Hi, I am new to this forum, though forums seem to help me a lot when I am seeking advice.
Looking for dog seems to be a daunting task. I know no perfect dog exist, though I am looking for a perfect dog for me and my fiance. We currently own two cats and are looking to add a dog to our "family". We are looking for a medium to large size breed, with personality being the most important. We like to be pretty active and would like a dog who can keep up, but can calmly hangout inside. We are also into boating so a dog who doesn't mind the water is also a plus. I also would like to go out and play fetch.
The breed that has been topping our list, is the lab so far. I was recommend a good breeder by my vet ~$800. We have also been considering humane societies as low as $90, though most around $300. While the cost isn't all that important to us, if I can get a great dog $300 that is already neutered, then that means I can spend money else where.
My only problem with some human societies, is that they are too fragmented. It feels like there are 100's around Rochester, NY. I don't know if I should just apply to a handful just to get preapproved or should I wait and hope the dog that I found doesn't get adopted, before we get a chance. (this already happen)
Another option is a Bernese Mountain Dog. Our neighbor's mother is Berner breeder. While I don't find them to be the cutest looking dog, I do like the personality of them. Also I feeling of security about adopting a dog from her, I know she takes good of her dogs. The Berner's have an average life of 7 years, but our neighbor's dog just had his 10th birthday and he is super well behaved. This seems like a great dog to go skijorring (X-Country skiing attached to a dog) in the trails behind our house. I hear they are not as crazy about water (we are into boating) and fetch.
Our neighbor's mom has previously offered us a free female as long as she has breeding rights, though don't feel comfortable w/ an unspayed/unnetured dog. Also, today we went and met a 3y/o female berner, who has a very lovely personality. As some of the other Berner's would like to put their paws in our laps, this Berner would hang out with you and only got excited when you were outside. Something we are looking for. She said she would give us the dog for free if she could attempt to breed her one last time or we could take it for a negotiated amount. She did not personally breed this dog, but she got it from swiss breeder. I love the dog's personality, though I am worried about the longevity, ability to play fetch, and interest in water.
Lastly, we have an interest in the Border Collie. There are no breeders around his that I know of. I have heard good and bad things about them. I hear if you don't stimulate them enough, they will destroy everything I own and heard my cats. I guess the question is how much stimulation is enough?
Lastly we are looking at expanding the human line of our family in about 3 years. We also both work full times. I work a normal schedule, she works different hours.
Thank you for taking the time to read my long post! Any help or pointers would be great. Hard to gain knowledge w/o experience.
-Hostage
Looking for dog seems to be a daunting task. I know no perfect dog exist, though I am looking for a perfect dog for me and my fiance. We currently own two cats and are looking to add a dog to our "family". We are looking for a medium to large size breed, with personality being the most important. We like to be pretty active and would like a dog who can keep up, but can calmly hangout inside. We are also into boating so a dog who doesn't mind the water is also a plus. I also would like to go out and play fetch.
The breed that has been topping our list, is the lab so far. I was recommend a good breeder by my vet ~$800. We have also been considering humane societies as low as $90, though most around $300. While the cost isn't all that important to us, if I can get a great dog $300 that is already neutered, then that means I can spend money else where.
My only problem with some human societies, is that they are too fragmented. It feels like there are 100's around Rochester, NY. I don't know if I should just apply to a handful just to get preapproved or should I wait and hope the dog that I found doesn't get adopted, before we get a chance. (this already happen)
Another option is a Bernese Mountain Dog. Our neighbor's mother is Berner breeder. While I don't find them to be the cutest looking dog, I do like the personality of them. Also I feeling of security about adopting a dog from her, I know she takes good of her dogs. The Berner's have an average life of 7 years, but our neighbor's dog just had his 10th birthday and he is super well behaved. This seems like a great dog to go skijorring (X-Country skiing attached to a dog) in the trails behind our house. I hear they are not as crazy about water (we are into boating) and fetch.
Our neighbor's mom has previously offered us a free female as long as she has breeding rights, though don't feel comfortable w/ an unspayed/unnetured dog. Also, today we went and met a 3y/o female berner, who has a very lovely personality. As some of the other Berner's would like to put their paws in our laps, this Berner would hang out with you and only got excited when you were outside. Something we are looking for. She said she would give us the dog for free if she could attempt to breed her one last time or we could take it for a negotiated amount. She did not personally breed this dog, but she got it from swiss breeder. I love the dog's personality, though I am worried about the longevity, ability to play fetch, and interest in water.
Lastly, we have an interest in the Border Collie. There are no breeders around his that I know of. I have heard good and bad things about them. I hear if you don't stimulate them enough, they will destroy everything I own and heard my cats. I guess the question is how much stimulation is enough?
Lastly we are looking at expanding the human line of our family in about 3 years. We also both work full times. I work a normal schedule, she works different hours.
Thank you for taking the time to read my long post! Any help or pointers would be great. Hard to gain knowledge w/o experience.
-Hostage