I'm getting my next dog in the next 2 years. Aside from our Papillon, I only have experience with Border Collies and BC mixes. I even suspect that my rescue chow mix is part Border collie...
I want to broaden my horizons and get a new experience. This will be the first dog I'll be getting into serious dog "stuff" with. I really want to start networking in the dog world more and becoming part of that community. But at this point, I've been to so many events and done so much research that I think I've overwhelmed myself with my options! But here's where I am...
- I would REALLY like a dog who gets high points in affection. I've loved all my border babies but none of them were ever in your face affectionate. Last year I helped my roommate raise her weimaraner pup for the first year, and Oh my god she just always wanted to be in your face or snuggling. She was practically obsessed with her owner, definitely a velcro dog. I get how this can annoy some folks, but I've figured out that with me, I want a pooch that wants to be in my lap snuggling at night.
-I'm not particularly interested in most retrievers. The one exception would be the Flat Coat. I found one breeder who I really like, but even so, Flat Coat wouldn't be my first choice...unless it turns out to be too perfect of a match. I've never spent much time with Flat Coats, so thus far I've had to rely on research with this breed.
-I've always been attracted to sighthounds, and used to do a lot of work with the greyhound/whippet rescue nearby, but never hear a whole lot about sighthounds with obedience or therapy work. Would I be able to train any sighthound breed for off leash hiking?? One that has less prey drive than the other?
-I'll be renting for at least the next few years so any breed hated by insurance companies is off the table. Which is a bummer because I think a Doberman or a bully breed would work well for me. ESPECIALLY a Dobe, I have always loved them and have heard they're velcro dogs.
-I have one more, off color consideration I've been thinking about lately. Newfoundland? I was impressed by the breed club and the emphasis they put on water rescue, therapy, obedience work... emailed a few breeders who seem like they do A LOT with their Newfs. The affection obviously fits the bill. Anyone have any experience in doing activities with these guys? I always thought of them as pretty low energy. I'm totally fine with a couch potato around the house as long as they're motivated to train and do fun things with me outside of the house! Shedding also isn't a concern as I'm already grooming my Chow mix's crazy coat every day.
So, as you can see, I'm all over the map right now! Would love some help and perspective to get myself focused!
I want to broaden my horizons and get a new experience. This will be the first dog I'll be getting into serious dog "stuff" with. I really want to start networking in the dog world more and becoming part of that community. But at this point, I've been to so many events and done so much research that I think I've overwhelmed myself with my options! But here's where I am...
- I would REALLY like a dog who gets high points in affection. I've loved all my border babies but none of them were ever in your face affectionate. Last year I helped my roommate raise her weimaraner pup for the first year, and Oh my god she just always wanted to be in your face or snuggling. She was practically obsessed with her owner, definitely a velcro dog. I get how this can annoy some folks, but I've figured out that with me, I want a pooch that wants to be in my lap snuggling at night.
-I'm not particularly interested in most retrievers. The one exception would be the Flat Coat. I found one breeder who I really like, but even so, Flat Coat wouldn't be my first choice...unless it turns out to be too perfect of a match. I've never spent much time with Flat Coats, so thus far I've had to rely on research with this breed.
-I've always been attracted to sighthounds, and used to do a lot of work with the greyhound/whippet rescue nearby, but never hear a whole lot about sighthounds with obedience or therapy work. Would I be able to train any sighthound breed for off leash hiking?? One that has less prey drive than the other?
-I'll be renting for at least the next few years so any breed hated by insurance companies is off the table. Which is a bummer because I think a Doberman or a bully breed would work well for me. ESPECIALLY a Dobe, I have always loved them and have heard they're velcro dogs.
-I have one more, off color consideration I've been thinking about lately. Newfoundland? I was impressed by the breed club and the emphasis they put on water rescue, therapy, obedience work... emailed a few breeders who seem like they do A LOT with their Newfs. The affection obviously fits the bill. Anyone have any experience in doing activities with these guys? I always thought of them as pretty low energy. I'm totally fine with a couch potato around the house as long as they're motivated to train and do fun things with me outside of the house! Shedding also isn't a concern as I'm already grooming my Chow mix's crazy coat every day.
So, as you can see, I'm all over the map right now! Would love some help and perspective to get myself focused!