Chosing the right breed (help??)

[Freedom]

I wanted to have HER do the breed selectors. Several of them. As she reads (and re reads) the questions, over and over, it may make an impact on her. It will give HER some info, even if only subconsciously.

And frankly, if YOU do the breed selector and tell her get X breed, she gets one and it doesn't work, then it is 'your' fault. Make HER do the up front work and the choice, as well. Nicely, of course! Sit with her as she works through them if you wish, but try to keep your boundaries in place, so she can't 'blame' you if things do not work out.

She has to take on responsibility from the start, right from the decision making to get a dog, which breed, and such. You've looked at the selectors now, so you've seen the sort of things they get in to. (Probably you were aware of most of it anyhow: coat maintenance, exercise, lifestyle and so on).

Also perhaps have a frank discussion with her as to how she will manage the first year - the puppy stage - while she is at work. Draw her out, how will the dog be occupied, how will she give the pup exercise when she gets home from work tired and (in winter) it is already dark out.

[emc]

How about a pretty plush stuffed dog? They are well behaved and come in all colors. Some are even remote controlled. Seriously, I don't think there is a right dog for her unless she is willing to hire someone to do all that doggy stuff for her.

[Karen]

The Shiba Inu is a very cat-like dog, grooms its own fur, etc. If she is willing, a greyhound or whippet does sound like a far better choice for her than a Weimaraner. Greys are know to be 90-mile-an-hour couch potatoes. Love to run full out when they can (so a fenced park excursion would be good, but otherwise are happy on the couch!

[InjaTheGolden]

Thank you for everyone who replied, we talked to her a lot but at first she didn't want to listen. She eventually settled on a miniature longhaired Dachshund (changed her mind about little dogs), her aunt had a litter... No idea how it will turn out, I just hope the dog will be okay. Her boyfriend loves dogs and is apparently going to make an effort with it so hopefully, fingers crossed, everything will be fine

[Karen]

Thanks for updating us! Hope she and the pup will be happy!