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So, my boyfriend and I are thinking of getting a new dog soon, preferably a puppy, from a rescue group or the shelter. Do you all have any thoughts on what breeds would be a good fit? Here's a little more about our situation and what we're looking for:
Living situation: Small house with big yard to run around in, suburban area so we have neighbors, but noise generally isn't a problem (he plays the drums with no issues). The weather here is generally mild, it doesn't get below freezing in the winter, but the summers can be a little harsh (90-100, dry heat) but we have air conditioning.
Family: Currently just the two of us, there would be no young children while the dog is growing up, but there may be in the future, so I'd like to find a breed that is patient and good with kids.
Other pets: A skittish but sweet de-clawed cat (we got her from a friend) She's here to stay, so the dog needs to be able to get along, and not be aggressive (she can't defend herself, and has issues with peeing on furniture, so we can't keep her in a separate area of the house or anything.)
Size: Looking for medium to medium-large sized dog, not a yappy small dog, but not a huge one that eats mountains of food (or leaves mountains of poo in the yard).
Personality: I'd really like a dog that's friendly and intelligent but low-key, the ones that just know when you're having a bad day and snuggle up to you for attention.
Health: I'd really like a long-lived breed that is known to be stable with few health issues, we can't afford much in the way of health care at the moment.
Allergies: None
Grooming: Don't mind a bit of shedding, willing to brush it frequently and bathe occasionally, but I'd like to avoid trips to the groomer.
Activity: Both of us are couch potatoes by nature, but we're trying to exercise more. Ideally I'd like to find a dog that is generally low-energy and cuddly and won't destroy things if it doesn't get to run every day, but is still able to walk or jog with us, probably 2-3 times a week.
Training: I'm willing to do my homework on training and learn to be in charge, but I have very little experience, and I'd prefer a dog that doesn't *need* me to be the alpha.
Experience: My mom had a dog when I was growing up, but I've never raised a dog myself.
TL;DR: I want a sweet, low-key, intelligent dog that will get along well with our cat and any future children, isn't prone to health problems, and is able to jog with us but doesn't need tons of exercise.
Living situation: Small house with big yard to run around in, suburban area so we have neighbors, but noise generally isn't a problem (he plays the drums with no issues). The weather here is generally mild, it doesn't get below freezing in the winter, but the summers can be a little harsh (90-100, dry heat) but we have air conditioning.
Family: Currently just the two of us, there would be no young children while the dog is growing up, but there may be in the future, so I'd like to find a breed that is patient and good with kids.
Other pets: A skittish but sweet de-clawed cat (we got her from a friend) She's here to stay, so the dog needs to be able to get along, and not be aggressive (she can't defend herself, and has issues with peeing on furniture, so we can't keep her in a separate area of the house or anything.)
Size: Looking for medium to medium-large sized dog, not a yappy small dog, but not a huge one that eats mountains of food (or leaves mountains of poo in the yard).
Personality: I'd really like a dog that's friendly and intelligent but low-key, the ones that just know when you're having a bad day and snuggle up to you for attention.
Health: I'd really like a long-lived breed that is known to be stable with few health issues, we can't afford much in the way of health care at the moment.
Allergies: None
Grooming: Don't mind a bit of shedding, willing to brush it frequently and bathe occasionally, but I'd like to avoid trips to the groomer.
Activity: Both of us are couch potatoes by nature, but we're trying to exercise more. Ideally I'd like to find a dog that is generally low-energy and cuddly and won't destroy things if it doesn't get to run every day, but is still able to walk or jog with us, probably 2-3 times a week.
Training: I'm willing to do my homework on training and learn to be in charge, but I have very little experience, and I'd prefer a dog that doesn't *need* me to be the alpha.
Experience: My mom had a dog when I was growing up, but I've never raised a dog myself.
TL;DR: I want a sweet, low-key, intelligent dog that will get along well with our cat and any future children, isn't prone to health problems, and is able to jog with us but doesn't need tons of exercise.