In the future (year or two at least), I want a larger breed. I toyed around with sighthounds for a while as I think they're amazing animals, but decided the personality just wasn't the best match for me. It's been a while since I've had a larger breed, so I wanted something more like what I am used to. I love Beau's personality. He's jsut the greatest dog I've ever had. If only he came in a larger size. College is quickly coming to a close and after I get settled, I want to get a dog as my personaly dog will be styaing with my parents. (She's old, attached to the other dogs and very set in her ways) It's been a hard choice to leave Nikki with the rest of the family, but I really think it's best for her. All the other dogs are 'family dogs'.
Anyways, suggestions? (Sorry, this will be long)
I'm looking for something bigger than a papillon, preferably medium to large, but I'm open to other suggestions.
I've had quite a few dogs growing up- most of them have been herding breeds. I love the intelligence and trainability that the herders have. Most breeds I've been around are "higher energy". I prefer an outgoing dog that likes to do things. I like to go for walks, and go to the park, etc. I'm interested in either getting more involved with obedience, or doing some form of sport with the dog- depending on the breed so an active dog is a must. I like the 'easy to train' breeds- a dog that learns quickly and likes to please.
I like breeds that are very devoted to their owners. I also enjoy the sense of humor that the papillons have.
I am really uncomfortable dealing with dog aggression and I don't plan on having a single dog very long. I really enjoy having multiples. Friendliness towards other dogs is a very important thing for me. I don't have cats, but I have a chinchilla, who I will hopefully still have in a couple years. The chinchilla though is never out of the cage unsupervised and I don't have any problems separating her with my other dogs so she's really not an issue. she has her own room.
I'd like a watchdog type of breed, not a protection breed. Something that gives a warning bark at home. Both the shelties and the papillons are good at this.
The dog needs to be good around people, including kids. But all the kids the dog would be around (and they'd be two years older at least by then) are responsible and know how to behave around dogs. The youngest one is nine now.
As far as grooming goes... I like the look of longhaired dogs best, but am open to shorthaired dogs. I'm not interested in something that has to be trimmed a lot or taken to a professional groomer often. (how hard is that for those with breeds needing professional grooming?) Other than that, though, I don't mind shedding (obviously). I don't mind having to groom frequently to maintain long hair. Nothing can shed worse than the shelties. I really like the look of most dog breeds.
I want a mutt eventually, but I really think the first larger dog I get will be a purebred. Probably from a breeder, maybe a rescue. I don't know yet. I have some ideas to research, but just am curious as to what other dog people would think. I tried some of those breed selectors and came up with some interesting results....
I will most likely have a papillon or two eventually as I want to stay involved in conformation with that breed, so it'd help if they'd be okay around smaller breeds too. I just want something bigger as well. I hope that makes sense. I haven't had a larger breed since my GSD X passed away.
Some people have suggested Aussies or Border Collies, what do you think?