Question:
I went in to my local pet store and saw a something called a water dog, it was weird and very ugly and had feet, but it perked my interest. Anybody have experience with this fish I would like to know more about it

Answer: I recall that there is a certain type of newt called a water dog, it is kindof greyish I think with gill like things coming out of the sides of its head....I am purely going off of memory but you may want to post a message in rec.pets.herp to see if anyone there can offer some assistance to you.

Mudpuppy (Necturus maculosus) Description: 8-13 in. (20-33 cm) Coloration is gray or rust-brown, belly will have dark spots or a dark line. The external gills can be quite colorful, either red or orange colored. Habitats: Usually found in lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, and permanent bodies of water. This species is found in the mountains of western North Carolina. The external gills are quite sensitive to any pollution and many times the condition of the mudpuppy's gills indicates the health of the environment. Habits: Mudpuppies are usually nocturnal though few may be seen during the day in marshy areas. They feed on mollusks, aquatic insects, fish, fish eggs and crayfish. Young: The young mudpuppy has a dark stripe down its back with two yellow stripes on each side. Larvae are usually large. Status: Very abundant through out its range.

So, in short... it was one of a few types of salamander (aquatic salamander) that are often called waterdogs or mudpuppies...

I wouldn't want to put one into a community tank, but hey, as a single species or species specific aquarium / terrarium / vivarium... why not?

If ya' like them, get one.. if you do, keep in contact and let me know how it gets along...