What role is your dog expected to fill and how do you envision your dog fulfilling that role?

• I'm looking for a companion. I would love a dog that can be calm buy also playful. Ideally a dog that does well going on the occasional swim in the river or hike.

What experience do you have owning dogs? How about training dogs? Have you been the primary caregiver of a dog before? If yes, what breed(s)? What is your experience with puppy or senior dog care?

• I grew up with dogs at home, Australian Shepherds, but have never had one myself. I plan on taking my dog to training classes like we did our puppies and continuing that training at home. I also work from home, so the dog would not be left alone all day.

Do you have other pets or are you planning on having other pets? If so, what breed/type, age, and sex are they?

• I do not have any other pets.

Do you have children or are you planning on having children? Do you often have children as visitors, such as nieces, nephews, cousins, or friends' children?

• I have no children, but I will in the distant future. I have friends that come over all of whom are adults.

Do you rent or will you be renting in the future? If so, what breed or weight restrictions are on your lease? What type of building do you rent (condo, apartment, high-rise apartment, townhome, single-family home, etc)?

• I currently rent an apartment, 400 sq/ft efficiency. Our only restriction is the 45 pound weight limit.

What breeds or types of dogs are you interested in and why?

• I am interested in Corgis because of their size, but I am hesitant about barking and whether or not I would be comfortable taking them to the river. I've also thought about a Mini Australian Shepherd, because they are similar to what I had growing up. However I know their temperaments can be entirely different than what I'm used to. I like French Bulldogs, however like the Corgi, I don't know how well they would do going on hikes or river trips. I'm really open to any suggestion.

Who lives in your household and who will be responsible for taking care of the dog? How do the other members of the household feel about having a new dog?

• I am the only one in my household so I will be taking care of the dog myself. I live and work from my apartment so any dog would almost never be alone.

How often do you have visitors to your home?

• Several times a week.

Do you have a preference for rescuing a dog vs. going through a knowledgeable and reputable breeder?

• I have always had dogs that can from a reputable breeder, however I am open to either.

Do you want a puppy, a young adult (1-3 years), an adult, or a senior? Why?

• I would prefer a puppy so I can train it and grow with it through its entire life.

What size dog are you looking for? Here is a size chart for your convenience.

• Something around or below the 61 mark. I love bigger dogs, but I know with my current space large dogs might not be happy.

How much barking is too much barking?

• Working form home, minimal barking is preferred. But I know dogs bark, it's fine as long as it isn't constantly barking.

How much regular brushing are you willing to do?

• As much as needed, but preferably once a week or so.

How much shedding do you think you can handle? Some breeds of dogs shed more than others. Some breeds don't shed, but require trimming or other coat maintenance instead.

• I have hardwood floors and have already anticipated investing in a good vacuum. I have long hair myself so I'm constantly cleaning up my own, I'm more than happy to clean up dog hair. But it would get to be too much if I had to use tape to remove it from my clothes constantly.

Are you open to trimming your dog's hair, cleaning ears, clipping nails, or doing other grooming at home? If not, would you be willing to pay a professional to do it regularly?

• I will be having this done professionally

How do you feel about slobber? What about farts?

• Farts are fine, excessive slobber is not

How eager-to-please or independent do you want your dog to be?

• I would like a dog that's kind of in the middle ground. I don't want a dog that can't stand to not be in my lap constantly.

What sorts of training do you want your adult dog to have?

• I want my dog to be able to sit, stay, lay down, come, and drop it (it being whatever ball or stick I just threw) with ease. I don't think being able to be walked on a leash is a 'trick' but thats something I want to be able to do with my dog as well. I am open to teaching tricks but those are really the only musts.

Is there any behavior you can’t accommodate?

• Honestly, not really.

How important is being able to let your dog roam off-leash in an unfenced area?

• Very important. It's ok if my dog roams, but I want to make sure that it will come when called.

How long can you exercise your dog each day, on average? What kinds of exercise are you planning to give your dog regularly?

• I plan to take it on regular walks and spend time playing daily. On occasion I would want to take my dog to the river or the park.

How long do you have to devote to mental stimulation each day?

• Several hours each day

Where will the dog be kept when alone and where will the dog sleep?

• I intend to have a crate or kennel for the dog to sleep in that has a door for when I have to leave. But I would like to eventually be able to leave the door open if I could trust the dog not to chew.

How often and for how long will the dog be left alone?

• Rarely. I work from home, the only place I go on a regular basis where a dog would not be welcome would be the grocery store.

If needed, could you hire a dog walker, pay for doggy day care, or come home during lunch to take care of your dog?

• I don't see myself needing a dog walker or lunch care since I work at home. But I would absolutely pay for doggy day care if I was going on a trip. Or take the pup to my mom's she'd be more than happy to have a pup in the house for a few days.

What is the general location in which you live? You can decline to answer, but responses will likely assume you’re somewhere in the US without breed-specific legislation (BSL).

• San Marcos, TX

What is the average temperature of a typical summer day where you live? A typical winter day? Please indicate Celsius or Fahrenheit and the climate of places you may likely live in the future.

• It's Texas, so usually on the hotter side. During the winter it can get cold, for which I would purchase doggie sweaters if needed. But it's never cold for too long. Usually between 70-100 during the majority of the year.

On a scale of 1 to 10, how prepared are you to care for a dog and prioritize its well-being over your career, entertainment, or other life choices for the next 12 or more years? What are your plans for your dog in case of a dramatic lifestyle change?

• 10. I have wanted a dog for a long long time but have waited to make sure that I have the money and the time to devote to going it the best life I can.

Are you aware of the costs associated with dog ownership on an average annual basis? Have you budgeted for additional emergency veterinary care and/or pet insurance?

• Yes I am aware of the costs of having a dog and have already started research on pet insurance and healthcare plans.