There are so many incredible breeds out there it is hard to know where to start. All my animals have been shelter/rescues. Up until recently I was very active in the horse world - which takes a lot of time. However, I am moving away from that and would like to put more effort in to dogs. I have loved training them, worked with a few types of breeds as well as gone hunting with various pointers and retrievers.
I'd like my next dog (not in any rush) to be my new partner. I've not had a dog of my own for two years and it is getting lonely - especially now that I have mostly stopped training horses and teaching riding lessons. Can people here help point me in the right direction?
Here is what I am looking for...
-Moderate to large size, no giants though. 40 - 75 lbs.
-Somewhat active. I'd like a dog that I can do agility, hiking and potentially other breed specific trials (absolutely love watching a good bird dog). Would also like to look into showing as well, but I prefer performance based competitions first and foremost.
-Trainability. I love some of the "slower" breeds but stubborness can frustrate me. Perhaps I am not smart enough for that type of dog!
-At least has the look of being protective. I hike alone and whether it is people or cougars (mainly people I am worried about) I'd like to feel safer.
-Grooming, easy to moderate. Once a week is fine. I can deal with shedding but prefer not to have the type of shedding that comes with labs and shepherds.
-Independence is just fine. I do not need an extra shadow. I do want a dog that will have a decent recall (I know a lot of this has to do with training! But I think it leaves out hounds and some terriers).
-With socialization, is a dependable dog and good with children. (I do not have any but you never know! )
-The ability to snuggle on a couch and keep me warm in the winter.
-Good with a house cat. She is my princess, rescued, and deserves respect from the new dog.
What I am willing to be flexible on is the activity level (either more or less), grooming (more is okay if the dog suits my needs) and the size. Trainability and a good disposition/family dog are a must. I plan on speaking with responsible breeders and am willing to wait for that special pup/dog.
Thanks so much in advance for helping a newb on the board!
- Nicole
I'd like my next dog (not in any rush) to be my new partner. I've not had a dog of my own for two years and it is getting lonely - especially now that I have mostly stopped training horses and teaching riding lessons. Can people here help point me in the right direction?
Here is what I am looking for...
-Moderate to large size, no giants though. 40 - 75 lbs.
-Somewhat active. I'd like a dog that I can do agility, hiking and potentially other breed specific trials (absolutely love watching a good bird dog). Would also like to look into showing as well, but I prefer performance based competitions first and foremost.
-Trainability. I love some of the "slower" breeds but stubborness can frustrate me. Perhaps I am not smart enough for that type of dog!
-At least has the look of being protective. I hike alone and whether it is people or cougars (mainly people I am worried about) I'd like to feel safer.
-Grooming, easy to moderate. Once a week is fine. I can deal with shedding but prefer not to have the type of shedding that comes with labs and shepherds.
-Independence is just fine. I do not need an extra shadow. I do want a dog that will have a decent recall (I know a lot of this has to do with training! But I think it leaves out hounds and some terriers).
-With socialization, is a dependable dog and good with children. (I do not have any but you never know! )
-The ability to snuggle on a couch and keep me warm in the winter.
-Good with a house cat. She is my princess, rescued, and deserves respect from the new dog.
What I am willing to be flexible on is the activity level (either more or less), grooming (more is okay if the dog suits my needs) and the size. Trainability and a good disposition/family dog are a must. I plan on speaking with responsible breeders and am willing to wait for that special pup/dog.
Thanks so much in advance for helping a newb on the board!
- Nicole