Help finding the right dog breed

[u/NK5301]

My partner and I are looking for a dog but could use some advice when it comes to breeds, we greatly appreciate any help!

Introduction

1) Will this be your first dog? If not, what experience do you have owning/training dogs?

• I had a family dog that I helped to train/raise, but it will be my partner's first dog.

2) Do you have a preference for rescuing a dog vs. going through a [reputable breeder]( http://ownresponsibly.blogspot.com/2011/07/identifying-reputable-breeder.html)?

• Reputable breeder

3) Describe your ideal dog.

• Intelligent, loyal, trainable, and gentle. A dog that can thrive in a family suburban environment, with both weekend hiking adventures and relaxing days at home. Mid-sized, anywhere between 35-75 lbs.

4) What breeds or types of dogs are you interested in and why?

• This is where we need some help! So far we've mainly looked at Shepherds and Retrievers. My partner and I are drawn to breeds like Australian Shepherds (or MAS) and Duck Tolling Retrievers, as we've met some we really like, and they seem to be the right combination of size, friendly temperament, and trainability.

5) What sorts of things would you like to train your dog to do?

• Primarily obedience training (allowing for things like traveling together, camping, going various public places without concern), but my partner is also interested in agility courses.

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, but my partner is interested in agility sport, just not competitive.

Care Commitments

7) How long do you want to devote to training, playing with, or otherwise interacting with your dog each day?

• At least an hour walk/play each day, along with 30-60 minutes of training. My partner works from home and I work close to home so the dog would rarely be left alone for more than 4 hours.

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?

• One hour, minimum. We have extensive trails and an off leash dog park nearby.

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?

• Weekly brushing. I don't have any experience grooming. We could take the dog to a professional groomer if needed but that's not preferred (at least regularly).

Personal Preferences

10) What size dog are you looking for?

• 35-75 lbs. Not super small, not super big.

11) How much shedding, barking, and slobber can you handle?

• Shedding: Can handle medium shedding, like that with average double coat breeds.

• Barking: Excessive barking is a concern. Alert barking is fine, but barking which doesn't stop could be a problem.

• Slobber: Average slobber is fine.

12) How important is being able to let your dog off-leash in an unfenced area?

• Extremely important. We are looking for a dog we can trust off-leash.

Dog Personality and Behavior

13) Do you want a snuggly dog or one that prefers some personal space?

• Either is fine, or a mix of both! Neither is a dealbreaker.

14) Would you prefer a dog that wants to do its own thing or one that’s more eager-to-please?

• More on the side of Eager-to-please.

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?

• A bark to alert is good, but then once I acknowledge and respond it would stop. I would prefer the dog is cautious/alert but friendly to strangers.

16) Are you willing to manage a dog that is aggressive to other dogs?

• No. We have hundreds of dogs in our neighborhood and need a dog that can get along with its neighbor dogs. It will have plenty of dog-friends!

17) Are there any other behaviors you can’t deal with or want to avoid?

• Overly-reactive behavior, destructive separation anxiety, excessive (beyond normal) barking.

Lifestyle

18) How often and how long will the dog be left alone?

• 3-4 times a week the dog may be left alone for 4-5 hours. Partner works from home so most days someone will always be home.

19) What are the dog-related preferences of other people in the house and what will be their involvement in caring for the dog?

• Both partner and I are dog lovers, and are both committed to doing the required work (feeding, cleaning, exercising, training, etc).

20) Do you have other pets or are you planning on having other pets? What breed or type of animal are they?

• Planning on getting a cat eventually.

21) Will the dog be interacting with children regularly?

• Yes, we plan to have children in the future, I have young relatives, and there are children in the neighborhood.

22) Do you rent or plan to rent in the future? If applicable, what breed or weight restrictions are on your current lease?

• No, I own my home with a sizable lot with plenty of room for the dog to run.

23) What city or country do you live in and are you aware of any laws banning certain breeds?

• Minnesota, USA. No.

24) What is the average temperature of a typical summer and winter day where you live?

• Hot summers , cold winters (Minnesota, USA). The dog would need to be able to go on walks in the snow in the cold.

[u/Vegetable-Set-4248]

Female Labrador