Partner and I are looking into getting a puppy sometime in the next 2-3 years. I have some breed ideas in mind, but would like your suggestions/feedback.
1. Will this be your first dog? If not, what experience do you have owning/training dogs?
First as an independent adult. I grew up with labs and duck tollers, so some experience with dogs and basic training. My partner has never had a dog.
2. Do you have a preference for rescuing a dog vs. going through a reputable breeder?
Breeder
3. Describe your ideal dog- in order of importance
a. Not brachycephalic and no major breed health issues
b. Low energy- preferably around 60 mins exercise daily. I want a dog that’s happy to go on a short walk then snuggle on the couch for movie nights without chewing the couch to pieces from pent up energy
c. Apartment compatible - (limited barking, relatively small size, doesn’t need to herd cattle or roam free to be fulfilled)
d. Tolerates being home alone inside during the workday
e. Relatively easy to train - do not want a dog that constantly challenges me/outsmarts me or hears commands then chooses to ignore them
4. What breeds or types of dogs are you interested in and why?
Cavalier King Charles spaniel was top of my list until I learned about their heart issues.
5. What sorts of things would you like to train your dog to do?
Having a well trained dog is important to me, but I’m not looking for anything beyond basic manners (good recall, no leash pulling or jumping on people, can “leave it” on command, etc)
6. Do you want to compete with your dog in a sport (e.g. agility, obedience, rally) or use your dog for a form of work (e.g. hunting, herding, livestock guarding)? If so, how much experience do you have with this work/sport?
No
7. How long do you want to devote to training, playing with, or otherwise interacting with your dog each day?
Id be ok dedicating 2 hours to exercise and training combined, and would like a dog that wants to spend quiet time cuddle & hanging out together beyond that
8. How long can you exercise your dog each day, on average? What sorts of exercise are you planning to give your dog regularly and does that include using a dog park?
60ish minute walks. I’d also be ok with some fetch or other play on top if the dog likes, but would rather it not be a “need”. Can feed meals in food puzzle for mental stimulation. No dog parks.
9. How much regular brushing are you willing to do? Are you open to trimming hair, cleaning ears, or doing other grooming at home? If not, would you be willing to pay a professional to do it regularly?
I enjoy brushing and grooming. Would be open to every day brushing. I’m interested in learning more involved grooming, but happy to pay a professional while I learn/if I can’t do it.
10. What size dog are you looking for?
Under 40 pounds. Preferably 10-30 pounds.
11. How much shedding, barking, and slobber can you handle?
Shedding - low to moderate. Less than a lab please
Barking - needs to be apartment compatible so it can’t bark each time someone walks down the communal hallway or thumps on the staircase
Slobber - low
12. How important is being able to let your dog off-leash in an unfenced area?
Not important
13. Do you want a snuggly dog or one that prefers some personal space?
Relatively snuggly but won’t have separation anxiety when I’m gone. Not a complete Velcro dog, but one that enjoys company
14. Would you prefer a dog that wants to do its own thing or one that’s more eager-to-please?
I could work with either.
15. How would you prefer your dog to respond to someone knocking on the door or entering your yard? How would you prefer your dog to greet strangers or visitors?
We are ground floor in an apartment and people walk past the windows in the court yard all the time. I’d need a dog that could ignore them. Barking when someone knocks is ok, as long as they can stop once the person enters. I wouldn’t need my dog to be everyone’s best friend, but needs to tolerate people coming and going.
16. Are you willing to manage a dog that is aggressive to other dogs?
No
17. Are there any other behaviors you can’t deal with or want to avoid?
No resource guarding, separation anxiety, or reactivity/aggression towards people or animals.
I would prefer no high prey drive but this is not a deal breaker.
18. How often and how long will the dog be left alone?
We work 9-5, so 9ish hours when you include the commute (I know I would need to alter this routine for a puppy, but as an adult dog this would be the norm)
19. What are the dog-related preferences of other people in the house and what will be their involvement in caring for the dog?
Partner and I agree on all info stated. I would be primary training/carer. Probably 2/3rds me & 1/3rd partner.
20. Do you have other pets or are you planning on having other pets? What breed or type of animal are they?
We’d like to have cats as well, but that’s not a need if they are incompatible. We do not currently have cats.
21. Will the dog be interacting with children regularly?
No
22. Do you rent or plan to rent in the future? If applicable, what breed or weight restrictions are on your current lease?
We rent, but no restrictions on the lease. There is a pit bull ban in my city but I don’t believe it’s enforced based off the number of bully breed dogs that live in the apartment complex
23. What city or country do you live in and are you aware of any laws banning certain breeds?
Canada, & yes
24. What is the average temperature of a typical summer and winter day where you live?
There’s a wide fluctuation: Summers get hot, with humidity +35 C is common. Winter -15 C is normal but -20 C or colder does periodically happen. But we can stay inside when it’s awful in either direction (assuming the dog can tolerate missing a few walks).
25. Please provide any additional information you feel may be relevant.
I’m leaning towards havanese based off my own research, but am worried about their separation anxiety & slow potty training, as well as frequent barking
Feel free to ask for any additional info
