What Dog?

[Erny]

I think it is a good idea that you are each taking a separate/different week off work to look after pup (and work on toilet training etc) initially. When they first come home they are often somewhat at a loss for everything that has changed, including being away from the litter mates they are used to. But please consider that during that total of two weeks period you need to train your pup that it is ok to be alone. So you'd start out (eg) bonding; getting pup comfortable with his/her surroundings; building up to leaving him (in a place that is not only safe/secure, but where pup feels safe/secure) for short periods and extending upwards in duration. Generally speaking, once pup is ok with being left for 4 hours, he/she will probably be able to cope for a day. Some pups might be confident and good with being on their own from the get go, but some others become very anxious at all of a sudden being left alone once owners return to their usual work-day routines, so I think it is safer to build independence up incrementally, planning it out so that by the time you both have to return to work, it won't be a traumatic experience for pup.

I don't think you should get two pups at the same time either. Not only because they are double the work/effort (and as new dog owners, you'll be finding your way and learning as you go, so one would be enough for you to concentrate on) but also because later on, when they mature, it is possible they won't be the 'best buddies' you might have hoped that they'd be and with no experience under your belt to rely on, you'll find this less pleasant to deal with.

Edited March 5, 2010 by Erny

[maxbox]

What about a pug?

[Miss Squish]

I have met quite a few people who own a Shar pei as their first dog, if you are keen on the breed, have done you research & are prepared to put in the time to socialise alot & attend obedience classes, I cant see why not?

They are a beautiful loving breed in my experience I have no idea why they seem to be made out as extra dominant & nasty dogs that are extra hard work. Yes some of the rescue dogs need a lot of work due to owners not putting in the work when they are young & being firm from day 1 ,but Ive had plenty who are just beautifully behaved & so good.

My Shar pei are not overly dominant, very dog friendly & sit, behave & accept strangers patting them when we are out & about

Very true about the hair though Its everywhere!

GayleK Why kind of home do you think is suitable for a Shar pei???

[Nevafollo]

What about a pug?

Nup dont think a pug would suit these circumstances!

If you like spaniel look, what about a clumber spaniel lovely dogs and abit bigger than a cav. If you go a spaniel thou you will need to get him or her done by a pro groomer every 6 or so weeks unless you want to learn to do it yourself of course!

Edited March 5, 2010 by sammy_ballerina

[nicolatu]

I haven't buy a dog yet but doing my research on Shetland Sheepdog and Japanese Spitz. My OH and I are similar to your situation there except that we don't mind grooming our dogs. We are looking at both Shetland Sheepdog and Japanese Spitz as dancinbcs suggested. They are both gorgeous and small in size. Good watch dogs because they will alert their owners of strangers. Both of them shed about twice a year (during change of season). Both are very clean dogs (Jap Spitz will lick their own fur and their "teflon-like fur" will keep dirt off). Go look at Dogs Breed 101 and search for these 2 types of dogs. You will fall in love with them (at least me and my OH did ).

And also, depends on what type of look you like. My OH and I don't like "squashed face" (eg pug), we prefer the "wolf-type" (eg siberian husky).

Remember a dog is for a 10-15 years. Choose wisely!!

[Havasneeze]

Have you considered getting a Schipperke (Belgian barge dog). They're about 12 inches high and need little grooming. They were used on the barges and guarded them when the Captain was sleeping, hence the name "Little Captain" being attached to them. They make great guard dogs and really are fantastic pets. They seem to tick all the boxes....

I would suggest a Havanese but they need a LOT of grooming though they are lovely dogs.

[Gayle.]

GayleK Why kind of home do you think is suitable for a Shar pei???

I have no idea, as I said I know little about them but when a breed is regularly found in pounds, shelters and rescue, one would have to start wondering if it's really a breed that's suitable for all situations. I have seen it recommeded for all kinds of situations on here (second only to the greyhound) but it's clearly not right for some otherwise there wouldn't be so many of them in rescue.

[NZVizsla]

What about a Sweedish Vallhund? The ones I've met all seemed to fit your criteria. I really like them.

[dancinbcs]

Have you considered getting a Schipperke (Belgian barge dog). They're about 12 inches high and need little grooming. They were used on the barges and guarded them when the Captain was sleeping, hence the name "Little Captain" being attached to them. They make great guard dogs and really are fantastic pets. They seem to tick all the boxes....

I would suggest a Havanese but they need a LOT of grooming though they are lovely dogs.

Oh, I forgot about the Schipperke. Great little dogs. A bit smaller than a Japanese Spitz so may be smaller than they are looking for.

A Border Terrier could also suit. They are the only terrier breed that is definitely not supposed to be a fighter with other dogs.

It sounds like Spottydog0 is looking for something around the 7-10 kg range. A Clumber is quite a large dog, that just has shorter legs. In the Spaniels a Cocker would probably be most suitable and they could groom one themselves. Cockers with correct coats don't need a lot of work if they are not being shown. Many from back yard breeders have incorrect, woolly coats that need clipping but the coat should be fine and flat, only needing a little hand stripping to keep it looking good.

I would also not recommend a Shar Pei or Stafford to a new dog owner, especially when one of the important criteria is that they be friendly and non confrontational with other dogs. Both these breeds need a firm hand and despite socialisation, still need to be watched carefully with other dogs. They may not start trouble, but they won't back down from a confrontation. They are also very physically strong breeds for their size and the numbers of both in pounds and rescue shows that they are breeds for dedicated enthusiasts not for everyone who wants a dog. Same applies to breeds like Rotties, Dobes, German Shepherds, Mals, Sibes, any of the fighting Terriers and many other breeds. Many are challenging to own and not suitable as the average pet for a novice owner. Even my own breed BCs is not one I recommend to most people as a first dog. To raise a BC you need to know more than the dog so I prefer owners with some dog training experience. There are of course exceptions in all these breeds and with novice owners, but as a general rule I prefer to see new owners start with one of the more easy going breeds as a first dog.

[Miss Squish]

Despite socialisation a Shar pei still needs to be watched carefully with other dogs?? WRONG!!! No more than other breeds. If you socialise & train from day 1 they are fine,you dont have to be a lot firmer with a Shar pei than a lot of other breeds.

Not true at all they might not start a fight but wont back down from a confrontation. Both my Shar pei are not fighters & will back down if a dog has a go at them.

We have had Shar pei come to every dol meet from all different type of homes. Maybe I missed something but the Shar pei are far from being the breeds who have to be watched carefully, not once have I seen any issues with them & other dogs when they are all off lead!

Im sure a lot end up in pounds due to people impulse buying a cute little rolly puppy, then they grow into a dog that is not so cute, lack of training & socialisation, BYB breeders still believing they are are rare breed & can make lots of money, owners lack of knowledge or not prepared for the skin, eye etc problems that arise that can be an ongoing cost. I dont believe its the breed at all ,just uneducated owners!

A Shar pei can suit many different homes from apartments to farms, families with young kids, singles to the elderly!

Sorry I wont go on as what do I know!

Do the research meet the Breed & Im sure you will see that all you hear about them is not correct.

[dee lee]

I think that as a first time owner the OP needs to be very careful as to the breeds they choose.

I know that Sharpeis and bullbreeds can be fabulous pets- indeed I have seen plenty of both- but there are definite breed descriptions that mention a potential for dog aggression. Imagine if the OP did not socialise properly due to inexperience...

I'm not bagging these dogs but I know that people will tell you all the great stuff about their breeds and not reveal any bad points. Recipe for disaster IMO, forewarned is forearmed

Spottydog0, I think a spaniel sounds great!

When I was shopping around for breeds, with similar requirements and situation to you, I looked at Springers and Field spaniels. They seemed better suited to being left home alone and were a good size for me. They also dont need professional grooming.

My other wishlist dog was a Keeshond, having owned one as a teen. They are lovely dogs and wash + wear despite their fluffy coats.

In the end I got an adult rescue Golden Retriever and she wont be my last goldie! They are fabulous dogs. (but probably too big according to your list)

[Zug Zug]

If you like spaniels then i think the Field Spaniel might be a good choice.

Not a common breed, but they have that nice long-eared dog appearance and are quite solidly built with a calm temperament. They will enjoy the exercise you give them but be less demanding (in general) than a Welsh Springer (which is lovely breed too, but VERY active). They've been described to me by experienced people as being quite easy to live with. And they are a very pretty colour IMO.

They are the size you were talking about - medium size and you won't trip over them. You would need to do some grooming, but not a huge amount.

[Monah]

Ok I'll wade in too. ;)

Jap spitz very often are barkers, so I dont know if this is worse if they are alone a lot. I only know half a dozen, and all have become nuisance barkers although they are lovely dogs. The also shed a lot as do shelties and I think vallhunds (someone will correct me here if I"m wrong )

vallhunds are also from a working/herding background and can be determined. They are similar to the pembroke corgi.

Border terriers and Manchesters are both terrific and will warning bark. Borders need stripping occassionally.

schipperkes are fantastic little dogs, maybe too small for you.

springers, english and welsh are extremely busy and energetic (I adore them!!)

My neighbour has 2 cockers who would fit your list perfectly. I also think the cav too.

Some of the other spaniels that would be lovely may be very difficult to get hold of, the field and clumber.

I've had cattle dogs and they also are fine alone, great guard dogs, very friendly, the perfect size, and easy to train, very intelligent but this is probably not what you are after. They can also need a fair bit of exercise but nothing like the kelpie or border. A 'good' ACD is an incredible and loyal companion and protective.

The other breeds I think of would either have the wrong face (Boston, french bulldog), wrong shape (greyhound, people are afraid of them so great 'guard', lazy, short coat, very friendly, rehome ones are matched to owners), too small, (griffon brux, affenpinscher. powder puff, tibetan spaniel) or too big!! :D

[Gayle.]

Another one from left field.....and I notice there are currently some puppies available....the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen. I adore these dogs, they are cute scruffers, very robust, not too big and not tiny and delicate, they have an attitude that says "look at me, I'm absolutely fabulous" in the show ring but this is the only place I've ever seen them so not sure how they'd be as a pet.

They don't appear to need a lot of grooming, and they were featured in this months Dogs Vic magazine so if you could get hold of a copy you could read up on them (if they catch your interest).

[Monah]

Another one from left field.....and I notice there are currently some puppies available....the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen. I adore these dogs, they are cute scruffers, very robust, not too big and not tiny and delicate, they have an attitude that says "look at me, I'm absolutely fabulous" in the show ring but this is the only place I've ever seen them so not sure how they'd be as a pet.

They don't appear to need a lot of grooming, and they were featured in this months Dogs Vic magazine so if you could get hold of a copy you could read up on them (if they catch your interest).

:D ;) I adore these! They look like little Spinoni! I'm guessing that would mean 'beard' syndrome Lovely lovely dogs

[RubyStar]

Another one from left field.....and I notice there are currently some puppies available....the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen. I adore these dogs, they are cute scruffers, very robust, not too big and not tiny and delicate, they have an attitude that says "look at me, I'm absolutely fabulous" in the show ring but this is the only place I've ever seen them so not sure how they'd be as a pet.

They don't appear to need a lot of grooming, and they were featured in this months Dogs Vic magazine so if you could get hold of a copy you could read up on them (if they catch your interest).

:D ;) I adore these! They look like little Spinoni! ;) I'm guessing that would mean 'beard' syndrome Lovely lovely dogs

I "discovered" this breed only the other day while I was bored at work and googling dogs Sent the link to my sister who is in the market for a "scruffer" and she fell in love! If the cost isn't insane and she can get on a waiting list, she is seriously considering getting one of these dogs in the next few years I'd love one myself but would need a farm first for all the different breeds I want

[Gretel]

Thanks for all the suggestion, my biggest concern is would these breeds be happy on their own all day as we both have to work all day Monday to Friday?

A Cavalier is a companion breed and this is not an ideal situation for them. Two would be okay but I don't think being home alone all day if you only want one dog.

[huski]

I love the PBGVs, they are a bit like scruffy beagles :D

[Sayly]

As others have said, Border Terriers may suit. If socialised properly they should be sociable little creatures.

Gracie in my sig is a Border Terrier. The look isn't for everyone, and you would need to purchase something like a Mars Coat King and give their coat a run over with it every 2 weeks or so. Great watchdogs but would lick anyone to death once they are inside the house/yard.

I am currently house sitting for a friend and she has 2 Border Terriers, they are FANTASTIC dogs. Sleep on the bed, happy easy dogs to be around.

A great sized, robust little dog with great personalities. Not everyone likes the feel of the coat or the look though. :D

[darlingdog]

Hi

Newbie here, I'm hoping you can point me in the direction of a good breed of dog for us. Neither of us have owned a dog before and initially were thinking about a sharpei but are unsure if it would be correct for us given what we have read about their style.

Our Situation is:

- Live in Sydney (fairly central)

- both in our late 30's, no kids and no plans for kids

- both working Monday to Friday 9 to 5, unfortunately no chance of taking the dog with us to work

- house has a reasonable back yard (big for inner city), secure and with suitable space for a kennel/shelter & water for the dog to be outside whilst we are at work

- want a puppy where we can at least meet the mother before buying, don't want a rescue dog (seen to many friends with bad experiences)

- need a dog that is happy on its own during the day (or otherwise 2 dogs that will keep each other company, although I expect 2 puppies may be a bit much of a handful initially as we don't have any experience)

- We are planning on a week off work each (separately) to look after the dog on its arrival with us

- must be friendly natured and happy to sit with us outside cafe's and bars enjoying being stroked by passers by.

- dog no bigger than knee height (body) at adulthood, but at the same time not a dog you can trip over by accident because it is so little

- prefer not too hairy and needing lots of grooming

Any suggestions?

I know you state you don't want a rescue dog but from your requirements I think a greyhound would be perfect for you and your lifestyle. They come to you after being fostered and having been retrained so you shouldn't have big probs with them and as ex racers they usually have been exposed to people etc. Just a thought.