Help choosing a new dog please!

[BlueBobRadar]

Hi all. I’m interested in getting a young adult dog next year to be both a pet and compete in obedience. I’m just not sure what breed I’m looking for and wanted opinions.

I have an 18 month old longcoat chihuahua. She has a trick title, and one leg toward her rally novice title. I have her entered in trials in November and December to hopefully complete it. My big goal with her is to at least get her CD. I would love to try tracking in the future as well. I took her to puppy class and then weekly obedience/rally classes for 6 months until COVID in March. She goes on one 40 minute walk a day, and I work with her on obedience and trick training for a few minutes at a time throughout the day. I would like to get a medium sized young adult (male) dog at some point in 2021. Male only because my chi seems to get along better with male dogs.

Breeds I’m considering: English Cocker, Springer, Lab (pref yellow)

Not considering: Toller, American Cocker

Looking for:

• A breeder whose operation is on the smaller side, but is very passionate about their dogs and breed, and who stands behind them. Ex would be happy to help if any behavioral issue cropped up. Someone who knows what they're breeding and what behaviors to expect.
• No signs of aggression whatsoever - this is my absolute, will not compromise.
• Kid friendly, people oriented is very important
• Enjoys working - planning to compete in obedience and rally
• Very open to a dog that was a show prospect/shown and then needed a retirement home
• Under 60 lbs
• Preferably under 5 years old
• Small dog friendly! Since I have a chihuahua and my parents (who will watch this future dog as well as current chi) have several chihuahuas and miniature dachshunds.

Other info: I am currently house hunting, but will definitely have a house with a yard by the time I will be approaching breeders. I am a nurse (3am to 3pm) but either my parents would be watching them or I would have someone let them out a few times during the day. I grew up with yellow labs and a cocker spaniel mix.

I’m going to be asking the trainer I went to for her opinion but wanted to see what advice COTH has as well. If COVID were not a thing I would be going to shows to meet dogs and talk to handlers. Sadly the National Dog Show is now closed to spectators or else I would be there.

[S1969]

I think your requirements are too narrow. It is possible, but unlikely, that you will find a good breeder looking to place a well-bred, well-adjusted dog under the age of 5. It happens, but seeking that opportunity is not very likely to be successful. “That dog” will go to someone known to the breeder or in the breed. It is quite rare for that kind of dog to just need a new home and be placed with an unknown person. It happens…but not often (at least not in my experience in my breed. The breed people will circle the wagons and find a soft landing for a dog in that circumstance.)

So…options. Get on a wait list for a breeder you like and let it be known you are open to an older dog. Join the national breed club and/or regional breed clubs if they exist. Reach out to breeders and people who compete in obedience.

But more importantly - I would broaden your search. Consider a puppy and/or an older dog. Consider other breeds, colors, and possibly mixes. Others I your wait might be long. Or you will be talking with breeders that aren’t really good breeders.

[SonnysMom]

I think finding a male lab under 60 pounds might be difficult. Maybe with the field/American versus English. My English lab is small compared to his parents. His mother was 78 pounds and his father was 105. Cooper is 76 pounds. My prior lab was 85 pounds. Both of my labs are solid not fat. That being said my labs love all people, all dogs. Cooper would need to be reminded to be gentle with a small dog. He gets all excited when we get a new kitten to foster and can get a little rough. One kitten loved that and would just pounce all over him. He does chill out after a couple of days.

[TKR]

GSD working lines - bred for learning and working. Maybe a Border Collie or Australian Shepherd? Check forums for the breeds and rescues.

[S1969]

As for breeds you are considering, what about cockers and springers attracts you? If.you like the coat, you might not like Viszlas or Brittanys, but they are friendly sporting dogs that are good at agility and obedience and meet your other requirements.

[Lusoluv]

I have truly learned that all dogs/breeds are individuals, and while standards and stereotypes do apply, there are exceptions. I posted here back in Feb or March about starting to look after losing my Shiba Inu. There were many suggestions, and then 1 poster said they knew a great breeder/judge who had a 2 yr old Aussie that fit my list. I’ve met many Aussies and my friend fosters them. My first thought was “no thanks”. They are gorgeous, but bigger and more intense than I wanted, but the COTHer said this dog was perfect based on what I described. Just so happens I was traveling to the breeder’s state in a few weeks, so it couldn’t hurt to look. Well, the COTHer was right! The smaller-than-standard female was so sweet and laid-back that I said yes. She’s adapted to living indoors quickly, follows me everywhere (on and off-leash) and is great at the barn. If I had a dollar for every time someone asks, “Where can I get an Aussie like yours”, I’d be rich! She is so smart and picks up on commands, tone and hand gestures. If I had the time, I’d do rally or agility with her - she is SO smart! Right now the cat is sleeping in her bed while she lays next to it :lol:

So keep an open mind and open heart - I NEVER dreamt I would find my next pal through a random COTH connection!

[sheep_with_a_gun]

@TKR

GSD working lines - bred for learning and working. Maybe a Border Collie or Australian Shepherd? Check forums for the breeds and rescues.

Male GSDs are typically over the 60lbs mark, aren’t they?

OP, how active are your parents/keen on keeping a large energetic dog? There’s a big difference a 20 pound ball of energy and a 40 pound one.

[S1969]

@sheep with a gun

Male GSDs are typically over the 60lbs mark, aren’t they?

OP, how active are your parents/keen on keeping a large energetic dog? There’s a big difference a 20 pound ball of energy and a 40 pound one.

Agreed - I hesitated to put Brittany on the list. It depends on the reasons the OP likes sporting dogs. They are not a “fireside breed” like some sporting breeds.

[Where_sMyWhite]

You mention you’d like to compete in obedience and rally. Are there other disciplines you’re interested in such as the many performance sports? Do you want to trial for ‘fun’ or do you want to be competitive?

The breeds you’ve said you are interested in may or may not be competitive at the different performance sports.

S1969 had some excellent suggestions and thoughts when searching for your next dog.

I know when I got my last dog (as a puppy), I had a 5 page form his breeder wanted me to fill out. Good breeders can be picky about where their pups go.

Good luck in your search!

[TheresanAppfurthat]

Have you considered a Field Spaniel?