Hey all!
I am looking at getting a second dog within the next year or two and I wanted to get a jump on it. I'm a research nerd! I came here seeking advice and reccomendations on the breed/size/age.
I currently own a 7-month-old female yellow lab. Idgie is pure muscle, long and lean, and I wouldn't expect her to grow any larger than 55-60 lbs. She is an absolute doll, but full of energy! I'd say energy-level-wise she is probably pretty typical for a lab, running amuck one minute and collapsing the next. She gets along very well with other dogs (the doggy daycare ladies use her as a meet-and-greet and socialization guinea pig, which she loves), but she is definetely still in the puppy mindset (clueless to wants of older, quieter dogs) and I'll expect she'll stay that way for the next few years at least. I'd like a breed that can match her energy level and serve as a good playmate.
She has a huge fettish for little dogs. But, if I dog go for a smaller breed, the breed must be able to hold its own (i.e. a Jack Russell, although my boyfriend isn't a huge fan of the breed). She doesn't know her own strength (or how to stop!) and tends to bulldoze or lineback little ones (to my boyfriend's amusement and my horror).
I'd like to get a puppy or young dog, as I feel the acclimation between the two dogs would be easier. I am well equipped to train a young one, as I work as a teacher and have the summer off for potty training and Sit-Stay-Come 101. I am fairly active and able to walk my dog, take her to the dog park, play fetch, etc.
On a final note, the dog does not have to be a purebred -- I'd love to adopt or rescue from the Humane Society or a local Rescue. I just want to add another member to my family and provide my lab with a playmate -- she would love it so!
I am looking at getting a second dog within the next year or two and I wanted to get a jump on it. I'm a research nerd! I came here seeking advice and reccomendations on the breed/size/age.
I currently own a 7-month-old female yellow lab. Idgie is pure muscle, long and lean, and I wouldn't expect her to grow any larger than 55-60 lbs. She is an absolute doll, but full of energy! I'd say energy-level-wise she is probably pretty typical for a lab, running amuck one minute and collapsing the next. She gets along very well with other dogs (the doggy daycare ladies use her as a meet-and-greet and socialization guinea pig, which she loves), but she is definetely still in the puppy mindset (clueless to wants of older, quieter dogs) and I'll expect she'll stay that way for the next few years at least. I'd like a breed that can match her energy level and serve as a good playmate.
She has a huge fettish for little dogs. But, if I dog go for a smaller breed, the breed must be able to hold its own (i.e. a Jack Russell, although my boyfriend isn't a huge fan of the breed). She doesn't know her own strength (or how to stop!) and tends to bulldoze or lineback little ones (to my boyfriend's amusement and my horror).
I'd like to get a puppy or young dog, as I feel the acclimation between the two dogs would be easier. I am well equipped to train a young one, as I work as a teacher and have the summer off for potty training and Sit-Stay-Come 101. I am fairly active and able to walk my dog, take her to the dog park, play fetch, etc.
On a final note, the dog does not have to be a purebred -- I'd love to adopt or rescue from the Humane Society or a local Rescue. I just want to add another member to my family and provide my lab with a playmate -- she would love it so!
