Looking to get another dog, but completely stumped about which breed (read for details)?

Question

I’m going to hopefully be getting another dog this summer, and I’m completely stumped about which breed. I’ve been doing research for about a month, but I just can’t come to any decision.

What I want:

-A medium to large breed (no smaller than a Cocker Spaniel, but no larger than a Doberman)
-Should be good with other dogs (I have a Dachshund, and I know some breeds tend to be a bit more aggressive or anti-social than others)
-Affectionate and loving (I know this really depends on the individual dog, but some breeds tend to have a tendency to bee more aloof)

What I don’t want:

-Exercise requirements can be moderate, but not extreme (I am more than willing to exercise the dog, but I don’t want to go on a 4 hour jog every day to do so.)
-A breed that is very rare or hard to find
-Crazy shedding
-Any breed with a wire coat
-A designer breed
-A mix (I personally have nothing at all against them, but my family is a little picky when it has to do with dogs, and I don’t want this dog to be disliked because of what it is)
-Any terrier
-A Poodle, Lab, German Shepherd, or Golden Retriever
-A Pit Bull or Rottweiler (I have nothing against them personally, but there is someone in this house who is a bit afraid of them)
-An English Springer Spaniel (I had one before, and it would be too sad for me to have another)
-A Brittany Spaniel (My mother hates them because we once had bad neighbors who had one, as odd as that sounds!)

I have nothing against any of these breeds, but they are not an option for me for personal reasons.

Things like color, trainability (I’m willing to work with even a tough-tough-to-train dog for as long as it takes), guard dog ability (if I want protection, I’ll get a security system), and being good with children (none here) are not important to me.

So, now that I have basically eliminated every single breed (*sigh*), I would love some ideas. They say two heads are better than one, and I have already discussed this with someone, so hopefully many heads (all of you) will be better than two.

Ballerina - I want a medium/large dog, otherwise, I would just get another doxie.

Wlakinglady - Actually a whippet sounds absolutely perfect, but I have been having a very hard time find any even close to my area (anywhere within 5-6 hours), and I don’t feel right about having a dog shipped. I’m going nuts trying to find a breeder, even with the help of the Whippet Club.

Bigmack - As I mentioned above, I already have a Dachshund.

Vickie - Thanks, but unfortunately I already took that, and it didn’t help much.

Also, for everyone suggesting mutts/mixes, they are a no-go. Nothing against them, but it’s not an option for me for reasons explained above.

Also, I know my pickiness is insane, but I’ll have this dog for its whole lifetime, so I want to make sure I make the right decision regarding the breed.

Answer 1

You have already mentioned it in size, get a doberman. They can fit into every catergory you have mentioned, they are great with other dogs, have a moderate exercise need, little grooming, they are not all automatically guard dogs, in fact they need to be trained as guard dogs to be any good. They are intelligent so training is easy. They have nothing from your do not want column either. They are beautiful dogs who fit into a variety of homes very well, whether it be children or not, inside or outside dogs, they dont shed, and health problems are beind bred out rather well, hip dysplaysia isnt as common as it used to be. They are just a great adaptable breed, unflappable and confident (not to mention gorgeous looking dogs). They arent a nervous dog so nothing startles them. Find a breeder of either show or house pets but dont go to a breeder who does shutzhund (guard and police style training), ask if you can come and have a look at the dogs and i can guarantee that you will fall in love. Most breeders will be happy to let you come and look at the dogs (just to show their dogs off). Go on, go and have a look.

Answer 2

I know you don't need protection, and you don't have children, but some of these types of traits are admirable to have in a dog. My suggestion is a Boxer. These are loyal dogs, with a bid of hardheadedness, but are eager to please, and are very intelligent. The color I would suggest is brindle. This makes them colorful, and more unusual than the average fawn. Don't crop her/his ears, and make sure their tail is docked at a young age. (few days old) These are great dogs for adults, and children alike. They are somewhat protective of their family and territory, but have never had mine bite anyone. Also, having a dog that is a bit on the protective side isn't necessarily a bad thing if your wife is ever home alone, right? The fact that they are good with children makes them a wise choice simply because if you are out on a walk, you don't have to worry about them attacking a child, thus making you responsible, so this is a plus whether you've got kids or not. Boxers also are a moderate exercise type dog. They are energetic, but a walk, and a round of fetch will suffice. My Boxer is 9 & 1/2 and is still active, healthy, and very happy. They are short hair, which makes the fact of shedding when inside more appealing, and are a dog on the smaller side of large. (depends on sire & dam of course) Our Boxer has raised many puppies over the years with a very sweet dispostion, especially for never being a mother herself. She also loves to frolic with other dogs in general. There are a ton of websites that tell specific and more details about their characteristics; you should go to your search engine and check them out. I think you'll be surprised and what a great dog a Boxer truly is.

Answer 3

Man, you've got a lot of requirements. Fortunately, there are a lot of dog breeds. Here's a few I can think of off the top of my head, with a disclaimer or two for good measure.

Vizla - not too rare anymore, but can be high energy
Weimaraner - high energy like the Vizla
Setters - English or Irish - don't shed a whole bunch, but will need brushing.
Curley coated retriever - not a mix or designer, but kinda the best of both worlds when comparing to labs or poodles
English bulldog - various health problems, but great pets
Hounds (blood, coon, etc)
Border collie
Boxer - does tend to shed, but very loving
Dalmation
German short haired pointer

Just a few off the top of my head. Try the AKC website for information on these breeds or any other breeds.

Happy doggie hunting!!

Answer 4

I'm suggesting an Irish Setter not because it's St. Pat's Day but because it is my # 1 favorite breed of larger dog. I lost custody of it in the divorce but will get another when I'm out of an apartment. They are the sweetest natured dog you'll ever find and really smart. I live in the Midwest and there's not a lot of them but I see them in the paper from time to time. I used to take mine to the dog park a couple of times a week and walk it about a mile a day and that was fine as soon as the puppy nuts was past but all dogs are like that as teen agers. Check it out and see what you think. I almost kept the husband to keep the dog. Good Luck and God Bless

Answer 5

Check out Australian Cattle Dogs. They aren't huge and they aren't small, they only shed during the spring, they get along great with other dogs, and they don't need to be exercised to the extreme.
They are mostly short haired and come in a variety of colors, they are good around children and protective as well.

Answer 6

You could try one of those mechanical dogs. It's about the only option you have left. Give way to a few of your concerns, there are really lovely dogs amongst those that you don't want. One of the high lites being the German Sheppard and the Rottweiler. I have had both and they are the most gentle and loving creatures you could ever have the privilege of knowing. Your family will get used to them. ( obviously keep children well away from any dogs, if not with an adult) which I'm sure your aware of.

Answer 7

i still think labs are a good choice ..could u explain why u don't want one????ok labs are the best my other dog bites my lab sooo much but she's a big softeee..well i guess for shedding reasons....jack russell terriers are awesome dogs...their trainable and smart and just the awesome dogs...they may require a lot of exercise but their fine......i guess how about a newfoundland or a golden retriever...well i guess you'd consider them designers but -i dont mean to seem rude- ever dog is different just because of something that may have happened to you early on doesn't mean that will happen to you with the same breed of dog - in other words dont judge a book by it's cover or a dog by its breed for that manner...and ive seen some pretty cute wire coated dogs....how about an old english sheep dog or a collie a basset hound..too big....a poodle....to much of a designer......shiba inu..too catish.....shitzu....griffon bruxellois..too small....greyhound..too big/hyper...anatolian shepherd... i luv them but they are probably too big 4 you...nova scotia duck- tolling retriver ..sounds right for ou..might be to small ...pointer...ooo how about an englsh setter..sounds about right...afghan..probably too musch grooming...basenji sounds pretty good..ive seen them at the pound berfore so they can't be rare and they are pretty cute...maybe a deerhound....foxhound sonds pretty good too or a harrier...i can go on

Answer 8

Personally, I think you should go with a beagle. They're sweet and hardy and they don't shed too much. They do great with other dogs and kids, and they require a couple of moderate walks a day (15 minutes or so). They're one of the friendliest dogs you'll ever meet. For more info http://www.5stardog.com/dog-breeds-beagle.asp Good luck! Let us know what you pick!

Answer 9

Why don't you get another dachshund or maybe a west highland terrier? Just make sure that when you are picking another dog to have, take your dog with you so you are sure there won't be huge conflicts whan you bring the new dog home.
Good luck on your dog search!☼

Answer 10

Go to your local animal shelter and pick one out.Shelter animals that you rescue make the best friends.As far as the breed,I was gonna say lab but you do not want a lab so I would go with a mutt.Seriously,I would bet if you rescued a mutt from a shelter you would have a best friend for life!!!!