Looking for a breed. Suggest one?

[Triforce]

Hello everyone. I have come here in search of a purebred dog breed for myself. This is my first time in searching for a dog, so I don't know what to look for, or much about breeds.

I just lost both my dogs in 09'. I grew up with these dogs as my parents got them when I was 2 years old from a neighbor who was moving and didn't want them anymore. They were Toy Poodle x Shih Tzu mixes named Tulip & Miles. They were both 14 when they passed away, they were from the same litter and bought at a pet store by our old neighbors. They lived good long lives, but both needed our help in passing over due to medical problems and pain.

I find myself ready for a new dog. I would like a purebred dog this time though. Though, I don't even know where to start with so many! So I hope those here may help!

I would like to have a go at a larger breed dog. One who may be more interested in doing things then my two little ones had been. When I took Tulip & Miles on hikes or walks, they were slow and not interested and wanted to just stop and lay, but I would like a dog who would be making me have to keep up, haha. One that likes to go for long hikes and walks and bike rides. I plan to do agility with my new dog, as I've always wanted to, but again - Tulip & Miles weren't interested, so I didn't get a chance to unless my friend or family would let me borrow their dog for a day! Grooming & hair length isn't a problem...I don't want a smooth coat exactly, but one with some fluff to it! I would really like a loyal dog, who would (hopefully) enjoy my company. One who is willing to learn, and somewhat easy to train...also would like it to be a dog who enjoys learning things!

I hope you can help here! If there are some things I missed out that are important in looking for a breed, please bring it up or ask me about it and I will answer! I'm hoping I can get a nice list to look into to find myself a "perfect" breed!

Thanks in advance.

 

[Jynx]

how about a golden retriever?

 

[oakash]

A golden sounds great, or a lab.

Poodles would also work, they are highly intelligent, and pretty active too. Most people think they are Froo froo dogs, but they really aren't

 

[Dekka]

If the only reason you don't want small is because you are worried they won't want to do things, you need to look at the right small dogs (and avoid the 'wrong' big dogs. There are large breeds that don't enjoy long hikes either)

Most retrievers would fit your 'wants' The best thing is to go out and meet dogs. Loads sound good to me on paper, but not in real life.

 

[*blackrose]

Golden Retriever was the first thought that popped into my head. Well bred Goldens are just amazing dogs.

I also second the Poodle idea. Standard Poodles are BIG dogs and would be a good fit, I think.

Or, if you wanted something more novel and not so large...Keeshond?

 

[Moth]

I would say check out if there are any dog shows in your area that you can get to. They usually have a meet the breed both at shows where you can talk to experience people about various breeds.

Also you will get to look at a lot of different breeds and talk to their owners and handlers.

Another good resource are books...they will give you some ideas of where to start.

 

[Xandra]

How seriously do you want to get into agility?

 

[Aleron]

A nice smooth or rough collie could suit your needs well, depending on the grooming you want to do. Their parent club has an excellent guide to the breed: Collie Club Of America: The Collie as a Family Dog

I also agree that size isn't that limiting as far as energy and trainability. Our corgi is a great size, has energy to spare and is super trainable. He is actually more go-go-go than most of my Belgians! Some recent photos of an outing with him: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Aleron-Dogs/287557245498?ref=ts#!/media/set/?set=a.10150241638095499.366916.287557245498

And some clips of him at Flyball class - people are constantly surprised watching him in agility and flyball by his speed:YouTube - Flyball Beginer Class YABTC

 

[milos_mommy]

A brittany would be a good choice! I agree going to some dog shows would be a great idea.

 

[Toller_08]

A Toller could very likely fit your needs.

 

[Skivvies]

A standard poodle sounds like a good fit.

If you're open to a smaller dog, maybe a shetland sheepdog? My friend has a sheltie and his dog is very easy to train, loves to go on hikes and long walks, and is really attached to his owner. And he's definitely got fluff, haha. One thing to keep in mind though is that shelties tend to bark a lot.

 

[Raegan]

I think your best bet would be to get out and meet a lot of dogs from a lot of breeds. Dog shows are great for this, but so are agility and obedience trials. I tend to see more variety of breeds at agility, but that will depend on your location. Obedience here is just Golden Retrievers for miles. Most medium sized dogs from the sporting and herding groups are going to fit your energy and trainability requirements, but there's going to be some breeds that look great on paper but you just don't "click" with.

The AKC website has an event search: American Kennel Club - Event and Awards Search

 

[JL'sPack]

To me, you just basicaly described a Golden Retriever. Loyal, energetic, fluffy coat, somewhat large, easy to train etc. I honestly think that for anyone who's never owned a large breed dog before, a Golden is great place to start. (plus, they're eay to find)