Pug Hugger Posted June 30, 2010 Share Posted June 30, 2010 Hi All I need some breed suggestions please. I know a fair bit about pugs but when it comes to characteristics of other breeds I am no expert! OH's Dad is after a dog for himself. Long story short he has recently become single again and is after a companion/hobby/something to get him out and about again. He has always liked dogs but has not had one since he was a child. It seems to be a good time and would do him a world of good emotionally. Basically what he wants is: - something not too big. - something that will enjoy a walk a few times a week but does not need one per say (in case he gets sick or is busy for example) - something that does not shed too much, but similar to how a moggie sheds is fine (he loves our pugs but hates the hair) - something that will cope alone if he returns to work (that is still not certain though, he may retire now) - something that is suitable for essentially a first time dog owner - something that will get along with two pugs if it is required to stay with us if he goes away at all About the home: - currently a large secure yard although he may downsize soon. - Single fit 50ish male owner who works 9 - 5 and can come home for lunch if needed - may need to be kenneled/come and stay with us a couple of times a year - Would probably prefer a (house trained) adult between 1 and 3 years That is about all I can think of at the moment. My thoughts so far are: - Miniture Schanuzer - Westie - GAP Greyhound (although OH thinks a grey may be too big for his Dad's liking). Would ideally like to source the dog within a month or so if possible. Would probably prefer a breed (if not the actual dog) that I can arrange to meet so I can ascertain whether I think it would be suitable. That said, we will fly in from interstate from a reccomended breeder. Please help! And thanks in advance! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greytmate Posted June 30, 2010 Share Posted June 30, 2010 Retired greyhound would tick all your boxes. The females are not that big. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SparkyTansy Posted June 30, 2010 Share Posted June 30, 2010 Agree with a grey - and you can get some smallish greys but depending on why size is a factor, i think a grey would suit really well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skitch Posted June 30, 2010 Share Posted June 30, 2010 I vote for a grey too! Most people assume that they are active dogs that need a walk everyday.. but really they're more than content to just lounge around and amuse themselves and a walk every few days is plenty enough exercise - very placid and lovely, cant wait 'til I can have another GAP dog . It's amazing how much they vary in size, too.. the females are typically smaller of course but there really is quite a variance in size! I'm sure if you spoke to GAP and said you were looking for a smaller sized greyhound they could help you out . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pug Hugger Posted June 30, 2010 Author Share Posted June 30, 2010 You don't need to talk me into the GAP dog - it was my first suggestion! I think size is a problem simply because OH's grnadmother (potential owner's mother) is scared of larger dogs and the dog would need to stay with her if an emergency ever arose and he had to go out of town or had to go to a training day in Adelaide etc (he lives regional SA). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
corvus Posted June 30, 2010 Share Posted June 30, 2010 Even a small Grey is kind of a big dog... What about a Dachshund? Personally, I'd go a corgi. They are very adaptable. And if a 13 year old can raise one I imagine anyone can. Or maybe a Tibbie? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mackiemad Posted June 30, 2010 Share Posted June 30, 2010 a grey would suit beautifully because if he does downsize or fall ill then it will cope pretty easily. however i also thought of a mini schnauzer but that may be bacause i have one and adore them! they can be pretty spunky and have some 'terrier' drive even though they aren't terriers. they are easy to train but as i said, can have a little spunk-which i why i like them. i do think that a grey would handle the less amount of walking better than a schnauzer though. does he mind the clipping of a mini schnauzer? cos if he is happy to have it clipped then it may open up some other breeds too... i can't see a westie being happy being alone or not getting walked every day but maybe the one's i've known have been exceptions. i don't know too much about frenchies-are they too people focussed to be able to be left home alone? perhaps he should tell his local resuce what he is looking for and they can tell him when the right dog comes along? that way he will get an older dog that will definitely suit his energy needs, rather than a puppy who most likely will but not guaranteed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lappiemum Posted June 30, 2010 Share Posted June 30, 2010 Would suggest a lappie, but you would be hard pushed to find an adult. Med size, would fit the exercise criteria, and will be happy with other animals/kids/people in general. While they are a long haired breed, the shed happens twice a year, so at other times you won't see much hair at all. And grooming is minimal - wash when they need it, 10 min brush once a week should be fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dogsfevr Posted June 30, 2010 Share Posted June 30, 2010 does he want to spend money on grooming?? Both the westie & mini will need clipping every 6/8 weeks so he will have to fit that into his schedule & consider those needs for any family member wishing to house sit. If the grey size is a concern then consider the Whippet.. The other factor is the chances of getting some of those breeds as an adult in a month will be slim. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poodlefan Posted June 30, 2010 Share Posted June 30, 2010 I expect he'd enjoy the company of a Whippet PROVIDED the dog will have inside access and can be kept out of extremes of weather. A mature one would be just the go and there are usually a couple advertised here on DOL. My Whippet loves Pugs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aussielover Posted June 30, 2010 Share Posted June 30, 2010 I also think mini schnauzer or mini poodle. A greyhound ticks all the boxes except size. Even the smallest greyhound could barely be called a medium sized dog let alone small. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mita Posted June 30, 2010 Share Posted June 30, 2010 (edited) Retired greyhound would tick all your boxes. The females are not that big. Can I suggest you actually introduce your OH's dad to some of the GAP greyhounds? Then he'd see that size doesn't put a dint in the natures of these lovely dogs. I live next door to beautifully kept & well socialised racing greyhounds. And, tho' we own small tibetan spaniels ourselves...I just adore these dogs. They're gentle, sensible, no trouble at all....& very affectionate. Our neighbour had a lovely young male, there, just for the day yesterday. This grey is just starting his racing career. And, yes...he's so gentle, sensible & very affectionate. With the most beautiful colouring, white & honey, with the typical lovely eyes. One of the first things he did, was do a play blow to our small dogs, followed by nose kissing thro' the fence. Greyhounds stand out amongst the big dogs.....in that they carry themselves so lightly & gently. ADDED: Forgot to say that the lovely male greyhound was actually bred next door. His grandmother, Jenny, was small & finely built. Many people used to think she was a whippet. Edited June 30, 2010 by mita Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OSoSwift Posted June 30, 2010 Share Posted June 30, 2010 (edited) I would second a GAP Greyhound or Whippet if the size is better for him. Whippets can take a day or so off if you can't exercise them, or Dog forbid it's raining! They are people dogs and I have never worked while having mine, so not sure on that, but he would need to make sure the dog could get out of hot or cold weather - a dog door would be perfect - as they don't do well at all with the cold and don't like the heat much either. They are quiet, sleep 23 hours a day if left to their own devices, they do lose hair, but it is certainly not everywhere and if I notice them losing a bit of hair on my clothes I go over them with a Zoom Groom and problem is solved. My OH (Who likes bull breed dogs) is totally sold on the Whippets and said the other day why would you want a different type of dog. They are the perfect lap and smooch dog, love following you around, just don't step backwards because you hurt their toes, and love being with people. People have had them successfully in small places and apartments so down sizing a yard would not be an issue. There are some lovely older pups and young adults in the DOL pages and they are very reasonable prices as well. ETA my dogs love ALL other dogs and due to the fact they are fairly light they play well even with smaller dogs. Ours have never ran into or bowled my old Stafford and if they did they would hurt him badly. They have sailed over him a few times, but never made contact. Edited June 30, 2010 by Rommi n Lewis Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pug Hugger Posted June 30, 2010 Author Share Posted June 30, 2010 Like I said I like the GAP Greys and am trying to convince him on them Whippets might be an excellent alternative - how similar are they in temperament to the greys? I think the Iggy might be a little too small if that makes sense Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OSoSwift Posted June 30, 2010 Share Posted June 30, 2010 Like I said I like the GAP Greys and am trying to convince him on them Whippets might be an excellent alternative - how similar are they in temperament to the greys? I think the Iggy might be a little too small if that makes sense I have known only a small number of Greys so I am not sure, all they Greys I have met have been adults and very laid back. Now my Whippets are adults they are very laid back, possibly a little more energetic than a Grey, but I also try and help them to be that way as I do dog sports with them and don't mind them being a little more up. Iggy's are quite small and quite active from what I have seen written and can be a little stubborn ont he house training sometimes. My Whippets have just been out for half an hours mad dashing around outside chasing each other and have now come in and they have flopped on their bed. They will now stay there until the kids have gone to bed as that is their routine and while I am trying to make tea, bath kids etc. Once that is all done they will be up on a lap in a very short period of time and stay there until it is sleep time (although I more often than not fall asleep on the lounge with them as blankets!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cointreau Posted June 30, 2010 Share Posted June 30, 2010 I haven't had much to do with greyhounds but had a rescue come and stay with me and my Dane & cat along with the greyhounds swf friend there were no problems at all, everyone got on very well and I am looking forward to another visit. If size is a concern for OHs grandmother perhaps see if she could meet a greyhound or two and see if she manages and likes them. I found the greyhound to be very gentle and wellbehaved, rescued just recently I think it did very well to be so good in a new environment. Good luck with you search. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GoldenGirl85 Posted June 30, 2010 Share Posted June 30, 2010 What about a Cavalier? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pug Hugger Posted June 30, 2010 Author Share Posted June 30, 2010 I haven't had much to do with greyhounds but had a rescue come and stay with me and my Dane & cat along with the greyhounds swf friend there were no problems at all, everyone got on very well and I am looking forward to another visit.If size is a concern for OHs grandmother perhaps see if she could meet a greyhound or two and see if she manages and likes them. I found the greyhound to be very gentle and wellbehaved, rescued just recently I think it did very well to be so good in a new environment. Good luck with you search. Hee hee - anyone who knows OHs grandmother knows that once she has decided to dislike something, that is it, no mind changing - it is for that reason my next dogs will be a great dane and a saint bernard What about a Cavalier? I don't think a cav would cope well possibly being left alone full time My parents want cavvies next and that seems to be what I am being told... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hello Gorgeous Posted June 30, 2010 Share Posted June 30, 2010 Whippets can take a day or so off if you can't exercise them, or Dog forbid it's raining!They are people dogs and I have never worked while having mine, so not sure on that, but he would need to make sure the dog could get out of hot or cold weather - a dog door would be perfect - as they don't do well at all with the cold and don't like the heat much either. They are quiet, sleep 23 hours a day if left to their own devices, they do lose hair, but it is certainly not everywhere and if I notice them losing a bit of hair on my clothes I go over them with a Zoom Groom and problem is solved. My OH (Who likes bull breed dogs) is totally sold on the Whippets and said the other day why would you want a different type of dog. They are the perfect lap and smooch dog, love following you around, just don't step backwards because you hurt their toes, and love being with people. People have had them successfully in small places and apartments so down sizing a yard would not be an issue. There are some lovely older pups and young adults in the DOL pages and they are very reasonable prices as well. ETA my dogs love ALL other dogs and due to the fact they are fairly light they play well even with smaller dogs. Ours have never ran into or bowled my old Stafford and if they did they would hurt him badly. They have sailed over him a few times, but never made contact. Now you've sold me on a Whippet There are two in the park (one absolutely gorgeous black one as well) and they're extremely gentle with other dogs, look so elegant and I love watching them run. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpikesPuppy Posted June 30, 2010 Share Posted June 30, 2010 I know a few Border terriers living in a similar situation to what you have described they are pretty adaptable- need to be with their people when said people are home but also cope fine during the day when you are at work (mine survive!! Lol). They generally get along well with other dogs, particularly those they know well and generally like a certain breed once they have had a good experience with one (my puppy is particularly fond of Dobes at the moment Lol Spends the whole show training class mesmerized The odd adult comes up fr revoking occasionally Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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