So I'm looking for a dog....

**Darwin18** · 07-01-2009, 07:05 PM

My girlfriend and I moved into our house a few months ago and we both agreed that with the new space and large yard that it would be nice to have a dog. We live in a suburb of Raleigh (Garner) and I was wondering if anyone would be able to recommend a breed for us.

I grew up with a standard size dachshund but I remember enough to know that that breed is probably not a good one for two beginner dog owners. We have some requirements have to be met:

1) The dog needs to be between 20 - 40 lbs. We want a dog we're both comfortable controlling without having that "toy breed" stigma.

2) We have two cats and since they were here first, they get to stay. I think this will probably exclude any herding or hunting breeds.

3) A dog with a calm temperment is an absolute must. Neither of us want a high energy/high strung animal that will need special attention. We want a dog that after a good walk will relax with us in the evenings.

I was thinking a cocker spaniel might be a good choice but they are difficult so far to find in shelters. We are in no rush and since we're going on vacation in August, any adoption would have to wait until we got back.

**Mutilated1** · 07-01-2009, 07:06 PM

cocker will not be a good choice if you don't want high strung

**Liquidicem** · 07-01-2009, 07:09 PM

I wouldn't worry about the cats too much if you get a puppy and raise it around them, but if your looking to adopt an older dog it is certainly something to look out for.

**Darwin18** · 07-01-2009, 07:10 PM

A dog that is calm and not high strung is probably the biggest characteristic we're looking for. If that strikes cocker spaniels off the list so be it!

**ChshreCat** · 07-01-2009, 07:14 PM

I highly recommend going to a shelter or rescue. They can help you get paired with a dog that would fit your situation, and you'd be saving a life rather than funding breeders and/or puppy mills by buying a dog.

**Darwin18** · 07-01-2009, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChshreCat

I highly recommend going to a shelter or rescue. They can help you get paired with a dog that would fit your situation, and you'd be saving a life rather than funding breeders and/or puppy mills by buying a dog.

That is exactly and the only route I'm going to be allowed to take. My girlfriend randomly found a stray hound while working at the beginning of the year and since we were living in a rental we couldn't keep her. So we had to take her to the local SPCA where she was adopted before the end of the week.

**ChshreCat** · 07-01-2009, 07:22 PM

Petfinder.com is a great resource to see what sorts of animals are currently available for local shelters and rescues. It'll also help you find different groups that your usual county animal shelter to check out.

**homebeerbrewer** · 07-01-2009, 07:22 PM

+1 on the shelter or rescue. I'd recommend a mutt too. I have two rescue mutts, and both are good dogs.

**ChshreCat** · 07-01-2009, 07:28 PM

When you rescue a dog and bring them home, they smile like this:

Gremlyn · 07-01-2009, 07:29 PM

I don't think cockers are stricken from your list. My family has had three, and while they can be very energetic when playing/walking, they are pretty calm the rest of time time. If you wanted to go toward the other end of your weight spectrum, you could go for a springer spaniel. Don't get a border collie, they require A LOT of exercise and attention.

You can try this: Animal Planet :: Guides :: Dog Breed Selector