We aren't going to be getting another dog until next year sometime, but I just wanted to get some advice. We want to get a puppy, and we may get one from a breeder, but realistically we will probably end up with a shelter or rescue dog. A well bred dog with a health guarantee has a lot of appeal, but in the end I will probably feel too bad passing up a shelter dog when we aren't going to be showing anyway.
We only have Salem (presumed black lab / gsd mix) right now. He is about 65 lb, and he is much more comfortable with dogs smaller then him. I don't want a very small dog, but one around 45-55 lbs would be ideal. We like velcro dogs because we generally do everything with Salem. We are dog dorks and pretty much have no social life outside of dog activities. I want an active and smart dog that would be up to taking a 10 mile hike and coming home to play a nice long game of frizbee or fetch in the yard. I also want a dog who would settle down and cuddle on the couch with us after the day of activities, and be okay with just a 3 mile walk and some hard yard play on most weekdays. I am also interested in doing agility or herding (there is a place nearby and it looks cool) with the dog. I'm planning on getting Salem back into agility soon. He has only done the beginer class, and he wasn't very good at it really, but it was fun. Most of all I want a breed that will compliment Salem.
Any breeds you can recomend for us? I really want an aussie (a blue merle to be exact). I have always just loved their energy and intelligence, but DH doesn't want a dog "with no tail". He wont stray from the no tail thing so docked tails are out. My next thought would be border collie, but more research is required there. Any other breed ideas?
We will most likely end up with a "whatever breed we decide" mix, but my thoughts are if I can narrow down a few breeds I like I can sign up for fostering with one of the breeds rescues. Then I could foster an adult and see if the breed is a good mix for our household. We probably will be looking at getting a puppy next summer sometime when it is easier for us to take time off work.
Any thoughts on female or male dog? Some people have told me dogs get along better with the oposite sex but I don't know if there is truth to that. A female is appealing to me because all of our pets are male right now (3 cats and a dog). I'm the only girl in the house.
I am really excited about another puppy but I don't want to rush into things. This girl has stolen my heart though. http://search.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=9694682 . Must stop looking at petfinder!! I can smell her puppy breath.