O wise people of AAD- what dog breed?

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Sarah_K

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My first time posting in this part of the forum- Hi all,

I've had the month from hell. My beloved soft top car died and I had to replace it with a sensible vehicle, my Mum has been diagnosed with dodgy kidneys (was told they were failing, but now apparently they might just be slightly damaged by some meds she's on. Horrible 2 weeks till we found that out) and I had to have my best little cat pal put to sleep early this week. It's not been good. For the first time in my 40 years on this planet, I am petless. And I hate it. I've been so used to getting up early and giving meds to the cat, generally making sure she's OK all day and night that having nothing to do, stroke and look after is driving me mad. I'm actually off work today but have kept myself busy doing bits and pieces just to concentrate on something else.

So what I'm after. I work from home 4 days a week and am out for one long day. I have someone who will look after a dog for that day, plus there are a number of doggy day care places near where I both live and work- two have been highly recommended. I don't have a huge house or garden, but am very rural with some lovely walks in the area. I'm strange that I actually enjoy grooming so long hair that needs taking care of isn't a problem. Due to a couple of health issues I have (prior torn ligaments in my shoulder and a back which isn't 100%) I'd prefer a small dog who wouldn't be able to pull me over like my last one (hopefully). I do have dog experience, but only larger breeds like labs, retrievers and GSD's. All were rescues and approx 4 or 5 when we got them. I think this time I'd prefer a puppy. My last dog had a lot of bad habits that were nearly impossible to get rid of even with the help of a behaviourist.

So I'm after a small/toy size dog with any length of hair, not too energetic (prob maximum of 2 hours walks plus runs in the garden), who is trainable and able to get on with other dogs and also cats (although I know these are down to training and not breed). I've checked the Kennel Club puppy finder and it's come up with Poodles, Chihuahuas, Shih Tzus, Bichon Frise, Japanese Chins and Lhasa Apsos. I don't specifically want a lap dog, but would like one who is friendly and good with dog savvy children.

Anyone have experience of these breeds and do you think they would suit me? Or anything else that sounds like the sort of dog I'm after?

Many thanks for reading this essay- I believe I have some gin and mince pies to go round if it;'s not too early :)

Sarah
 
How about a schipperke. I know a fabulous one very friendly with both dogs and people competing on obedience, agility and is shown too. If I was after a smaller dog then this is a breed I would look into further. I love cavaliers but there are too many health issues around, hopefully breeders will be trying to improve this
 
I'm (very) biased, but for me a Cavalier KC spaniel would beat all those hands down. I know they are reputed to have health problems but one of mine has a grade 4 heart murmur, unmedicated and is 11 and thriving, the other has grade 2 is 10 and can act like a puppy! I don't know where you are but Many Tears usually has ex puppy farm brood bitches to rehome, and one of those will love you forever if you show them what a real home can be like.
They are gentle and loving and don't need huge amounts of exercise, although I know one who does agility and loves it.
 
Whippet! Mine are very cat like, very, very affectionate, adore kids, other dogs, the cat and usually each other. Not quite a toy but even my huge bruiser of a dog can curl up on my knee easily :)
 
I'm biased but my Beagle is all you want and more.

They have a bad rep but it is due to inexperienced people who don't give them enough exercise or mental stimulation.
My lad gets an hour and a half walk a day (30 mins morning and an hour in the evening), goes out in the garden for 10 mins in the morning and evening and then we cuddle on the sofa or teach him tricks, play with him or generaly provide him with some mental stimulation.

My sister-in-laws 5 young kids (ranging between 2 and 11 yrs old) all love him and would happily swap him for thiers, he is gentle enough for the 2 yr old to climb all over but sturdy enough for a bit rougher play with the 11 year old.
He is very easy to train, not destructive, comes to call, is walked off the lead most places, happily follows horses and loves cuddles, my elderly parents keep threatening to steal him and they love looking after him and my partners parents are not dog people but got very upset when he was quite ill for for a while (poisoned) and often offer to have him over (they wont have his sisters dog in the house if that says anything)

Had I read the reviews on beagles first I never would have got him, but I am so glad I did get him!
 
I don't know whether I'm just unlucky but I've known a few Chis who couldn't be trusted around children. They can be lovely, but the ones I've known have been very reserved and a bit too delicate for kids.

Otherwise I'd say poodles are the highest energy of the dogs on your list - up to you if that's a good or bad thing. You could also consider a French bulldog or some sort of small terrier - Westie maybe? Or a corgi...you have to watch them with herding behaviours sometimes but a welsh corgi is quite close to the top of my doggie 'wish list'.
 
If you want a small dog, I would absolutely say Yorkshire Terrier. I have had them all my life, and adore them.

Like most dogs, their worst faults appear through lack of stimulation and exercise. Mine have never yapped and do well on one 30minute walk in the morning, and another 1.5 hour walk in the evening, with playtime for another hour, as well fusses/cuddles/training.
 
Does it have to be a particular breed? So many dogs looking for homes out there, why don't you look at rehoming centres I am sure they would have something suitable.
 
I am a big dog person but you need AmyMay to tell you all about Bichons, hers sounds fab.
Sorry about your horrible month, the only thing I can help you with is the kidney worry. I was diagnosed with kidney disease and just caught in time to not need dialysis. Apparently my kidneys looked like shrivelled prunes instead of ripe plums! They were too bad to risk a biopsy so I was treated on results of endless blood tests. I can't tell you how many pills I rattled with for three years but now everything is stable. I have three monthly blood tests and six monthly specialist check. I am fine and lead a normal life on no medication. Well not for kidneys anyway... I am about to have a hip replacement but that's another story!
Good luck with the dog hunt and best wishes to your Mother.
 
Wow- thank you very much for all the replies. Some real food for thought. I don't have children myself, however any dog would have to OK with kids as my parents (who would sometimes look after the dog on the day I work) often have grandchildren after school.

So, in order:

Satinbaze- I've not come across a Schipperke before, but I shall research

JillA- I knew someone who had a Cavalier but it had a lot of health issues. I was a bit put off as finding a decent breeder is a tough job up here

FrankieCob- my OH's next door neighbour has a smashing whippet. Didn't know how they'd get on with cats but it's something else to consider

Blackcob- yeah, I quite like poodles but they too can have health issues.

Conniegirl- I'd not even thought about a beagle. Fortunately I'm around during the day and would hope that with consistent short amounts of play training that any nibbly habits could be nipped in the bud.

Possum- I think chi's would be a bit too fragile. Luckily there are no dogs walked near where I live off lead as I think I'd be more worried about a large dog bowling it over accidently or worse. I live in sheep country, so anything with a herding drive might not fit in well if it escaped. Not considered a westie either

DiNozzo- I hadn't really considered terriers as most I know are high energy bouncy farm dogs who run round almost all day. I don't know much about Yorkie's, but it's another one to consider.

Crugeran Celt- No, I've not really got a specific breed in mind. After many years of rescue animals of indeterminate breeding I'd quite like to know roughly what I'm getting. I'm in the Northeast and most rescues near me have Staffies, Staffies or Staffies. I'm not Staffy-ist, I've known a lovely ones, but they aren't the dog for me.

Chiffy- In an ideal world I'd be fit and able to accommodate a large dog. probably a GSD. :)Yes, my Mum's kidney worry was a bit of a nightmare. She's down to 35% function but the Dr's think it's due to some blood pressure pills she's on. Needs some other tests before they alter the meds, but hopefully once they get the tests done they can be changed to something a little less kidney unfriendly.

Once again, many thanks for the replies. I shall spend tonight researching dogs :)
 
I sound like a stuck record....but Stafford! Small, short haired, intelligent and people loving. Can be brought up with cats (2nd rescue lived with one), named as the nanny dog by the kennel club. I know a lot of Staffords do agility and my younger dogs used to hack out with me very happily. As you said, it's down to the training and as terriers, they are active happy little dogs.
 
I wonder if we know the same schipperke satinbaze, can't be many doing all three. :)[/QUOTE]

The one I know is called Zorro he is just fab
 
My 2 live with a cat. Even working dogs will live with cats with no issue if you bring them up together. I suspect one of mine would chase random cats if he came across them while he was off lead, but hes often found sleeping in a heap with the cat. They have a mutual love of warmth and comfort :lol:

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Crugeran Celt said:
Does it have to be a particular breed? So many dogs looking for homes out there, why don't you look at rehoming centres I am sure they would have something suitable.
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Exactly this! I was looking to rehome a JRt as I'd always wanted one, ended up with a greyhound and defo made the right decision!
 
I have always had large breeds and we said goodnight to our Golden Retriever just over a year ago, a wonderful dog and was got for temperament and trainability.

7 weeks ago today we came home with a gorgeous bundle of fluff that is a Cockapoo.

He is loving, smart, trainable, excitable and lots & lots of fun.

Would highly recommend.
 
Border terrier. I really am not a terrier fan but they are not too terrierish. Equally Norwich or Norfolk, but both are more expensive and rarer. BTs - the working and the pet type are like two different breeds as regards energy.
Staffies are nice but are strong if they pull, if you were getting a pup though you could get a smaller one and train it well?

I have always been anti 'poo' breeds, as being mongrels you can get anything but I must say all the cockerpoos I have met have been fab, at least both parents are intelligent and active.
Friends cocker x poodle - in case you envisaged a cuddly, shiney lap dog.
IMG_20150909_135225_zpsdeywj4aa.jpg
 
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Whilst I loved my westie they are very very prone to skin conditions. I had a stunning amazing westie, but his skin problems drove me to distraction
 
For what you want I would go to a rescue (possibly one that takes in cavaliers or poodle types) and just pick the most appealing pup. They are going to be equally as good as the 'bred' pups and most crossbreds of the small fluffy type come from irresponsible breeders or backyard breeders - so similar to the pups coming from rescue. IF you were able to take on an adult all the better but I wouldn't waste money without visiting the rescues first :)
 
Although bigger, don't write off greyhounds. A small bitch could be suitable. Mine is quite petite, she comes everywhere with me.

Mine doesn't pull on the lead, curls up on my lap and is generally my shadow.

Incredibly lazy, very fond of staying in bed!! Easy to care for as they have very short fur, but you can buy them beautiful things, and they are excellent at lying on the sofa looking regal.
 
OH had a Tibetan Terrier many years ago. They are renowned for their temperaments, and my friend has two and they are fantastic with their kids. Nice long hair if you're into that as well :)
 
Totally bias but Border Terrier, he will walk all day or sleep for two, good with small furries, cats, horses, livestock, doesn't yap. he's ok with children, he prefers to avoid our toddler but is fine with older children but he was never around them until we bought one home last year so who can blame him, he just avoids him. He is happy home alone, or out at the yard, he's also been to work in the van with OH. He loves curling up in warm snuggly places (he's been found in the airing cupboard on more than one occasion and he loves a good snuggle on the sofa of an evening. He's good off lead (I credit a year of agility training with this, it really made him) and you can do as much or as little grooming as you like (we clip ours, much frowned upon in BT circles but he's fine with it and it's faster than stripping him, he's not a working dog and he hated rain before he was clipped so it makes no odds to him).

Honestly, BT every day, a big dog in a small body!
 
Get a Manchester Terrier! One of the more trainable of the terrier breeds; also work great as a hot water bottle. Low maintenance coat. Not big enough to pull you over. So, so loving - they love nothing more than to cuddle up and give you kisses. They are beautiful, graceful and so fast! They are classed as a Vulnerable Native Breed, there are not many of them about.
I don't have children and ours wasn't socialised with children as a very young puppy - but now (at 6 months old) he loves my friend's 3 year old daughter, follows her around everywhere and is so gentle with her. Honestly, I was worried at first as he can be bouncy (I swear they have inbuilt springs in their legs) and boisterous but he was soooo lovely, and even when she was playing fetch with him, he didn't accidentally catch her with his teeth, he was so careful and cuddled up with her when it was bed time.
I'm jealous - I wish it were me deciding on a new puppy! When ours is a bit older we will start looking again. Good luck and enjoy!
http://www.british-manchester-terrier-club.co.uk/
 
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