What would be a good breed of dog for me to get?

[Aspenglow]

Honestly, all these fearsome doxies. I gotta weigh in.

I have a mini version. He is the most loving, obedient, sweet, gentle non-barking dog ever. He makes me laugh many times each day. Easiest dog to train I’ve ever had, and I’ve had a few of several breeds.

He has never tried to bite. Not once.

He’s going on 12, frolics like a pup. I do watch his weight carefully.

He doesn’t take food unless offered, even if it is sitting right next to him. You should not have to defend your sandwiches. (The sandwich story is funny, though.)

He waits to be invited through the door both coming and going. (This is for his safety. He’s the same color as the wood floor and would be easy to accidentally step on.)

I can leave him on the sofa for hours and he won’t budge. He’s been trained to wait to be lifted on and off furniture and never disobeys – even when I’m not home. It’s the one thing his vet told me to be careful about with a dachshund. Most of their back injuries occur from jumping on and off furniture.

He walks nicely on a leash and enjoys a brisk walk but is just as happy if I toss his favorite toy for awhile.

He reserves his chewing for designated chew toys. He has never chewed any piece of furniture.

Crate training was essential so he could travel with me easily. It’s a space of safety for him no matter where we go.

He was a snap to house train. I just made sure he never failed. He will void on command if I need him to. He has never peed on himself.

Dachshunds are a forward, assertive breed who need a little managing, are extremely interactive and funny as can be. Training when young will yield dividends for the rest of your time together.

There are two tricks to picking any good dog: First, pick one who wants to make you happy. Second, tons of socialization will make them relaxed and comfortable in lots of different circumstances.

[Jack_Batty]

My advice, for what it’s worth, is to visit the pounds in your area and when you meet the dog that’s right for you, you’ll know it. But know your limitation and how much focus you’re willing to put into it. I was in a similar mind set. I finally decided to get a dog and I told myself I was looking for a small to medium sized, medium energy, slightly older female dog. And then I met Bob. He’s a one year old neutered male shepherd/mastiff mix full of piss and vinegar. He is very smart and at this point in my life this is precisely what I needed. I needed that focus. It’s working out well.

Not to go all negative, but a dog is a lot harder than a cat. A lot can go wrong if you get frustrated or overwhelmed. Older dogs with social skills already built in are great pets and usually cheaper at the pound.

I’m sorry if I repeated anything anyone already said. I skimmed. Bob keeps me busy.

[Gray_Ghost]

@Jack_Batty

My advice, for what it’s worth, is to visit the pounds in your area and when you meet the dog that’s right for you, you’ll know it. But know your limitation and how much focus you’re willing to put into it. I was in a similar mind set. I finally decided to get a dog and I told myself I was looking for a small to medium sized, medium energy, slightly older female dog. And then I met Bob. He’s a one year old neutered male shepherd/mastiff mix full of piss and vinegar. He is very smart and at this point in my life this is precisely what I needed. I needed that focus. It’s working out well.

Not to go all negative, but a dog is a lot harder than a cat. A lot can go wrong if you get frustrated or overwhelmed. Older dogs with social skills already built in are great pets and usually cheaper at the pound.

I’m sorry if I repeated anything anyone already said. I skimmed. Bob keeps me busy.

What a beautiful boy! Missed your earlier thread about him. I hope you like running; he doesn’t strike me as a low-energy dog. But a lower-energy dog wasn’t what you wanted. I’m glad you got him.

Any issues with homeowner’s insurance/LL about a Mastiff, even a mix? I thought some insurance companies got cranky with different breeds like Mastiffs or Dobies? Same reason I might dissuade someone from getting a Pittie, as loving as they can be.