Ok, so I'm 25, single, and a teacher. That leaves me out of the house a few hours a day. I know heaps of people who have dogs and go to work all day. I work really close to home so it would not be from 7am-8pm. More like 8-3 with a visit at lunch. I divided what I'm looking for in a breed into categories. The breed i'm looking for should be...
1) small to medium size. I know that greyhounds are really great dogs, but I'm looking for something smaller. I also don't want something that's really "yappy" like a chihuahua or a pomeranian (even though they're uber cute!).
2) exercise requirements: I'm not the most active guy out there, neither am I a couch potato. My ideal dog breed would have a bit of versatility to it. It should want to go on walks with me. (Always on leash as I live in the suburbs). but also if i'm in a lazy mood won't mind just going out into the backyard to do his business and come back in to chill with me on the lazyboy. I do know that all dogs do require some degree of daily exercises, but the requirements are different for a rottie than a pug.
3) Temperament: This is VERY important for me. I'm not into aggressive dogs, and I am an extremely laid back person myself. I would need a dog to match this. Also I want a dog which is really affectionate.
4) Grooming requirements: He should not consume hours every day (poodle or yorkshire terrier). I like how pugs and english bulldogs just need their wrinkles cleaned each day, that would be about the most.
5) Health: Everyone wants a healthy dog, right? I know that the breeds mentioned are braxiosofalic (or however you spell it). But any advice is welcome.
I know that no breed will fit all of the criteria perfectly. The four breeds I'm interested in are Dachshund, Cocker Spaniel, Golden Retriever, and Pug. I know that each one of these doesn't fit at least one of my own criteria, but I'm willing to compromise (shouldn't all dog owners compromise a little?). Please limit your recommendations to one of the four I have mentioned. THANKS
Thank you very much for the suggestions, but I am only interested in the three breeds I have stated. Please do not ask me to go to a shelter and get an adult dog, as this does not answer my question in deciding on a specific breed.
1) small to medium size. I know that greyhounds are really great dogs, but I'm looking for something smaller. I also don't want something that's really "yappy" like a chihuahua or a pomeranian (even though they're uber cute!).
2) exercise requirements: I'm not the most active guy out there, neither am I a couch potato. My ideal dog breed would have a bit of versatility to it. It should want to go on walks with me. (Always on leash as I live in the suburbs). but also if i'm in a lazy mood won't mind just going out into the backyard to do his business and come back in to chill with me on the lazyboy. I do know that all dogs do require some degree of daily exercises, but the requirements are different for a rottie than a pug.
3) Temperament: This is VERY important for me. I'm not into aggressive dogs, and I am an extremely laid back person myself. I would need a dog to match this. Also I want a dog which is really affectionate.
4) Grooming requirements: He should not consume hours every day (poodle or yorkshire terrier). I like how pugs and english bulldogs just need their wrinkles cleaned each day, that would be about the most.
5) Health: Everyone wants a healthy dog, right? I know that the breeds mentioned are braxiosofalic (or however you spell it). But any advice is welcome.
I know that no breed will fit all of the criteria perfectly. The four breeds I'm interested in are Dachshund, Cocker Spaniel, Golden Retriever, and Pug. I know that each one of these doesn't fit at least one of my own criteria, but I'm willing to compromise (shouldn't all dog owners compromise a little?). Please limit your recommendations to one of the four I have mentioned. THANKS
Thank you very much for the suggestions, but I am only interested in the three breeds I have stated. Please do not ask me to go to a shelter and get an adult dog, as this does not answer my question in deciding on a specific breed.