[ANSWER] dog questionnaire - please provide feedback!

1) Will this be your first dog? If not, what experience do you have owning/training dogs?

First dog - no experience - live with boyfriend (some experience)

2) Do you have a preference for rescuing a dog vs. going through a reputable breeder?

Probably prefer breeder but we are not opposed to finding a cute, reliably smaller mix (not interested in hound or pit mixes)

3) Describe your ideal dog.

Ideal dog: so snuggly, loves to be by your side, but will not fuss or make noise when you leave it. Loves to play with other dogs and people. Can take it anywhere. Fine being a couch potato or accompanying a run. Low shedder, easy to train.

4) What breeds or types of dogs are you interested in and why?

Mini goldendoodle - for the temperament of 2 great dogs. Less shedding. Smaller sized / medium sized. Love look. Cockapoo - best of both worlds, would guarantee smaller and less shedding. Think they’re cute and look kinda similar Kooikerhondjes- perfect size, meets activity needs, love look

5) What sorts of things would you like to train your dog to do?

Paw, basic tricks, fetch, be well-behaved!!

6) Do you want to compete with your dog in a sport (e.g. agility, obedience, rally) or use your dog for a form of work (e.g. hunting, herding, livestock guarding)? If so, how much experience do you have with this work/sport?

No

Care Commitments

7) How long do you want to devote to training, playing with, or otherwise interacting with your dog each day?

30 or so minutes a day, including or not including walks

8) How long can you exercise your dog each day, on average? What sorts of exercise are you planning to give your dog regularly and does that include using a dog park?

Average of 30 minutes-1 hour a day during working hours, more on weekends or remote work. We have a dog park right downstairs. Would likely be longer 1 mile walks daily.

9) How much regular brushing are you willing to do? Are you open to trimming hair, cleaning ears, or doing other grooming at home? If not, would you be willing to pay a professional to do it regularly?

Willing to pay. Would maybe trim hair at home.

Personal Preferences

10) What size dog are you looking for? Ideally under 35 lbs.

11) How much shedding, barking, and slobber can you handle?

Would not like a lot of any of this.

12) How important is being able to let your dog off-leash in an unfenced area?

Somewhat important but not priority

Dog Personality and Behavior

13) Do you want a snuggly dog or one that prefers some personal space?

Snuggly

14) Would you prefer a dog that wants to do its own thing or one that’s more eager-to-please?

Eager-to-please

15) How would you prefer your dog to respond to someone knocking on the door or entering your yard? How would you prefer your dog to greet strangers or visitors?

Would prefer it doesn’t bark or freak out

16) Are you willing to manage a dog that is aggressive to other dogs?

Not really. Don’t want any aggressive breed

17) Are there any other behaviors you can’t deal with or want to avoid?

Yapping dogs

Lifestyle

18) How often and how long will the dog be left alone?

Outside of COVID, maybe 8 hours a day, 9 max for work days if return to office.

19) What are the dog-related preferences of other people in the house and what will be their involvement in caring for the dog?

Boyfriend would love a bigger dog with the personality of a lab or golden. Likes goldendoodles for looks and kooikers a lot. But we’ve read mixed reviews! He would be very involved.

20) Do you have other pets or are you planning on having other pets? What breed or type of animal are they?

No other pets - not planning on anything other than dogs

21) Will the dog be interacting with children regularly?

Rarely but would like them to be ok with them

22) Do you rent or plan to rent in the future? If applicable, what breed or weight restrictions are on your current lease?

Rent - just no pits

23) What city or country do you live in and are you aware of any laws banning certain breeds?

Philadelphia, PA. Not sure! Future: NYC

24) What is the average temperature of a typical summer and winter day where you live?

Summer can be up to 100. Winter can be as cold as the teens (not lately).

Additional Information and Questions

25) Please provide any additional information you feel may be relevant.

Some concerns with breeds mentioned.. Worried about Kooikers - don’t socialize well at all, won’t be a dog that will interact with other dogs. How important? Goldendoodles - sizing / shedding Cockapoo - separation anxiety

26) Feel free to ask any questions below.

Please recommend any and all breeds and knowledge!!