Is a papillon right for me?
Hey everyone! I filled out the breed questionnaire in r/dogs, was wondering what you papillon owners thought since they are my #1 breed atm.
*Introduction**
1)Will this be your first dog? If not, what experience do you have owning/training dogs?
* First time I will be the primary one responsible for the dog, my family had a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever (Toller), got him when I was 2 and he passed away when I was 14. RIP Bourbon you were the best. A family member was very involved with dogsitting and dog training, so I grew up with that too.
2)Do you have a preference for rescuing a dog vs. going through a [reputable breeder]( http://ownresponsibly.blogspot.com/2011/07/identifying-reputable-breeder.html)?
* I'm not 100% decided on this, I'm not opposed to rescues but I think for my first dog it's probably wiser to go through a breeder, also as the adult size is fairly important.
3)Describe your ideal dog.
* Four-legged best friend that goes everywhere, is up for anything I am. Cuddly and loyal. Friendly to other people at least to some degree. Well trained. Not anxious or agressive. Everything from cuddling on my lap to hiking and boating (dog does not have to enjoy swimming, though.) Not overly afraid of things. Let's be honest, it will probably be wearing cute sweaters in the winter.
I'm not really sure how to explain my ideal dog but hopefully you get the idea.
Small, cute, cuddly, big personality, travel and adventure buddy.
4)What breeds or types of dogs are you interested in and why?
* I liked the Toller I grew up with. Have always liked herding dogs, especially border collies and australian shepherds. I like toy australian shepherds aside from the ethical issues of breeding them. Definitely not getting a big dog, A herding dog probably isn't right for me at the moment I need more of a companion. maybe when I'm older a herding dog will join the family. Currently considering a Papillon?
5)What sorts of things would you like to train your dog to do?
* Aside from obedience, and tricks for fun-
I'm a small plane pilot, I would like it to get used to flying with me. Also intend to do a lot of traveling and outdoor adventures.
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?
* Whatever is necessary. I have a fairly flexible schedule, and would like my dog to be well-trained, both with obedience and fun things as well.
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?
* No dog park. I am a fairly active person, I walk about two miles around my neighborhood most mornings, enjoy hikes from time to time, go backpacking/camping occasionally, etc. I'm open to a combination of the dog exercising with me, and carrying the dog if/when necessary on longer excursions.
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?
* Brushing is not an issue, I already have to brush my cats quite a bit. Don't mind the occasional trim, but I don't really want a dog that requires full haircuts. Cleaning ears, trimming nails, brushing teeth, anything else I may be forgetting at the moment, not a big deal. I bathe dogs for extended family every once in a while, would not mind doing it on a regular basis. Honestly kind of enjoy it, especially if the dog isn't overly terrified.
**Personal Preferences**
10)What size dog are you looking for?
* Small. Under 20 pounds. I travel a decent amount to visit family, and for fun. I would like to bring the dog with me, definitely in-cabin, fees/complications aren't a huge issue.
11) How much shedding, barking, and slobber can you handle?
* Minimal-moderate shedding is fine. Barking doesn't bother me, although I will spend some time training to avoid the dog bothering others. Would prefer to keep the slobber to a minimum if at all possible.
12) How important is being able to let your dog off-leash in an unfenced area?
* No preference. Would like to off-leash train them if possible but it's not a deal breaker.
**Dog Personality and Behavior**
13) Do you want a snuggly dog or one that prefers some personal space?
* Snuggly, but they don't HAVE to be in my space 24/7 if they don't want to.
14) Would you prefer a dog that wants to do its own thing or one that’s more eager-to-please?
* More on the side of eager-to-please, but I can work through a bit of stubbornness.
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?
* Barking is fine, it doesn't bother me in small dogs especially, but again would aim for training them to stop on command. Not agressive, not overly shy, friendly enough at least.
16) Are you willing to manage a dog that is aggressive to other dogs?
* Would prefer not. Can deal with it but the goal would definitely be to avoid that through breed and training.
17) Are there any other behaviors you can’t deal with or want to avoid?
* ANSWER
**Lifestyle**
18) How often and how long will the dog be left alone?
* I'm not entirely sure on this one. Ideally I would bring the dog everywhere, currently my lifestyle would allow it, but I don't want to be entirely unable to leave them alone for a few hours on occasion when necessary. Definitely will crate-train.
19) What are the dog-related preferences of other people in the house and what will be their involvement in caring for the dog?
* Currently living with my parents, the dog would be my responsability but they would be somewhat of a safety net in case of sudden large fees, or if I needed a dogsitter.
My mother does not want a large slobbery dog, my dad does not want a chihuahua. Those are their preferences as far as I know, lol.
20) Do you have other pets or are you planning on having other pets? What breed or type of animal are they?
* Two cats, fairly chill unless they're playing. They would be apprehensive at first but I think would make friends with a dog, as they did with Bourbon (previous dog.)
21) Will the dog be interacting with children regularly?
* A 4 year old in the household (5 by the time I would get a dog), but it would be under direct supervision at all times and because of the cats he knows to be very gentle.
22) Do you rent or plan to rent in the future? If applicable, what breed or weight restrictions are on your current lease?
* No.
23) What city or country do you live in and are you aware of any laws banning certain breeds?
* None that would apply to the breeds I want. (NO Brachycephalic breeds, please, due to travel by air.)
24) What is the average temperature of a typical summer and winter day where you live?
* -FAHRENHEIT- Average of 60-70, high of 85 (maybe). Average of 20-30, low of maybe 5-10 during the day like one or two days a year. Willing to purchase dog sweaters LOL.
**Additional Information and Questions**
25) Please provide any additional information you feel may be relevant.
* I am (low-support needs) autistic, and have some anxiety issues. While not an official emotional support animal or anything, it will be my companion while I navigate the transition to adulthood, and will ideally be a comfort when people are too overwhelming.
It will be my adventure buddy, from flying to backpacking, etc.
I have not owned a dog myself before, but I have been around them a lot, I'm doing my research, and I know the challenges. I think the project of training a dog would be good for me, and overall a dog is a good level of responsablility to get used to.
Sorry if I'm not making sense. Not sure exactly when I'll move out, but not for a year or two at least, will most likely stay in the same town.
Not going away to college. I intend to do everything in my power to pay for and care for the dog myself but my family is willing to help out if necessary.
I'm trying to be realistic, I know it can't go with me -everywhere- but it will not likely spend a ton of time on it's own.
Thank you everyone!
26) Feel free to ask any questions below.