Painting a fence...how long might a paint job last?

[snewman]

Thank you for all of the suggestions, and for letting me vent! I mentioned cedar and we're going with the truck and trailer tonight to get...something fence related. I guess I'll know what in a few hours. He didn't say no to cedar. I have to say, I don't want to paint the fence every year either (all painting also falls into my department), but I am absolutely not willing to lose a dog (not to mention a child) on the hwy and worrying about that every time the dogs have been outside since we've lived there has undoubtedly taken years off my life. So, something must (will) be done.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

One option no one has mentioned is chain link or metal pool-style fencing. Both can be pretty low maintenance, especially the chain link. Pool-type fencing is more expensive, but can look really nice. If painted it will need to be redone every 5-10 years, depending on the type of paint used; if powder coated, make sure it is a good powder coating as paint will not stick; particularly look at weld points.