has anyone any experience of a Coton de Tulear?

devotee

Forgot to add that they hardly shed and don't have a "doggy" smell.... also even though they are white you don't have to bathe them very often, brushing them is quite often enough.
Regarding the coat trims - I keep mine in a puppy cut - so far got his coat trimmed twice (since he was 5 months old) and I personally think they would probably need a trim every 4 months - if you don't want to show your dog keeping the coat long then puppy cut is more manageable. Finding a good groomer is a challenge though as most of them give them a Bichon cut but Coton's coat is nothing like that one in a Bichon and the body shape is different.

BitterAndTwisted

foreign_correspondent wrote: »

aah, sorry, I didn't think to - lovely, lovely dogs though, and so steady, placid and gentle, with the softest silkiest coats... I could have brought one home with me! ... Maybe in the future, when (if!) I have a bigger house.. hopefully!

Oh, you are a tease

foreign_correspondent

Why not explore a few more small breeds or crossbreeds? there are lots out there, and a more mature dog who is used to spending a few hours alone would be a far better bet then a pup, and kinder to the animal.

This site may be useful for researching small breed rescue dogs (unfortunately you have to register before you can access the forum, but it is straightforward!) :
www.littledogrescue.co.uk

lostinrates

foreign_correspondent wrote: »

I have a bigger house.. hopefully!

They curl up teeny tiny.

In all honesty, we've at times lived in tiny cottages with our largebreeds, because our guys sleep sixteen hours a day and are relatively placid in the house (so long as adaquately exercised). I understand why its best to pick the right sie dog, and wouldn't encourage anyone to do different, but the right dog is also important, he/she might be bigger or smaller than planned.

re greyhounds, my young !!!!! I wouldn't leave alone with children (I'd be sensibly wary with any dog, but as I type one of my cats is playing at putting her tail in the grey's mouth and teasingly tickling). Mine is at the less docile end of the greyhound scale: she often thinks she is a kangeroo, but snappy she isn't.

jessicar

I work full-time and have fostered and owned retired greyhounds and lurchers for a number of years. I currently have three. Luckily though I can come home at lunch-times for walks, and work from home 1 or 2 days a week, but some people I know with them have dog-walkers come in.

I've never had a greyhound who snaps - their basic nature is gentle and placid. You may get an exception who has been abused or mistreated react in this way, but you could say that about any breed. All the greyhounds I've had, even the ones who have been abused and beaten, have been gentle and wonderful with everybody I meet.

They are also ideal for people who work as they have little stamina and once they have had a good run will sleep for hours. They love people and are wonderful dogs.

What you need is a dog who suits your lifestyle - so for somebody who works, then a laid-back dog who doesn't need constant company would be recommended. It's also nice to have more than one if you're working as they keep each other company. A dog which needs company and stimulation could develop separation anxiety.

Puppies require somebody around all the time to train and socialize them. Older dogs can be easier! I would recommend going to a rescue and specifying your requirements - some foster the dogs out first so you really know what you're getting - an assessed dog who has lived in a home and the foster carer can tell you all about them.

As has been said before - it's the individual dog - I have had the most gentle greyhound for 12 years who is bomb-proof, my nieces and nephews adore him, but then I have a younger collie/grey/saluki whippet who loves to dash around all the time and he would be too much for young kids.

When I go to work I don't worry about them messing in the house or damaging anything - they are incredibly good - but I have a routine, walk them, and they respond to it very well. They have each other, good walks and they sleep a lot!

From my time volunteering with rescues, I would say there are dogs for different circumstances, it's good that you're doing your research and are willing to wait for the right dog.

Far too often I see people who are in a rush and just want a dog immediately, or have a breed in mind but won't listen that the breed isn't right for them - and these are the dogs who come back.

Agree also - large dogs can curl up small!

beautiful-dreamer

BitterAndTwisted wrote: »

It's only my personal opinion but I'd never get a dog while I was in full-time work. Dogs are pack-animals and to be left on their own causes them stress, and that's terribly unkind imo. I think it's just great that you're doing research before making a decision, so top marks to you.

One day, when you're not working I hope you might entertain the idea of looking into rehoming a greyhound: which is my long-term plan

I must admit that leaving a dog all day is not a good idea. I work full-time but I am able to come home at lunchtimes to see my pooch. I don't think that because you work full-time you can't have a dog though, in my opinion. We are in times now where people have to work.

devotee

Well a lot of people have to work for living and they don't have to necessarily miss out on having a dog, but some breeds are bred only for companionship and love to be around people (like Cotons), but some other breeds are a little bit more independent - for example miniature schnauzer is still a small breed, very friendly but also independent.