I've read that mixed breed dogs tend to be healthier generally, although I haven't really looked much into that. I will definitely source for a reputable breeder who I'll be able to stay in touch with. I've seen quite a few pet shop and puppy mill dogs (not mine!) die from parvo and it's heartbreaking :( I don't have any experience adopting dogs, so I don't know what to expect, although my parents grew up with mix-breed strays when they were younger. I'll ask them about it and read up more.

Thanks for the advice! Definitely, preventing boredom is a huge commitment! I'm still learning a lot about how to meet the needs of a higher-energy pet, since our goldens tend to be quite laid back and easy going. How do you manage to get in 3+ hours of dedicated exercise on a daily basis?

Haha, I would love to own a Bernese Mountain Dog! They're one of my dream dogs, but they'll remain a dream forever, unfortunately. They're just not suited to the climate I live in, and I don't think I'll be able to give them the quality of life that they deserve.