Advice needed regarding dog breeds

Wanno

Hi there
I hoping you might be able to offer some advice on dog breeds that might be suitable for me.

I am desperate for a dog! I have now got my own house which does have a small fenced garden- not courtyard small but a cottage sized garden. It doesn't at present have a lawn, but will do when I get round to landscaping it. I will be living on my own but am taking 3 weeks off to move in so thought this might be a good time to spend making a dog at home too. Cost and bills are not an issue.

I am a very active person and the dog would get about two long country walks a day and weekends full of activity. I have always had family dogs, terriers and retrievers mainly but not one of my own.

Where I need advice is that I work during the day and I am not sure what types of dogs would be ok being left on their own. My ideal dog would either be a jack russell or parsons jack russell, but I am aware that they need constant stimulation or could get frustrated. Also, I would prefer a quieter dog as I live in a terrace. I would love to train an intelligent dog or perhaps two if this would be more suitable.

Obviously I know that each dog is different and breed isn't always an indicator of temperament, but I thought I would get any advice from you good people on breeds that would be suitable.

Any advice is appreciated!

rachiee

What about a Westie, or a labrador?

Kimberley

Border Collie

Wanno

Kimberley wrote: »

Border Collie

Are you mad! Isn't that the breed that require THE MOST exercise throughout the day.

I have had a westie before with the family. That was fine during the day as well. Would a labrador be ok for 4+ hrs on its own?

rachiee

We have a border collie and shes full of energy, always wants to round up the hens or the horses! I would imagine any dog would be okay for 4 hours by its self, sometimes we go out for more than that and my dogs are quite content with me just leaving the tele on so theres some background noise.

Kimberley

Wanno wrote: »

Would a labrador be ok for 4+ hrs on its own?

Yeah most dogs would if you get them used to it gradually. Go out for 2 minutes, then 10 minutes, then 30 and so on until you hit the 4 hour mark, thats how I done it. I had the summer school holiday to get my pup used to it though and he is fine. I didn't let him sleep upstairs either because I feel if you let him be with you 24/7 he could become too attached and could suffer from seperation anxiety.

billy858

I personally wouldn't get a Westie if you are intending some long country walks - they take forever to walk anywhere. In my personal experience I have had two patterdales. As long as they got some good walks they have been fine in the house while I've been at work and what I would call quite low maintenance in that they dont need loads of grooming, quickly dry off etc. They have both been absolutely fantastic with my children from when they were the tiniest babies, no jealousy whatsoever. Although I know all dogs are very different and it can be just good luck. Mine have always been given plenty of exercise. Good luck in your decision.

Hintza

OP you don't say how old yoou are but I assume you are quite young.

When I was young I wanted my own dog which would come with me to work ootdoors etc. My mother suggested I took her Gordon Setter it lasted one day...lol. The dog cut her foot I had to run her to the Vet in a strange town miles from home, rush back to work and collect her in the evening. That put me off until I got married.

My point being until you have commitments, (and assuming you are young) jobs/relationships/priorities all change. So just be careful.

You say you always have had dogs? Can you not borrow one from the family and see how it goes? Or if you are going to get one can you drop it off with family when you are at work? That will give you more options.

Good luck.

mrtobs

Have you thought of a crossbreed? We've always had them and they've have great temperaments and really healthy (lived to grand old ages). You could ask for advice at the re-homing centre in terms of whether a particular dog would be okay to leave - they should have a fair idea of the dogs' personalities etc (if its a good centre!). It can be a bit tough going to see them all though as you want to take all of them home!

slummymummyof3

Border Terrier.

foreign_correspondent

Hi wanno,

Well, I had a little ginger terrier cross which came to me aged about seven who would have fitted the bill for you perfectly! She lived with me for ten years and was sprightly for all of that time, and loved her walks and exploring, right up until the day she died in her sleep at a good old age. She also never barked unless there was someone knocking on the door. Obviously a pup is not going to do well in your circumstances, but a slightly more mature individual might be fine!

If you are considering a JRT, or terrier type, it is worth considering that they often live in excess of fifteen years, and whilst a pup would be likely to get frustrated, bored and miserable, a little dog aged perhaps four or five will still be relatively 'young' and have plenty of energy for walks, but will often be able to settle happily for some time during the day.

If you look at some good rescues you should be able to find the right dog for your needs - all breeds vary, and no two individuals are the same, so uou really need to look for the right individual dog, I think, rather than the specific breed. JRTs are in general, energetic and fun little dogs, with a strong will, but even within this there is a great deal of variability.

The dog in my avatar piccy is my current dog, Badger, another little mongrel, now aged about 6 or so, we think, (she was a rescue dog, I have had her two years now) - yesterday, we walked for five hours, and she was in and out of the river, chasing, running like a loon etc... other days, I can leave her whilst I am at work, and she can manage with a couple of twently minute on-lead walks and does not seem bothered! She is overall, a smashing dog, and very easy going, but a bit food obsessed!

However, if you work full time, whatever dog you go for will need someone to come in and let it go for a pee/walk at midday, so if you live alone the cost of a dogwalker should also be taken into consideration.