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...and I mean more or less, not perfectly. There is no one perfect dog and there will always be compromises with our beloved furry friends 
I've mentioned in previous posts that I'm interested in a Miniature Poodle for down the road and received some good feedback. I take finding the right fit seriously, and started taking notes in my phone awhile back of what I love in dogs, and things I don't love so much if I'm 100% honest with myself.
It then occurred to me that this forum is an incredible resource for feedback! So if any mpoo experts out there want to weigh in on my (lengthy) list, I'd love it! Here goes:
What I love in dogs:
-Personality
-Goofy, makes me laugh
-Intelligent
-Warm & affectionate, but able to be independent too
-Playful & fun
-Sociable & friendly (aloof OK as long as stable with kids & strangers)
-Balanced energy (spirited and energetic at play/outdoors but not bouncing off the walls inside)
-Therapy dog nature, bombproof
-Loyal
-Eager to please
-Regal
-Trustworthy and emotionally stable when we're not at home (we're at home most of the time though)
-"Human"
-Big dog in small package?
Not so in love with:
-"Yappy and snappy" (live in a condo)
-Wired (some small dogs appear like they've had too much caffeine!)
-Demanding attention every moment
-Dominant
-High strung & high drive (love the spiritedness of poodles, but like an "off button," or can miss the odd day of exercise if you're sick or whatever reason)
-High maintenance personality (don't mind high maintaince coat, etc)
-Unsociable (timid & unfriendly). #1 problem with last dog was fear aggression
-Skittishness / nervousness
-Separation anxiety
-"Small dog" trembling, do minis do this and what is it?
Activities in no order:
Companionship, obedience/mental simulation at home, walking/hiking, cuddling/chilling, be able to take anywhere (relax at my feet at a patio, walk through stores, bring to a family party with kids, etc), possible therapy certification
Yes, it's a long list and I don't expect any dog to fulfill every expectation by any means, it's just my thoughts on what I love, don't love, etc, in general.
Also when I jotted down bombproof, it was after hearing that adjective from some poodle owners here on the forum and I liked that. An experienced handler who works with show poodles suggested a retired show dog to me, because they were "bombproof". That's what I'd likely consider.
Whew long post! Thank you in advance everyone, I look forward to hearing your thoughts!
I've mentioned in previous posts that I'm interested in a Miniature Poodle for down the road and received some good feedback. I take finding the right fit seriously, and started taking notes in my phone awhile back of what I love in dogs, and things I don't love so much if I'm 100% honest with myself.
It then occurred to me that this forum is an incredible resource for feedback! So if any mpoo experts out there want to weigh in on my (lengthy) list, I'd love it! Here goes:
What I love in dogs:
-Personality
-Goofy, makes me laugh
-Intelligent
-Warm & affectionate, but able to be independent too
-Playful & fun
-Sociable & friendly (aloof OK as long as stable with kids & strangers)
-Balanced energy (spirited and energetic at play/outdoors but not bouncing off the walls inside)
-Therapy dog nature, bombproof
-Loyal
-Eager to please
-Regal
-Trustworthy and emotionally stable when we're not at home (we're at home most of the time though)
-"Human"
-Big dog in small package?
Not so in love with:
-"Yappy and snappy" (live in a condo)
-Wired (some small dogs appear like they've had too much caffeine!)
-Demanding attention every moment
-Dominant
-High strung & high drive (love the spiritedness of poodles, but like an "off button," or can miss the odd day of exercise if you're sick or whatever reason)
-High maintenance personality (don't mind high maintaince coat, etc)
-Unsociable (timid & unfriendly). #1 problem with last dog was fear aggression
-Skittishness / nervousness
-Separation anxiety
-"Small dog" trembling, do minis do this and what is it?
Activities in no order:
Companionship, obedience/mental simulation at home, walking/hiking, cuddling/chilling, be able to take anywhere (relax at my feet at a patio, walk through stores, bring to a family party with kids, etc), possible therapy certification
Yes, it's a long list and I don't expect any dog to fulfill every expectation by any means, it's just my thoughts on what I love, don't love, etc, in general.
Also when I jotted down bombproof, it was after hearing that adjective from some poodle owners here on the forum and I liked that. An experienced handler who works with show poodles suggested a retired show dog to me, because they were "bombproof". That's what I'd likely consider.
Whew long post! Thank you in advance everyone, I look forward to hearing your thoughts!