In a message dated 3/15/2008 8:04:39 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, dan-ann@xxxxxxxx writes: The other thing I am finding in this area is the trend is to smaller dogs. Both adults work and IF they get a dog they want one that will not require a lot of space and exercise. Especially since most of the new subdivisions are not allowing fences. sally This trend has been going on for several years. I have been keeping the statistics on AKC registrations in general and GSD in particular for almost 20 years now. I printed out an article from the AKC Gazette one year and gave it to the Board because it stated that very fact. Society has changed. Smaller dogs are easier to take care of in cities and/or apartment type dwellings. And with both adult members of the family in a large majority of families working these days, it is difficult to take care of several dogs, especially large ones. Tish **************It's Tax Time! Get tips, forms, and advice on AOL Money & Finance. (http://money.aol.com/tax?NCID=aolprf00030000000001) ============================================================================ POST is Copyrighted 2007. All material remains the property of the original author and of GSD Communication, Inc. NO REPRODUCTIONS or FORWARDS of any kind are permitted without prior permission of the original author AND of the Showgsd-l Management. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. ALL PERSONS ARE ON NOTICE THAT THE FORWARDING, REPRODUCTION OR USE IN ANY MANNER OF ANY MATERIAL WHICH APPEARS ON SHOWGSD-L WITHOUT THE EXPRESS PERMISSION OF ALL PARTIES TO THE POST AND THE LIST MANAGEMENT IS EXPRESSLY FORBIDDEN, AND IS A VIOLATION OF LAW. VIOLATORS OF THIS PROHIBITION WILL BE PROSECUTED. For assistance, please contact the List Management at admin@xxxxxxxxxxxx VISIT OUR WEBSITE - www.showgsd.org ============================================================================