What Dog?

[Tay.]

Maybe a sheltie??

[megan_]

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.

It doesn't meet the size requirement? Also, can they be walked 30+ mins a day?

To the OP, if you didn't mind grooming (clip every 6 - 8 weeks, occasional brush) then a mini schnauzer should meet your requirements. You'd need to go to a good breeder and get them to pick one to suit you - mine are very well behaved, but I have seen some feisty ones that try to pick a fight (some owners aren't in control, but I've also seen some strong leaders struggle). They are very popular with puppy farmers so you need to be careful where you source them from.

My boy comes to cafes, friend's houses, kid's birthday parties (and I don't have kids), farmer's markets etc and just blends in. People at our local park often seek him out for a pat.

Edited March 6, 2010 by megan_

[nicolatu]

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 )

As I have read in many Jap Spitz website, they are low maintenance dog and don't really shed a lot normally (Only once or twice major shed a year). They have to be socialized a lot and if trained not to bark from a young age, they tend not to bark unneccessarily. Thats what I have understood from what i read.

Sorry if I am wrong though. I only done my research but have not really taken care of a Jap Spitz.

[Crazy Daisy]

I love spaniels too. We had a gold cocker spaniel growing up and she was great. She was happy outside when we were out, gave a great bark when someone came over, was very social with other dogs, didn't shed and loved playing ball. Cocker's do have to be groomed every 6 weeks but if kept short they need very little upkeep during grooming sessions.

Maybe go along to the next dog show that's closest to you and see what takes your fancy?

[mita]

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.

I was thinking the same as Gretel. A Cav is definitely a mainly companion dog.

In the same category would be the Tibetan Spaniel. So I wouldn't recommend a Tibbie.

[Spottydog0]

THanks everyone, we are going to head to the Royal Easter Show and take a look at the different breeds there.

[Nevafollo]

THanks everyone, we are going to head to the Royal Easter Show and take a look at the different breeds there.

Sounds like a good plan but remember not all breeds are on everyday they are spread across a fair few days, your best bet would be to find out if there are any local all breeds shows coming up and head to one of those atleast you will get to see any breed you are considering!

Edited March 6, 2010 by sammy_ballerina

[Swiss Girl]

I also like the Swedish Lapphund, very intelligent, loyal and a nice size. Don't let their coat put you off, these coats are really quite easy to look after.

Also, I notice nobody recommended the West Highland White Terrier, which are actually one of the friendlier terriers. Also a nice size, can be a bit stubborn but there are a couple in the park that seem really nice dogs.

[gemma_86]

Hi,

I was just reading your post and saw that you were looking at a shar pei. I just got a Shar Pei puppy which is 5 months old from a pet rescue site. She is an absolute dream and I would reccomend them to anyone. She is bossed around by our smaller dog and always backs off. She is friendly with both people and other dogs and is so easy to look after. She barks if anyone comes into our yard and is an excellent guard dog. She is low maintenance and is happy to chill out with the family. She is one of the easiest pups we have ever had so I wouldn't diregard them straight away!

[catzatsea]

Being a 30 something empty nester that lived in inner-west (Camperdown) (Now opted for a tree change) I have to give the Shiba Inus a plug

They are one of the easiest dogs I have owned for inner city living (and one of tghe hardest for rural lol).

Edited March 8, 2010 by catzatsea

[VJB]

How about a Lagotto? They do not shed hair, so require a complete clip at least once a year. They are probably knee height and very adorable natures apparently.

General Appearance: Small to medium sized dog, well proportioned, powerfully built, of a rustic [hardy] appearance, with a dense, curly coat of woolly texture.

Temperament: A natural gift for searching and its very good nose has made the breed very efficient in truffle searching. The former hunting instinct has been eliminated, hence his work is not distracted by the scent of game. The Lagotto is tractable, undemanding, keen, affectionate, very attached to his owner and easy to train. He is a very good companion and also an excellent watch dog.

Colour: Off-white solid colour, white with brown or orange patches, brown roan, brown solid colour (indifferent shades), or orange solid colour. A brown to dark brown mask acceptable.

Sizes: Height at withers:

Dogs from 43-48 cms [17-19 ins] (Ideal height: 46 cms [18 ins] )

Bitches from 41-46 cms [16-18 ins] (Ideal height: 43 cm [17 ins] )

Weight: Dogs about 13-16 kgs [about 29-35 lbs]

Bitches about 11-14 kgs [about 24.5-30 lbs]

Edited March 8, 2010 by VJB

[ellz]

Personally I don't feel that a Cocker Spaniel WOULD fit. They do get bored quickly, they do bark (and can bark a LOT) and above all else they DO prefer human company. Their coat can be an issue. Good coat comes from good care (ie feeding and grooming) and even a puppy from a good breeder CAN get very hairy and overgrown quickly and require more than just a quick stripping out to keep under control.

They can be quite hyper and not all get on with other dogs.

As has been mentioned, the interaction with other dogs is something that isn't just a "breed" thing, it is something that the owner needs to work on as well.

The Stafford ticks the boxes on a FEW of the criteria, but again, they are company animals and don't always do well if left alone for extended periods.

On the subject of daily walks and lazy mornings at kerbside cafes etc, I wish I had $1 for every Stafford I saw enjoying the sun at the cafes along St Kilda Road a couple of years ago. I wouldn't necessarily consider that a well-socialised, well-trained and CONTROLLED Stafford on lead is any more of a risk than many other breeds.

Staffords are NOT guard dogs and should never be looked upon as such. And really, no first-time dog owner should be looking for a dog to act as such. ANY dog will be a deterrent if they bark at the right time and that is what any family should be aiming for, first and foremost. A happy and well-adjusted Stafford is never going to be a guard dog, they are more a watch dog (WATCH the burglar come in, sit them down and make them afternoon tea and then help them carry the TV and DVD player out to the car and hop in after it!! ). BUT...given that most burglars wouldn't want to "test the water" to find out IF the Stafford they have just met is the friendly type, the deterrent value is as good as any other breed.

[Teebs]

Staffords are NOT guard dogs and should never be looked upon as such. And really, no first-time dog owner should be looking for a dog to act as such. ANY dog will be a deterrent if they bark at the right time and that is what any family should be aiming for, first and foremost. A happy and well-adjusted Stafford is never going to be a guard dog, they are more a watch dog (WATCH the burglar come in, sit them down and make them afternoon tea and then help them carry the TV and DVD player out to the car and hop in after it!! ). BUT...given that most burglars wouldn't want to "test the water" to find out IF the Stafford they have just met is the friendly type, the deterrent value is as good as any other breed.

Kaos is pretty good, she has stood between me and a few problem people more than once, and has chased some guy out of my back yard. Saying that, my old Saffy would let anyone into the house

[Nekhbet]

If you're going to the easter show head down to the Dogue de Bordeaux section A little bigger then you are thinking but a great loving breed, SHOULD be great in public (if the breeder has shy dogs avoid at all costs) are massive tarts but will guard. And a really low maintenance coat. My boy is happy by himself all day chewing a bone, as long as he's with you when you're home.

Most of what you ask comes from training. Personally I think you would be better with something a little older then a new pup. There are older dogs available from breeders as well, best thing is you know the personality, any problems, and the training is done for you. Puppies are a lot of hard work and if you both have to work at lesast 40 hours a week well ... those situation often turn into bored destructo pups or owners tearing their hair out.

http://www.dogzonline.com.au/breeds/mature...les-spaniel.asp

http://www.dogzonline.com.au/breeds/mature...tan-spaniel.asp

the breed pages have heaps of breeders, info and club links

As for rescue disasters ... too many people let their hearts lead before their heads. Personally, take a dog from a foster home, dont be afraid to say the dog is not suitable and DONT feel sorry for an animal and take it home, then try and deal with the impending disaster. If the dog has problems that you do not want to deal with, dont take it. If you are 1% not sure dont take it. Ask many questions to see IF the dog is suitable really for your lifestyle (and I get a bit sus of when someone says 'oh he's so quiet' while the dog boings about like a sugar hit toddler)

http://www.petrescue.com.au/view/63076

http://www.petrescue.com.au/view/67037

http://www.staffyrescue.org.au/

http://www.petrescue.com.au/view/61574

http://www.petrescue.com.au/view/64097

http://www.petrescue.com.au/view/62693

http://www.petrescue.com.au/view/58413

http://www.petrescue.com.au/view/63366

http://www.petrescue.com.au/view/57653

http://www.petrescue.com.au/view/66514

(sorry go a bit mad on pet rescue )