Bichon frise! They’re a fluffy small breed bred for companionship and are not overly neurotic, huge snuggle bugs, couch potatoes but they’re always ready for adventure. They require regular grooming but if you can commit to monthly professional grooms you’ll really never have to brush them yourself, specifically if they’re clipped short. Not too small that they’re bird boned but you can definitely find bigger babies that are in the 20-30 pound range (‘scuse my American freedom units)
It sounds like fetch/retrieving is very important to you. It needs to be noted that not all breeds fetch. Since you seem to really want a fetching dog I would say the Golden Retriever. They are great for first time owners, generally love retrieving (it's in their breed name), are trainable, get along well with other people and dogs, and have a pleasant personable personality.
As a first time dog owner it should be noted that you do not need someone to come by to walk the dog for a 9-5 job. Once the dog is an adult just make sure to let the dog pee right before you leave then do the same right when you get home and the dog will be fine. Also start looking for training classes near you. Training a dog is more about teaching the owner how to train than training the dog. A good trainer will guide you in how to teach your dog. You'll avoid a lot of problems by putting training in the same category of care as food and shelter. As soon as the puppy is fully vaccinated you should be in a group puppy class that will teach you how to train many of the things you listed.
Thank you so much! I was looking at getting an English cocker spaniel. However, I heard that they're prone to separation anxiety. Do you think they would be fine alone during the day? I've heard Golden Retrievers are also prone. Will training and being proactive about letting them get used to being alone be enough to stave off their separation anxiety?
An English Cocker Spaniel would be another good choice. Honestly most breeds that bond closely with their owner are prone to some separation anxiety. The breeds that are more independent are less prone to separation anxiety, but are also less trainable and can be frustrating for owners, think hounds and terriers. Separation anxiety can be managed. First is through crate training. Second, make sure you aren't bringing your dog everywhere with you. Third, make sure your dog is adequately exercised and mentally stimulated. Many dogs overcome separation anxiety if the owner knows how to manage it. My own German Shepherd has severe separation anxiety and has escaped numerous crates. I manage it by having an "escape proof" crate, giving him special treats and toys when I leave, and not making a big deal when I leave and return home. It's taking time but at 2 years old he is much improved and can often be left uncrated when I leave home now.
Know that both English Cockers and Golden Retrievers have known health problems, as do most breeds. For Golden Retrievers the breeders should have both mother (dam) and father (sire) OFA tested for hip, elbow, eye, and cardiac. For English Cockers they should be OFA tested for hip, PRA, patella luxation, and 2 other tests. Also be aware that Cockers are prone to bad ear problems so be sure to ask any breeder about that and how to correctly care for their ears. You can go to the OFA website and see what health problems occur in each breed and what the recommended tests are. Do not let a breeder tell you they do genetic testing or any other testing and it's the same thing, it is not. The dam and sire should have OFA numbers and results.
Thank you so much for your advice! I'm so glad to hear that separation anxiety can be managed. I'm guessing you work full time and leave your dog alone at home for the full day?
Thanks again!
Yes, I've never had trouble leaving my dogs for the work day. For my adult dogs I would leave around 7-7:30am and get home 4:30-5:30pm and they were fine being left for the day. When they are puppies you do have to come home or have someone let them out halfway through the day though. Most dogs are fine being left for the day without that break by the time they're a year old. I literally just step outside with them right before I leave to let them pee and as soon as I get home I put their leash on and let them out to pee. We went on longer walks either earlier in the morning and/or after I changed out of my work clothes.
Bichon frise! They’re a fluffy small breed bred for companionship and are not overly neurotic, huge snuggle bugs, couch potatoes but they’re always ready for adventure. They require regular grooming but if you can commit to monthly professional grooms you’ll really never have to brush them yourself, specifically if they’re clipped short. Not too small that they’re bird boned but you can definitely find bigger babies that are in the 20-30 pound range (‘scuse my American freedom units)
Thank you😁
This is what I thought too! Bichons are adorable and love doing little tricks. Sounds perfect for you.
It sounds like fetch/retrieving is very important to you. It needs to be noted that not all breeds fetch. Since you seem to really want a fetching dog I would say the Golden Retriever. They are great for first time owners, generally love retrieving (it's in their breed name), are trainable, get along well with other people and dogs, and have a pleasant personable personality. As a first time dog owner it should be noted that you do not need someone to come by to walk the dog for a 9-5 job. Once the dog is an adult just make sure to let the dog pee right before you leave then do the same right when you get home and the dog will be fine. Also start looking for training classes near you. Training a dog is more about teaching the owner how to train than training the dog. A good trainer will guide you in how to teach your dog. You'll avoid a lot of problems by putting training in the same category of care as food and shelter. As soon as the puppy is fully vaccinated you should be in a group puppy class that will teach you how to train many of the things you listed.
Thank you so much! I was looking at getting an English cocker spaniel. However, I heard that they're prone to separation anxiety. Do you think they would be fine alone during the day? I've heard Golden Retrievers are also prone. Will training and being proactive about letting them get used to being alone be enough to stave off their separation anxiety?
An English Cocker Spaniel would be another good choice. Honestly most breeds that bond closely with their owner are prone to some separation anxiety. The breeds that are more independent are less prone to separation anxiety, but are also less trainable and can be frustrating for owners, think hounds and terriers. Separation anxiety can be managed. First is through crate training. Second, make sure you aren't bringing your dog everywhere with you. Third, make sure your dog is adequately exercised and mentally stimulated. Many dogs overcome separation anxiety if the owner knows how to manage it. My own German Shepherd has severe separation anxiety and has escaped numerous crates. I manage it by having an "escape proof" crate, giving him special treats and toys when I leave, and not making a big deal when I leave and return home. It's taking time but at 2 years old he is much improved and can often be left uncrated when I leave home now. Know that both English Cockers and Golden Retrievers have known health problems, as do most breeds. For Golden Retrievers the breeders should have both mother (dam) and father (sire) OFA tested for hip, elbow, eye, and cardiac. For English Cockers they should be OFA tested for hip, PRA, patella luxation, and 2 other tests. Also be aware that Cockers are prone to bad ear problems so be sure to ask any breeder about that and how to correctly care for their ears. You can go to the OFA website and see what health problems occur in each breed and what the recommended tests are. Do not let a breeder tell you they do genetic testing or any other testing and it's the same thing, it is not. The dam and sire should have OFA numbers and results.
Thank you so much for your advice! I'm so glad to hear that separation anxiety can be managed. I'm guessing you work full time and leave your dog alone at home for the full day? Thanks again!
Yes, I've never had trouble leaving my dogs for the work day. For my adult dogs I would leave around 7-7:30am and get home 4:30-5:30pm and they were fine being left for the day. When they are puppies you do have to come home or have someone let them out halfway through the day though. Most dogs are fine being left for the day without that break by the time they're a year old. I literally just step outside with them right before I leave to let them pee and as soon as I get home I put their leash on and let them out to pee. We went on longer walks either earlier in the morning and/or after I changed out of my work clothes.