The right Dog for us.?

[MamaBas]

First of all if you are both working full time, please don't get a puppy. Puppies need to have somebody around most of the time at least through the first 6 months. And even then, no adult dog should be on their own for much longer than 4 hours on a regular basis, without the ability to empty. Puppies need to be taken outside every hour, after every sleep, feed and short periods of play (with their owners!!) Dogs are social animals, and do not do well living solitary lives - especially hounds!! And for this reason, I'd eliminate having a hound as even once through the puppy stages, adults can get very lonely and bored, and so noisy and destructive.

I'm wondering whether a terrier might fit. Active and not too big not to be able to go with you on your travels. The Schnauzers, Standard and Miniature (a German breed!) might fit and they don't shed lots although they do need regular grooming (going by what my Canadian friend who has two Min.Schnauzers tells me). Most common breeds are available in Germany btw. Find a good breeder via the Breed Club and go visit. They should be more than happy to take time to talk to you about their chosen breed.

It is very difficult to advise you what dog might suit, from the huge number of breeds available. What I would urge you not to do, is buy a mix-bred dog from a BYB. If you want to have one of these, adopt, from a Shelter only.

ps I would also suggest youi don't go 'big' if you are going to leave Germany at some point in the fugure. Flights go by weight as well as size.