heelers are really "human" dogs to me... they are so amazingly smart. as your roommate's dog is, xochitl is suuuper expressive. she "talks" a lot. cat people who don't like dogs seem to love her.

fantomas,
pits make great trail dogs... i'm not sure what type of riding you want to do with him, but i don't really ride around town with mine... i think it's too risky. sometimes i'll ride with her on a leash on bike paths, but i only feel safe doing so while riding a coaster brake bike. i really only take her mountain biking.

pits are such great dogs if raised properly.