Advice On A Breed For Our Lifestlye (found)

[JackC]

UPDATE 04-05-2013

Looks to be an Aussie coming into our home, yet to be confirmed, want the miss's to meet some full size ones before we say yes

UPDATE 08-05-2013

Other Half is happy, so its all go - Details here: Post #89

Morning all,

Me and my partner have been wanting to bring a dog into our lives for about a year now and I think it’s time to seriously start considering breeds and what would fit well with our lifestyle and habits, Myself I was brought up with dogs as a kid and teenager, I used to live on a farm in NZ and life with the big dogs there was just a normal day, my partner prefers the more cuddly fury balls of fluff that waddle around friends houses and look cute.

We have mutually agreed that we would look for a “medium” breed dog (Japanese Spitz size) so I can still take it out for exercise and she can still cuddle on the couch with her

I have been researching all types of breeds over the last month and to be honest, I'm a little overwhelmed so have made this post :D

I would be very grateful if anyone has any advise on breeds that will suit us as a couple with the below requirements / lifestyle:

Lifestyle

• We both work and work hard, I am out of the house from 7:30am till 5:30pm 5 days a week but don’t work weekends, she is out of the house from 6am till 3pm 6-7 days a week but if she pulls double shifts she won’t be home till 10pm, essentially we will need a dog that is ok to be left alone while we work (max 9 hours on weekdays)

• I am able to provide daily exercise up to around 45min per day or more if needed, exercise will be done across from our house where we have a small park (half AFL field)

• Our house is a small single story with small/medium yard, so a breed that is suited to a suburb living environment is a must

• On weekends I am usually up and about and would like to take my dog with my to flying events that I attend (usually on big high slopes or open fields), so a dog that can cope with outside interaction is a must and one that won’t run off too far by itself (although I know training will be a big part of that)

• Train-ability is not essential as I don’t have intentions to make her do back flips but I want an obedient dog that will understand (with correct training) the basic commands when I mean it.

Requirements

• being brought up with Sheppard’s, collies, etc I personally prefer a lean dog over a stocky dog, so bulldogs, pugs etc and the like are not really on our list of dogs to look at

• I am happy to groom the dog but I’m not a fan of it so breeds where grooming is required but only once or twice a week would be our preference, happy to also take the dog to a groomer once a month

• As noted above we are looking for a medium breed as we cannot cater for a large breed dog

We both appreciate any advise that you can pass onto us, we want to bring this bundle of joy into our life but we also want her to enjoy life as well and I feel it is crucial to find a breed both we as a couple adore and one that will also adapt well to our living situation and enjoy being with us.

Kindest Regards

Jack and Jaycee

Edited May 8, 2013 by JackC

[espinay2]

If you want 'trainability' then the spitz breeds may not be exactly what you are looking for.

What about a Shetland Sheepdog?It is what springs first to my mind.hits the 'size, 'cuddly' and trainability buttons and would IMO cope with the routine you give above in terms of exercise etc (though talk to some breeders to check this out).

I probably wouldn't be inclined to suggest other working breeds like border collie or Aussie shepherd though given your working hours because of their possible greater needs for mental stimulation than you may be able to provide given your routine.

Edited May 3, 2013 by espinay2

[Sheridan]

What do you mean by 'flying events'?

[espinay2]

What do you mean by 'flying events'?

Radio controlled by the look of the avatar. My OH is heavy into RC flying. Costs nearly as much (if not the same) as the dogs and some of those planes are huge :laugh:

Edited May 3, 2013 by espinay2

[Sheridan]

What do you mean by 'flying events'?

Radio controlled by the look of the avatar. My OH is heavy into RC flying. Costs nearly as much as the dogs and some of those planes are huge :laugh:

A calm dog then.

[juice]

Inside or outside dog ?

Poodle, Shnauzer, Cav?

10kg is more a small breed size.

Bigger and would have said Aussie shep.

Edited May 3, 2013 by juice

[Sheridan]

Inside or outside dog ?

Poodle?

One of the most athletic dogs I've seen was a standard called Elvis. He used to bolt around the park near where I lived and took the most flying leaps off the pier then swim back to shore. Can never understand why people think poodles are just girly dogs.

[espinay2]

What do you mean by 'flying events'?

Radio controlled by the look of the avatar. My OH is heavy into RC flying. Costs nearly as much as the dogs and some of those planes are huge :laugh:

A calm dog then.

Yes. The dog would be around trailers and planes and people and hear the noise of the engines (electric not so noisy but fuel engines can make a little bit. High slopes though so gliders??). Most of this will be socialisation and training, but you don't want a dog that gets too hyped up every time something moves and you would want one that is happy to sit tied up and watch etc.

Edited May 3, 2013 by espinay2

[juice]

Perhaps not a poodle then :)

[Salukifan]

Finnish Lapphund

If I were ever to get a Spitz breed, it would be this one. A tad more trainable IMO than most spitzs and basically a really cool dog. :cool:

If you want a pup, I'd suggest arranging that someone can visit during the lunch hour for the first month or so to feed and check the pup.

As for the flying events, I'd be keeping any breed tethered or crated. Propellers and dogs are a disastrous combination in any size.

ETA: Maybe a bit big but still the one I'd recommend for this home.

Edited May 3, 2013 by Haredown Whippets

[kelpiecuddles]

Maybe it's just their one but I have a family friend who has a standard dachshund and he does all this sort of stuff, they take him on cross country runs, etc but he spends most of his time at home sleeping along the back of their lounge chair like a huge cat LOL. The standards seem to me to be a bit gutsier than the little ones.

[bridgie_cat]

Agree with the Finish Lappy or Sheltie for wanting trainable, lots of exercise, mod grooming and cuddly. Just make sure you do a bit of research and look for something that is not too reactive to noise etc if you don't want problems with the flying thing. Some shelties can be a bit reactive. Just look around and talk to the breeder you are looking at getting a dog from too as you can have the whole range of temperaments in one litter and the breeder will know which pup will be best.

[JackC]

If you want 'trainability' then the spitz breeds may not be exactly what you are looking for.

What about a Shetland Sheepdog?It is what springs first to my mind.hits the 'size, 'cuddly' and trainability buttons and would IMO cope with the routine you give above in terms of exercise etc (though talk to some breeders to check this out).

I probably wouldn't be inclined to suggest other working breeds like border collie or Aussie shepherd though given your working hours because of their possible greater needs for mental stimulation than you may be able to provide given your routine.

Espinay, Thank you for the advise, will have a good look over the Shetland Sheepdog, it is one we haven’t considered yet.

Trainability is not essential but I am looking for a dog that if I say “come” (and mean it), it will come and not ignore me, I understand that training takes time and will work with my dog for that but I’m sure independence is also a desirable trait specially as I am out of the house allot.

What do you mean by 'flying events'?

Radio controlled by the look of the avatar. My OH is heavy into RC flying. Costs nearly as much (if not the same) as the dogs and some of those planes are huge :laugh:

A calm dog then.

Yes. The dog would be around trailers and planes and people and hear the noise of the engines (electric not so noisy but fuel engines can make a little bit. High slopes though so gliders??). Most of this will be socialisation and training, but you don't want a dog that gets too hyped up every time something moves and you would want one that is happy to sit tied up and watch etc.

Yes that is correct Sheridan,

I fly both large scale gas planes (on flat land) and large scale gliders (on the mounts)

I would love to be able to have my dog with me when I fly but if there is not a breed that will fit then I can bring her out only when I go alone or with a mate to the mount and fly my glider which is silent and generally less activity to excite a dog

Inside or outside dog ?

Poodle, Shnauzer, Cav?

10kg is more a small breed size.

Bigger and would have said Aussie shep.

Hi Juice,

Outside living, will be allowed inside when we are home. 10kg was just a guess on my part, I will take that off the post, we are happy to cater to a true medium size breed if it fits our lifestyle 

Finnish Lapphund

If I were ever to get a Spitz breed, it would be this one. A tad more trainable IMO than most spitzs and basically a really cool dog. :cool:

If you want a pup, I'd suggest arranging that someone can visit during the lunch hour for the first month or so to feed and check the pup.

As for the flying events, I'd be keeping any breed tethered or crated. Propellers and dogs are a disastrous combination in any size.

ETA: Maybe a bit big but still the one I'd recommend for this home.

Thanks Haredown,

The Lapphund has been very high on our list but we were unsure about its excitability it I take her to the flying field, as above though I can live without that and only bring her with my to calmer (gliding) flying when I go out the mount with a few friends

Maybe it's just their one but I have a family friend who has a standard dachshund and he does all this sort of stuff, they take him on cross country runs, etc but he spends most of his time at home sleeping along the back of their lounge chair like a huge cat LOL. The standards seem to me to be a bit gutsier than the little ones.

Thanks Kelpiecuddles, I will look into the dachshund

Just wanted to say thanks for all the info everyone, this is a big choice for us and I really really appreciate all the advise you are giving us.

Regards

Jack

[Diva]

Maybe a Schipperke? They can be stubborn, but all the ones I have met have been very robust and not bothered by much.

[JackC]

Agree with the Finish Lappy or Sheltie for wanting trainable, lots of exercise, mod grooming and cuddly. Just make sure you do a bit of research and look for something that is not too reactive to noise etc if you don't want problems with the flying thing. Some shelties can be a bit reactive. Just look around and talk to the breeder you are looking at getting a dog from too as you can have the whole range of temperaments in one litter and the breeder will know which pup will be best.

Thanks Bridgie,

looks like two votes for the Lappy and Sheltie, will make those a high consideration.

[Jed]

I would consider a Schipperke too. Great dogs, great temperaments, lots of fun, just love children. If handled correctly, they are easy to train.

Not sure about being home alone a lot

[tdierikx]

Cavalier would be my suggestion...

T.

[JackC]

Maybe a Schipperke? They can be stubborn, but all the ones I have met have been very robust and not bothered by much.

I would consider a Schipperke too. Great dogs, great temperaments, lots of fun, just love children. If handled correctly, they are easy to train.

Not sure about being home alone a lot

Thanks Diva, Jed,

Little worried if being home alone will affect the dog, we will love and give it attention when we do come home but I would hate for the dog to become frustrated or have anxiety when we are out of the house working

[Guest donatella]

Good choice on a Spitz

[raineth]

Although I haven't had much to do with these dogs, I imagine that a Lapphund or a Schipperke could work.

I think the best thing to do when you're a bit overwhelmed with making a choice is to narrow it down to 2 or 3 breeds that have the right attributes for your lifestyle and then go to a show where you can meet them. You might find that when you see them in real life and get to interact with them that you will really be attracted to one breed more than the others :)