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Hi all. This is my first post here. Currently, I'm a high school student looking for a companion. My parents aren't too crazy about dogs and I'm not really sure if we're going to get a dog but I would still like to know the ideal breed for me anyways. I plan to work at my local shelter for a year + just so I can really know what I'm in for if my family does decide to get a dog. I don't what to be one of those bratty teens who gets sick of their dogs. I really do love animals and if I had a dog, I would give it my full attention. I've wanted a dog for years now. Maybe like 3+ years. I recently had a hamster 2 years ago and I got sick of it and readopted it after a year. A hamster does not compare to a dog though... I was looking more for a companion not an exotic animal. I just hope I'm able to handle the responsibility of a dog.
Anyways, enough about me. Here's what I'm looking for:
Size:
A small dog... but not teacup small. Like a French bulldog or Aussie 15-25 pounds.
Behavior:
A Chill, laid back dog.
Is calm in the house. My mother is really organized and she is proud of the house the way it is. We can't have a destructive hyper dog.
A dog that doesn't bark much
I have no other pets but there is a 8 year old in the house, and I have little cousins who love dogs. So the dog has to be good with kids.
Grooming:
A dog that doesn't shed much. Very little- no shedding is a MUST. Again, we would like to keep our house relatively neat and tidy.
Good for a first time owner (so not too much extra maintenance/ not many health problems.
Exercise:
The dog will get some exercise, but I would like it to be happier cuddling. I'm pretty lazy so I want a dog that I can just sit with. So pretty low energy level.
I plan to walk on the trail behind my house, play fetch in the yard, and maybe run around in the nearby field from time to time. But that's pretty much it. Just basic exercise and basic training is all my family and I care for.
Time:
Well, everyone in the family is at work and school from 8:00am-4:00pm... so the dog can't be too time consuming. It should be pretty independent, but still greet me when I come home.
On weekdays, We have maybe 1 hour of free time in the afternoon for walks, training etc. We also sit in the living room for a good hour at night time from like 8:30-9:30pm. During that time we could play fetch by throwing a dog toy down the hall or something like that.
Climate:
Over here it's warm in the summer, and cold in the winter. Nothing too bad though. It doesn't snow here also.
I hope I don't sound rude, or stubborn, or selfish. I realize my list is extensive.
For possible breeds, I was thinking something like a French bulldog/ Australian terrier mix? I get the laziness of the bulldog, but with the coat of a Aussie and sense I have a mix, I won't have to deal with the health problems bulldogs have. (Pushed in face, breathing problems, etc.) this is just an idea though.
Additional info:
My lifestyle is different and I'm still trying to decide if a dog is best for me... Or if I should wait until I move out. I mean 8-4, That doesn't leave me with very much free time. Plus I have homework too.
Is it practical to fit a dog in to a busy schedule? I know they are a lot of work, but I know so many class mates who have dogs and I'm just like... :O how do you make time?!
Some questions:
Weddings, parties, and other events come up almost every weekend (literally) What can we do with the dog when it's a busy Saturday night and we're out from around 12pm-12am? That does happen sometimes.
Does a dog really make it hard for you to keep your house clean? My parents are very big on cleanliness and 'maintaining their household' lol so that's a big thing I guess. I've seen houses that are filthy and that have that 'dog smell' and then there's my aunt. Her house is spotless. The carpet is bright white with no stains, all dog toys are put away, no sign of fur, and no dog smell at all. She has a single male Pomeranian.
Does your family like dogs? My family does not like dogs but I feel like I can't live without one. :/ I do need support for my family if we get a dog though. A dog is not a pet for a single teen.
How much does a dog cost? Initial startup, vet bills, checkups, toys, treats, ... Everything.
Anyways, enough about me. Here's what I'm looking for:
Size:
A small dog... but not teacup small. Like a French bulldog or Aussie 15-25 pounds.
Behavior:
A Chill, laid back dog.
Is calm in the house. My mother is really organized and she is proud of the house the way it is. We can't have a destructive hyper dog.
A dog that doesn't bark much
I have no other pets but there is a 8 year old in the house, and I have little cousins who love dogs. So the dog has to be good with kids.
Grooming:
A dog that doesn't shed much. Very little- no shedding is a MUST. Again, we would like to keep our house relatively neat and tidy.
Good for a first time owner (so not too much extra maintenance/ not many health problems.
Exercise:
The dog will get some exercise, but I would like it to be happier cuddling. I'm pretty lazy so I want a dog that I can just sit with. So pretty low energy level.
I plan to walk on the trail behind my house, play fetch in the yard, and maybe run around in the nearby field from time to time. But that's pretty much it. Just basic exercise and basic training is all my family and I care for.
Time:
Well, everyone in the family is at work and school from 8:00am-4:00pm... so the dog can't be too time consuming. It should be pretty independent, but still greet me when I come home.
On weekdays, We have maybe 1 hour of free time in the afternoon for walks, training etc. We also sit in the living room for a good hour at night time from like 8:30-9:30pm. During that time we could play fetch by throwing a dog toy down the hall or something like that.
Climate:
Over here it's warm in the summer, and cold in the winter. Nothing too bad though. It doesn't snow here also.
I hope I don't sound rude, or stubborn, or selfish. I realize my list is extensive.
For possible breeds, I was thinking something like a French bulldog/ Australian terrier mix? I get the laziness of the bulldog, but with the coat of a Aussie and sense I have a mix, I won't have to deal with the health problems bulldogs have. (Pushed in face, breathing problems, etc.) this is just an idea though.
Additional info:
My lifestyle is different and I'm still trying to decide if a dog is best for me... Or if I should wait until I move out. I mean 8-4, That doesn't leave me with very much free time. Plus I have homework too.
Is it practical to fit a dog in to a busy schedule? I know they are a lot of work, but I know so many class mates who have dogs and I'm just like... :O how do you make time?!
Some questions:
Weddings, parties, and other events come up almost every weekend (literally) What can we do with the dog when it's a busy Saturday night and we're out from around 12pm-12am? That does happen sometimes.
Does a dog really make it hard for you to keep your house clean? My parents are very big on cleanliness and 'maintaining their household' lol so that's a big thing I guess. I've seen houses that are filthy and that have that 'dog smell' and then there's my aunt. Her house is spotless. The carpet is bright white with no stains, all dog toys are put away, no sign of fur, and no dog smell at all. She has a single male Pomeranian.
Does your family like dogs? My family does not like dogs but I feel like I can't live without one. :/ I do need support for my family if we get a dog though. A dog is not a pet for a single teen.
How much does a dog cost? Initial startup, vet bills, checkups, toys, treats, ... Everything.