Hi, I'm hoping the doghouse hive mind can help me narrow down my options with your real life experiences.
My quandary is that I've owned dogs all my adult life, but have been completely dog free for the last three years. I lost all three of my elderly best friends over the course of 9 months 😭 I miss them all so very much (I needed counselling) and I've got to the point where I'm dog sitting, talking to other people's dogs out and about and just really miss the companionship and company. I'm going to Crufts in March 👍🏻
Difficulty is, I can't settle on a breed that is right for me and where I am in my life currently. Any suggestions welcome.
My situation:
I live on my own, semi rural, lots of nice walks.
Love dog training and things like clicker work. (I've puppy walked four guide dog pups in the past).
Work from home permanently and self employed so can set my own hours.
If I need to go out then doggo can come with me or only be on their own a couple of hours.
Visiting baby grandchildren.
Smallish house, secure fenced garden.
My absolute needs:
From a pup, a rescue may have issues that I can't predict with around young children.
Smallish, cocker spaniel sized or smaller
Not known for being difficult to housetrain (ie. Italian greyhounds) because of info below.
Loves attention
Don't mind grooming
Not super high energy, I'm mid 50s and love walking, but might have a pram/pushchair sometimes and got to think about managing exuberance.
Breeds I've owned and wouldn't again
Cavaliers (had 3) too many health issues now, not one of mine got to 10yrs despite being from 'good breeders'.
Labrador, there will never be another one that will match my 'heart dog's 😭
Whippets or whippet X too unpredictable around other dogs, only dog I've ever been bitten by.
Dachshund - three times ivdd surgery and broke my heart. She never became fully house-trained even before IVDD got her and I was always worried about hygiene.
Not a terrier, I'm just not a terrier person, they can be a bit 'sharp' and have low flashpoints imo, even Borders.
I struggle with flat faced breeds, they just aren't for me.
Can you see why I'm struggling 🤷🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️😂 my ideal dog would be something small, short haired with the personality, temperament and willingness of a Labrador. Not sure that exists.