Part 1: The Research | The Process of Elimination, One Too Many Quizzes, and the Algorithm that Recommended a Pot Plant
Choosing the right dog breed wasn’t a snap decision; it was a 12-month deep dive into research, logic, and a refusal to settle for a “pot plant” algorithm.
They say life is what happens while you are making other plans. In my case, life was what happened while I was busy being “the sensible one.”
For years, my home was a strictly feline affair. Growing up with a European background, there’s an appreciation for things that are “just so” and cats fit that perfectly. I worked full-time, they are independent and having a pair meant they kept each other company while I was at the office. It was a balanced, well-ordered system.
Then, the world shifted. COVID-19 turned my home into my office two days a week. With my husband’s flexible hours, our carefully calibrated lifestyle suddenly had room for a new possibility.
I started to toy with a thought that felt almost daring: What would it be like to have a dog?
I already walked every morning, and the idea of a “partner in crime” for those early starts was tempting. But, being a pragmatist, I did what I do best, I talked myself out of it. I told myself the rational thing was to wait until our cats (who were 7 at the time) were no longer with us.
Then came the reality checks from friends. A colleague told me life is too short to wait, and a friend pointed out that their cat was 23 and still going strong. Was I really going to wait another 15 years to start this chapter?
The “Pot Plant” Phase
I dove into the research with the kind of intensity that comes from wanting to be 100% sure. Research meant reading everything, watching endless training videos, and spending months examining every detail. I even took every ‘Which breed is right for you?‘ quiz on the internet.
The result was unexpected. After I answered honestly about my work hours, the costs, the quizzes kept telling me I should get a pot plant instead!
Apparently, the algorithms didn’t think I was “dog material.” But I wasn’t being indecisive, I was being thorough. If I was going to bring a new member into our family, I wanted to ensure the fit was perfect for everyone involved.
Building My Own Criteria
I wanted a dog that fit our life, I didn’t want a generic algorithm’s idea of one. After the online quizzes told me to buy a pot plant, I decided to ignore the algorithms and build my own criteria. I stopped looking for “the most popular” and started looking for what made sense for us. My non-negotiables were clear:
Brain over Size: I loved the idea of agility or scent work, which led me to the Border Collie and the White Swiss Shepherd. I admired their smarts, but I had to be realistic. As a first-time owner, I wanted a partner I could keep up with, not a 40kg powerhouse that could out-muscle me.
Herding over Hunting: Our garden and balcony are a sanctuary for birds, so a hunting breed was a no-go. The stakes were high: my husband runs a YouTube channel called Cockatoo Madness that documents the Australian birdlife visiting our balcony. I needed a herder, a dog that wanted to work with me, rather than one that would see the stars of his channel as something to chase!
The “Settle” Factor: I ruled out “velcro” breeds and “yappers.” I need to focus while working from home, and more importantly, my cats deserved a home where they wouldn’t be constantly harassed by a needy or noisy new housemate.
Physical Practicality: I was realistic about logistics. A 15kg dog is far more manageable than a large breed when you encounter a bush turkey on a morning walk!
The Verdict
After 12 months of deliberation, the Miniature American Shepherd (MAS) was the only one left standing. It felt like the search was finally over.
But don’t let the “miniature” label fool you; the smaller size is the only compromise with this super-smart, highly agile breed.
The Long Game
I wasn’t looking for a “COVID puppy” bought on a whim; I wanted a partnership built to last. But choosing the breed was only the first step. The real challenge was just beginning: finding a reputable breeder.
Ready for the next chapter? Part 2: The Search I Vetting the Breeder and the Puppy Who Chose Me