Our yellow lab died last summer (natural old age stuff) and I told my husband we wouldn't be getting another dog for a long, long time.

The truth is -- I just don't like dogs much.

As a runner, I've been chased by more than a few dogs. I've been corned by everything from yippy little things to snarling German Shepards to evil Golden retrievers (yes...sometimes Goldens aren't so sweet). The ching-ching sound of jingling dog tags is the one sound guaranteed to strike fear in my heart and stop me in my tracks.

As a homeowner and mother, dogs are just another thing to take care of and clean up after, and well..the last thing I need is another living thing depending on me. I hate the dog hair in the house, the smell of wet dog, the poop in the yard and the mud that has to be wiped off their paws.

AND, YET, I find myself missing Cassie more than I ever thought. She was a hell of a watchdog, she would have taken on anyone who tried to harm any of us and, well, walks around Bull's Dam are no fun without a dog racing ahead and diving into the ditches getting full of mud and muck.

So, we're thinking of getting another dog. And, the one thing I will insist on is that it be a dog that can go running with me. Though we loved our labrador retriever, I'm not sure they are the best breed for running. And, how can I put this nicely, our Cassie was a bitch -- in every way. She would not tolerate any other dogs (puppies included) and so, walking or running with her was impossible because dog fights were inevitable.

I searched online for information and was coming up blank, so I sent a question to Runners World magazine asking which breed of dogs were reccommended for runners. Here's what they sent back:

From our April 2000, page 29 - pick the perfect pooch

Always consider size before breed because it's size that counts - advice from Rocky Boatman, runner and founder of the Trainer's Network. Dogs with shorter legs and heavy upper bodies are capable of short bursts of astonishing speed, but they aren't much for the long haul and could get hurt by running longer distances. Larger dogs, on the other hand, have longer legs, which enable them to run fairly fast and long. Most medium to large sized dogs such as pointers, rottweilers, and Doberman pinschers are cable distance runners.

ALSO....from Running with Man's Best Friend, Alpine Publications, Inc.,
1986:

Dogs with superior running abilities are: Dalmatian, English Setter, German Sherpherd, Golden Retriever, Siberian Husky (maximum mileage for all -- 35 miles a week).

I think, for us, a dalmation is out (I hear they're dumb as rocks), the german shepard is out (toooo many scary experiences with this breed for me to actually own one), the golden is out (toooooo hairy), the husky is out (my dad has one that I can't stand)....so...this leaves us with the English Setter (which you might notice is also a fairly-hairy dog).

Any runners out there have any advice on English Setters -- or any other breed they think make good running partners?

I would almost rather find myself a good mutt -- I hate the thought of paying hundreds of dollars for a dog when so many need a home, but when buying a full breed you have a better idea of the dog you're getting.

Any thoughts runners? Post a response or email me at: heather.cass@timesnews.com