[Breeds] What breed is right for me?
Introduction
- Will this be your first dog? If not, what experience do you have owning/training dogs?
- First dog for the whole family. Personally I never had any pets, my wife has had many (fish, rodents, dog), and our kid obviously had no pets yet, either.
- Do you have a preference for rescuing a dog vs. going through a reputable breeder?
- I'd like a dog from a breeder.
- Describe your ideal dog.
- Biggish, looking wolflike. I am not a fan of little barky things and would prefer my dog to look attractive. Personally, I don't even mind the looks of the hairless breed (Xoloitzcuintli), but it's not exactly a favourite. My family has considered this and agrees with me (my wife), or "wants something cute and cuddly" (the kid). He'd prefer a pug or an english bulldog (I'm not a fan of either and he doesn't really get a full vote as he'll be moving out before the dog is "old". I'd still like to list this, as his "it has to look derpy" demand is sort of adorable and would score extra points).
I'd also like a dog that is capable of (and happy to) running long distance. I do lazy ultradistance running and cycling (lazy meaning: no strict training regime) a few times and year and I have this lovely image of cycling with a dog. Who can pull me up a hill near the end when I am feeling the effort.
- What breeds or types of dogs are you interested in and why?
- From what I read and saw on pictures, I'd love an Alaskan Malamute. They look lovely, they can stay active for ridiculously long distances. However, apparently they are not a good choice for people new to dogs. I also liked the looks of Labrador Retrievers for their cute eyebrows when they beg for food.
Looks wise, I'm also a fan of the Karelian Bear Dog or Greenland Dog.
- What sorts of things would you like to train your dog to do?
- I'd like this to be a really detailed answer. But it isn't. I'd like the dog to be happy with whatever the family is doing (which does include lazy evenings when the weather is rubbish), as long as it can come on lengthy trips with me. More than 12 to 14 hours outside will be rare, but I wouldn't want the furball to get hurt by staying outside that long either.
Care Commitments
- How long do you want to devote to training, playing with, or otherwise interacting with your dog each day?
- This will have to be a split answer. I personally can only train and interact with the dog extensively after work. One to two hours maximum per day, and there will be days when there is less time. However, my family will be home during the day and will have more time. Ideally, after the puppy stage, this could be reduced to "a few hours of excercise" and some cuddles or rest.
- How long can you exercise your dog each day, on average? What sorts of exercise are you planning to give your dog regularly and does that include using a dog park?
- I'll sum it up, because anything else makes no sense. Two to three hours per day on three trips. One one-hour walk/play (but not run) in the morning with my wife, one one-hour sized walk/play in the afternoon with wife and kid, one one-to-two hour (more when sunny/warm) run with me. I don't mind replacing runs with play/tug/bounce around the park time while the dog is young.
- How much regular brushing are you willing to do? Are you open to trimming hair, cleaning ears, or doing other grooming at home? If not, would you be willing to pay a professional to do it regularly?
- The house is smooth floor only, so brushing would be fine. We had a kid, so gentle home care we're happy to do. I currently think I'd be happy to brush fur for an hour while watching the telly or some such. We could afford a groomer, but I haven't seen any nearby (nor looked much into it, to be honest).
Personal Preferences
- What size dog are you looking for?
- Large. Medium if neccessary. I don't want small.
- How much shedding, barking, and slobber can you handle?
- Shedding is okay (see housing situation above). I'd like low barking and low slobber.
- How important is being able to let your dog off-leash in an unfenced area?
- Not very. Our city has limitations on where dogs can be off-leash anyway, so that is only partially a valid question.
Dog Personality and Behavior
- Do you want a snuggly dog or one that prefers some personal space?
- I'd prefer snuggles.
- Would you prefer a dog that wants to do its own thing or one that’s more eager-to-please?
- Eager to please would be brilliant. I assume not only breed but also personality plays a role, though. And we've got the human child that does as he pleases sometimes, yet at other times does what he's told. Both I can work with.
- How would you prefer your dog to respond to someone knocking on the door or entering your yard? How would you prefer your dog to greet strangers or visitors?
- One thing that attracted me to the Malamutes was their "love everyone and make rubbish guard dogs" attitude. I don't mind my dog saying "hello" to the postman, but I'd greatly prefer to keep getting my mail.
- Are you willing to manage a dog that is aggressive to other dogs?
- Not really, no. I don't need protection, I want someone who gets along with other dogs.
- Are there any other behaviors you can’t deal with or want to avoid?
- I'd prefer to not have to deal with spontaneous bursts of hunting. We have a forest behind the house and a walk there would be brilliant if the friendly dog didn't have to murder everything in sight. Or smell. Or noise.
Lifestyle
- How often and how long will the dog be left alone?
- Not much. I wanted to say "not at all", but of course it'll have to stay outside shops and such. I'd also want to teach the furball to be okay with staying alone for a bit, just in case (you know: family member in hospital or some such - not allowed to bring dogs there).
- What are the dog-related preferences of other people in the house and what will be their involvement in caring for the dog?
- See above: my wife, my kid and myself all want a dog. They are all looking forward to training one (although the kid has dubious plans at best - riding it into battle is high on his list of priorities. We might have to talk him out of that if it ends up a Pug).
- Do you have other pets or are you planning on having other pets? What breed or type of animal are they?
- No other pets.
- Will the dog be interacting with children regularly?
- Yes, at least one. There will be occasional visitors and it would be better if the dog didn't eat them.
- Do you rent or plan to rent in the future? If applicable, what breed or weight restrictions are on your current lease?
- Our house (and garden), no plan to move in the forseeable future.
- What city or country do you live in and are you aware of any laws banning certain breeds?
- Germany, biggish city. We have no restrictions on dogs, but anything with a wolf in the last five generations needs a special permit and the dog tax for "battle" dogs is 10 times normal. That still is not crippling, but I'd like to avoid the following races (Pit-Bull, Bandog, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bullterrier, Tosa-Inu, Alano, American Bulldog, Bullmastiff, Bullterrier, Cane Corso, Dog Argentino, Dogue de Bordeaux, Fila Brasileiro, Mastiff, Mastin Espanol, Mastino Napoletano, Perro de Presa Canario (Dogo Canario), Perro de Presa Mallorquin, Rottweiler). Please try to resist commenting on the cities laws. I am in no position to change them :)
- What is the average temperature of a typical summer and winter day where you live?
- Average Winter (December to February) is 2 - 4°C, average summer (May to September) is 20 - 24°C. However, we do go from -20°C to around 35°C on occasion.
Additional Information and Questions
- Please provide any additional information you feel may be relevant.
- We have no family nearby willing to take care of a dog for emergencies. This means, we'd need to hire some daycare or sitter for unplanned emergencies and would need a dog that would not panic completely when taken to strangers.
- Feel free to ask any questions below.
- How serious is that "not a newbie dog" recommendation to be taken? I wonder about this a lot, since technically no one asks about children either. You have them, you live with what you get. It's not like someone would go out and say "Oh no... don't have a boy first! They get into trouble constantly in their teens!".
Thank you. I'm hoping for suggestions :)
Posted Oct 4, 2016, 1:29 PM UTC
226
ahahahaa.
Honestly, it sounds like you would do wonderfully with a lab.
It's always best, when looking at dogs, to go with the lowest exercise you will give them. So for example, the way your post comes across is that you will be a "fair weather" dog owner. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that at all, but it does mean that potentially the Malamute isn't a good choice... You want to run when it's warm and sunny, the Mal will have far less energy in that weather and will want to do the distance running when it's freezing outside!
If you go for a Lab, which are generally slightly more controlable energy wise, you and your family are going to have a much nicer time at home. Most dogs can adapt "up" to meet your energy levels, than down. Hope that makes sense?
Thank you. "Fair weather dog owner" is probably a really good description. I should keep that in mind.
I'm slightly "worried" (although that is too strong a word) about Labradors being "fashion dogs". They show up everywhere and everyone loves them. But is that because they really are that brilliantly lovely, or is that more of a fad? The same, by the way, seems to be happening to the Malamutes I mentioned - they show up more and more over here. And they get more love than Huskies.
They are definitely popular dogs for a reason - they are absolutely wonderful, friendly, happy, forgiving and fairly "easy" family dogs! Not all popular dogs are around a lot for the right reason, but Labs definitely are! Just make sure you find a super breeder to help you!