I have a rock wall topped with chain link I need to cover with a climbing vine to keep the dogs from climbing out.  I am looking for a fast growing climbing vine that will grow in the desert southwest (Zone 8), that is drought resistant, that will grow in a caliche-based soil, that is pretty, has flowers (if possible), and that is not toxic to dogs and cats.  Kudzu is not an option!  I know from living in the deep south what happens when you plant kudzu!  Thanks to everyone for their input.

There are a lot of different honeysuckle vines which are all hummingbird friendly, insect friendly. Early in spring you can start more by sticking a cut end into the soil. Keep moist and it will root and give you a new plant.

I would avoid english ivy at all costs. It can be very invasive and kill out good plants, as well as harbor dens for rats and other little assorted "beasties." Some cities have deemed it as a "noxious weed."

I know others will have their favorite plants!

Another option would be to plant rugosa roses which are NOT friendly to any animal other than birds. They are lovely, hardy, own root roses, many varieties.

Dear Artie's Mom. Thank you for the feedback. I have tried honeysuckle in the area I need the vine in - it doesn't like the shade and the caliche. The rugosa roses sound like a possibility - they pass my dog friendly test in that they are not on the toxic plant list. I have to be careful what plants get planted in the dog and cat areas. Dumb luck on my part is the only reason the dog/cat toxic plants I have were not put in the animal areas! I have done the english ivy, and I agree with you! It is almost as bad as the kudzu! Same thing with hummingbird vine, although hummingbird vine is much prettier than either english ivy or kudzu. Unfortunately, hb vine is not on either the toxic or the non-toxic list under that name or trumpet vine, so I am going to err on the side of caution and stay away from it. Any other suggestions are always welcome!

The only problem with rugosa roses that I have found is that they send runners out for new plants. BUT, in a dog area that may not be bad. My favorite is Hansa. It was hybridized in 1905.....it isn't much of a climber tho. It is a large, about 5'X5', double purple with a heavenly fragrance. BUT the thorns are a killer. I know my neighbors would love to send you all that we have between us. It is much easier to plant than to get rid of. Very tenacious plants. BUT they take very little human care once established. If you find one you like, see if you can get a start.

I think the hedge roses I got from Michigan bulb co were affordable but mislabeled. They need support to grow on and travel really bad. If I knew then, what I know now, I would never have put it where I did. A good neighbor it isn't.....the bumble bees absolutely go crazy for it, but it has traveled under the fence and invaded my neighbor's as well.

Thanks again, Artie's mom. The only thing I'm seeing about the rugosa roses is they want sunshine - the area I need to cover is filtered light between the pine trees and the mimosa. Also, I found out another good reason to stay away from the english ivy - it and all of its sisters and brothers are on the toxic list! So, I am still a little stumped. The thorns and such sound great for what I am trying to accomplish (ie, keep the dogs from climbing the wall or talking to each other), I'm just not sure if they will grow in that spot. And the trees are definite keepers for the shade for the furkids. Hmmm..... Will definitely look more into them. Also want everbloomers - I have some regular climbing roses on another fence, and they are beautiful - for about two weeks. Didn't realize what I was buying. Live and learn! May put rugosas over there, though - keep the meter reader off my fence and make him knock like he is supposed to! Again, thanks for the inputl

Sivler Lace vine grows incredibly fast and I had it planted on the fence of our dog kennel in NV. It gets thick and tall fast.  It is not toxic and it gets huge plumes of flowers in late August.  Mine realyl did grow at least 7 feet that year on just a welded wire fence in had clay soil that is very alkaline.  Good luck!.

OOPS Silver Lace Vine.

Just saw this topic, and thought I'd add my 2cents worth... we have 8 greyhounds, and when we were in Florida, ran a greyhound rescue from our home, so we had tons of dogs all the time... we had a Mexican Heather that did really well in the dog yard. I know, it's supposed to be a small ornamental shrub, growing close to the ground, but ours had been in the fron yard where we didn't want it when we bought the place, and I moved it to the dog yard, where it took hold and grew into a small tree - right along the fenceline. It had pretty little lavender flowers all over it, most of the year, and did well in partial shade or full sun. (I think it liked the shade better)Between that and the Confederate Jaasmine that we (dogs included) couldn't kill (it was partially in shade too), our chainlink fence was nearly completely covered in little to no time. We also had several rose bushes in the dog yard that did well (actually LOVED being peed on) and could tolerate shade as well as full sun (they got moved periodically as yard needs changed). My favorite was a sterling rose. Perhaps the roses are the best option - you could go with shrub or climbers (look for floribundas instead of hybrid teas as they flower more often and more prolifically) there are ones that do better in shade or partial sun. Also, remember that you are in a hotter climate, so full direct sun that in other areas of the country might be healthy for the same plants, can burn them in your area, so some shade may be better anyway.