Happy Christmas and some advice needed

[Laafet]

Right after saying on the Dogue De Bordeaux x Husky thread that I was too busy for a dog I really have been thinking about it - I really miss my Spaniel but know that I really would struggle with a pup or even an older spaniel - I currently have my Mum here with her Spangle yearling who is mental! Anyway so what would you guys suggest, I work on a stud as an assistant manager, so am home for breakfast and lunch, am on a dog friendly livery yard and have lots of doggy friends. My horses is well dog proof too. I have had my friend staying here for the last 10 weeks and she had a Terrorist in tow which was very well behaved, just a year old. I live in a biggish two bedroom flat so a big dog is out of the question but have 80 acres of garden!

Now after talking to Mum, she thinks a minature poodle is more suitable than a JRT, so I looked it all up and my Dad's GF had one and he was lovely. So was looking at their rescue site. Was thinking of phoning up once New Year is over but am worried they won't like me as even my mum, who has had Spangles all her life got turned down by the Spangle rescue group. I might be at work but at weekends and for the five months of the year that I sit up I would be at home most of the time.

 

[Maesfen]

Normally, I'd say a Border Terrier but they can be independent, especially if you have an older one so I would definitely go with a small lurcher. All of the ones we have and know are, without exception, so loyal and want to be with you as much as they can. Yes, they can hunt but usually it'll be a short burst and then back to you; sometimes, if you're lucky, you'll get an apologectic grin, if you're not lucky you'll get a snooty look. They are such characters, I wouldn't be without any of ours, they make such good mates.

 

[soloabe]

A Lovely cuddly 100% shelter mutt!

 

[Alec Swan]

I think that I'd go a step further than Maesfen, and advise that you steer clear of all terriers! With an 80 acre "garden", you may well spend the bulk of your day searching for it, certainly for the first 14 years of its life, anyway! Most of them also seems to be deaf!!

Certainly another vote for a small lurcher. Loyal, amenable and graceful, is what they are, generally. Everything which you could ask for!

Alec.

 

[Serenity087]

A Lovely cuddly 100% shelter mutt!

Agreed!!

Don't think too much into it, all breeds have the "odd one out". We have two JRTs who are polar opposites!!!

Go down the shelters, find one that will accept your circumstances (breed rescues tend to be pickier) and then find a dog who matches you on what you want, not the breed.

Hope you find one though!

 

[Luci07]

another one who says go to a smaller rescue centre and see who you "click" with.. and the good rescues will help in matching you and you have a trial period to ensure you both get on.

I wouldnt be too fixated on breeds because for every "classic" characteristic, you will find differences. So I am a terrier fan, having staffies - my bitch sticks to me like proverbial glue - whereas my boy knows everyone so will go off to say hello if I am not careful! Out of the terriers I know (JRT, Patterdale, Staffie, Bully etc etc) there were actually only a couple who were naught about b**gering off, the rest would stick to their owners and home comforts..

If you look at the rescue sites - well you already have a good idea of what sort of type would work in your lifestyle, so could work backwards from there.

Good luck, I really hope to see you posting about your new addition. I am also betting you will come back with " I never thought of xx dog but look what I have now!"

 

[CAYLA]

Min poodle would actually be quite fab for that set up, we actually a 12 month old one in our rescue, unfortunately my days of rehoming dogs further afield are well and truley over, even transporting them as no part of the rescue (long story) but I wish u well in your decision, look at many tears they have lots of x breeding bitches they may have a poodle type, I cannot recommend them highly enough as small companion dogs, they are active, highly intelligent and very willing to learn and love when not treat like a lap dog with no legs.
Also maybe check out Little Dog Rescue.

 

[Laafet]

Thanks for all your replies, such a shame CAYLA I had a look at her, Mum is up that way but obviously no oppurtunity for a proper home check. I have seen a year old black miniature poodle dog for rehoming, due to a new baby, his recall is said to be good and I am going to take my mum to look at him after Christmas is out of the way. Mum will stop me making any silly mistakes, if he is not right then a smaller rehoming charity is on my list as I would rather have a dog than a puppy so a rescue is not out of the question.