Another Breed Choice Question..for A Workmate

[pip1981]

Hi Guys,

A lovely girl at work and I were chatting today, and she hinted that she and her partner would like to get a dog once they have done some more work in their newish backyard.

I happened to be looking at the Herald Sun at the time (all the lost puppies after the Melb storms), and she pointed out a small white fluffy and said they'd like something like 'that'. I asked if they would consider rescue, but she said they'd prefer a puppy they could raise themselves (fair enough). I couldn't help myself, and just mentioned, that when they start looking they should at least avoid pet shops, to which she replied "everyone says that, but I don't really know much about it", yay, so anyway, I explained everything I knew and why it was best to choose an ethical registered breeder or rescue an unfortunate doggie (it's the first time I've really had the open opportunity to steer someone who didn't know any better in this direction so I'm quite happy!).

They do have their heart set on something small and white (although I think they may compromise if something else interests them, they just don't know a lot of breeds). I said I would do some research for her and bring her some information on some breeds that may suit (she has no internet atm), and then if and when they're ready, I will try and point her in the right direction.

The partner works long hours, she works part-time, but also spends other time away from home. She said they are not keen on an 'inside all the time dog', but it would definitely be allowed inside and sleep inside (not in bedrooms). Basically I imagine the dog will be outside when they are out (once adult), inside when they are home, and confined at night (I will recommend crating, even though I didn't do it...lol). She is quite prepared to do basic grooming (or have a dog clipped) if necessary, but nothing over the top. They will walk the dog every day once it is an adult.

I didn't have a lot of time to talk to her today, but it seems to me that she may be very fond of dogs, but has never owned one and doesn't know a lot about them. Her partner is very experienced with dogs and happy for the dog to be inside.

Is this information enough for you to recommend a breed? Are there any small white fluffies suited to being left alone, outside while the owners are at work? Obviously providing they are given affection, attention, exercise, stimulation, etc, when the owners are home...I know my dog is fine with this, but I'm not sure about most other breeds...

Feel free to tell me you need more info....because I know at this stage there isn't a lot.

Ideally I'd like a short-list of possible matches that I can print out info about, to give to the girl and her partner.

Cheers,

Edited March 10, 2010 by pip1981

[nicolatu]

All i could think of is West Highland Terrier and Japanese Spitz(white fluffies). But i would recommend Jap Spitz because i just love it =P. I did a bit of research on Jap Spitz. I quoted all these from the Dog Breed 101 under Japanese Spitz answered by Miss B.

They are very happy, lively little dogs and bond very closely with their family.They do not require a lot of exercise, however they are an active breed and enjoy daily walks. Their intelligent nature makes them well-suited to both obedience and agility. If bored, they can be mischievous and are not a breed to be left in the backyard and forgotten. For a dog with a long white coat, they are actually surprisingly low maintenance! Although they love to play and get dirty, the non-stick 'teflon' nature of their coat ensures that any mud or dirt simply dries up and falls out. They are a fastidious breed and, like a cat, will lick themselves clean. They do shed (regular brushing will keep this to a minimum) and should never be clipped. The Japanese Spitz is a very healthy breed, however they can suffer from patella luxation and also suffer from tear-staining.

How much grooming are they prepared to do?

[mita]

Are there any small white fluffies suited to being left alone, outside while the owners are at work? Obviously providing they are given affection, attention, exercise, stimulation, etc, when the owners are home...I know my dog is fine with this, but I'm not sure about most other breeds...

)

Some of the toy breeds are not good with being left outside all day.

But tell the lass there is a compromise position. A doggie door that lets the dog go in & out at will, is a great idea for a small dog that's home alone. It then gets the best of both worlds.

We've done this, via a large weather-proof, secure verandah room across the back of the house. It's basically the family room.

There's a doggie door leading out of that into a fenced courtyard section of the backyard, so the little dogs can go to the toilet & have a run around outside. But they've got the comfort of being in the verandah/family room as well....with all the familiar smells of their owners, their toys & their soft day beds.

If they had a set-up like this, I'd recommend a Tibetan Spaniel. Even tho' they don't come in white, they do come in cream. But I'd never suggest a Tibbie if the dog was to be outside all day.

Good on you, for helping her thro' maybe getting a dog.

Edited March 10, 2010 by mita

[Gayle.]

We have an old Lhasa Apso who's always been outside during the day while we're at work. She's about 15 now, will be 16 this year and she still goes out every morning and comes back inside in the evening.

She's fine, if we're home on the weekend, she still wants to go out although she often comes in earlier. She's been doing it all her life and she's just used to it.

[pip1981]

Hi, thanks for the replies, sorry mine is delayed, I've been a little absent from DOL.

Haven't had the chance to speak to her further about things as yet.

Nicolatu: I love the idea of Jap Spitz, for obvious reasons...lol, but I'm honestly not sure about the level of grooming they'd be willing to undertake. And, living with a Samoyed (another spitz) myself, I'd be very honest with them about the amount of hair they can expect about the place..hehehe. Personality wise I think a Japanese Spitz would be great for them, so I will mention them (just not sure if the larger size will be an issue). (Then I can dog-sit...lol) Off to have a bit more of a read...

Some of the toy breeds are not good with being left outside all day.

But tell the lass there is a compromise position. A doggie door that lets the dog go in & out at will, is a great idea for a small dog that's home alone. It then gets the best of both worlds.

We've done this, via a large weather-proof, secure verandah room across the back of the house. It's basically the family room.

There's a doggie door leading out of that into a fenced courtyard section of the backyard, so the little dogs can go to the toilet & have a run around outside. But they've got the comfort of being in the verandah/family room as well....with all the familiar smells of their owners, their toys & their soft day beds.

If they had a set-up like this, I'd recommend a Tibetan Spaniel. Even tho' they don't come in white, they do come in cream. But I'd never suggest a Tibbie if the dog was to be outside all day.

Good on you, for helping her thro' maybe getting a dog.

Mita, I thought this would be the case with a lot of small breeds, that's why I wanted to do some firm research before suggesting breeds to them. I agree on the set-up you suggest, but I honestly don't think this girl would allow a dog in the house without supervision.

Gayle: I really like the Lhasa Apso, a friend has one, do you keep yours in a short clip all the time? I know our friends have let the grooming go a little bit, and ended up not noticing a growth on their girl's back. She was a little matted before they even realised I think. Personally I'd definitely be willing to do frequent brushing on this breed, thanks to the non-shedding quality!! Have you found your Lhasa to be good with children? I imagine this couple will eventually start a family, but maybe up to 5 years away, at a guess.

[Her Majesty Dogmad]

They'd be better off setting up a dog door situation, particularly in Victoria - it's freezing and what about the very hot days? A lot of small dogs won't cope with this scenario and then you get into the barking issues, partiuclarly if they are young and left on their own too long.

[mita]

Mita, I thought this would be the case with a lot of small breeds, that's why I wanted to do some firm research before suggesting breeds to them. I agree on the set-up you suggest, but I honestly don't think this girl would allow a dog in the house without supervision.

/quote]

Pip, there's a compromise again, that lots of people use. Whatever room the doggie door leads off, is locked off from the rest of the house, so the dog doesn't have access to the whole house when home alone. That room ( a laundry or a sunroon or whatever) becomes the dog's day-room.

I agree with dogmad that the extremes of temperature & weather are not suitable for a small dog to be left outside all day. And they can get very anxious & bark.

We also had another reason for the set-up with our small tibbies. Local police issued a warning that dognappers were stealing small, attractive dogs from people's yards. For selling on.

[bedazzledx2]

All dogs need grooming but small white fluffies will need to see a groomer aprox every 8 weeks at a minimum. Are they prepared for this extra cost throughout the dogs life? Or are they prepared to learn how to do it themselves? Most people say the latter until they try a couple of times and then make an appointment with the groomer Jack Russell's are an easy care dog coat wise but they are an intelligent, busy dog that needs things to do to keep it out of trouble. Japanese Spitz are lovely dogs and surprisingly easy to groom with the double coat if done regularly but they do shed! Just a few thoughts.

Hi Guys,

A lovely girl at work and I were chatting today, and she hinted that she and her partner would like to get a dog once they have done some more work in their newish backyard.

I happened to be looking at the Herald Sun at the time (all the lost puppies after the Melb storms), and she pointed out a small white fluffy and said they'd like something like 'that'. I asked if they would consider rescue, but she said they'd prefer a puppy they could raise themselves (fair enough). I couldn't help myself, and just mentioned, that when they start looking they should at least avoid pet shops, to which she replied "everyone says that, but I don't really know much about it", yay, so anyway, I explained everything I knew and why it was best to choose an ethical registered breeder or rescue an unfortunate doggie (it's the first time I've really had the open opportunity to steer someone who didn't know any better in this direction so I'm quite happy!).

They do have their heart set on something small and white (although I think they may compromise if something else interests them, they just don't know a lot of breeds). I said I would do some research for her and bring her some information on some breeds that may suit (she has no internet atm), and then if and when they're ready, I will try and point her in the right direction.

The partner works long hours, she works part-time, but also spends other time away from home. She said they are not keen on an 'inside all the time dog', but it would definitely be allowed inside and sleep inside (not in bedrooms). Basically I imagine the dog will be outside when they are out (once adult), inside when they are home, and confined at night (I will recommend crating, even though I didn't do it...lol). She is quite prepared to do basic grooming (or have a dog clipped) if necessary, but nothing over the top. They will walk the dog every day once it is an adult.

I didn't have a lot of time to talk to her today, but it seems to me that she may be very fond of dogs, but has never owned one and doesn't know a lot about them. Her partner is very experienced with dogs and happy for the dog to be inside.

Is this information enough for you to recommend a breed? Are there any small white fluffies suited to being left alone, outside while the owners are at work? Obviously providing they are given affection, attention, exercise, stimulation, etc, when the owners are home...I know my dog is fine with this, but I'm not sure about most other breeds...

Feel free to tell me you need more info....because I know at this stage there isn't a lot.

Ideally I'd like a short-list of possible matches that I can print out info about, to give to the girl and her partner.

Cheers,

[pip1981]

Thanks mita, I will be sure to suggest that compromise, sounds good.

Dogmad: Thanks for that, I will do what I can to sway her thinking, but in saying that, she doesn't work full time and lives close to work, so I don't imagine her dog will be outside all day (as in a 9hr work day). Maybe only for a few hours at a time in between her part-time shifts and her OH's shiftwork. I imagine, like me, she will make special arrangements in both extremes of weather.

Thanks for your thoughts Bedazzled