What breed would fit my lifestyle best?

Introduction**

1) Will this be your first dog? If not, what experience do you have owning/training dogs?

• No, it will not. As a kid, my family owned a chocolate lab and dachshund.

2) Do you have a preference for rescuing a dog vs. going through a reputable breeder?

• I would prefer to go through a reputable breeder.

3) Describe your ideal dog.

• Loyal, large, open to outdoor activities, and very energetic.

4) What breeds or types of dogs are you interested in and why?

• • Siberian Husky. Why? I heard it was a great family dog and very loyal and open to outdoor activities.

• Golden Retriever. Why? Also heard it was an OUTSTANDING family dog, very loyal and loves kids.

• Bernese Mountain Dog. Why? Thick fur coat for long periods outside in cold weather, and a great family dog.

•German Shepherd. Why? Very good protector of the house and very loyal.

5) What sorts of things would you like to train your dog to do?

• How to sit, to give paw, to stop barking, to come, to leave something alone

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?

• I will devote however long it takes for my dog to be satisfied, I could spend around an hour or two with the dog outside if I have to, and if I have to train it I can take around an hour or two out of my day as well.

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?

• Around an hour or two, and I would just teach it to run with me and I could take it to a dog park to interact with other dogs occasionally.

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 can brush every day of the week if I absolutely must. I will pay a professional to do it regularly.

Personal Preferences

10) What size dog are you looking for?

• Large.

11) How much shedding, barking, and slobber can you handle?

• Shedding- It’s fine, I will vacuum every day. Barking- Also fine, just not too much. Slobber- Not much, I don’t want a lot of slobber at all.

12) How important is being able to let your dog off-leash in an unfenced area?

• Important, I will teach the dog this if able to.

Dog Personality and Behavior

13) Do you want a snuggly dog or one that prefers some personal space?

• Snuggly dog.

14) Would you prefer a dog that wants to do its own thing or one that’s more eager-to-please?

• Eager-to-please.

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?

• I would prefer them not to bark at the door, it is fine if they see the stranger enter the house, I am willing to calm them down.

16) Are you willing to manage a dog that is aggressive to other dogs?

• Yes.

17) Are there any other behaviors you can’t deal with or want to avoid?

• No.

Lifestyle

18) How often and how long will the dog be left alone?

• About 1/3 of the day on weekdays, as me and my fiancée have to work, but on weekends we are mostly free.

19) What are the dog-related preferences of other people in the house and what will be their involvement in caring for the dog?

• Me and my fiancée have the same preferences for the dog, my fiancée will also put in the same amount of work as I will.

20) Do you have other pets or are you planning on having other pets? What breed or type of animal are they?

• No, just one dog.

21) Will the dog be interacting with children regularly?

• Yes, we are planning on having children soon after we purchase the dog.

22) Do you rent or plan to rent in the future? If applicable, what breed or weight restrictions are on your current lease?

• We own a house.

23) What city or country do you live in and are you aware of any laws banning certain breeds?

• We live in Tigard, OR, and no.

24) What is the average temperature of a typical summer and winter day where you live?

• We have relatively mild summers and cold winters with minimal snow.

Additional Information and Questions

25) Please provide any additional information you feel may be relevant.

• No additional information.

26) Feel free to ask any questions below.