So, my dog-want has ebbed quite a bit, and I think that I've decided that I'm going to wait another two+ years before I get another dog - I may even wait until Middie passes away. My reasoning for wanting NextDog within 2-3 years is that I wanted another dog that I could work on manners while I still have an active dog who can go jogging or hiking with me. The reality of the situation is that I have a two-year plan for where I'm living now, and in two years my roommate is moving out of the city and into the mountains, so I'll have to find another place to live. She's open to four dogs in the meantime, but I don't think I am - and I can always borrow hers when I want to do something that I can't bring Middie for.
So, I think I'm going to wait until I'm settled into my next place before seriously considering another dog, unless the perfect one falls into my lap. I'm pretty happy being responsible for the feeding and care of only one dog.
With all that in mind, here's the updated list.
I want a non-shedder, ideally. If I have to have fur I want a longhair, preferably single-coated - but I can deal with an Aussie/Golden type coat.
I want a dog who is medium to high energy who will keep me active.
I want a dog who is a little sharp.
I don't want a breed that is known to be excessively barky.
My minimum is going to be 60lbs. Preferably I'll be looking at 75+.
I would also like a breed that could be an off-leash dog. This isn't a requirement, just a want.
Collies and Aussies are basically out because of the likelihood of barking. Goldens might be in the running simply because I can find one in rescue that I'd like, and going through rescue is going to be the easiest/most sensible choice for me.
Dobes are still in because I love them, and, well, I love them. So Sizzle - if Bruda has a relatively chill breeder return in the next 2-3 years, let me know. I love the looks and the temperament of Bruda's dogs.
If I'm going to consider a shedding breed, I might as well continue considering Greyhounds as well - they come straight from the track at the age I want, and occasionally you find higher-energy ones.
Standard Poodles are at the top of the list, because being able to hug my dog before I leave work without getting covered in fur has a major appeal to me. As does never having to vacuum fur out of the house. A Doodle mix is also a definite possibility, because they get even bigger than standards do and tend to be higher energy. I'd either be looking in rescue or for a breeder rehome.
Affies and Zois will always be a consideration - but there's little to no chance of me getting one through rescue. I'd probably have to get a puppy or a breeder rehome.
Bouviers I would also consider, but that's going to involve going the breeder route for sure, and I would prefer not to have a puppy. It also looks like they are double-coated and shed, and might have a very guardy temperament. I haven't met one in person yet, though, so who knows.
I am following this thread with interest. Your wish list is my wish list (except I want a dog a fraction of the size: 20-30 pounds is perfect to me.) I really lucked out with Lucy, she has the absolute perfect coat. Long, soft, fluffy, and while she sheds it's always in "clumps". I find dust bunnies of hair in the corners, behind the sofa, or after she rolls around on the carpet, but she can lay in my lap and I can pet her for hours and not have a single hair in my hand.
You should get a PWD. They would be perfect for you. Similar temperament to Lucy but a little more chill, and no shedding - but a nice long, soft coat! Every one I've met has been Lucy-sized.