Paul,

Wow! thanks for all your input. And yes, your advice does now expand my search criteria rather than narrow it. My dog is pretty mellow in the boat. I've had her in several different models of canoes as well as my rec kayak. She does know enough to keep fairly to the center, and she's old enough (12 yrs old) that she doesn't go nuts over every little smell or every little bird. She doesn't do a lot of shifting, but will occassionally put her feet up on the gunwhales. And although I've dumped a couple times while she was in the boat, none of the times were her fault. What you said about a narrower boat makes sense. I guess wanting a wider one stems from the few times I've been in narrow, solo canoes that I felt very unstable in - even without the dog. I also need something I don't have to lean to turn well. Even with a mellow dog, she's going to shift when I lean, and that is only asking for trouble! Anyways, I'm keeping my options wide open, and yes, I was definitely going to buy a kit rather than just plans. I live in Southern Wisconsin, so if anyone has any boats they think would suit me and wouldn't mind me test paddling, let me know. Thanks again for everyone's help.