JackC

UPDATE 04-05-2013 Looks to be an Aussie coming into our home, yet to be confirmed, want the miss's to meet some full size ones before we say yes UPDATE 08-05-2013 Other Half is happy, so its all go - Details here: Post #89 Morning all, Me and my partner have been wanting to bring a dog into our lives for about a year now and I think it’s time to seriously start considering breeds and what would fit well with our lifestyle and habits, Myself I was brought up with dogs as a kid and teenager, I used to live on a farm in NZ and life with the big dogs there was just a normal day, my partner prefers the more cuddly fury balls of fluff that waddle around friends houses and look cute. We have mutually agreed that we would look for a “medium” breed dog (Japanese Spitz size) so I can still take it out for exercise and she can still cuddle on the couch with her I have been researching all types of breeds over the last month and to be honest, I'm a little overwhelmed so have made this post :D I would be very grateful if anyone has any advise on breeds that will suit us as a couple with the below requirements / lifestyle: Lifestyle • We both work and work hard, I am out of the house from 7:30am till 5:30pm 5 days a week but don’t work weekends, she is out of the house from 6am till 3pm 6-7 days a week but if she pulls double shifts she won’t be home till 10pm, essentially we will need a dog that is ok to be left alone while we work (max 9 hours on weekdays) • I am able to provide daily exercise up to around 45min per day or more if needed, exercise will be done across from our house where we have a small park (half AFL field) • Our house is a small single story with small/medium yard, so a breed that is suited to a suburb living environment is a must • On weekends I am usually up and about and would like to take my dog with my to flying events that I attend (usually on big high slopes or open fields), so a dog that can cope with outside interaction is a must and one that won’t run off too far by itself (although I know training will be a big part of that) • Train-ability is not essential as I don’t have intentions to make her do back flips but I want an obedient dog that will understand (with correct training) the basic commands when I mean it. Requirements • being brought up with Sheppard’s, collies, etc I personally prefer a lean dog over a stocky dog, so bulldogs, pugs etc and the like are not really on our list of dogs to look at • I am happy to groom the dog but I’m not a fan of it so breeds where grooming is required but only once or twice a week would be our preference, happy to also take the dog to a groomer once a month • As noted above we are looking for a medium breed as we cannot cater for a large breed dog We both appreciate any advise that you can pass onto us, we want to bring this bundle of joy into our life but we also want her to enjoy life as well and I feel it is crucial to find a breed both we as a couple adore and one that will also adapt well to our living situation and enjoy being with us. Kindest Regards Jack and Jaycee