[Breeds] What breed/mix is best for me?

What breeds or types of dogs are you interested in and why?

• Grey Hounds because they are fantastic apartment dogs. From what I understand they are couch potatoes inside, but know how to play outside. They are super fragile dogs though in the sense that their skin tears easily, and very sensitive to the weather both hot and cold. I live where I get all seasons so I don't think they would do well with me. They also aren't good for the runs I want to do. Retrievers/Goldens/Labs because when I think of a dog they are what come to mind. I want a running buddy to come for 3-6 mile runs (or maybe more in time) I'm not a fan with how they do cooped up indoors though. Don't want to trap them when they need a lot of space.

What role is your dog expected to fill and how do you envision your dog fulfilling that role?

• Running buddy and companion. Want a breed that is good for at least 3 miles. I probably won't end up doing more than 6 unless a big race or something is coming up so I want some company on the runs. As a companion I want a happy dog to come home to and get out of the house with. Go to parks or camping on the weekends. (So one that listens well if they are off the leash?) A sociable dog to share the days with as well to lay around with at home once the day is done.

What experience do you have owning dogs? How about training dogs? Have you been the primary caregiver of a dog before? If yes, what breed(s)? What is your experience with puppy or senior dog care?

• My family has had dogs, but I was never the primary care giver. We have had labs and boxers in the past. For the purpose of this I would consider me pretty green. However I'm willing to learn! Dogs for novice people would probably be best for me. One that can meet me half way in training and such.

Do you have other pets or are you planning on having other pets? If so, what breed/type, age, and sex are they?

• No pets. Maybe another dog if this one does well? That isn't certain though.

Do you have children or are you planning on having children? Do you often have children as visitors, such as nieces, nephews, cousins, or friends' children?

• No kids, but its probably safe to expect one in 3-5 years. I don't commonly have children as visitors however, there are plenty in my neighborhood and at the parks where I live.

Do you rent or will you be renting in the future? If so, what breed or weight restrictions are on your lease? What type of building do you rent (condo, apartment, high-rise apartment, townhome, single-family home, etc)?

• Yes, apartment. No breeds over 80lbs and None of the following: American Pit Bull Terrier, American Bulldog, Doberman Pinscher, Rottweiler, German Shepard, Tosa Inu, Staffordshire Terrier, Bull Terrior, Mastiff, Bullmastiff, Presa Canario, Cane Corso, Siberian Husky, Malamute, Wolf-dog hybrid, Great Dane, St. Bernard, Akita, or Chow-chow.

Who lives in your household and who will be responsible for taking care of the dog? How do the other members of the household feel about having a new dog?

• Just me.

How often do you have visitors to your home?

• Once a month

Do you have a preference for rescuing a dog vs. going through a knowledgeable and reputable breeder?

• Would much rather rescue. I don't want a puppy and I'd be helping a dog out.

Do you want a puppy, a young adult (1-3 years), an adult, or a senior? Why?

• Young adult or adult. So I can see the developed personality and it will be out of the puppy phases. I don't have time to take a puppy out all the time with work in the day.

What size dog are you looking for? Here is a size chart for your convenience.

• Between 24 and 36 inches.

How much barking is too much barking?

• I'm in an apartment complex and work in the day so I would prefer a quiet dog. Occasionally barking is fine but they don't need to go crazy throughout the day when left alone.

How much regular brushing are you willing to do?

• Once a week.

How much shedding do you think you can handle? Some breeds of dogs shed more than others. Some breeds don't shed, but require trimming or other coat maintenance instead.

• Low shedding please! I'd rather do coat maintenance instead.

Are you open to trimming your dog's hair, cleaning ears, clipping nails, or doing other grooming at home? If not, would you be willing to pay a professional to do it regularly?

• I don't mind doing it once I learn how. Until then I'm perfectly ok with paying for it to be done.

How do you feel about slobber? What about farts?

• Medium to low on the slobber please. Farts... normal I supose. Less is more though haha.

How eager-to-please or independent do you want your dog to be?

• I'd love an eager to please dog. However I don't mind an independent one either. I lean a lot more towards the eager to please category.

What sorts of training do you want your adult dog to have?

• House broken, good on a leash, basic tricks (sit, stay, come, ect)

Is there any behavior you can’t accommodate?

• A dog that can't do well by itself as I work during the day. Preferably I want a dog that does good in apartments and is house broken or easy to teach.

How important is being able to let your dog roam off-leash in an unfenced area?

• Medium importance although I would like it so I could bring him camping with me or if we go to a park without a fence.

How long can you exercise your dog each day, on average? What kinds of exercise are you planning to give your dog regularly?

• We would be running/playing fetch! I can do 1 to 2 hours a day on average. Maybe more on the weekends.

How long do you have to devote to mental stimulation each day?

• Truthfully I'm kind of unsure what is meant by this. Training stuff? 10-30 minutes in the beginning. Stuff like playing with toys in the apartment and such would be longer. (like hiding them)

Where will the dog be kept when alone and where will the dog sleep?

• I have a crate for if they can't be left alone in the apartment (bathroom accidents)

How often and for how long will the dog be left alone?

• 5 days a week for 8 hours.

If needed, could you hire a dog walker, pay for doggy day care, or come home during lunch to take care of your dog?

• I can do this if I need to travel out of town and the dog can't come with me. Can't maintain this every day of the week during work though.

What is the general location in which you live? You can decline to answer, but responses will likely assume you’re somewhere in the US without breed-specific legislation (BSL).

• Decline ^^

What is the average temperature of a typical summer day where you live? A typical winter day? Please indicate Celsius or Fahrenheit and the climate of places you may likely live in the future.

• We get all 4 seasons here. Winter we almost always get snow so it can go to the 15-40F mark in Winter and in the summer 70-100F.

On a scale of 1 to 10, how prepared are you to care for a dog and prioritize its well-being over your career, entertainment, or other life choices for the next 12 or more years?

• 8. My big deal here is if the dog doesn't do well when I decide to have a kid. Needs to play well in that area.

Are you aware of the costs associated with dog ownership on an average annual basis? Have you budgeted for additional emergency veterinary care and/or pet insurance?

• I have budgeted for a normal to low cost dog in terms of medical care and supplies. (I bought a lot of stuff already to aid in the initial costs and get more to a monthly thing going on.