Which breed is right for me?

[lau02]

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Hi all! I am new to this forum so lets hope that I am writing this in the right section!

After a previous mistake of getting a Schnauzer for our family we are struggling to find which breed is going to be best suited to our family. Maisie (our previous dog) was a very lively and vocal schnauzer who never tired. It was a constant stressful battle to stop Maisie from barking or from acting up. Even at 5 years old she never seemed to settle down. It got to the point where it was affecting my father so much that we had to give her away to another family who could cope with her antics better than we could, and provide her with a play mate.

We are now looking at getting a new dog, but due our mistake last time we are extremely wary about finding the right breed for us! We are looking for a small to medium dog. One who doesn't need an excessive amount of exercise - up to 45 minutes a day. A companion who is not constantly on the move, obedient and isn't particularly vocal! A few families we know have Border Terriers which seem to be great little dogs but any advice would be of great help!

 

[Oreo]

Hi and welcome my name is Chris

It's very difficult to match a dog to your situation really without knowing all the details such as are there children in the house, is there a garden, are there any other pets etc.

However, you say you would want a dog that doesn't require a lot of exercise so that does cut you options down somewhat.

Personally, if you're only have 40 minutes to walk a dog a puppy is not really an option. However, you could look at adopting an older dog from somewhere like the dogs trust. There are many good dogs that have lost there owners and they need homes so perhaps that is an option.

The other option is of course a retired greyhound. They don't need much walking and they are happy to sleep there day away. The only issue with a greyhound is many have never lived in a home before and do require some kind of training to learn to go to the toilet outside etc and also training to sleep on soft cushions etc.

If you can post some more information I am sure we could suggest a way forward for you.

 

[banana]

Hey! Welcome to the forum!

Maybe a rescue is a good choice for you - an oldie perhaps that doesn't have the energy of a puppy or young dog.

I think all dogs are demanding in their own way and that sometimes you have to put a bit more in to get what you want out, behaviours like barking and jumping around can be dealt with using good training tecniques and patience so it may also be prudent to research trainers that can help you when you make your final choice

 

[Oreo]

Good points Banana!

I do think that every dog (like us humans) has there own personality.

A rescue is always a good choice as not only do you help a dog in need of a loving home, but you also open a space up in a rescue for another dog.

However, I can see the appeal of a puppy.

 

[Rocky Rescue]

I would also recommend a rescue dog of an older age, all the house training will hopefully already be in place for you.

There are so many dogs in rescue around the country I'm sure if you explain your requiements to the rescue centre they will be able to match a dog to you.

Good luck with it all.

 

[eingana]

Hi Lau02

I'd say that either you're looking at an older dog or you could look at one of the toy dog breeds like a Shihtzu or a Cavalier King Charles spaniel. I know a number of sweet little shihtzus who are quite happy to have a half hour meander daily rather than a 2 hour hike, although they do come with an added grooming responsibility and bill.

 

[Oreo]

A cavvie is a good shout, although they do prefer to be around someone all day probably more than other breeds of dog.

They also have a lot of breed specific problems so if you decide to go down the route of having a dog like a cavvie you must go to a reputable breeder who tests both parents.

 

[BarrettBabies]

I'd say a Frenchie (French Bulldog) We have a Frenchie and he is a great balance that he loves to walk but because of his breeding huge walks are a no no and you have to becareful in weather extremes. He loves to snuggle up or potter about after me. He loves playing games but is just as happy to stop as well. I know a few people with frenchies and they all recommended a French Bulldog. He doesn't bark much and when he does it's quite funny. However he snuffles, snorts and farts a lot! Personally I wouldn't go for a terrier we have a Jack x parsons and she is a bundle of high energy nerves, barks quite a bit (always for a reason someone is approaching the boundaries of our house, cat etc) not particulalry snuggly or affectionate (she has her moments) but always on the lookout for something to chase, nose at, catch look out for!

We have also fostered a Springer cross (nutcase) a labradoodle (very bouncy) and a lab (older dog well trained by previous owner he was a beauty all round)

Maybe an older dog from dogs trust?

 

[eingana]

Actually, if you're looking at an older dog then there's no more chilled couch potato sensitive companion of a dog than a sighthound like a retired greyhound or a lurcher. They may be tall when they stand up but they curl up ever so small when they're fitting into a little cuddly bed and they would be perfectly happy with a couple of 20 minute blasts a day (or less in cold or wet weather).

 

[Tigernidster]

I wonder what you fed to your schnauzer? I have had 2 and although they can be vocal they don't need too much exercise and are happy to curl up on the sofa with us. Some foods like Bakers can make dogs very hyperactive and cause a great many behaviour problems.

 

[TTT]

Perhaps a different type of pet might suit better?

 

[lau02]

Thank you for all your responses.

Here is our current situation:

- No children in the house

- Medium to large house

- Small garden

- There will be times where the dog may have to be left alone due to work commitments

- No other pets

My only concern with a rescue dog is about their past. You hear of stories of them snapping which I am wary about but I am sure with the right research.

Tigernidster, we fed our schnauzer Burns which was supposed to be good for hyperactive dogs.

 

[eingana]

I have to say that if you are determined to get a puppy then you have to be prepared to put in all of the extra work, not leaving them to go to work unless you've got someone to call in on them often, doing the toilet training, the lead training, the socialising, the house rules and the running around after a really active pup that has no instructions installed when they are straight out of the box. You'll be getting a dog at the highest energy of their lives and most people make comments about having forgotten about how much hard work puppies are when they'd had an adult dog for the last 10/12/however many years.

You're far more likely to be bitten by a puppy in play than you are by a rescue dog, particularly a carefully chosen rescue dog from a rescue that has all of the dog's history and can consult their previous vet. Every one of my animals, including my dog, has been unwanted by someone else and they are all happy, healthy and sociable creatures (in their own way- 2 of the cats are ferals who only talk to one human- me- but they're clean in the house, courteous and mix well with the other cats). If Molly was going to turn vicious then I think it would have been just after having her owner break her legs with a stick, but no, she's the most sycophantic GSD you're ever likely to meet.

 

[lurcherman]

i think going to a rescue makes you aware it good have mental scars but for me younger is better. my brindle is a rescue 6months when i got him and 11 yrs on best move i ever made, but theres always a chance of getting a bad one.

 

[Rocky Rescue]

Would you consider a Staffy, they are very affectionate and loyal, the rescue centre's are over run with them.