unless really woebegone (left in the backyard without his best friend Amy, the yellow flabrador,) when he KNEW we were all upstairs.

But he's been hanging around Amy, the barker. He's not very good at it, but he's picked up her bad habits. OTOH, she's lost a few lbs...

I've known some complete Husky doormats, and I've known some really pushy noisy ones. The doormats, well, they were raised a lot by the cats and were completely sub to the cats. Also, they didn't really realize they weren't catsized (frankly, I think they thought they were cats- the duo came into the house really young when one of the cats was raising a litter and she considered them part of her litter) and would try to curl up on your lap. They were also litter trained (by the cats) which was a mixed blessing. Yay! Dog won't use the rug as the bathroom! Boo! Husky poop and pee in the litterbox pretty much renders the box DONE.

I like the Boston mix. Bostons are sweet dogs and smart.

The husky next door is not a much of a barker, but I'm told that the husky and lab used to bark more in their old yard. Now they let Mr Peabody bark for them. The husky does "talk" loudly when people are outside.

My sister and I just sat on a porch overlooking the beach, drinking cocktails. That was nice.

I am leaning toward the Boston mix because of temperament traits and it being a bit bigger that the other two terriers

And the face on him!

Huskies are not generally big barkers unless they learn it from other dogs.

I have no experience with Bostons, but I've heard great things about them.

My neighbor across the street has a Bouvier de Flanders, and it is the sweetest dog ever. He is a barker sometimes, but otherwise so mellow and friendly and HUGE. She got his hair trimmed for the summer, which I've never seen done before on that breed, and he's a little self-conscious about it. Very cute.

Huskies are not generally big barkers unless they learn it from other dogs.

Heh. The ones I always see are in the shelter, where the dogs generally do nothing but bark.

I am leaning toward the Boston mix because of temperament traits and it being a bit bigger that the other two terriers.

That's the one I would pick for you msbelle. Not that a photo is enough, but that little guy's aspect is the best of the one's featured on that page.

I've known some Huskies I have loved. However, the idea of living with all that hair makes me tired. Also, a quiet dog in the shelter is by no means destined to be a quiet dog in the house.

Bostons have great energy, fewer health issues and tend to live longer. They are less emotionally needy than Huskies, that's for sure!

In other words...PUP! Good luck on finding a great companion.