Potential Candidates?
I have been researching possible future dogs for myself, and it's so much fun to do! I always assumed I'd only get shelter dogs, but I would really like to be able to get dogs I know all the history on, all the health info of the parents, grandparents, and so on, solid temperament info, have them raised exactly a certain way, etc. I know there are no perfect dogs that will never get sick or hurt, but I'd like to support the responsible breeders and take less chances for my own peace of mind. I'd like to feel like I have some idea on potential longevity, starting by going with a line of long-lived dogs.
I'm not sure if my future pup will happen anytime soon. My current dog doesn't do well with other dogs, so it would all depend on how much I can work on that with her. She is almost ten, so I'm not sure how fair it'd be. I think she'd love being around another dog again like she was when younger, but it would just depend on a lot with her.
What I am looking for:
A dog that is likely to have a very long lifespan, without health concerns. I have read some great things on lifespan from a few breeds, and this is a big priority for me. I can find all sorts of breeds I know I'd love, but I want to narrow it down to one that will be more likely to be with me for as long as possible. The one exception here is the Norwegian Lundehund, because I am in love with them, but even they are getting into the 14-year range now.
A dog that will be very devoted to me. I love the Pit Bulls I have been around. I love their love for people. I love the fact that they would be happiest if they could only get INSIDE of your skin so they can be as close as possible. My Zoe is Pit/Dane, and while her clinginess is annoying at times, I'm not sure I could live without it anymore. What can I say, I want a dog that is hopelessly in love with me. However, I also want it to be secure in itself. Devoted, but not anxiously so. I want it to be confident enough to be on its own, but just happens to love being with me.
Some of the breeds I am looking at are more independent, so I guess this may not be a deal-breaker.
A dog that will be my partner for long, difficult hikes and very long runs. I want a friend that is as eager to explore a mountain as I am, and that won't get bored or distracted or worn out if I want to hop out for a two hour run. I'm not fast, I just like being on my feet outside for hours. I want a dog with a medium density coat to protect from both the sun and the cold. I don't want to have to worry about overheating easily (I don't like the heat - I'm in Alaska - but it does still become an issue,) but I'd like it to have some protection from the snow and cold as well.
A dog that will be an axcellent agility candidate. I have become rather obsessed with agility. Even if Zoe was rock solid around other dogs, she has some knee and elbow issues, so I wouldn't get her into it. I want a dog that can do well and go far with me in this sport, and possibly flyball.
Depending on when I get the dog, and my other commitments at that time, I would really like to get involved in SAR. It's a huge thing to get into, but I'd really love to do it. I'd most likely want to work an HRD dog, but I'm not positive. Possibly tracking. I'd need a dog that can navigate rough trails. Small and agile enough to get around, but large enough to not be too fragile.
A temperament suitable for therapy work would be awesome. I work with severely emotional disturbed children at an elementary school, and know they have dogs at other local schools that are very helpful in keeping children with behavioral difficulties calm. This would need to be a bomb-proof dog, large enough that unintentional rough handling wouldn't be an issue, able to handle stress and behave in a calm and compassionate way. I'd love to visit the elderly as well, but I'm not sure how a drivey dog for running and agility fits into this mold. Maybe two different dogs.
Able to get along with a Cockatoo. That might be a lot to ask for a drivey, toy/play-motivated dog (good for agility,) but I really don't want to have to split up my time with my bird and my time with a dog. I love that Zoe just ignores Poe when she is out.
I know that's a lot of stuff, but I'm in no hurry, and will eventually be getting multiple dogs anyhow. I mostly just want a go anywhere, do anything companion. Right now I am preferring dogs in the 20-40 pound weight range. I like how agile and quick they are, and they would be easier to deal with if they got injured during a hike or run.
I have a llist of breeds I love, but would like to see what others come up with. Thanks!
I have been researching possible future dogs for myself, and it's so much fun to do! I always assumed I'd only get shelter dogs, but I would really like to be able to get dogs I know all the history on, all the health info of the parents, grandparents, and so on, solid temperament info, have them raised exactly a certain way, etc. I know there are no perfect dogs that will never get sick or hurt, but I'd like to support the responsible breeders and take less chances for my own peace of mind. I'd like to feel like I have some idea on potential longevity, starting by going with a line of long-lived dogs.
I'm not sure if my future pup will happen anytime soon. My current dog doesn't do well with other dogs, so it would all depend on how much I can work on that with her. She is almost ten, so I'm not sure how fair it'd be. I think she'd love being around another dog again like she was when younger, but it would just depend on a lot with her.
What I am looking for:
A dog that is likely to have a very long lifespan, without health concerns. I have read some great things on lifespan from a few breeds, and this is a big priority for me. I can find all sorts of breeds I know I'd love, but I want to narrow it down to one that will be more likely to be with me for as long as possible. The one exception here is the Norwegian Lundehund, because I am in love with them, but even they are getting into the 14-year range now.
A dog that will be very devoted to me. I love the Pit Bulls I have been around. I love their love for people. I love the fact that they would be happiest if they could only get INSIDE of your skin so they can be as close as possible. My Zoe is Pit/Dane, and while her clinginess is annoying at times, I'm not sure I could live without it anymore. What can I say, I want a dog that is hopelessly in love with me. However, I also want it to be secure in itself. Devoted, but not anxiously so. I want it to be confident enough to be on its own, but just happens to love being with me.
Some of the breeds I am looking at are more independent, so I guess this may not be a deal-breaker.
A dog that will be my partner for long, difficult hikes and very long runs. I want a friend that is as eager to explore a mountain as I am, and that won't get bored or distracted or worn out if I want to hop out for a two hour run. I'm not fast, I just like being on my feet outside for hours. I want a dog with a medium density coat to protect from both the sun and the cold. I don't want to have to worry about overheating easily (I don't like the heat - I'm in Alaska - but it does still become an issue,) but I'd like it to have some protection from the snow and cold as well.
A dog that will be an axcellent agility candidate. I have become rather obsessed with agility. Even if Zoe was rock solid around other dogs, she has some knee and elbow issues, so I wouldn't get her into it. I want a dog that can do well and go far with me in this sport, and possibly flyball.
Depending on when I get the dog, and my other commitments at that time, I would really like to get involved in SAR. It's a huge thing to get into, but I'd really love to do it. I'd most likely want to work an HRD dog, but I'm not positive. Possibly tracking. I'd need a dog that can navigate rough trails. Small and agile enough to get around, but large enough to not be too fragile.
A temperament suitable for therapy work would be awesome. I work with severely emotional disturbed children at an elementary school, and know they have dogs at other local schools that are very helpful in keeping children with behavioral difficulties calm. This would need to be a bomb-proof dog, large enough that unintentional rough handling wouldn't be an issue, able to handle stress and behave in a calm and compassionate way. I'd love to visit the elderly as well, but I'm not sure how a drivey dog for running and agility fits into this mold. Maybe two different dogs.
Able to get along with a Cockatoo. That might be a lot to ask for a drivey, toy/play-motivated dog (good for agility,) but I really don't want to have to split up my time with my bird and my time with a dog. I love that Zoe just ignores Poe when she is out.
I know that's a lot of stuff, but I'm in no hurry, and will eventually be getting multiple dogs anyhow. I mostly just want a go anywhere, do anything companion. Right now I am preferring dogs in the 20-40 pound weight range. I like how agile and quick they are, and they would be easier to deal with if they got injured during a hike or run.
I have a llist of breeds I love, but would like to see what others come up with. Thanks!
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