Introduction
- First dog experience?
Yes, but we’ve dog-sat a Cavoodle for two weeks and a Lab for eight weeks.
- Rescue or breeder?
Open to both, but local shelters in New Zealand are hesitant to rehome to apartment dwellers. We’ll avoid backyard breeders and focus on registered ones.
- Ideal dog?
Medium-sized, active, able to jog with us, and be left alone for a few hours. Should be social and adaptable to cafes and events.
- Preferred breeds?
Mini poodles or spaniel/poodle mixes for their trainability. We like Beagles, Spaniels, Labs, and Goldens but aren’t sure about their suitability.
- Training goals?
Jogging, walking on a lead, fetch, and basic obedience.
- Interested in dog sports?
Agility or obedience might be fun, but no experience.
Care Commitments
- Daily interaction time?
2-3 hours.
- Exercise routine?
2 hours on weekdays, more on weekends.
- Grooming preferences?
We’re open to weekly brushing, trims, and grooming basics.
Personal Preferences
- Preferred size?
Medium (up to a small Lab), easy to carry or lift.
- Tolerance for shedding/barking/slobber?
Minimal barking due to apartment living, low shedding/slobber preferred.
- Off-leash freedom?
Yes, once trained, for jogging on trails or beaches.
Dog Personality and Behavior
- Snuggly or independent?
Snuggly—happy to chill with us at home.
- Eager-to-please or independent?
More eager to please but with some independence.
- Greeting visitors?
Friendly and polite, not too jumpy.
- Aggressive behavior?
No, we want a dog that’s safe around other animals and people.
- Behaviors to avoid?
Aggression, excessive barking, destructive chewing.
Lifestyle
- How long alone?
1-2 hours a day, maybe a full day once a week. One of us works from home.
- Involvement of others?
My partner and I will share responsibilities equally.
- Other pets?
None, but friends who might dog-sit have a Lab.
- Children interaction?
No kids, but the dog should be okay around them if necessary.
- Renting?
No, we own a large apartment with a balcony and shared courtyard.
- Location and breed laws?
Wellington, New Zealand—no breed restrictions.
- Climate?
Summer averages 17°C, winter around 10°C.
Additional Information
- About us:
We’re both active in our 30s, love running, biking, hiking, and exploring. We have nearby green spaces and beaches for walks and play.
- Questions:
How can we assess non-registered breeders? Many sell on Trade Me, but it’s hard to know if they manage health and genetics responsibly. Any advice?
Feel free to ask for more info
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Forgot to mention 
we could do a local doggy day care once a week for socialising and when we both need to go to the office.
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Have you considered the 15-20lb Cavalier? My snuggle bug is lazy but active when he wants to be, and he doesn’t bark unless there’s a horse or animal on TV. He also stops when I correct him. Very smart, easy to train, and food-motivated. Only concern could be time away from home; they are quite social and will miss you.
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Hi! If you want a puppy other than a rescue, I would highly recommend purchasing a purebred registered with dogs nz (the New Zealand Kennel Club). Wellington no longer has local dog shows because the Poriura venue was sold, but if you can travel up to Mainsfield, for example, to attend a show, that is the greatest way to view a variety of dog breeds and meet breeders. You can also check out the Dogs NZ website or Dogzonline NZ. I believe that one of the spaniels, as long as it is a show line rather than a working line, such as a Welsh or English Springer Spaniel, could work if properly exercised.
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A beagle ticks all of the categories except for the barking. Beagles do not bark; they bay. Unless you get a beagle who doesn’t, which you have no way of knowing. I had two beagles; one shouted and bayed constantly, and the other never barked at all. If the dog will be alone at home during the day, it may not matter because many people are not around, and noise levels change between day and night.
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I slightly disagree that beagle is a good choice, because I believe (based on my own experience) that they need more exercise and socialisation than it is mentioned here. Totally agree their baying is intense, so not a great match on the noise side (if they bay).
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You are correct in stating that finding an ethical poodle mix breeder will be impossible.
I would recommend a spaniel, such as a cocker, English, or Welsh. Personally, I prefer English Springer Spaniels. They shed, but you can keep the body short and only have longer feathering on the legs, which is a popular spaniel haircut. They are pleasant, intelligent, active, and devoted to their people.
To select an ethical breeder, the basic minimum health tests should include hip and elbow examinations, an eye exam, and a DNA test. Titling is particularly essential since it shows that the dog is an accurate representation of the breed and can pass on its genes. Right away, I discovered some intriguing kennels: Sailema English Springer Spaniels and Hazelmoor English.
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A small poodle sounds like an excellent match! If you like a somewhat larger dog, choose a medium or standard. My standard poodle is massive but weights significantly less than a Labrador, thus a smallish standard would most likely suit your lifestyle!
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Once you decide on the breed, check out dogsnz.org.nz or dogzonline.co.nz for the registered breeders, or go on Facebook and see if you can find the NZ breed club (dog breeders love facebook).
Poodles are a solid choice. Maybe a whippet if you want quiet and snuggly?