At the outset I should point out, this is all hypothetical at this point as DDogs 1&2 are middle aged but showing no signs of going anywhere just yet. We've had conversations about our next dog and are aware that if we went for a puppy, we would probably need to be finding a breeder a couple years in advance (depending on breed)
We are experienced owners and over the years have had a variety of different breeds. Mostly lurchers or gun dogs (that worked under the gun) but also Rottweilers and currently a hysterically anxious staffie cross.
Have previously had both puppies and rescues. In my earlier life I worked for a rescue and have had a couple of the really tricky cases that were not suitable for general rehoming. This was enormously rewarding but was prior to DH who we both think would find this level of damage / commitment too daunting. Aside from these, more manageable rescues would be happily considered.
Family would be DH and I and ChampagneCat who is spectacularly indifferent to dogs. DS will be at uni by then but will return in the holidays. I work full time and DH will likely be retired by then, if not will be working a couple days a week. We would be happy to have a dog walker etc if necessary but due to my shifts have never really needed it in the past.
Own house with small, very secure garden (near a road so is cat proof, therefore also dog proof)
Basic criteria would be:
- not a toy dog. Small terrier types not a problem but pugs, pomeranians etc don't float our boat. Extremely tall (Great Dane for example) would necessitate a new car which I would prefer to avoid
- not very high energy but happy to go on long walks, in grotty weather etc, but also equally happy to slob about the house. DDog1 is restless in the house and the constant tip tip tip of his paws drives me potty
- not a breed prone to anxiety. DDog2 is a highly anxious rescue and having managed her many and varied issues for the last few years, I would prefer something a little more chilled if at all possible!
- not excessive grooming (OES / Afghan hound types) Happy for regular sessions at the dog groomers and at home, but not to that degree!
- ideally we would like to stick to one dog, having always had multiples. Therefore not a breed that craves other dogs around.
DH has met several fantastic doodle types while at work, but I'm wary as they seem such a cliche now. We do know a fantastic breeder of springer / poodles if we did decide to go down this route. He's also a big fan of scruffy lurchers but ChampagneCat makes this a harder prospect.
I would happily have another Rottweiler, or thinking working lab or golden retriever type.
Basically I think our criteria is too wide and we therefore cannot see the woods for the trees. Obviously at this stage this is all for fun but I would welcome any suggestions 