So I'm trying to figure out which dog breed would fit my lifestyle and my preferences. It'll probably be at least a couple of years before I even start inquiring about a dog so this is all just research for the future.
**Introduction** 1) Will this be your first dog? If not, what experience do you have owning/training dogs? * No. I grew up with dogs (lab/gsp mix, shih Tzu mix, pitty mixes) and have fostered dogs as an adult 2) 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)? * Probably a breeder for the predictability and because they can match a puppy to me 3) Describe your ideal dog. * Low-moderate energy, short single coated, gets along with other dogs and with cats, medium-large sized. Not necessarily independent but I'm not really into Velcro dogs either. I'd also like a dog to look slightly intimidating in case I'm walking the dog alone 4) What breeds or types of dogs are you interested in and why? * I've thought about an American Staffordshire Terrier but I'm worried about dog aggression. I've also thought about a black or chocolate lab from show lines but I'm not sure if they have that intimation factor. Plus they have that doggy smell. Not ruling them out though. I've also thought about Shih Tzus because the personality matches but they're too small. 5) What sorts of things would you like to train your dog to do? * I would take them to a variety of training classes. There's a trainer near me that does group puppy classes and various obedience, trick, and miscellaneous classes that I'd like to do with my dog. 6) 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? * Several hours. I'm not interested in getting a dog unless I'm able to devote a decent amount of time into it's care. 8) 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? * About 2 hours. Most would be walks but I'll also use SniffSpot or something similar occasionally so they would have off leash time. And no to dog parks 9) 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? * I'd prefer a "wash and wear" dog. I can bring them to the groomers every couple months but have little interest in spending a lot of time grooming an animal (3 long haired cats taught me that lol) **Personal Preferences** 10) What size dog are you looking for? * Medium to large. I definitely don't want anything huge (like a mastiff) or anything small (like a Chihuahua) 11) How much shedding, barking, and slobber can you handle? * Shedding isn't a huge deal but I prefer short hair over long. Not a fan of barking but I can also train them to be quiet (hopefully lol). I do not like slobber 12) How important is being able to let your dog off-leash in an unfenced area? * Not important **Dog Personality and Behavior** 13) Do you prefer a snuggly dog or one that prefers some space? * Kind of in between. Likes attention but also fine just being nearby 14) Would you prefer a dog that wants to do its own thing or one that’s more eager-to-please? * Also kind of in between 15) 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? * They can show some interest. But I'm fine if they're indifferent to either situation 16) Are you willing to manage a dog that is aggressive to other dogs? * Yes and no. My husband wants a Euasier so it'll need to be able to get along with another dog in the house. But I'm fine if the dog isn't a fan of dogs outside it's household 17) Are there any other behaviors you can’t deal with or want to avoid? * I'd like a dog that doesn't make my life inherently difficult. For example, I wouldn't want a dog with extreme separation anxiety or one that is a bite risk. **Lifestyle** 18) How often and how long will the dog be left alone? * Probably just a couple of hours here and there when we go grocery shopping or out for dinner 19) What are the dog-related preferences of other people in the house and what will be their involvement in caring for the dog? * Well my husband and I plan of getting our own dogs and we'll train and groom our own dog. Obviously we'll share responsibilities of feeding/watering both and cleaning up after them. 20) Do you have other pets or are you planning on having other pets? What breed or type of animal are they? * I currently have 5 cats and we plan on having another dog (Eurasier) 21) Will the dog be interacting with children regularly? * Probably not 22) Do you rent or plan to rent in the future? If applicable, what breed or weight restrictions are on your current lease? * No 23) What city or country do you live in and are you aware of any laws banning certain breeds? * United States. No breed restrictions where I am 24) What is the average temperature of a typical summer and winter day where you live? * Summer is 80s/90s with high humidity. Winter is usually 10s/20s **Additional Information and Questions** 25) Please provide additional information you feel may be relevant. * Some of these answers are speculations. I currently live in a townhouse and am out of the house for 10-11 hours a day. I would not be getting a dog unless we got into an actual house and if I actually had the time. I also don't like a strong doggy odor and I don't like the way curly haired dogs feel. I also have zero interest in designer breeds. Because of the cats, I'd want a puppy vs an adult.
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