What breed of dog?

OneYorkshireLass

I do like ferrets but I think housing them would be difficult because our garden's a weird shape and has loads of shrubs and hedges where I could lose them. We've already got two sheds and I couldn't squeeze another one in.

I have a bit of a 'thing' about rabbits/rats/hamsters ... anything with those kinds of feet make me feel a bit ill.
My friend had rabbits and rats and I couldn't go anywhere near them

p.s jasper's very cute. I didn't realise they could be kept in a relatively small cage.

krlyr

Well, ferrets are easy to littertrain so no need to worry about difficulty cleaning, and rather than hay or straw, they can be bedding on fleece blankets which are easily washed (I'd advise buying a wash bag and washing them separately to any clothes, but I bunged all the foster ferrets' stuff in the washing machine no problem) so no aggravating hayfever. Playtime could be limited to a run or aviary. And even a hutch and run would suffice space-wise, I just loved watching my fosters make the most out of all the space I gave them - they were probably a little overspoiled to be honest! Here was the aviary part of their setup (I shut them out of the summerhouse when it got really warm as it got way too hot in there despite me removing the glass, so the hutch was a retreat for them when locked out), you could even just do something like this - pop a roof on the aviary and you can sit out there with them.


But I know they're not the pet for everyone, and raise a few practical issues, just thought I'd throw a few options out there

OneYorkshireLass

I appreciate the options, thank you
I just said the word 'ferret' to my mum and she had a fit lol. The practicalities for the current garden situation wouldn't work unfortunately.
The garden is a decent size but the area where I could possibly stand anything like the ferret mansion you have there would be right into the south-westerly wind we get. We're on a hill and it blows an absolute gale here.

JennyW_2

adouglasmhor wrote: »

Greyhound's are not usually good for letting run around in a field, unless it's got a 6 ft fence round it, they have no recall usually and non existant road sense. just needs to see a rabbit hare, cat, squirrell or fox and it will be off and not coming back.

Oh please....... don't tar all greys with the same brush. I owned one for many years and she had the best recall. And ALL my dogs have wanted to chase cats and squirrels and no dog has road sense when in mid chase.

A greyhound could be a good choice. Most rescues are ex-racers and happy with shorter walks. They are just greatful for love and a home

lostinrates

OneYorkshireLass wrote: »

Thanks Lostinrates. I think I'd be better off with a lurcher/whippet as greys look enormous!

There is a bonus to a tall dog if you are ill and not too mobile, you do not have to bend down to stroke them.

Greyhounds are tall, but compact. My grey is very, very large for a grey. This is her on a small 18 th century chair.

quietheart

Oh greyhounds are just delightful.
People say 'oh isn't she big?!' and i always feel surprised, she's so easy and so gentle she doesn't feel big at all.
I had a guide dog puppy who was tiny but was so demanding that she seemed enormous!
The RGT rehoming centres are pretty good at matching dog personality with owners needs. We took a good few dogs out before we met the 'one' (and we chose her because she nearly died being spayed and was a quivering wreck wearing pyjamas!)
Best of luck in your search.

Person_one

OneYorkshireLass wrote: »

I've had a look at the poodle site suggested - awww, how cute are the miniature ones

Poodles are lovely, but I don't think they're right for your situation unless it were very old or had a health issue that limited its exercise needs.

My toy poodle is 8, and he's very high energy. They were bred as gun dogs originally and the toy and the miniature are only smaller versions of the larger standard, they still have the same intelligence and instincts. Mine gets an hour off lead every day plus several shorter on lead walks.

I agree with the other posters who have suggested not thinking too much about breed but looking for an individual dog who meets your requirements.

Are you aware of dogpages.co.uk? They have a 'Homes Offered' section on their forum where you can post the details of your situation and the very helpful members will suggest rescue dogs they know and think might be suitable.

adouglasmhor

JennyW wrote: »

Oh please....... don't tar all greys with the same brush. I owned one for many years and she had the best recall. And ALL my dogs have wanted to chase cats and squirrels and no dog has road sense when in mid chase.

A greyhound could be a good choice. Most rescues are ex-racers and happy with shorter walks. They are just greatful for love and a home

I do have 2 rescue ex racers. /Never off the lead unless in a fenced in area.

Person_one

adouglasmhor wrote: »

I do have 2 rescue ex racers. /Never off the lead unless in a fenced in area.

I regularly walk my (very small) two off lead with an ex racer and they're fine.

Deed not breed and all that.

adouglasmhor

lostinrates wrote: »

There is a bonus to a tall dog if you are ill and not too mobile, you do not have to bend down to stroke them.

Greyhounds are tall, but compact. My grey is very, very large for a grey. This is her on a small 18 th century chair.

Very Big for a girl, mt 2 lads are 40kg and 39 kg