Issue with finding ideal dog breed for our first Dog
Hi, we are looking for our fisr dog, after months of preparing ourselves. We are in our Thirties, no kids, our own home with small garden.
I've filled form below, if anyone could help, that would be fantastic as we cant make our minds...
Thank you !
- Will this be your first dog? If not, what experience do you have owning/training dogs?
First dog of myown, before we had a family dogs ( mostly boxers )
- Do you have a preference for rescuing a dog vs. going through a \[reputable breeder\]( http://ownresponsibly.blogspot.com/2011/07/identifying-reputable-breeder.html)?
reputable breeder
- Describe your ideal dog.
Medium size, up to 20kg. Not shedding a ton, easy to train and easy around other people and animals. ideally with minimal healt issues. Able to ocassionaly walk longer walks, but comfortable with short ones too as weather in UK doesnt always allow 20km strolls. Rare, less uncommon breeds are deifniately something we like, but not a nessesity. Dog which will be balanced, with cheeky attitude and healthy balance of being indenpendant, and clingy
- What breeds or types of dogs are you interested in and why?
Boston terrier - For all characteristics apart from health issues and being able to do long walks due to face buiild. I had a look at Shiba inu, but im worried of challange. If labrador would come in smaller sizes, that would be fantastic - altough its a super common dog and this puts us off a bit. We had a look at amstaffs, want to visit basenji breeder too. Dogs like poodles, pug, english bulldogs, french bulldogs are a no go. we love them, but too many issues and wont fit our lifestyle
- What sorts of things would you like to train your dog to do?
I want him to not beg, fetch, ignore other people when on walks and i want to trust him that he wont run away on first occasion.
- Do you want to compete with your dog in a sport (e.g. agility, obedience, rally) or use your dog for a form of work (e.g. hunting, herding, livestock guarding)? If so, how much experience do you have with this work/sport?
no
\*\*Care Commitments\*\*
7) How long do you want to devote to training, playing with, or otherwise interacting with your dog each day?
1/3h a day
- How long can you exercise your dog each day, on average? What sorts of exercise are you planning to give your dog regularly and does that include using a dog park?
I wanted to train him myself probably max 1h a day for training only, with 1 visit a week with profesional trainer.
- How much regular brushing are you willing to do? Are you open to trimming hair, cleaning ears, or doing other grooming at home? If not, would you be willing to pay a professional to do it regularly?
Ideally if there wouldnt be too much grooming at home. occasional professional visit is not a problem, but maybe not more often thatn evert 3 months ? Obviosuly cleaning dog reghulary doesnt fall under grooming, but i dont want to spend 1h each day with brush just to make sure there is no furr everywhere
\*\*Personal Preferences\*\*
- What size dog are you looking for?
Small, Medium
- How much shedding, barking, and slobber can you handle?
Moderate sheding, moderate/low barking, no slobber
- How important is being able to let your dog off-leash in an unfenced area?
Just occasionally as its not legal in UK. Maybe occasionally on beach etc.
\*\*Dog Personality and Behavior\*\*
- Do you want a snuggly dog or one that prefers some personal space?
i would like to have a dog which wont mind a snugging
- Would you prefer a dog that wants to do its own thing or one that’s more eager-to-please?
one which dont mind do its own thing but not one which is fully indenpendant like a cat.
- How would you prefer your dog to respond to someone knocking on the door or entering your yard? How would you prefer your dog to greet strangers or visitors?
Friendly to strangers and visitors.
- Are you willing to manage a dog that is aggressive to other dogs?
Yes, but i would like to avoid breeds which lean towards agressive behaviours.
- Are there any other behaviors you can’t deal with or want to avoid?
Destroying at home and constant yapping/yelling ( like huskies or german sheppards )
\*\*Lifestyle\*\*
- How often and how long will the dog be left alone?
maybe an hour day, we both work from home but occasionally when we go for shopping or to the gym.
- What are the dog-related preferences of other people in the house and what will be their involvement in caring for the dog?
same as above.
- Do you have other pets or are you planning on having other pets? What breed or type of animal are they?
Visiting french bulldog, no other animals at home.
- Will the dog be interacting with children regularly?
\*no
- Do you rent or plan to rent in the future? If applicable, what breed or weight restrictions are on your current lease?
We owe our house
- What city or country do you live in and are you aware of any laws banning certain breeds?
UK, West YOrkshire
- What is the average temperature of a typical summer and winter day where you live?
winter between 1 down to -5, summer on average 18/22 with occasional heat waves up to 28/32
\*\*Additional Information and Questions\*\*
- Please provide any additional information you feel may be relevant.
There is none