 Barked: Sun Jan 27, '13 9:16am PST |
 | |  | | Bunny- its the look 
I tend to be drawn to more unique dogs. The lab, the golden etc are awesome dogs and I know and love many, yet they're so... Common. That in no way would make them less of a good fit, but it makes it less interesting and exciting for me.
I had thought I would go with a rescue pittie/ pit mix or a German shepherd/ shepherd mix from rescue but most of the places I've talked to about living have restrictions on both  That doesn't mean it isn't still a route I would go, but it made me think I should look into some other options.
Tiller- I know my specifications don't really narrow down the field much, which is where I am running into problems! I have fostered a wide variety of dog types and most of the traits and issues, rather than deciding oh this is something I couldn't live with, I come up with, oh I could adjust some things in my life to that. I have fallen for dogs of totally different types.
I will try and lay out more ideals and see what comes up!
I don't exactly mind Velcro but I like when I work in the kitchen the dog lays down just outside of it, picks a spot and stays there (rather than hanging around my feet every step) or that checks in the kitchen and goes as lies elsewhere.
I like petting and cuddling a dog, but I don't like constant neeeeeeeeeeed for attention. The Westie was sometimes a bit too aloof for me in that they are pretty "on their own terms." Yet, I'm considering another so it didn't get to me too much
Some day in its life, it is likely to be around some livestock and I would like if it didn't go crazy (but I figure it wouldn't be as likely or as much as an issue the first few years I owned it so training is key and a poor livestock dog wouldn't get eliminated from my list)
I like lots of energy, but the ability to chill in the house. But I'm not thinking getting enough exercise will be a huge issue as I plan on a run in the morning, hiring a dog walker for the afternoon (if the dog needs the extra exercise/ to break up the day while I'm at work), and either another walk, off leash time or some type of training class in the evening.
I kind of like a dog that will test its boundaries. It's not simple to train, but it's amazing when trained without blindly following. I like the idea of a dog trusting and following me because it chooses to, not just because it is bred into them. I've loved working with dogs that will look at me as they start to do something new as of to check my reaction, yet not waiting for approval. I don't mind the blatant disregard of my commands sometimes in training. Yes, it drives me absolutely crazy. But I also like the resolution there. I want to get to a point of rock solid training with great off leash reliability and recall and the ability to ignore other animals for me, but I'm willing to work hard for it and am not scared of a dog that will challenge me a bit in getting there.
Part of my problem is that I don't want to eliminate possibly great dogs because of being too picky, and I'm running into the issue of not being picky enough! |  |  | |  |
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1
I swear that's not my stock answer 
Mini if you want smaller
I was thinking Lab too, but you said you like a dog with a mind of it's own, which doesnt really add up to a Lab . I mean they are smart and all , just not what a terrier person would be used to
