Breed recommendation

[Welshy]

Good morning

I wondered if anyone would like to help inspire me. I lost my dog of an absolute lifetime a year ago and am only now beginning to think I need a four legged friend in my life again to keep me company, give a focus and help with the ongoing healing process which has been the most painful things I've ever experienced

She was a willful JRT, so much character and really my shadow, with me 24/7 including at work. Perfect to me but in reality very dog reactive and dominant leading to aggressive to some at times.

She came to me at around 5 months old due to fighting with other dogs in initial household. For this reason, I think I would like a puppy this time so that I can work on socialisation and exposure straight away myself with guidance.

My current situation does not allow for a rescue for various reasons (for example they would not consider my large shared garden completely dog proof - it's fine but I understand why they'd worry)

There is no stand out breed that I am set on ' I'd actually really like a good old fashioned heinz 57 but they only seem to exist in super expensive crosses with silly names nowadays.

I would like something on the smaller side - probably 12kg and under. I live in a ground floor flat, large shared garden, very local parks, love to walk and have miles and miles of wonderful mountain walks on our doorstep when pup is old enough . I am home full time at the moment and this is unlikely to change anytime soon. We will attend puppy classes and then continue supervised training. Would love to eventually have a play at agility together.

I would prefer no bull breeds, nothing brachy, probably not another full jrt as I'd worry about comparing, no westies (for the daft reason my jrt absolutely hated them), no full breed beagle, chihuahua, never met a cockapoo that I've liked (sorry to any fans) although love their appearance, no cavvies or part bred cavvies due to potential health issues (though never met one in haven't adored personality wise), nothing super needy in as far as grooming but don't mind some. Nothing that has huge price tag for a silly name but there are many crosses I wouldn't rule out.

I'd like a bit of 'personality' without being super highly strung, ideally something more likely to be dog friendly with the right socialisation, good with visiting kids, livestock, cats (I don't have one but many locally). I've only ever had female pets but I can feel myself being more drawn to dogs this time (think it may be the comparison thing again?) But not anti bitch by any length. Would rarely be left alone but nothing too velcro.

I absolutely adore collies and collie types but I'd worry about ruining one if I wasn't 100% spot on with initial training plus perhaps a little on the large side and not suited to my living conditions though would have endless attention and enrichment. I keep an eye on the usual generic sale sites which seem to be teeming with collies, cockapoos and terriers or 1 year old lockdown pups with related issues or who now don't fit into people's non lockdown lifestyles.

Like the poodle brain (of those ive met) and I really do adore jrts but really do worry about the comparison issue so perhaps a cross of some sort. Like whippets and beddy types though have never imagined owning one. Like most spaniel types. Other than those mentioned, I'm pretty open to suggestions. Personality, trainability far more important than appearance.

I would need and take guidance for the various breed related health issues.

So any recommendations? Anything I've missed?

 

[AmyMay]

Cocker Spaniel!!

A bit bigger perhaps than you’ve stated, but cracking dogs.

 

[Errin Paddywack]

JRTs vary a lot, would a completely different type be ok? Parson JR for instance, they seem nice little dogs with a decent length of leg.

 

[Annette4]

I mean, I was going to suggest a whippet, I absolutely adore my working like bitch. She's everything you described (outside of weight), totally dog neutral, trainable, quiet at home but equally up for doing something all day out and about. They're generally sweet, silly and trainable.

 

[Jenko109]

A whippet is the almost obvious choice, although interactions with random local cats may be a bit hairy.

A nice lurcher type with the right breeding would suit too and perhaps a little bit more hardy if you're out in the cold all day in winter.

I am bias though ?

 

[Moobli]

I’d suggest a Parson Russell Terrier or Border Terrier. Big dog personalities in a smaller package.

 

[Welshy]

Thank you for your replies so far ,

I have to admit a parsons was considered as she was very chunky but I'm not sure if it's still too close? I will have a look into them.


I would absolutely love a border terrier - they would actually be very near on exactly what I'd like but they seem to command prices (rightly so for such lovely dogs) quite above what I was hoping to pay at around £1.8-2k (trying to keep a buffer for neutering, unexpected bills etc). Even the crosses are upwards of £1.5k. I appreciate you are paying for a lovely, lovely dog but it's just too much of a stretch for me.

Whippet I think will stay on the list. I would worry a bit about how delicate they are and potential for breaking them as used tonsee a lot of stitch ups when working at a vets. But they are lovely and I think would enjoy my lifestyle

 

[Welshy]

What do we think about Bedlington whippets as a slightly hardier compromise?

I've met a few purebred beddies that have had the most gorgeous temperaments.

 

[AmyMay]

What do we think about Bedlington whippets as a slightly hardier compromise?

I've met a few purebred beddies that have had the most gorgeous temperaments.

Absolutely cracking dogs. Never met one I didn’t like.

 

[ihatework]

Friend has a litter of 3 wk old borders, all boys, all reserved, but if someone drops out then I could put you in touch?

Louise Harwood the eventer had a pup ready to go - from memory 3/4 mini poodle 1/4 JR

 

[Clodagh]

What do we think about Bedlington whippets as a slightly hardier compromise?

I've met a few purebred beddies that have had the most gorgeous temperaments.

Love them. Spottherisk has one. They seem more cheerful than whippets. (I know everyone on here has permanently happy ones but all the ones I see out look nervy and miserable).

 

[Jenko109]

What do we think about Bedlington whippets as a slightly hardier compromise?

I've met a few purebred beddies that have had the most gorgeous temperaments.

Never had one but love them and do intend to have one in the future.

 

[AmyMay]

How about a little pocket rocket??

 

[blackcob]

Sub 12kg with personality makes me think of the smaller spitz breeds (German, Japanese, schipperke etc.) and liking collies with a desire to dabble in agility means Shetland sheepdog?

 

[MurphysMinder]

Lancashire heeler would tick a lot of your boxes. Small, full of personality and a herding breed so would fit the collie bit. They are very versatile, there are heelers in agility, flyball, working trials, man trailing, hoopers etc etc.

 

[TPO]

Norfolk terrier?

Mum just had to have hers pts the other week but she was a great wee dog. Brilliant with all people, dogs of all sizes and cats. Very trainable, had an excellent recall (even when her Cairn compadre took off on the scentof deer or rabbits!) and back when I was fit I used to take her running with me.

 

[Highmileagecob]

100% whippet! Lovely temperament, happy to live with your cats, also happy to sleep 22 hours a day, and will tackle rats if required. Daughter has a Bedlington x Whippet which has selective hearing and is the biggest thief on four legs.

 

[some show]

I love beddy whippets (and that lovely scruffy look means they always get snapped up in rescues) but the two I know do have a prey drive for cats and things like pheasants. They both live with cats fine, but any others outside the house are fair game! Which is pretty typical if you've got sighthound in the mix. I'm sure there are exceptions!

 

[skinnydipper]

If you decide on a Bedlington, please ensure the parents have been tested for copper storage disease.

 

[I'm Dun]

What about a whippety lurcher, something with some collie in it?

 

[Errin Paddywack]

Lancashire heeler would tick a lot of your boxes

Lovely dogs, my aunt had one. I think the bitches can be softer than the dogs. I only know one dog and he is a little horror.

 

[MurphysMinder]

Lovely dogs, my aunt had one. I think the bitches can be softer than the dogs. I only know one dog and he is a little horror.

We had a bitch years ago, currently have 2 males. Don't think there was/is much difference in character, all needed training, they certainly aren't just lap dogs. Having said that my youngster is the most cuddly dog you could imagine.

 

[Moobli]

I know of two border terrier litters due in Cumbria (not sure where you are OP) and afaik they aren’t hugely overpriced. I can pm you details so you can enquire if you like.

 

[GSD Woman]

I'm saying mini poodle. If you keep him in a sporting clip the grooming itself isn't much. I don't know if you're handy with clippers or how much a regular grooming/clipping would be over there but they are such lovely dogs. My mom has a toy that keeps her very happy at the age of 85. He keeps her active and social with her neighbors. She is almost completely deaf now so she has a hard time in crowds and such but walking Paris gives her lots of contact with small groups of neighbors.

 

[Griffin]

I'm saying mini poodle. If you keep him in a sporting clip the grooming itself isn't much. I don't know if you're handy with clippers or how much a regular grooming/clipping would be over there but they are such lovely dogs. My mom has a toy that keeps her very happy at the age of 85. He keeps her active and social with her neighbors. She is almost completely deaf now so she has a hard time in crowds and such but walking Paris gives her lots of contact with small groups of neighbors.

I agree, poodles are lovely dogs!

I like whippets too, my friend has just got one and she is very chilled.

 

[P3LH]

Miniature poodle, Lancashire heeler, Shetland sheepdog, Papillon (a healthy and merry toy spaniel alternative, and you can get some more moderately sized dogs rather than the tiny ones you see in the ring) or decently bred Pembroke corgi (dog) - would all fit your bill.

Like Clodagh, I find whippets a bit mournful - I seriously looked into adding one last year as love everything else about them but did find them very sad seeming, even with their owners. Shame as I think they are stunning and appear very mellow to live with!

 

[I'm Dun]

Like Clodagh, I find whippets a bit mournful - I seriously looked into adding one last year as love everything else about them but did find them very sad seeming, even with their owners. Shame as I think they are stunning and appear very mellow to live with!

I have seen some looking like that but mine is the jolliest happiest little dog. He is so loving and friendly, adores everyone he meets, plays nicely with other dogs and just excuses himself if dogs are too rough etc. He adores meeting people. He assumes everyone is there to see him and have fun with him. Hes utterly charming. My others have been like that too.

They are very expressive dogs though, I can tell by the look on his face if hes bored/hungry/happy etc and he can look at me and communicate what he wants. He isnt opposed to using sad eyes at me to get his point across, but its a fleeting moment of communication. Mournful is just not a word I'd use to describe them.

 

[P3LH]

I have seen some looking like that but mine is the jolliest happiest little dog. He is so loving and friendly, adores everyone he meets, plays nicely with other dogs and just excuses himself if dogs are too rough etc. He adores meeting people. He assumes everyone is there to see him and have fun with him. Hes utterly charming. My others have been like that too.

They are very expressive dogs though, I can tell by the look on his face if hes bored/hungry/happy etc and he can look at me and communicate what he wants. He isnt opposed to using sad eyes at me to get his point across, but its a fleeting moment of communication. Mournful is just not a word I'd use to describe them.

I grew up with family and family friends having lots of quite robust and happy go lucky ones, but seemed unable to find any breeders with similar when I looked last year. Horses for courses, I’m sure there are still clownish ones around.

 

[I'm Dun]

Clownish is exactly how I'd describe mine. Hes working bred but with very limited prey drive which is the type I tend to go for. I think the smaller show types might be the ones that look mournful. I dont think any are like that with their families though.

 

[Errin Paddywack]

Two friends of mine have young Papillons. Both are huge characters, one is tiny and the other really big. Quite long lived little dogs I believe. I have met one that was 20 and looked less.