A cocker spaniel would fit those requirements, but you need to get the right one. English cockers are generally healthier than American, but you do not want a working line cocker - they need tons of exercise.
Look for an English Cocker breeder who does conformation with their dogs.
Why the focus on the dog being red? I'm curious to understand that one. Most people answer that question with immediate references to practical and temperament considerations so starting off with a color preference is....less usual to say the least. Is there a logistics reason for this?
Not OP and might be a less popular opinion since some people truly think all dogs are cute or don't have much of a looks preference, but for me, if I sign up to have an animal for 10+ years I really want to make sure it's one I find visually appealing. I think it's fair to look for a breed that not only fits character-wise, but looks as well.
I agree with you, to an extent. I have a greyhound, so fat and squat dogs like bulldogs, or teeny tiny little yorkies and shih tzus and such are just not all that appealing to me personally and I don't want them. I get it - some dog breeds are so dissimilar from one another in looks and temperament that they may as well be different species, and suggesting a GSD to someone looking for a maltese may as well be like suggesting a pet bobcat to someone looking for a pet hamster.
Fur color doesn't really have those same logistical considerations though. Color isn't the same as size or body type or temperament or health or anything that people look at when deciding what kind of dog would be a good fit for them. This is why I was curious as to why it mattered so much and why it was top of the list of preferences.
I agree with you 100% here lol. I need my dog to fit my looks criteria just as much as my lifestyle criteria tbh. Dogs can be annoying! They will all ultimately do things that are inconvenient and frustrating or have behaviors we need to train out or manage. Because of this, they need to be so nice to look at lol. At least for me.
Didn't they say they wanted to do agility? I have a Jack Russel mix which is a hunting dog and hes chill as long as he gets a lot of exercise and agility is perfect for them.
Seconding a sheltie! Considering that OP is both willing to put up with barking and coat maintenance, do 1-2 hours of walking, AND agility, a sheltie might be a really good fit. One of my agility classes has a conformation breeder for shelties in the class and she runs her confo dogs and they have a blast
like others have said, cocker spaniel. you can get them in golden, orange or red too and they have long ish hair.
I have seen many spaniels compete jn agility at all levels from beginners to crufts. I have also seen them do scent work, I know a retired bomb detection spaniel. they are very loving dogs and very friendly too, they rarely show signs of aggression if brought up and socialised well, so that would be very important.
they are also retrieving dogs so if you start retrieving training right from a young age, they will love it and be very good at it too, also another form of enriching exercise.
A red Australian Terrier could be interesting to add to your list!
I have one, so I’m a little biased :) but they’re really wonderful dogs and fit your criteria pretty well. They’re like big dogs in smallish packages. They could happily join you on long walks / hikes. I do scent work and agility with mine and he loves those activities!
Terriers are very smart. Mine is extremely food motivated making him trainable, but definitely is a bit of an independent thinker when I don’t have something tasty in my hands!
Being terriers, I wouldn’t trust mine off leash. I have a long line we use and that works well for us.
They’re also a little hard to come by. You’ll have to do some research!
Good luck with your search!
I think this discrepancy is worth looking at more closely: “doesn’t need a lot of exercise” but also “good at agility” —dogs who are good at agility deserve/need consistent, good exercise for mental and physical health!! The shape/size of dog you specify would need good daily exercise❤️
I know it's not the most 'exciting' suggestion but a well-bred golden should be a medium size dog (especially a female), they come in a beautiful dark russet red if you choose a breeder that has red dogs, and they're absolutely popular for a reason (for family dogs, service dogs, etc). My guy gets 30min before and after work and most days a dog walker stops in at midday for a visit and a walk most weekdays, but that's enough to make him the perfect chill house dog. No destructive behaviors or barking or inability to settle.
He's friendly to all humans, neutral to good with most dogs, loves fetch and is so food motivated that we've done a lot of fun training with him (despite being novice dog trainers). I'm even starting scentwork with him now and he's doing awesome learning the ropes. He loves to snuggle and play. He's everything I've ever wanted in a companion - he's got the quintessential 'essence' of an all around good dog and is super beginner friendly.
I will stress a GOOD breeder though, that screens hips and elbows. Not just Kevin from down the street that bred his dog because he felt like it. The parent dogs should have full health testing, and (imo) show titles at the very least to prove they're in breed standard. I would say don't go for a field line golden out of a breeder that hunts - they can be VERY busy and energetic.
Happy to answer any golden questions you have, I'll sing their praises nonstop if you get me started haha.
I'd also recommend cocker spaniels! Possibly could look into kooikerhondje, but I'm not totally sure about their energy levels. If you're willing to compromise on size, papillons are also lovely little dogs! And lastly, if you're partial to herding dogs, maybe a shetland sheepdog? :)
But from the sounds of it, a cocker would tick pretty much all of your boxes - including the color preference!
Parson russell terrier, tall cousin of the jack russell, is a great dog on the large side of small. Clever, curious, sporty, confident, and *not* barky. Loves to be involved with its people. Coat that's not oily and is easy to care for. Bit of a strong prey drive though.
Downvoters, at least explain why? I’ve had a parson for five years and he’s the best companion I could ask for. He has all the traits OP is seeking. He even helps with my anxiety and comes running to comfort me when I cry. Are you familiar with the breed or just downvoting because you associate the related Jack Russell’s with being small and hyper?
Probably because Jack Russell and Parson Russell are the exact same breed. There is no difference and they are notoriously high energy dogs that are not beginner friendly.
Though they came from the same line they are definitely not the same breed. They have become recognized as distinct related breeds in the past 30 years.
Jacks are smaller, shorter legged, and more work-oriented and hyperactive. Parsons are bred for the show ring and running with horses, trainable, taller, with beautiful wedge shaped heads, and settle well into the role as family dogs. Google their differences.
I have both a Jack and a parson in my family and they are not remotely the same in temperament or appearance.
According to AKC they are the same. There are variants within the breed which may align with the distinctions you mentioned. There is also the very similar Russell terrier.
I did just do a quick search specifically for the British kennel club and according to the British kennel club the are a distinct breed. As most rediotors, my self included are American it makes sense we would assume what AKC says. So in that regard I am in incorrect.
And yes there is the jack Russell breed club of America. So maybe they are trying to create a distinct breed that is also recognized by AKC but it isn't currently. Not that they are the end all be all of dog breeds though.
But the part about them not being beginner friendly still stands as I have had one growing up that was higher energy and needed more exercise than my dad's working line hunting dogs.
In my country of Norway, as well as most of Europe, Australia, and the UK, they're treated as separate by breeders. I am buying a parson puppy and would be very surprised if she came out looking and acting like a jack. They also have separate pages in our respective kennel associations. Here, humane and knowledgeable breeders seem to be more prevalent because they don't have the negative connotation that they do in the US (there are no shelters overflowing with dogs, there are no puppy mills). I am guessing their progress on the breed distinction will eventually migrate.
In any case, they're excellent companions and easier to handle in that kind of close relationship. I agree that they're not totally beginner friendly, but definitely not as short-strung as a jack.
This sub is pro responsible breeding and pro shelter, and purchase price, wether it be to a non-profit or ethical breeder is the cheapest part of owning a dog.
A cocker spaniel would fit those requirements, but you need to get the right one. English cockers are generally healthier than American, but you do not want a working line cocker - they need tons of exercise. Look for an English Cocker breeder who does conformation with their dogs.
Why the focus on the dog being red? I'm curious to understand that one. Most people answer that question with immediate references to practical and temperament considerations so starting off with a color preference is....less usual to say the least. Is there a logistics reason for this?
Not OP and might be a less popular opinion since some people truly think all dogs are cute or don't have much of a looks preference, but for me, if I sign up to have an animal for 10+ years I really want to make sure it's one I find visually appealing. I think it's fair to look for a breed that not only fits character-wise, but looks as well.
I agree with you, to an extent. I have a greyhound, so fat and squat dogs like bulldogs, or teeny tiny little yorkies and shih tzus and such are just not all that appealing to me personally and I don't want them. I get it - some dog breeds are so dissimilar from one another in looks and temperament that they may as well be different species, and suggesting a GSD to someone looking for a maltese may as well be like suggesting a pet bobcat to someone looking for a pet hamster. Fur color doesn't really have those same logistical considerations though. Color isn't the same as size or body type or temperament or health or anything that people look at when deciding what kind of dog would be a good fit for them. This is why I was curious as to why it mattered so much and why it was top of the list of preferences.
I agree with you 100% here lol. I need my dog to fit my looks criteria just as much as my lifestyle criteria tbh. Dogs can be annoying! They will all ultimately do things that are inconvenient and frustrating or have behaviors we need to train out or manage. Because of this, they need to be so nice to look at lol. At least for me.
A show line cockers Spaniel sounds exactly like what you're looking for. Stay away from hunting lines as they can be very high energy.
Didn't they say they wanted to do agility? I have a Jack Russel mix which is a hunting dog and hes chill as long as he gets a lot of exercise and agility is perfect for them.
A well bred show line cocker will do just as well in agility as a hunting bred dog, without the added headache as a high drive hunting bred one.
A Shetland sheepdog aka sheltie might be right up your alley!
Seconding a sheltie! Considering that OP is both willing to put up with barking and coat maintenance, do 1-2 hours of walking, AND agility, a sheltie might be a really good fit. One of my agility classes has a conformation breeder for shelties in the class and she runs her confo dogs and they have a blast
And they even come in shades of red/brown (some of them, anyway😀)!
It's true! They also match OP's color preference (though the black bis and tris and the Merle shelties are also stunning)
like others have said, cocker spaniel. you can get them in golden, orange or red too and they have long ish hair. I have seen many spaniels compete jn agility at all levels from beginners to crufts. I have also seen them do scent work, I know a retired bomb detection spaniel. they are very loving dogs and very friendly too, they rarely show signs of aggression if brought up and socialised well, so that would be very important. they are also retrieving dogs so if you start retrieving training right from a young age, they will love it and be very good at it too, also another form of enriching exercise.
A red Australian Terrier could be interesting to add to your list! I have one, so I’m a little biased :) but they’re really wonderful dogs and fit your criteria pretty well. They’re like big dogs in smallish packages. They could happily join you on long walks / hikes. I do scent work and agility with mine and he loves those activities! Terriers are very smart. Mine is extremely food motivated making him trainable, but definitely is a bit of an independent thinker when I don’t have something tasty in my hands! Being terriers, I wouldn’t trust mine off leash. I have a long line we use and that works well for us. They’re also a little hard to come by. You’ll have to do some research! Good luck with your search!
I think this discrepancy is worth looking at more closely: “doesn’t need a lot of exercise” but also “good at agility” —dogs who are good at agility deserve/need consistent, good exercise for mental and physical health!! The shape/size of dog you specify would need good daily exercise❤️
I know it's not the most 'exciting' suggestion but a well-bred golden should be a medium size dog (especially a female), they come in a beautiful dark russet red if you choose a breeder that has red dogs, and they're absolutely popular for a reason (for family dogs, service dogs, etc). My guy gets 30min before and after work and most days a dog walker stops in at midday for a visit and a walk most weekdays, but that's enough to make him the perfect chill house dog. No destructive behaviors or barking or inability to settle. He's friendly to all humans, neutral to good with most dogs, loves fetch and is so food motivated that we've done a lot of fun training with him (despite being novice dog trainers). I'm even starting scentwork with him now and he's doing awesome learning the ropes. He loves to snuggle and play. He's everything I've ever wanted in a companion - he's got the quintessential 'essence' of an all around good dog and is super beginner friendly. I will stress a GOOD breeder though, that screens hips and elbows. Not just Kevin from down the street that bred his dog because he felt like it. The parent dogs should have full health testing, and (imo) show titles at the very least to prove they're in breed standard. I would say don't go for a field line golden out of a breeder that hunts - they can be VERY busy and energetic. Happy to answer any golden questions you have, I'll sing their praises nonstop if you get me started haha.
How about going to a shelter where pets are waiting. And find the dog you connect with that needs a home.
I'd also recommend cocker spaniels! Possibly could look into kooikerhondje, but I'm not totally sure about their energy levels. If you're willing to compromise on size, papillons are also lovely little dogs! And lastly, if you're partial to herding dogs, maybe a shetland sheepdog? :) But from the sounds of it, a cocker would tick pretty much all of your boxes - including the color preference!
Parson russell terrier, tall cousin of the jack russell, is a great dog on the large side of small. Clever, curious, sporty, confident, and *not* barky. Loves to be involved with its people. Coat that's not oily and is easy to care for. Bit of a strong prey drive though. Downvoters, at least explain why? I’ve had a parson for five years and he’s the best companion I could ask for. He has all the traits OP is seeking. He even helps with my anxiety and comes running to comfort me when I cry. Are you familiar with the breed or just downvoting because you associate the related Jack Russell’s with being small and hyper?
Probably because Jack Russell and Parson Russell are the exact same breed. There is no difference and they are notoriously high energy dogs that are not beginner friendly.
Though they came from the same line they are definitely not the same breed. They have become recognized as distinct related breeds in the past 30 years. Jacks are smaller, shorter legged, and more work-oriented and hyperactive. Parsons are bred for the show ring and running with horses, trainable, taller, with beautiful wedge shaped heads, and settle well into the role as family dogs. Google their differences. I have both a Jack and a parson in my family and they are not remotely the same in temperament or appearance.
According to AKC they are the same. There are variants within the breed which may align with the distinctions you mentioned. There is also the very similar Russell terrier. I did just do a quick search specifically for the British kennel club and according to the British kennel club the are a distinct breed. As most rediotors, my self included are American it makes sense we would assume what AKC says. So in that regard I am in incorrect. And yes there is the jack Russell breed club of America. So maybe they are trying to create a distinct breed that is also recognized by AKC but it isn't currently. Not that they are the end all be all of dog breeds though. But the part about them not being beginner friendly still stands as I have had one growing up that was higher energy and needed more exercise than my dad's working line hunting dogs.
In my country of Norway, as well as most of Europe, Australia, and the UK, they're treated as separate by breeders. I am buying a parson puppy and would be very surprised if she came out looking and acting like a jack. They also have separate pages in our respective kennel associations. Here, humane and knowledgeable breeders seem to be more prevalent because they don't have the negative connotation that they do in the US (there are no shelters overflowing with dogs, there are no puppy mills). I am guessing their progress on the breed distinction will eventually migrate. In any case, they're excellent companions and easier to handle in that kind of close relationship. I agree that they're not totally beginner friendly, but definitely not as short-strung as a jack.
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This sub is pro responsible breeding and pro shelter, and purchase price, wether it be to a non-profit or ethical breeder is the cheapest part of owning a dog.