thedancingbaptist
New member
Hi Breeders!
I figured it would be best to go to the experts.
Our family of 4 l would like to get a puppy in the new year, and would love guidance towards what breeds best suit our family or tips from people who have a similar home to ours.
We have done all the quizzes and have looked throughly though the AKC website, but that can all be so general and we want to be as thoughtful as possible. According to those internet resources the best breed for us is a Cysky Terrier, which I know are rare and my hubby isn’t the biggest fan of their looks. I think they are adorable but smaller than we would like, husband is almost 7ft tall and worried about a dog being underfoot.
Some details about our fam.
- family of four, my husband and I are in our mid 40’s. Kids 9M and 11F.
- I am currently a stay at home mom and will be for another 2 years.
- I am a walker and I would be taking the dog for 2, 40min walk a day other activities would happen but that would be our baseline.
- We have 2, 3 year old Siberian Cats, have shown no fear towards dogs who are constantly by our home while our cats are outside with us. They love watching them go by.
- Due to the cats we prefer starting with a puppy to help with introduction, and will be following Jaxson Galaxy’s rules for puppy introduction to cats.
- Based in northern NJ, USA, we travel to VA multiple times a year so pup would be in the car with us for trips.
- We live in what I call Urban Suburbs, homes close together with small lots, huge walking community, lots of parks that are easy to walk too. We have a small back yard, corner lot, currently not fully fenced, we do plan on electric fence but do not plan on having dog outside unattended (will be leashed as well, due to frequent foot traffic of neighborhood walkers). Since we are a corner lot we cannot have a fence higher than 4ft, but open to getting one.
- We would be first time dog owners, (had a sheepdog when I was a baby so don’t really count that) I worked at a vet for a few years so I am familiar, and have cared for friends dogs. I have trained our cats for certain behaviors but have yet to train dogs, but I enjoy training but we would get a professional to help get us on the right track.
- Dog breed/traits I’m not a fan of, would like to avoid breeds that drool, and breeds that have high shedding/short fur.
- I do not want a “doodle” and want to avoid any breed like Pitbulls, Bully, pugs, bulldogs.(basically short nosed breeds and breeds that have a prey drive) also not into toy breeds like Shitzu, chihuahuas, Pomeranian…etc.
- Not into highly active breeds we are not a highly active family or have a backyard that would give that dog huge freedom of movement would just be unfair for the dog.
- Ideally medium sized breed but flexible here. St.Bernard’s are also recommended for our fam but they drool and don’t want to deal with large dog poop and large dog upcharges, but love their personalities. Love the idea of a big dog (so could be easily convinced).
- I understand all dogs shed, we have plenty of cat fur action in the home and do not want to add much more to the mix.
- No dog allergies.
- Prefer east coast-ish breeders. Want to pick up via car.
- Dog will be insured & chipped and be groomed regularly.
Sorry for the long post but really appreciate input and advice. We are long time cat owners and are very committed to being responsible dog parents as well.
I figured it would be best to go to the experts.
Our family of 4 l would like to get a puppy in the new year, and would love guidance towards what breeds best suit our family or tips from people who have a similar home to ours.
We have done all the quizzes and have looked throughly though the AKC website, but that can all be so general and we want to be as thoughtful as possible. According to those internet resources the best breed for us is a Cysky Terrier, which I know are rare and my hubby isn’t the biggest fan of their looks. I think they are adorable but smaller than we would like, husband is almost 7ft tall and worried about a dog being underfoot.
Some details about our fam.
- family of four, my husband and I are in our mid 40’s. Kids 9M and 11F.
- I am currently a stay at home mom and will be for another 2 years.
- I am a walker and I would be taking the dog for 2, 40min walk a day other activities would happen but that would be our baseline.
- We have 2, 3 year old Siberian Cats, have shown no fear towards dogs who are constantly by our home while our cats are outside with us. They love watching them go by.
- Due to the cats we prefer starting with a puppy to help with introduction, and will be following Jaxson Galaxy’s rules for puppy introduction to cats.
- Based in northern NJ, USA, we travel to VA multiple times a year so pup would be in the car with us for trips.
- We live in what I call Urban Suburbs, homes close together with small lots, huge walking community, lots of parks that are easy to walk too. We have a small back yard, corner lot, currently not fully fenced, we do plan on electric fence but do not plan on having dog outside unattended (will be leashed as well, due to frequent foot traffic of neighborhood walkers). Since we are a corner lot we cannot have a fence higher than 4ft, but open to getting one.
- We would be first time dog owners, (had a sheepdog when I was a baby so don’t really count that) I worked at a vet for a few years so I am familiar, and have cared for friends dogs. I have trained our cats for certain behaviors but have yet to train dogs, but I enjoy training but we would get a professional to help get us on the right track.
- Dog breed/traits I’m not a fan of, would like to avoid breeds that drool, and breeds that have high shedding/short fur.
- I do not want a “doodle” and want to avoid any breed like Pitbulls, Bully, pugs, bulldogs.(basically short nosed breeds and breeds that have a prey drive) also not into toy breeds like Shitzu, chihuahuas, Pomeranian…etc.
- Not into highly active breeds we are not a highly active family or have a backyard that would give that dog huge freedom of movement would just be unfair for the dog.
- Ideally medium sized breed but flexible here. St.Bernard’s are also recommended for our fam but they drool and don’t want to deal with large dog poop and large dog upcharges, but love their personalities. Love the idea of a big dog (so could be easily convinced).
- I understand all dogs shed, we have plenty of cat fur action in the home and do not want to add much more to the mix.
- No dog allergies.
- Prefer east coast-ish breeders. Want to pick up via car.
- Dog will be insured & chipped and be groomed regularly.
Sorry for the long post but really appreciate input and advice. We are long time cat owners and are very committed to being responsible dog parents as well.