Hello! I am planning on moving to Chiang Mai in late Feb/early March of 2015, with my full grown boxer, Nugget, who is approximately 70 lbs (about 30 kgs). I have thoroughly researched airline travel/vaccinations/etc, but was wondering actually living over there with the big man.

I'm not concerned about the weather, as where I live currently (Gulf Coast, pretty much Florida) is actually hotter snd more humid than Chiang Mai summers, and he does fine.

I also understand I'll almost certainly need a house, as apartments/condos wont accept dogs. Are there plenty of houses for rent that are dog friendly? What about small (1 bedroom) houses?

Are there other large domesticated dogs kept as pets, rather than soi dogs? Or will Nugget stick out like a sore thumb (not that Im terribly concerned about attracting attention)?

Are dogs expressly forbidden in bars/restaurants? Or are there some pet-friendly establishments?

Just kind of looking for any general advice on how the big man's life will be over there. Thanks in advance.

I also understand I'll almost certainly need a house, as apartments/condos wont accept dogs. Are there plenty of houses for rent that are dog friendly? What about small (1 bedroom) houses?

There are many people with pets in Chiang Mai. Most condo's don't accept pets, though. But for a big dog a house with (large) garden is way nicer anyway.

It will take some house-hunting but most pet-owners have found a place to their liking.

Which area is the best? That depends on what you like. I live in Doi Saket, fairly close to the lake with dam, and just love the area. Others love Mae Rim, and again others like Hang Dong, etc.

Are there other large domesticated dogs kept as pets, rather than soi dogs? Or will Nugget stick out like a sore thumb (not that Im terribly concerned about attracting attention)?

Yes, many. Boxers, rotties, pitts, bullies, poodles, Shih tzu, chi's, poms, goldens, labs, huskies, cockers,etc Not so many hounds dogs, though.

There's one boxer-breeder in CNX.

Many good veterinary hospitals and pet shops. Several dog boarding places, of which I am one.

Are dogs expressly forbidden in bars/restaurants? Or are there some pet-friendly establishments?

If you politely ask, sit outside, your dog is well-behaved, and it is for lunch, you will be surprised that many restaurants are actually quite tolerant.

Foreign-owned restaurants tend to be more tolerant about dogs.

However, because there are dogs on the streets, owned or stray, about everywhere you go, it is often a total drag to take your dog for a walk.

Several dog owners take their dog to Huay Tung Tao, near the 700 years sports stadium, for a run and/or swim, or behind the Veterinary faculty along the canal road.

If more questions arise concerning doggy issues, you can contact me by email (info @ luckydogs . info ... remove spaces) or by pm.