Just pondering about future breeds and wondering if you guys have any good suggestions.
Here is my criteria.
Small - nothing above Sheltie size roughly.
Personality - lively - I love dogs who are 'spirited' and 'spunky' and who are interested exploring, learning and just being fairly active.
I don't mind having a dog that is a bit of a challenge to train (I'm looking at you, Abby). I don't mind having a dog that will think for herself. I would prefer a 'people-focused' dog. Doesn't need to love strangers, but will love her own people. I have no kids. Preferably no or little predisposition to dog aggression.
Activity levels - I currently walk my girl everyday for about 40 mins, sometimes twice a day with another walk lasting around 20 minutes. We don't have 'offlead' time, but I like have her on the long-line and let her run about and explore. We usually do some sort of training throughout the day, some agility/obedience and some shaping/tricks etc. Later in the evening we chill on the couch. So I guess we need that 'off-switch' and I need a dog that won't go to pieces if some bizarre set of circumstances means that I can't walk them for a day. I do work full-time, but spend a lot of my time before and after work with my current girl.
Grooming needs - I'm open about this. Abby is a long-haired chi x and so I spend roughly 15 minutes most days just brushing and going over her. I do like a bit of coat, but I'd be happy with a short-haired coat too. Wire-hair is ok too.
Health - really important. I want a healthy robust breed overall, and one that it generally long-lived.
I'd be looking to do obedience and agility with this dog, but it's not the be all and end all. I'm after an active companion first and foremost.
TIA
Here is my criteria.
Small - nothing above Sheltie size roughly.
Personality - lively - I love dogs who are 'spirited' and 'spunky' and who are interested exploring, learning and just being fairly active.
I don't mind having a dog that is a bit of a challenge to train (I'm looking at you, Abby). I don't mind having a dog that will think for herself. I would prefer a 'people-focused' dog. Doesn't need to love strangers, but will love her own people. I have no kids. Preferably no or little predisposition to dog aggression.
Activity levels - I currently walk my girl everyday for about 40 mins, sometimes twice a day with another walk lasting around 20 minutes. We don't have 'offlead' time, but I like have her on the long-line and let her run about and explore. We usually do some sort of training throughout the day, some agility/obedience and some shaping/tricks etc. Later in the evening we chill on the couch. So I guess we need that 'off-switch' and I need a dog that won't go to pieces if some bizarre set of circumstances means that I can't walk them for a day. I do work full-time, but spend a lot of my time before and after work with my current girl.
Grooming needs - I'm open about this. Abby is a long-haired chi x and so I spend roughly 15 minutes most days just brushing and going over her. I do like a bit of coat, but I'd be happy with a short-haired coat too. Wire-hair is ok too.
Health - really important. I want a healthy robust breed overall, and one that it generally long-lived.
I'd be looking to do obedience and agility with this dog, but it's not the be all and end all. I'm after an active companion first and foremost.
TIA