Guest RosieFT Posted February 18, 2011 Share Posted February 18, 2011 ok.. my friend's much loved maltest x had to be PTS recently at a very old age. It has been a few months now and she feels it is time to look at getting another dog. They currently have a 6yr old mini schnauzer who is a lovely dog, very well looked after, excersized daily and wants for nothing. The criteria are for a medium sized dog that does not shed and is a bit more lively than the schnauzer. My friend would love to get a second schnauzer, but her daughter would like a dog which is a bit more lively and less single owner focused. The schnauzer is a very relaxed dog that focuses very much on the mum in the household and would rather be near her than anywhere else. The words spoodle was bandied about today and i told her there is bound to be a purebred that would suit their needs! and i would disown her unless she got one from rescue! Which upset the other friend who has a schnauzer/poodle cross who is a lovely little dog.... I did suggest a poodle with a longer coat so it just looked more like how the -oodles are cut. Are schnauzers normally a more 'get up and go' type dog? This dog is just happy chilling out. Anyway, i thought i would ask the experts :-) Oh, she doesn't want a dog that gets obessessed with things, if that is possible! She has seen my ball obessessed foxie in action... although her daughter had great fun with Rosie and the ball :-) Finally, she was asking about the West Highland White temperment, associated cons etc. and i really couldnt' tell her, so if anyone has incite into those dogs.. ?? thanks in advance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poodlefan Posted February 18, 2011 Share Posted February 18, 2011 A well bred Miniature Poodle would tick all the boxes. They tend to be pretty gregarious. If Mum feeds, walks and generally cares for the Schnauzer, that would explain its focus. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sayly Posted February 18, 2011 Share Posted February 18, 2011 This family actually sounds like they may suit an Irish Terrier. If they like the look of a Schnauzer the Irish may appeal to them. Slighty bigger (bitches around 13kg, dogs a bit more), a correct coat won't shed or shed very little if kept maintained and certainly an all round family dog. Fantastic with kids, robust without rough and ours have all LOVED chasing the ball. While ours have had a favourite person in the family, they aren't one-people dogs. They are happy to do their own thing and hang out with everyone. There are 2 absolutely fantastic breeders in WA too. Irish are generally a healthy breed and the average age seems to be 12-14 years. The breeders in WA are testing for cystinuria, some of the first in the world to be doing so. The main thing with an Irish is that they recieve good, positive socialisation with other dogs as pups and as they mature. They aren't great off lead and have a stubborn streak but certainly aren't impossible to train. There are several people around the country doing agility and other sports with their Irish. Certainly not for everyone though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest RosieFT Posted February 18, 2011 Share Posted February 18, 2011 Thanks for your suggestions. I did suggest the poodle and got a mixed response. I think the problem with poodles is than can get a bad wrap due to all the neurotic ones that are about the place. I think the poodles that get treated like dogs are great fun, but alot seem to be a bit wishy washy. I have read your other info in the other breed suggestions friend PF and will pass that onto her. I take it a breeder of good temp , outgoing dogs is a must. Isn't it the Irish that have the bad rap for being super dog aggressive? is this unfairly given? I know that i was told fox terriers were supposed to be bad, but the breeder said that was a load of rubbish and Rosie has certainly not shown any dog aggression but i took her out to obedience training and tried to socialise her well. Havanese? Lagotto? The mum is the prime feeder etc. but i know the daughter does alot with the dog too.. since the other dog passed away, whenever the mum goes out, the dog pines by the garage door waiting for her to come home. This never happened previously and they think she might need a companion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gayle. Posted February 18, 2011 Share Posted February 18, 2011 Lagottos tick the boxes. The lady who bred my first Aussie also breeds Lagottos and when we picked him up her first Lagotto was 5 months old and a total delight. She looked poodly but not like a poodle......more square in the head/muzzle and more of a casual coat clip. She was bouncy, outgoing and friendly and I believe this is pretty much their temperament. A really lovely breed, and they'd be a great family dog. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poodlefan Posted February 18, 2011 Share Posted February 18, 2011 (edited) Thanks for your suggestions. I did suggest the poodle and got a mixed response. I think the problem with poodles is than can get a bad wrap due to all the neurotic ones that are about the place. I think the poodles that get treated like dogs are great fun, but alot seem to be a bit wishy washy. I have read your other info in the other breed suggestions friend PF and will pass that onto her. I take it a breeder of good temp , outgoing dogs is a must. Isn't it the Irish that have the bad rap for being super dog aggressive? is this unfairly given? I know that i was told fox terriers were supposed to be bad, but the breeder said that was a load of rubbish and Rosie has certainly not shown any dog aggression but i took her out to obedience training and tried to socialise her well. Havanese? Lagotto? The mum is the prime feeder etc. but i know the daughter does alot with the dog too.. since the other dog passed away, whenever the mum goes out, the dog pines by the garage door waiting for her to come home. This never happened previously and they think she might need a companion. They need to get out and meet the kinds of dogs they're interested in rather than listen to stories. A breeder of sound dogs mentally and physically is a must regardless of breed. The more popular the breed, the more BYB ads in the Trading Post or dogs available in pet shops, the harder they must look to find a decent breeder. Popular breeds and colours always attract those more interested in a fast buck than the dogs themselves. Edited February 18, 2011 by poodlefan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fleuri Posted February 18, 2011 Share Posted February 18, 2011 I can’t speak for other Mini Schnauzers as I have only had one but mine is very lively and ready. He also prefers me to other members of the family (when I’m in sight) otherwise he is happy to sit by the kids or play with them. Yes! And he follows me around everywhere too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChristineX Posted February 18, 2011 Share Posted February 18, 2011 (edited) Hi Rosie FT, if your friends would like to meet an irish terrier, I can offer up Kate - Duke can stay at home. He's not typical of any dog! Kate, though, is pretty representative of the irish terriers being bred here in Wa. You can train recall, but you do have to put time and effort into it. Leaving Duke out of the equation, the irish terriers are terrific little dogs, and I find them pretty trainable. They love doing stuff with their people. Kate is no longer fussed by other dogs, she has 'her' dog at home (Duke) and doesn't think she needs any more! ChristineX Whoops - double entry!!! Sorry guys Edited February 18, 2011 by ChristineX Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChristineX Posted February 18, 2011 Share Posted February 18, 2011 Hi Rosie FT, if your friends would like to meet an irish terrier, I can offer up Kate - Duke can stay at home. He's not typical of any dog! Kate, though, is pretty representative of the irish terriers being bred here in Wa. You can train recall, but you do have to put time and effort into it. Leaving Duke out of the equation, the irish terriers are terrific little dogs, and I find them pretty trainable. They love doing stuff with their people. Kate is no longer fussed by other dogs, she has 'her' dog at home (Duke) and doesn't think she needs any more! None of the three irish terriers I've had have been dog aggressive, Duke stillhas problems working out what is a dog and what isn't which causes fear and hysteria, and the other two prefer to ignore other dogs. Quin (RIP) when bounced on by teenagers would do an abbreviated alpha roll, which always resulted in the teenager sucking up to him big time! That's as close to aggressive as I have seen, and Quin was attacked several times by other dogs in the street. The two Irish Terrier breeders here would also be happy to show off their dogs, if your friends wanted to see more than one in the flesh and talk about them. They are both pretty passionate about the right home for their dogs. ChristineX Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest RosieFT Posted February 18, 2011 Share Posted February 18, 2011 Thank you for your kind offer Christine. I will pass on the information and offer. Fleuri - i also pointed out that the schnauzer being a working breed originally, must have some zest and get up and go and perhaps she could ask the breeder for a puppy more of that nature. She loves her schnauzer and raves about her and would return to the same breeder as she is super happy with her. I think the push is coming from the daughter - however mum is a very practical and sensible person and knows she will wear the responsibility. gayle - i have sent her pages linked from dogz.. thinks they maybe a bit bigger than what she was thinking of, but size isn't everything :-) PF - i agree. But as someone off the street it is difficult to know who is a good breeder of good lines and good temps. She will be talking to breeders and going to look at dogs in the flesh before she makes any decisions. She did find a lovely breeder when she got her schnauzer and she has had nothing but joy from that dog. :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zug Zug Posted February 18, 2011 Share Posted February 18, 2011 (edited) I agree about the Lagottos - they would be ideal for a family like that. And they looooove to play. But if they want a smaller dog then fair enough. They do need a fair bit of running around, but it sounds like they could handle that. What about a Tibetan Terrier? Hardly any shedding (I think - but I would suggest you verify this to be sure) and a very sweet-looking and sweet-natured dog. I think they are lovely, and I really like their temperaments. Might need to pick a more bouncy one - some of them are fairly quiet I think, but certainly not all of them. And the grooming is relatively straightforward which is a bonus. I agree with you a poodle would also be a good choice. But if they don't love poodles, no reason to push it. Bichons are of course the perfect dogs - lovely temperaments and a pretty, sturdy little dog so I would say they are also be a breed worth them thinking about. Perhaps a little on the smaller side than they were thinking...? Edited February 18, 2011 by Zug Zug Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest RosieFT Posted February 18, 2011 Share Posted February 18, 2011 (edited) zug zug - my parents have owned bichons for years now and they certainly are fantastic dogs :-) . I think they have their interest piqued by the havanese, which i believe is a similar size, or a bit bigger? I think a terrier would be perfect or the daughter, but not sure if the mum wants THAT must zest and zeal .. personally, i love it (most of the time). Anyway, have passed on the info. and think their next move is to attend a dog show to actually look at the dogs and speak to breeders. edited to add: ahh tibetan terrier.. my friend growing up had one and it was a lovely dog. People always mistook it for a lhaso cross :-) thanks for that. Edited February 18, 2011 by RosieFT Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kavik Posted February 18, 2011 Share Posted February 18, 2011 Most of the Schnauzers I have met have been pretty lively I know of several competing in obedience and a couple in agility. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zug Zug Posted February 18, 2011 Share Posted February 18, 2011 Havanese are nice dogs too. No bigger than the bichon I don't think. They will have a great time browsing at the shows! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poodlefan Posted February 18, 2011 Share Posted February 18, 2011 PF - i agree. But as someone off the street it is difficult to know who is a good breeder of good lines and good temps. That's why requests for breed advice shouldn't stop at what breed to get but who to get it from! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
becks Posted February 18, 2011 Share Posted February 18, 2011 All my schnauzers (except for the one I bought in who hasn't got the out going slightly fiesty temperament i asked for!) are all active dogs, enjoy doing agility and running around the beach and fields etc but are calm in the house. Maybe she would consider the next size up? The standards can be more pushy to be the boss, or even a giant might suit, these are lively dogs, mine love to play fetch but will stop when I've had enough and they enjoy all sorts of dog sports Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darkrai Posted February 19, 2011 Share Posted February 19, 2011 i would Suggest a lowchen Happy playful, clownish little breed, although sturdy for a small breed. Good family dog, excellent with kids - Also good watch dogs They are long coated breed but can be trimmed to suit, low shedding... From what i have seen of Havanese they can vary in sizes Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dogsfevr Posted February 19, 2011 Share Posted February 19, 2011 Minis are normally "everyone" dogs ,all ours are certainly active .We do occasionally get some pups that we now will be more laid back but generally speaking they are very sporting dogs provided they have been encouraged to continue that way. If the other dog was older & the mini wasn't encouraged to be more active then she has been trained into a routine You say the daughter since the other was PTS is now spending more time with the mini ,did she not before?? How old is daughter?? How involved will she be with the new dog?? Who will be the main care giver long term?? What is the nature of the mature mini ,does she interact with lots of young dogs,is she playful or more happy to just be people focused?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RuralPug Posted February 19, 2011 Share Posted February 19, 2011 All my schnauzers (except for the one I bought in who hasn't got the out going slightly fiesty temperament i asked for!) are all active dogs, enjoy doing agility and running around the beach and fields etc but are calm in the house.Maybe she would consider the next size up? The standards can be more pushy to be the boss, or even a giant might suit, these are lively dogs, mine love to play fetch but will stop when I've had enough and they enjoy all sorts of dog sports Second this...Standard Schnauzer ticks all the boxes including medium size. They do need firmer handling than mini's though, but so do Irish. There is at least one good breeder in WA...Samantha (can't remember her surname, sorry. ) Most of the minis I know are very outgoing but a couple are a bit subdued and clingy, so sounds like their mini is one of that type. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sayly Posted February 19, 2011 Share Posted February 19, 2011 Isn't it the Irish that have the bad rap for being super dog aggressive? is this unfairly given? I know that i was told fox terriers were supposed to be bad, but the breeder said that was a load of rubbish and Rosie has certainly not shown any dog aggression but i took her out to obedience training and tried to socialise her well. They should never be super dog aggressive! Good breeders (like the two in WA) have great temperaments on their dogs but it is certainly a breed that needs socialisation as they mature to make sure you have a non-dog aggressive dog, same as you did with Rosie. They are dare devils and would finish a disagreement if another dog started one though. Our Irish is the best of our dogs with strange dogs. She was well socialised and from a fantastic breeder here in SA. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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