Ok so this is very premature - I will not be getting another dog for at least a year I don't think, but doesn't stop me thinking ;-) * Whether you have had dogs previously I currently have a 1yr old Norwegian Buhund. She lives with me and I live between my OHs flat and my parents house. * Your circumstances - do you work etc? At the moment I work 2.5 days out of the house (7-4, 7-11), but the OH is there, and the rest of the time from home. This will be changing in a few months when I get a new job - just not sure what yet! I would like to rescue this time anyway - so no puppies - and would take time off when new dog arrives. I know working is not idea but I will have to pay the bills somehow! * How much time you have for exercise Currently walk my dog for around 1 hr a day. I can go up to about 1.5hrs plus other things like agility. * Whether you have children, other pets etc At the parents, they have 2 cats, a bernese, and 2 rabbits so it would need to be ok with these animals. Rabbits are kept safely in a hutch, and the cats are dog savvy (swipe them if they get too close ;-) ) I would like kids in the future but not for another 7yrs or so. * What characteristics you are looking for Not too big, around up to 25kg. Active, intelligent, social with other dogs and people (I know this is a lot to do with training). A dog that will settle down inside the house, but play and be fun and active outdoors. Nothing too vocal! Not too long coated - buhund length is ideal. She already sheds a lot so thats not too much of a problem. No clipping required. * What breeds you have already looked at and your thoughts on them In terms of looks - I am not so keen on dogs you see everywhere. I love the pointed ears wolfy look - GSD, malinois, buhund type look. Would love a mini GSD I like the spitz breeds but many can be vocal according to breed characteristics. I have some in mind of what I like but will see what is suggested * Anything else you think might be relevant or important I am looking to potentially rehome through a breed rescue in future.
Samoyed...? There are plenty in several breed specific rescues. They are often very friendly dogs, not too large.
I actually really like Samoyeds but they are a bit too long haired for me in an ideal world! Would also like to avoid pure White if possible..even wheaten seems like it shows up the mess
A Border T sprung to mind, but I haven't much experiance with them. They do require hand stripping though.
I did consider a greyhound rescue but I want a dog I can let off lead and I worry abit with sighthounds that this isn't always easy. Looking for a dog a bit bigger than a border, terriers don't tend to do it for me, but borders are quite cute and cheeky! This is a dog on my wish list Any experience with how hard they are off lead? Another one on my list So far this probably seems the most suitable for me out of the rest of the spitzes. Any experiences with them?
Why not another Buhund then? And if you're bothered about the wheaten coat showing dirt etc then you could go for a red or black one.
Noo - stick with the same colour, at least with two light dogs you can stick to light coloured furniture, carpets, etc. - I messed up and got one black, one white, so fur shows up regardless
Siberian Husky or one of their many crosses? plenty of them in rescue to choose from. Off lead exercise might not be possible though.
How about a, Nova Scotia duck toller retriever , playful, friendly intelligent, quick to learn and under 25kg.
