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TucsonJim's avatar
TucsonJim
Explorer II
Jan 26, 2015

Dog Owners - Need Your Suggestions

Our last doggie passed away in 2005. He was a Brittany, and we loved him very much. We decided we wouldn't get another dog until we retired. That way the new family member wouldn't be home alone all day while we were working. We retired last year, and the DW has been hinting (a lot) that it's time to adopt.

The problem, is there are SO many breeds to pick from. Here are some of the living conditions they'll be exposed to:

-We travel with our truck and fifth wheel 3-4 months a year.
-We are in good health, and can physically walk and exercise the dog frequently.
-The dog should be friendly to visitors both at home and on the road, but will give us a warning if something is amiss at night.
-Our youngest grandchild is 7, so no babies are in the picture.

We don't want a tiny or huge doggie. Just a good member of our family. I'm kind of thinking along the lines of another Brittany, a Golden Retriever, or something along that line.

I'd like to surprise the DW and let her know she can pick one out. Can you please give me some suggestions on the breeds you prefer, male or female, and where to purchase? I don't want to support some puppy mill or unethical breeder.

Thanks much,

Jim

67 Replies

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  • guidry's avatar
    guidry
    Explorer II
    Jan 26, 2015
    Cavaliers are great lap dogs. Not that big for a RV and don't need much exercise. Ours likes to travel and is content to just sit with us.
  • toedtoes's avatar
    toedtoes
    Explorer III
    Jan 26, 2015
    TucsonJim wrote:
    Maybe it was a mistake to post here. I didn't mean to confuse you.. I'm willing to pay to get the right breed. I'm obviously not an experty on the terminology, but I didn't think the terms were mutually exclusive.


    I wasn't trying to be rude, but buying a dog and adopting a dog are two completely different things. Knowing what you actually want to do will provide for better answers from people - especially as to where to go to get the dog. For example, you are unlikely to find a golden retriever puppy hanging out at the local shelter, but you might find an older retriever mix.

    Questions to think about:

    1. How much grooming do you want to do?

    2. Do you want a dog who will be content to curl up under your feet while you watch tv? Or one that prefers to be out hiking or swimming?

    3. Do you want a dog who will bond with both of you equally? Or are you OK if the dog considers itself a one-owner dog?

    4. Do you want to go through puppy-hood and all its positives and negatives? Or would you rather bypass that stage and get a dog that's been potty trained, etc.?

    5. How much effort do you want to spend on brain exercise? Physical exercise? Some dogs need their brains worked constantly (huskies, etc.), while others are need tons of physical exercise (labs, etc.), while others still are good with a nice walk or play time once in a while.
  • TucsonJim's avatar
    TucsonJim
    Explorer II
    Jan 26, 2015
    Oh, she'll pick the pooch out. I just want to do some reasearch on breeds you suggest so I can make sure we're not getting a breed that doesn't fit our life style.
  • stickdog's avatar
    stickdog
    Explorer
    Jan 26, 2015
    I'd get a labradoodle, you should get what you want, or in this case what your wife wants.
  • TucsonJim's avatar
    TucsonJim
    Explorer II
    Jan 26, 2015
    Maybe it was a mistake to post here. I didn't mean to confuse you.. I'm willing to pay to get the right breed. I'm obviously not an experty on the terminology, but I didn't think the terms were mutually exclusive.
  • toedtoes's avatar
    toedtoes
    Explorer III
    Jan 26, 2015
    Your post is confusing:

    You say your wife is hinting that it's time to adopt.

    You want want ideas on what and where to purchase.


    Which do you want to do? Adopt or purchase?

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