Hi everybody!
So here's the story. DH and I have decided that it's time to begin researching and investigating dog breeds. We have plans to purchase a house in the next few months, and would like to add a second dog to our family after all of us settle in. (So we wouldn't actually have a dog for at least another 6 months). We wanted to start looking now, so that if that right dog comes along, we'll be ready.
Thus, I am asking for inspiration/thoughts/visions/ideas for a breed of dog that may work for all of us. To facilitate this process, I give you a little background on us:
- Honor, a 7 month old Alaskan
Klee Kai. She's the epitome of the breed: very energetic, inquisitive,
bold, and highly intelligent. From experience, Honor has a tendency to
feed off of another dog's energies, and has a slight tendency to go a
little overboard when around an extremely high-energy breed. She's a people/animal-lover, and fetch is actually her favorite game. She's starting agility next month.
- DH and I: Two relaxed people who are devoted to their dog. We're very family-oriented, and enjoy the outdoors. We're fairly active, always going for walks in the nature preserves around the area, practicing training, visiting family and friends (who consider Honor an honored guest), and generally spending time out and about enjoying life. We have no qualms about devoting time and effort to all of our animals, who we consider to be our children in furry clothing. My personal previous dogs have included a rough collie, a samoyed, and a golden retriever mix, all whom I adored and would have again.
For the next dog-to-be, DH and I are thinking that a slightly more relaxed breed might be a nice combination with Honor. We'd still be looking for an active dog, but perhaps not quite as driven as Honor. (So as much as I want a Malamute or a Border Collie, perhaps now is not the perfect time). We're open to size, although the thought of Honor and a giant breed is a funny sight when I imagine it! I'm partial to Shelties, but would be interested in opinions on whether the two breeds would work well together. We're open to dogs from breeders, rescues, and shelters, but I'm just looking for feedback on the breeds that might fit best with our lifestyle for right now.
The floor is yours! I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts, and thanks in advance for any and all suggestions.