Henrietta

Opportunity - or rather lack of opportunity to breed with same species. Something like those creepy zoo people who interbreed lions with tigers (may they rot in hell). Lions and tigers are sufficiently different genetically that they produce infertile offspring so they are still closer to the generally understood definition of species than dingoes and dogs, which do produce fertile offspring. Dingoes, dogs and wolves would be classified as the same species under the basic definition because they all produce fertile offspring (not sure about dingoes x wolves but chances are they would produce fertile offspring), because the morphology (appearance) is significantly different they have been classified as seperate species, so now they are referred to as seperate species, Canis lupis (grey wolf), Canis familiaris (dog) and Canis dingo (dingo) whereas in the past they were all Canis lupis with dogs and dingoes considered a subspecies of the grey wolf. It's all mainly semantics anyway but I suppose it's useful in terms of management to understand that they do have significant differences which are measurable and consistent across the species, as the original study suggests this is important when looking at the role of the dingo in Australia as opposed to that of wild dogs as there are differences in behaviour as well as morphology and this impacts on their role as predators. Its not that simple with panthera hybrids either. A Liger and a lion have had a cub before (liliger apparently). I think it depends on the cross and the sex of each. It happens every now and then with true Hybrids. You will once in a blue moon get a fertile mule too, but only in females.

Hi Christina, why are toy poodles not recommended for agility? I only ask because I'm researching breeds. My boy is a whippet and I guess I'm not really qualified to answer because I didn't choose him for myself and I'm still getting to know the breed. :) I love this kind of discussion though - breed histories and functions. Sorry to go OT and not to add more to the discussion.

Paps are on the maybe list. And I really like the pointers too, but maybe ideally too large? What other gundogs have you lived with/handled SD?

I did speak to a breeder and ran into someone with a Schipp. They didn't think it would be an issue with the usually precautions. Other suggestions - TT - Tibbies, such nice dogs but I worry they would be slightly too independent in temperament? Rascal - Min Pin - Have never met one and don't know too much about them. I remember a DOLer having a couple of them. They were full of energy if I remember correctly. Pondengo - Portuguese Podengo Pequeno- Your gorgeous Ping is one, right? Again, I'd have to look into the breed. Basenji - I don't think a basenji would be ideal for me. Being a primitive breed. Beagle - They are funny. merry little hounds. but they are not my cup of tea. Thanks Airedaler. Bright Star - Welshies - I love the Welshies but acknowledge that there would be a bit of grooming involved. Beautiful dogs. I've actually met a couple of them. One was really reserved to the point of shyness, one was reserved but sweet. English SS - TSD your girls are gorgeous. They seem a fairly compact size as well. Beautiful. I certainly love to do stuff with my dogs, I just wonder whether I'd be giving them enough of a job. Unfortunately I'm in NQ so it's hard to see a lot of breeds. I have come to the conclusion that I'll have to meet some dogs now. Maybe next year I could find an excuse to go to a show and then a dog sports event in a capital city and meet some more breeds. I think Mr Whippet would love any dog who'd happily chase or be chased. I appreciate your thoughts. Lots of work to do.

Hi Megan, Thanks for the suggestions. Poodles appeal to me, but I'd have to look into the two smaller sizes. And the breeders. I'd be going down the professional grooming route no doubt though... I'm not sure about mini schnauzers, but I've never met one.

Thanks Denali. I'm not sure about the terrier group - obviously I had a stafford and as mentioned before I liked the tentie I've met, but not a good sample size. I quite like the springers and brittany, probably wouldn't have a cocker. I worry about the temperament of the sheltie - lacking in confidence. Plus there is the grooming to consider. I'm happy to brush my dogs but anything more involved and I'd have to look into a groomer and factor that in with costs I think. I'm not very good at hair cuts. I did meet a lovely outgoing Cav pup, I think in general they are not what I'm looking for in terms of activity levels. Health issues are a worry as well, yes.

Thanks HW. I realised I worded my OP confusingly. In that I know there are no gundogs that fit the bill entirely. I was referring to smaller dogs separately. What kinds of smaller dogs have I considered? Papillon, schipperke maybe (worry about coat up here in NQ), a dog that is lively and confident. I remember really liking the personality of a friend of a friend's Tentie. And then on the other end of the scale I've got the gundogs that I am quite drawn to. Vizsla are certainly one that I have considered, Brittany being another but I think they tend to like to work away from you as that is their working style. I think pointers are beautiful dogs and I've heard great things about their temperaments, but probably getting too big to be ideal. A pause for thought with the gundog group though, is their differing levels of bounciness or rough play? How do your whippets and FHRP's Vizslas play? I actually sound quite confused about what I want. Time to meet some breeds perhaps.

Next year I'd like to add a second dog to our family. For myself and for Mr Whippet. I'm considering all options - breeder/rescue, puppy/adult. Mr Whippet is a sweet, easy going boy. Lovely doggy manners and reserved around others until he warms up to them. He and my old stafford girl didn't interact all that much other than the occasional chat, but they were never playmates. He quite liked my parent's chi x and would attempt to engage in play but she only had eyes for my old girl. They will occasionally run around together though. I would like to get a dog that he could really get on with and relate to. I'd like him to have a playmate. He gets on very well with my cat and they play together, so it's not like he doesn't like play. It's just trying to find a type of dog that will 'get' him and vice versa. Of course, what I want in a dog is important as well. I wouldn't get another whippet. They are not really for me, although I far from dislike them as a breed. They've got some lovely attributes. My well-meaning friends are saying get a baby stafford, but my girl was one in a million. I want a confident dog with a sound temperament. Gracie stafford was this, she was faultless with people, and very good with other dogs - not in a free-for-all, dog park kinda way - we didn't partake. But in a non-DA, confident, patient way - she had quite a few doggie friends. Basically she was a lovely dog to take out in public. I love smaller, lively dogs and I'm drawn to the gundog group and have considered a number of breeds as 'one day' breeds. I think suitability as a companion for Mr Whippet is important, he's not going to enjoy a very rough and tumble in your face dog, but he does love chase games and some gentle wrestling. So I am leaning toward a smaller dog. Another thing that is very important to me is health and longevity. I'd like a breed that is overall a very healthy, robust breed - long quality of life. I would like a dog that enjoys exercise, travel and social outings. I would like to dabble in dog sports again ideally, as I have done with previous dogs. I am after a companion for myself and Locke first and foremost. Exercise is pretty consistent, my little dog needed a whole lot more than the stafford or the whippet and more importantly, more mental stimulation so I adjusted to that with no issues. Grooming wise - I appreciate a wash and wear dog. Locke is hands down the easiest dog for that kind of thing. (Is it normal for whippets not to smell at all??) He is seriously low maintenance in the grooming department. I'd also consider the right rescue dog as well. A second dog would have to get used to the cats. If I got a young adult dog it would have to be ok with cats, ie. from a home with cats. My dogs are inside/outside dogs (wherever I am as a rule, but left outside with access to the back patio during work hours). Any suggestions would be appreciated. This will not happen until the new year/possibly mid year. Oh and I live in north Queensland. So quite hot and humid. There are obviously ways to make life more bearable -air con, clam shells, shade etc and not exercising at all except for early morning/ night time, but I need to keep that in mind when choosing a dog. Would be interested in seeing your suggestions.

Mr Whippet loves to be around me but doesn't have to be in me or touching me all the time. He's quite happy to get a cuddle and then lay on the bean bag next to me while I have a cuppa for example but he may also decide to take himself up to the couch or bed. If I lay on the couch or bed he wants to be right next to me. Very sweet and very polite. Not in your face but has his moments. He doesn't tend to follow me around everywhere like other dogs have. Which is actually quite nice in itself. I'm not sure if he sees the point in training lol but one could argue that I haven't made the effort to figure him out either. At the end of the day, it doesn't really matter, I guess I'm just used to doing training as par for the course. More so for something to keep us all entertained and stimulated. If he is happy with his walks/ exploration, play and couch time, that's ok with me.

Thank you for your thoughts, 'tis appreciated

Thanks for the practical training tips Mrs RB. I think I posted while you were posting before. I get the idea of keeping it short and sweet. When he likes a game it's wonderful, but it feels like such a small window of opportunity that I honestly just like to relish the game. A toy he likes one day, he may not like so much the next. He does keep me on my toes lol. I did speak to someone in who was hoping to get lure coursing up and running and Townsville so I'll have to check in with them again. It's not like I need to do training with my dogs and I haven't been competitive with previous dogs. My old girl had cruciate ligament surgery at 2 years old which ruled her out for many things but we did rally o and tricks. Abby was lovely to train and enjoyed it, but we both found group classes stressful due to reactivity issues and my nerves, so we just did things for fun at home, quiet places or at my friend's - tricks, agility etc. I love to do things with my dogs and would love to carry on in the future but it's only a side interest. My dogs have always been companions first and family. So I'd be content to never do anything with Locke but would be happy to explore. And yes, it is a guilt thing as well. He is such a lovely dog, my flat mate is quite bonded to him compared to previous dogs (whom he certainly didn't dislike!) It's just the way it is I guess. I'm probably not a sight hound person like you say HW. I have questioned if it effects Locke otherwise I guess i wouldn't be asking. Rehoming would be a really tough decision. I've never rehomed a pet in my care (well except for Abby but even that's different because she is still in the family and I know everyone is happy with the arrangement). I'm not sure I could do it or if it's even necessary. That's not to say that I don't agree with rehoming in certain circumstances. But it may not be the right answer for us. It's a very personal thing I suppose. I would feel I wasn't personally living up to my commitments, another person may feel differently. He is a wonderful boy who is a pleasure to live with, no doubt about it. I am a bit wistful sometimes about why I feel this way, but as long as it's not detrimental to him it should be ok.

Snook, he is such a lovely boy. Just so different to what I'm used to but that's not a bad thing at all. I think I could certainly try some training avenues and see how that goes. More to get to know him better. Scottsmum, I think I am used to dogs that are a bit more outgoing so like a rough game. I've definitely had to change the way I play and interact with Locke. I'm much quieter and calmer. If I can find what makes him tick I'd understand him more. I don't want to be doing stuff he dislikes or makes him uncomfortable for my own enjoyment. Sarsaparilla - I don't think I've ever viewed Locke as a replacement for anyone. It was a different set of circumstances as to how he came to be with me. Gracie only passed away two months ago, and he came last September. She did have a terminal illness though and I was pretty focused on her during that time. Stressy - you are right. Maybe it's time that is needed. I'm going to use your tip about the talking all the time to him. Although I do already talk, I don't usually subject him to the daily domestic dilemmas. I'm sure he'd love it. One thing I do know is that he doesn't frustrate me and I don't dislike him at all. I quite enjoy his company. I just don't have that same or similar level of bond with him. Perhaps I never will. But I would agree that I doubt it's effecting him. Dee Lee, I think I understand where you are coming from. Whilst her issues were not severe, I invested a lot of time in Abby. Even as a family dog she is quite demanding in comparison, but I also felt she was a great family dog, just higher in energy needs. Thanks everyone. Certainly food for thought. I'd certainly like to try and improve that bond, but if it doesn't happen I know everything will be ok regardless.

I'd really like some thoughts and experiences from those of you who have had trouble bonding to a dog. How did the relationship grow? I've had Mr Whippet who is five for about a year now. He was my grandma's boy but when she passed away he came to live with me. At the time I also had my old girl and my seven year old chi x who ended up living with my parents. Since then my almost 14 year old Stafford passed away. Two weeks before she passed a kitten from the pound stole my heart. Completely unintentional, but she has been the perfect cat for me and for Locke. They get along so well and she has bonded to me in a way that my past family cats never did and I adore her. Mr Whippet is the easiest dog I've ever owned. Polite, gentle, the easiest, cleanest coat, sweet tempered. Im quite sure he thinks I'm the bees knees, he is very devoted. He is lovely to take out in public after having my reactive girl. He is a bit shy but has improved so much from when he first came home. He loves going on walks and car trips. He is very soft natured so I've had to learn to act a bit differently than with previous dogs. I never have a reason to get frustrated with him, he doesn't annoy me. He is one of those really lovely, easy dogs. Why can't I bond with him on the same level as previous dogs? I used to love dabbling in training with my dogs (they needed that outlet and I enjoyed it too) and have done training classes and would love at one stage to have a dog that's really into too and without the temperament issues. I did a little bit with Locke but I can't seem to figure out what makes him tick. I think that if I made the effort, we'd work it out and we'd maybe even improve our relationship but I need to be mindful of not putting on too much pressure. He is just so soft and it's something I'm not used to. I'm not exactly the world's best trainer either. Any practical advice for someone who would like to improve their relationship with their dog? It doesn't help that I've got the guilts because a cat stole my heart and I've always been a dog person. Locke's been around for longer as well. I was really lucky with my old girl, she truly was one in a million. My little dog by comparison to Locke was a LOT of work, but I truly adored her warts and all ( even though we did have stages of tears and frustration).

Just to let you know, I made the decision to put to sleep Gracie on the 8th August. She seemed to be going really well, then she vomited one morning. I didn't think too much of it because she still was eating and was happy. She vomited the second morning and I knew something was wrong. She wouldn't eat either which is a big thing for this dog. I took her to the vets, they got bloods done and gave her something to help with the nausea. I got the results the next morning and she was really quite unwell. She had pancreatitis, the beginnings of kidney failure and heightened liver enzymes. So that morning, I helped Gracie over the bridge. It has been the first time I've had to do this so I will be honest - I was very scared. But it was very peaceful. Gracie was just eating chicken and getting cuddles and it happened so quickly. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but it was actually comforting to know that it is that peaceful. I was relieved when it was done and I know I made the right choice. I must have known in my heart it was time because we drove down to the beach early for a walk that day, it was one of her favourite things to do. I drove her myself to Townsville for cremation (she loved the car). I can't begin to thank my vets for making it all as easy as it possibly could be.

There are several: Standard Poodle - temperament is gun dog like. No surprise - that's what they really are. Curly Coated Retriever. Standard Schnauzer - probably a bit more dog than the others. I like the Giants too. Sorry to butt in,but what kind of gundog do you think the standards are most similar to? I'm curious because I've always fancied some of the gundog breeds, but would also consider the smaller poodle varieties.