breed selection

Question
I just had to have my 8 year old female boxer put down. I loved everything about her except her licking and slobber drove my grandson nuts. If I get another dog, I'd choose another boxer EXCEPT I am now over 60 and a young untrained boxer would be too strong for me, and too heavy to carry if there is a problem.  I want a dog that is fairly easy to groom and will enjoy long walks. Must be good with children and be friendly to most other dogs. I have just a small fenced in yard, but can take the dog into a park and let it off leash at least several times a week. I'd love a 25-35 pound boxer! Can you recommend a breed I might like and be able to handle?

Answer
Hi Carol, thank you for your question.
First off it depends on what you want your dog to look like, and behave like. Since you had a boxer I'm assuming you trained her pretty well, since they can be pretty spirited. So if you want a stocky dog and you are willing to socialize, I reccomend a Staffordshire Bull Terrier. This breed has an awesome track record with people, animals, kids, ect. When they are trained and socialized, they can be one of the most wonderful dogs. And they dont weigh much. If you want a dog that won't mind not moving much but will be upto it if you are, Id reccomend a Whippet. They love everyone. Those two breeds are on extreme ends of type. One being very stocky and stout, the other being very graceful and slim.
I'll give you another choice for variety, the Basenji. These dogs need to be trained, they are too smart not to be.
Go to a dog show and ask about dogs you find interesting. Ask everything(after they have shown the dogs-before they can be a bit jittery and not really focused on questions), including temperment, activity level, grooming, and possible health problems. Then visit with breeders and see the dogs up close and personal. Interact with them. Ask yourself, is this a breed you could live with for a while?
Another choice is a breed rescue. You get a purebred adult dog and you don't have to go through the puppy phase. Plus you'll be helping out a needy dog.
So good luck, and I hope I've helped. Come back if you need anyhting else. Emily