Dog Breed Suggestions Round 2!

CFC

Hello all,

My last thread was closed due to intemperate posts and going off topic. There was a lot of helpful info in it; could I ask that all posters avoid writing anything that may lead to another closure?

My original post:

I'm looking for suggestions for suitable dog breeds.

2 adults in quiet home.
No other animals
Have a garden.
Not bothered about grooming, happy to do it if necessary.
Not a huge dog.
Must not be aggressive breed
Will get 40 mins - 2hr walkies a day, but the object of the dog isn't to give us long, long walkies and runs!
Must not be a noted 'escape artist' type
We've both had dogs before, but not for a long time; I've had a mongrel and a JRT, husband has had a mongrel
We both work, so must be able to tolerate periods of being 4-6 hrs up to 4 days a week home alone
Not a notably destructive chewer type.
Must be a 'healthy' breed, not one known for a lot of potential health issues.
Cross breeds are also an option.

After that comes aesthetics, but I could decide on that after having a list of potentials. Long hair is a bit of a favourite for me.

Suggestions so far

A good number of greyhound and lurcher recommendations - I have looked into lurchers and a small one may fit the bill.
Consider an adult dog to avoid the 'puppy problem'
Consider a rescue dog.
Research breeders - to avoid dogs with potential health issues

I'm still open to breed suggestions, especially in relation to smaller medium size dogs or small dogs.

Update on where I am in the process - still pondering. The breed is a 'head' issue, not a heart one.

Original thread was here

chaliepud

Wow, what a lovely situation to be in, no kids or other pets to consider! Before we had our kids went to the Blue Cross - just to have a look of course - and came away with a 6ish month crossbreed, did the same again 3 months later to get her a friend. They are both 11 now and have given us few problems and have been a bundle of love and joy.

tandraig

does it have to be a dog? have you considered a cat? some cats enjoy going for short walks and most cats dont mind being left alone for part of the day. some breeds are playful too - remember visiting a house once and their siamese engaged me in a game of fetch for as long as i could play! my sons turkish van cat is an endless source of amusement too - he joins my son in the bath! and he loves rain wont come in if its raining. and he plays with the kids in the paddling pool. son hasnt tried walking him on a lead tho. i think hun, that breed characteristics are a guide only as to possible temperament - my staffy was great - so were spaniels - but border collie could NOT be left on his own. but - the others were used to me being out part of the day. an adult dog who has a 'service history' with a breed rescue may be your answer - if the dog is used to part time working owner then will probably adapt to you very quickly.

CFC

Ah Chaliepud, that is just what I am determined not to do - I think 'just going to have a look' would be fateful so want to have firm-ish ideas before I go looking into any eyes!

CFC

Good heavens tandraig you learn something new every day. I had never heard of a turkish van cat before and initially I thought you meant it was a cat who lived in a mobile kebab van before I googled it...but it has to be a dog, I love my feathered friends in the garden and chase off next door's moggies, and I cannot be persuaded to envision a cat regarding an owner as anything other than a tin opener

foreign_correspondent

Overall, as I think I said on the other thread, I would tend to write up a list of criteria, and look for a dog to fit it, so things like:
Happy to be left alone for up to four hours a day
Not a chewer
Nice temprement
Not a dedicated escape artist
Low - medium exercise needs
A healthy dog, or not a breed with lots of common health problems

To me this sounds like so many adult crossbreeds - my dog would fit the bill, she can walk all day, or cope with a relatively short walk, has never been destructive, and is clean in the house. In a way though, the individual dog is perhaps more important than the breed or type though - although I would certainly avoid high energy breeds developed for stamina and endurance. (eg. collies, springers). A lurcher may be ideal, but for example, collie lurchers are bred to have both speed and stamina, so do need a good run, however, some will have more of a collie temprement, whilst others will be more sighthoundy! Looking at adult dogs gives you a better idea of what the temprement of the mature dog will be.

I think a steady adult dog would be ideal, as for escape artistry, again, a lot comes down to the temprement of the individual dog and the environment - my current dog loves nothing more than being with people, so never shows any inclination to escape - my old terrier though was an explorer, and used to find any gap in, or under the fences - it didnt help that the old man who used to live next door used to reward her with chocolate digestives if she got through to see him! However, other terriers are less keen on exploring! Ultimately, though I think all dogs can be tempted to explore if it is possible, and if there is something interesting enough on the other side, so you do need to ensure your garden is as secure as possible, and to supervise all time in the garden until you are confident that the dog cannot get out!

If you approached a decent local rescue with a clear idea of what traits you are looking for they may well be able to match you with the ideal dog! They will certainly know which dogs tend to chew etc!

For example, I went along with quite an open mind, looking for something small to medium, with a nice temprement, and found Badger (crossbreed, parentage unknown!) on my first day of looking, at the third rescue centre I visited! A good rescue will know their dogs well, and would be able to suggest dogs that would fit the bill!

Where in the country are you? - people may be able to suggest some ideas locally!

tandraig

most breed rescue centres CFC will take into account your circumstances and try to match you with the dog. you wont look into their eyes until they determine you will be best match for dog!!! sort of like a dating agency!!! also the breed rescue websites are fabulous for breed descriptions - characteristics etc. they do sometimes post pics of dogs needing homes but - you can apply to them and they will usually do a home visit and you usually pay a nomimal sum on adoption (the ones i have seen are usually around £50 to £75). good luck whatever breed you go for. I have been banned by OH from having any more pets - and i do miss both the dogs and cats. am considering a snake or a rat (both of which will guaranted oh will divorce me lol).

tankgirl1

rescue dog all the way - they will be able to match a dog to suit you, plus there are soo many lovely pooches just waiting for a home like yours

how about a 'scruffy' type long haired cross breed? i always think they look adorable!

sandiep

Labradors are good, fit most of the bill. They're also good re exercise, they tend to give 250% for the time that you're exercising them, and then enjoy recouperating afterwards by lying sleeping! Not a "hyper" natured dog.

tandraig

sorry sandiep - my OH had a lovely black lab - big good natured lovable but oh my god - needed to be out walking almost all day! he just wanted to work i think! yet he was bred to be a show or pet dog! he whined constantly to go for walks - either that or he didnt like my house! had to let him live with in laws in the end - as dad in law retired and didnt mind walking dog most of the day! my aunts lab however - could have mistaken him for fireside rug!!! i still think its down to individual dog! some are lazy some are hyper!

tandraig

CFC wrote: »

Good heavens tandraig you learn something new every day. I had never heard of a turkish van cat before and initially I thought you meant it was a cat who lived in a mobile kebab van before I googled it...but it has to be a dog, I love my feathered friends in the garden and chase off next door's moggies, and I cannot be persuaded to envision a cat regarding an owner as anything other than a tin opener

lmao mobile kebab van indeed!!!
er - if felix is any indication of breed its not birds they hunt - its mice, rats and the neighbours pond fish! oh and felix is a very nice natured loving cat - he even gives me kisses!!! (thats because i gave him reiki treatment when he had a back injury - and apparently he hasnt forgotten and is grateful). my own two cats (now passed on ) were very affectionate - cats just dont show affection in front of others usually, so have the reputation of being cold or standoffish!
but if it has to be a dog - then staffy is my recommendation - but through breed rescue so you can be matched with best dog for you.