What is the best dog for me?
- Thread starter Kathryn002
- Start date
Thank you all so much! I will read through all of your comments properly, and will note all of them down. I'm not a huge fan of King Charles Cavaliers (gosh I'm picky!)
I understand that I would know exactly what I was getting if I were buying an adult dog, but wouldn't it be better rearing them from a fairly young age alongside other animals, so they get used to them..? I just want a puppy! Haha.
So Beagles are quite lively. How much exercise would I need to give them every day? I have a large park a 5 minute walking distance away, where he could go for walks every day, if that helps at all.
Thank you very much. Your commments and suggestions very much appreciated.
I understand that I would know exactly what I was getting if I were buying an adult dog, but wouldn't it be better rearing them from a fairly young age alongside other animals, so they get used to them..? I just want a puppy! Haha.
So Beagles are quite lively. How much exercise would I need to give them every day? I have a large park a 5 minute walking distance away, where he could go for walks every day, if that helps at all.
Thank you very much. Your commments and suggestions very much appreciated.
For whatever breed you decide you could try the breed rescues there's a list here
http://www.dogpages.org.uk/breeds.htm
Also please remember there are puppies in rescue as well and just because they are mutts they still deserve a loving home.
You could also put your request on the homes offered page here
http://www.dogpages.org.uk/forums/index.php
and see what is available and suitable for your circumstances.
http://www.dogpages.org.uk/breeds.htm
Also please remember there are puppies in rescue as well and just because they are mutts they still deserve a loving home.
You could also put your request on the homes offered page here
http://www.dogpages.org.uk/forums/index.php
and see what is available and suitable for your circumstances.
I understand that I would know exactly what I was getting if I were buying an adult dog, but wouldn't it be better rearing them from a fairly young age alongside other animals, so they get used to them..? I just want a puppy! Haha.
It has more to do with proper introductions and supervision than just raising them together from a young age. That can make it easier sometimes, or you can unintentionally run into some huge problems.
If you want a puppy, get a puppy, but be mindful that all puppies, and especially Beagles have a lot more energy than their older counterparts. It sounds like you don't have a whole lot of time during the week for exercising, which would make an older dog a better choice in my opinion. And by older, I just mean over a year. There's still PLENTY of puppy left by that point, but they're usually out of the worst of the "Destructo-Dog" phase.
Thanks for the links. Very much appreciated.
Yes, I understand what you're saying.
I want a puppy so I could bond with it from a young age. I certainly wouldn't mind an adult dog, I just want the best for the dog and my other pets.
I'll just have to live with an energetic dog . In my opinion, it's better than a really lazy one!
I am only looking at Beagles simply because they look cute and seem to be the right size, which are the basic things I want, but I am open to any other suggestions. If I could, i'd buy a big Labrador, but it wouldn't be fair on the cat, and I couldn't exercise it as much as it would need unfortunately.
Thank you all for your suggestions!
Yes, I understand what you're saying.
I want a puppy so I could bond with it from a young age. I certainly wouldn't mind an adult dog, I just want the best for the dog and my other pets.
I'll just have to live with an energetic dog . In my opinion, it's better than a really lazy one!
I am only looking at Beagles simply because they look cute and seem to be the right size, which are the basic things I want, but I am open to any other suggestions. If I could, i'd buy a big Labrador, but it wouldn't be fair on the cat, and I couldn't exercise it as much as it would need unfortunately.
Thank you all for your suggestions!
B
So Beagles are quite lively. How much exercise would I need to give them every day? I have a large park a 5 minute walking distance away, where he could go for walks every day, if that helps at all.
Thank you very much. Your commments and suggestions very much appreciated.
Thank you very much. Your commments and suggestions very much appreciated.
They aren't good with small pets. Like I said. Even if you decided to walk them all the exercise they needed you'd also have to get rid of your small animals.
B
Thanks for the links. Very much appreciated.
I just want the best for the dog and my other pets.
I just want the best for the dog and my other pets.
Don't settle for a energentic dog if you know you will not be able to exercise it enough and it don't get along with you other pets. This isn't fair to the dog, your other pets, or you. Get a breed that fits your lifestyle, not just one that looks cute and the size you want. Those two traits are the LEAST important of any trait you would consider when determining if a dog will fit your lifestyle. Remember, the dog must fit into *your* lifestyle not the other way around.
but I am open to any other suggestions. If I could, i'd buy a big Labrador, but it wouldn't be fair on the cat, and I couldn't exercise it as much as it would need unfortunately.
B
Here's some breeds that would work for you.
Tibetan spaniel
Papillon
Toy or miniature Poodle
Maltese
Bichon Frise
Long-haired Chihuahua
English toy spaniel
Japanese chin
Shih Tzu
Clumber spaniel
Lhasa Apso
Out of all of these the lhasa needs the least amount of exercise. In fact you don't even needs to take them outside everyday if you don't want to. You can litter train them. The tibetan is related to the shih tzu and lhasa. All very low exercise requirements. I would say the clumber needs the most of this list. The clumber is also iffy with other pets. Use caution when selecting a clumber. Don't buy from someone who hunts when. Get one from someone who shows them.
Tibetan spaniel
Papillon
Toy or miniature Poodle
Maltese
Bichon Frise
Long-haired Chihuahua
English toy spaniel
Japanese chin
Shih Tzu
Clumber spaniel
Lhasa Apso
Out of all of these the lhasa needs the least amount of exercise. In fact you don't even needs to take them outside everyday if you don't want to. You can litter train them. The tibetan is related to the shih tzu and lhasa. All very low exercise requirements. I would say the clumber needs the most of this list. The clumber is also iffy with other pets. Use caution when selecting a clumber. Don't buy from someone who hunts when. Get one from someone who shows them.
I certainly will not buy an unsuitable dog, I understand that.
I am just saying a good starting point is the looks of the dog, no point buying a dog you don't like the look of, and the size. Then I can move onto other things like temperament etc.
Beagles obviously are not suitable, so I won't buy one. It is as simple as that.
I am just saying a good starting point is the looks of the dog, no point buying a dog you don't like the look of, and the size. Then I can move onto other things like temperament etc.
Beagles obviously are not suitable, so I won't buy one. It is as simple as that.
Bearded Collies are on this list and although you didn't mention wanting one, I wanted to be sure to mention that the grooming requirement isn't the only issue with this breed. I adore Beardies and have owned one purebred and one mix, and they are energetic from babyhood to death (there is not the energy drop-off that many breeds experience, like the way Labs go from 110mph as adolescents to being rather calm as seniors; beardies go full tilt all their life.) Beardie bounce is not a good fit for someone who would prefer a dog with low exercise needs. They're beautiful, and they are very wonderful, gentle dogs, and a lovely size, but although their temperament is not wired like the Borders and Aussies, they need a great deal of physical and mental exercise to be happy.
Small breeds have drawbacks, but they are very easy to exercise. I can wear out my sister's Yorkie without breaking a sweat, whereas I have to spend serious time walking the beardie mix to get her tired.
Getting a puppy is not, in my experience, crucial to bonding with a dog, and I wouldn't worry about that too much. If you want a puppy, that's fine, but I believe that the idea that you can bond better with a pup is more myth than reality. Adults dogs are a lot more satisfying in the first year you own them; puppies are, naturally, more focused on the world around them and their own experiences than on being your dog/partner/etc., and that can be a bit alienating when you're waiting for them to grow into a companion and friend.
Small breeds have drawbacks, but they are very easy to exercise. I can wear out my sister's Yorkie without breaking a sweat, whereas I have to spend serious time walking the beardie mix to get her tired.
Getting a puppy is not, in my experience, crucial to bonding with a dog, and I wouldn't worry about that too much. If you want a puppy, that's fine, but I believe that the idea that you can bond better with a pup is more myth than reality. Adults dogs are a lot more satisfying in the first year you own them; puppies are, naturally, more focused on the world around them and their own experiences than on being your dog/partner/etc., and that can be a bit alienating when you're waiting for them to grow into a companion and friend.
Thanks very much. I'll look into the Bearded Collies. I'd prefer a dog who is energetic enough not to get worn down with occasional long cycles (up to 20 miles, although not as much if they can't cope with that) and although I'm not a huge runner, I'd run with him/her if they need it.
Thanks,
Kathryn x
P.S. I also really like Border Collies. I will research them of course, they may well be unsuitable, I'm just picking out dogs to look up at the moment. It will not be for some months that I actually go and buy the dog.
Thanks,
Kathryn x
P.S. I also really like Border Collies. I will research them of course, they may well be unsuitable, I'm just picking out dogs to look up at the moment. It will not be for some months that I actually go and buy the dog.
B
Boston terrier—some are more independent than others
Löwchen
Shetland Sheepdog---use caution. Liking to herd your cat.
Bearded Collie –some can be harder to train than other. Some get along better with other pets than others. Consult the breeder about what’s best for your lifestyle
Chinese Crested
Affenpinscher---use caution when selecting this breed with other animals. Tell the breeder you are looking for a affin that’s good with your pets.
Havanese
Pug
Pomeranian—causion, some may not be good with other pets.
Löwchen
Shetland Sheepdog---use caution. Liking to herd your cat.
Bearded Collie –some can be harder to train than other. Some get along better with other pets than others. Consult the breeder about what’s best for your lifestyle
Chinese Crested
Affenpinscher---use caution when selecting this breed with other animals. Tell the breeder you are looking for a affin that’s good with your pets.
Havanese
Pug
Pomeranian—causion, some may not be good with other pets.
Hmmm.
The smaller breeds might be a good choice. They won't go 20 miles but that doesn't mean you couldn't go a few miles with them along side and then let them ride with you the rest of the way. There are dog carriers you can tow behind your bike or, for very small dogs and puppies, attach to the frame. Most of the small dogs are packed with energy but aren't long distance runners/walkers. Sight hounds might be a reasonable choice as they're usually quite happy lounging about the house yet are quite comfortable going long distance though you couldn't take any dog 20 miles on blacktop because of what it would do to their pads. If you ride on dirt or grass, then it's definitely doable. Some sighthounds are OK with smaller animals too. While greyhounds are amazingly fast, they're sprinters and tire quickly. As Wikipedia says, ""Forty-five mile per hour couch potatoes." What they can do is lope along beside you quite happily at a moderate pace for longer periods.
In truth, I wouldn't trust any dog to be ok with a small rodent running free. If you take your hamster out of his cage, leave the dogs and cats shut in another room.
Whether the dog runs into the hamster or the hamster runs into the dog, it always turns out badly for the hamster.
Greyhounds may seem larger than your requirements, but again, the large dogs are usually the most docile indoors and don't need gobs of exercise. Wolfhounds can have problems with long distances so I wouldn't consider them and Afghans can be hard to housetrain plus have a reputation for being a bit aloof and very unreliable off leash. I would never take a sighthound offleash in an unenclosed area. You know, a whippet may not be a bad choice, particularly if you have access to an enclosed area for exercise. My brother had one who got along with everybody and loved being near everyone all the time. She was fine with walks but enjoyed running when the opportunities came along. They don't have the housebreaking issues other sighthounds have and they have a sweet disposition. If raised with cats and other small animals, or have lived with them in previous homes, there shouldn't be any problem.
Any dog will be a trade-off but given the need for a docile home dog that doesn't need much exercise but enjoys it when available, is fairly small but not too small or cutesy, doesn't shed much, is friendly to other people, has a reputation for good health, and not a trouble to neighbors, a whippet may just fit you very well. Check out this article on Wikipedia.
and
National Whippet Association.
When James got his I was like, huh? I didn't think a sighthound would be a dog dog but she was so affectionate, so fun to be with, that I just lost my heart. Madison was a joy to be with and taught my puppy some very good manners. They may look unconventional but they are loving dogs who will curl-up in your lap but also love to run around. Unlike the terriers and others they're couch potatoes in the house, reserving their energy for going outside. They even use them as therapy dogs because of their pleasant disposition.
The smaller breeds might be a good choice. They won't go 20 miles but that doesn't mean you couldn't go a few miles with them along side and then let them ride with you the rest of the way. There are dog carriers you can tow behind your bike or, for very small dogs and puppies, attach to the frame. Most of the small dogs are packed with energy but aren't long distance runners/walkers. Sight hounds might be a reasonable choice as they're usually quite happy lounging about the house yet are quite comfortable going long distance though you couldn't take any dog 20 miles on blacktop because of what it would do to their pads. If you ride on dirt or grass, then it's definitely doable. Some sighthounds are OK with smaller animals too. While greyhounds are amazingly fast, they're sprinters and tire quickly. As Wikipedia says, ""Forty-five mile per hour couch potatoes." What they can do is lope along beside you quite happily at a moderate pace for longer periods.
In truth, I wouldn't trust any dog to be ok with a small rodent running free. If you take your hamster out of his cage, leave the dogs and cats shut in another room.
Whether the dog runs into the hamster or the hamster runs into the dog, it always turns out badly for the hamster.
Greyhounds may seem larger than your requirements, but again, the large dogs are usually the most docile indoors and don't need gobs of exercise. Wolfhounds can have problems with long distances so I wouldn't consider them and Afghans can be hard to housetrain plus have a reputation for being a bit aloof and very unreliable off leash. I would never take a sighthound offleash in an unenclosed area. You know, a whippet may not be a bad choice, particularly if you have access to an enclosed area for exercise. My brother had one who got along with everybody and loved being near everyone all the time. She was fine with walks but enjoyed running when the opportunities came along. They don't have the housebreaking issues other sighthounds have and they have a sweet disposition. If raised with cats and other small animals, or have lived with them in previous homes, there shouldn't be any problem.
Any dog will be a trade-off but given the need for a docile home dog that doesn't need much exercise but enjoys it when available, is fairly small but not too small or cutesy, doesn't shed much, is friendly to other people, has a reputation for good health, and not a trouble to neighbors, a whippet may just fit you very well. Check out this article on Wikipedia.
and
National Whippet Association.
When James got his I was like, huh? I didn't think a sighthound would be a dog dog but she was so affectionate, so fun to be with, that I just lost my heart. Madison was a joy to be with and taught my puppy some very good manners. They may look unconventional but they are loving dogs who will curl-up in your lap but also love to run around. Unlike the terriers and others they're couch potatoes in the house, reserving their energy for going outside. They even use them as therapy dogs because of their pleasant disposition.
Thanks very much. The hamster is only out of his cage for a short period every day, but even then he is in his plastic ball. The rest of the time he's secrue in his cage.
I am not too fond of small sort of lapdogs, I'd like it to be fairly big, but I want a dog I can handle. I'm not particularly strong, and I'd feel awful if he was too strong for me, and he decided to run off.
Greyhounds and sighthounds always look so thin, even when they are not, but of course I'll look into them.
My garden is tiny, so they won't get much, if any, exercise in there. It will be a poop/pee area most probably more than enything else! lol :lol-sign:
Thanks very much,
kathryn x
I am not too fond of small sort of lapdogs, I'd like it to be fairly big, but I want a dog I can handle. I'm not particularly strong, and I'd feel awful if he was too strong for me, and he decided to run off.
Greyhounds and sighthounds always look so thin, even when they are not, but of course I'll look into them.
My garden is tiny, so they won't get much, if any, exercise in there. It will be a poop/pee area most probably more than enything else! lol :lol-sign:
Thanks very much,
kathryn x
Have you ever been to www.dogbreedinfo.com ? If you click on purebreds then you can get a look at their temperament, grooming, exercise needs, and all that sort of stuff. There are pictures at the bottom. If you click "find the perfect dog" there are many categories you can look at so check that out.
I also think that you should never trust any dog around a hamster because chances are he will attack it, or even step on it. If it's in a ball then you may not have to worry. My dog never bothered my gerbils when they were in their balls but my friends husky mix attacked her hamster's ball. Keep an eye on the hamster whenever he is out and teach the dog a command like "leave it" so when he goes up to the ball you can just say "leave it" and he will look to you instead of the ball.
The size of the dog has little to do with how it does around your cats. Many of the small breeds (terriers) are very likely to go after a cat while a Newfoundland or Bernese mountain dog would do great with a cat. It depends on what the breed was bred to do in the past. many hunting and herding dogs will have a high prey drive, but not all will. Some that do are Huskeys, Shiba inus, Vizslas, Whippets (and other sight hounds), Yorkies, almost all terriers and there are many others. Like i said check out that site i told you about and look at "find the perfect dog" and there will be one part that says non-canine pets if you click that then you will see what would be good with cats.
If you get from a shelter they will most likely be able to tell you if the dog likes cats or not because they test for that. Good luck! and remember to do lots of research on the breeds you like so you can give the dog a forever home with lots of love and without pain and frustration (for you and the dog ).
I also think that you should never trust any dog around a hamster because chances are he will attack it, or even step on it. If it's in a ball then you may not have to worry. My dog never bothered my gerbils when they were in their balls but my friends husky mix attacked her hamster's ball. Keep an eye on the hamster whenever he is out and teach the dog a command like "leave it" so when he goes up to the ball you can just say "leave it" and he will look to you instead of the ball.
The size of the dog has little to do with how it does around your cats. Many of the small breeds (terriers) are very likely to go after a cat while a Newfoundland or Bernese mountain dog would do great with a cat. It depends on what the breed was bred to do in the past. many hunting and herding dogs will have a high prey drive, but not all will. Some that do are Huskeys, Shiba inus, Vizslas, Whippets (and other sight hounds), Yorkies, almost all terriers and there are many others. Like i said check out that site i told you about and look at "find the perfect dog" and there will be one part that says non-canine pets if you click that then you will see what would be good with cats.
If you get from a shelter they will most likely be able to tell you if the dog likes cats or not because they test for that. Good luck! and remember to do lots of research on the breeds you like so you can give the dog a forever home with lots of love and without pain and frustration (for you and the dog ).