Getting A Dog And Stuck On Breeds, Advice Appreciated

[Kavik]

IGs (Italian Greyhounds) have a reputation for breaking legs, from what I have heard it is good to research lines and breeders to minimise the problem. But Whippets and Greyhounds are bigger dogs and I have not heard of structural problems with them.

[WreckitWhippet]

Whippets and Greyhounds, certainly aren't fragile. Some of the things my Whippet does, forces me to close my eyes and hope for the best. They are thin skinned and will cut easier than other breeds, but they don't break all that often .

Whippets are also quite easy to train to recall and are very much inclined to stick with their person. I;ve found Greys a lot harder to train in that respect.

They are really indoor only, they are fair weather dogs and don;t appreciate being left out in the cold, they do love time outside, so long as it's nice.

ETA: here's one of my Greys and my Whippet bitch coming on recall.

Edited September 14, 2011 by ReadySetGo

[Rebanne]

I would suggest rescueing a greyhound.

They can survive on your walks (all though they would also love time for free running in an enclosed area) and would love to hang around the house with you.

A Basset Hound is a very vocal breed and also very strong willed and a breed I would not recommend for a first timer.

Leanne

I was going to suggest this - but wouldn't rescue greys have issues with cats?

not from an ethical rescue group who fosters their dogs before adopting them out

[Rebanne]

I use to help walk racing grey hounds and they hated cats... probably not the best idea.

For God's sake some dogs hate cats, some greyhounds hate cats and you know what, some are fine with cats

This is my recently deceased boy Piper who never met a cat until he was 18 months old

[Rebanne]

I have heard from owners that whippets and greyhounds are fragile and break their bones if they jump off something as simple as a bed? Is this a individual thing or a breed thing?

A greyhound won't break a leg by jumping off a bed. Mine are up and down 1/2 dozen times a day.

http://www.dolforums.com.au/topic/171675-greyhound/

for starters

[skyesblue]

I have fostered lots of greyhounds and they have ALL been cat safe, some even cat terrified. And yes most of them raced or trialed. You just need to get one from a rescue group and let them know you have cats. Our greyhound even lives with free range chickens.

Edited September 14, 2011 by skyesblue

[Ozone]

Thanks everyone for all the greyhound information, I wouldn't have thought any of this xD

[mita]

The BBC documentary didn't tell the whole truth. Some of the problems with cross breeds: Structural integrity can be compromised with the use of phenotypically dissimilar animals, temperament is unpredictable, adult size of the animal is unpredictable, genetic problems of both breeds could exist in the cross breed.

Properly bred pure breed dogs, where the breeder has properly researched the blood lines, matched the dog and bitch, tested the breeding animals for known genetic conditions, raised in an appropriate environment, contract and guarantee provided, will give you far more certainty in the health of the animal you buy than those bred purely for profit.

Purely for profit bred animals means the animals are provided with a lower quality existance so the profit can be made. It means the testing is not done so the profit can be maximised. By purchasing a cross breed bred for profit you are supporting the income of someone made "off the backs" of the animals.

Well said, Amanda. That's spot-on information for anyone considering getting a puppy.

And I speak as a pet owner who has got purebreds from registered breeders who've done all you've said. Lovely, lovely dogs in looks, temperament and general health.

Our sheltie from a Q'ld breeder never ever had any problem requiring vet treatment from the time she was desexed as a youngster to the last year of her long life. Same with a tibbie who also came from a Q'ld breeder.

I'd only add to the OP.....also consider a Smooth Collie.

[atua]

A Whippet would be ideal and dont be turned off by their thin appearance. They are lovely dogs who do have a decent bark about them. They are very hearty little dogs.

Other ideal breeds could be Golden Retriever, German Short Haired Pointer a Brittany Spaniel English Springer Spaniel or a Welsh Springer Spaniel or even a Shar Pei.

A thing to remember is how much time you are prepared to spend grooming a dog.

There are lovely dogs available in shelters and rescue organisations as well.

[Dogsfevr]

What are your plans after 4/5 years when you move out??

I would consider this option more than the ease of living at home at present.

If you have to move away with work will the dog go with you?

Will you be looking at living in a house or apartment style down the track ?

These things will also help to decide what dog may fit in better plus able to cope from being at home with company dog to no one home at all maybe??

Do you want something that sheds??

Do you want a breed that will need regular brushing or regular trips to the grooming salon??(trips to the salon will be $60 plus depending on the breed & many will need 4 plus trips )

I ask because we board/groom alot of dogs that the parents have suddenly taken on because there children have finished uni got jobs & are unable to take the dog with them or found it to hard to get rental for there big dog or suitable flat mates.

Out little dogs alert us more to strangers than our big dogs,the big ones just look more intimidating .

The best choice is the dog you can control & handle easily when out in public & one you wish to happily live with for the next 12/14 years.

There are so many that may be suitable but it comes down what your preferences really are

read this article ,its ashame it didn't get the same exposure as her other stuff

http://www.ourdogs.co.uk/News/2011/Feb2011/pedigree.htm

[Jade~Harley~Bella]

I use to help walk racing grey hounds and they hated cats... probably not the best idea.

For God's sake some dogs hate cats, some greyhounds hate cats and you know what, some are fine with cats

This is my recently deceased boy Piper who never met a cat until he was 18 months old

As I have said a few times now... it's from my past experience. My dogs hate cats too and would probably destroy one in seconds if given the chance... someone mentioned they didn't think greyhounds would be good with cats and I agreed. Obviously personal opinions are not wanted around here...

Good luck picking your future dog Ozone.

[AmandaJ]

The BBC documentary didn't tell the whole truth. Some of the problems with cross breeds: Structural integrity can be compromised with the use of phenotypically dissimilar animals, temperament is unpredictable, adult size of the animal is unpredictable, genetic problems of both breeds could exist in the cross breed.

Properly bred pure breed dogs, where the breeder has properly researched the blood lines, matched the dog and bitch, tested the breeding animals for known genetic conditions, raised in an appropriate environment, contract and guarantee provided, will give you far more certainty in the health of the animal you buy than those bred purely for profit.

Purely for profit bred animals means the animals are provided with a lower quality existance so the profit can be made. It means the testing is not done so the profit can be maximised. By purchasing a cross breed bred for profit you are supporting the income of someone made "off the backs" of the animals.

Well said, Amanda. That's spot-on information for anyone considering getting a puppy.

And I speak as a pet owner who has got purebreds from registered breeders who've done all you've said. Lovely, lovely dogs in looks, temperament and general health.

Our sheltie from a Q'ld breeder never ever had any problem requiring vet treatment from the time she was desexed as a youngster to the last year of her long life. Same with a tibbie who also came from a Q'ld breeder.

I'd only add to the OP.....also consider a Smooth Collie.

Would the tibbie happen to be from Stylyn?

[poodlefan]

As I have said a few times now... it's from my past experience. My dogs hate cats too and would probably destroy one in seconds if given the chance... someone mentioned they didn't think greyhounds would be good with cats and I agreed. Obviously personal opinions are not wanted around here...

Good luck picking your future dog Ozone.

Personal opinions are fine. Inaccurate breed generalisations however require correction. Based on your personal experience, no one with cats would consider a greyhound as a pet. I don't think its harsh that folk want to correct that view.

Most dogs that aren't socialised with cats arent "good" with them. Its all about prey drive and that's common in a lot of breeds but not a universal attribute in any of them.

Racing greyhounds are rarely socialised with cats and trained to chase a lure.. which is a small furry fast moving object. I don't think its any surprise that many racing greys aren't "good" with small furry animals but quite a few retirees are fine with them. And of course, not all greys race. Some flunk out because they don't have sufficient prey drive to chase the lure at all.

Edited September 14, 2011 by poodlefan

[Ladedadeda]

Hello all, and bear with me I will try to make this short.

I have been researching dogs and dog breeds for well over a year now and still can’t find one that would be suitable. I would consider ‘cross breeds’ however the only information pages/sites I can find look very dodgy...

I am in my last year of high school (18) and will go to university next year, but I will most likely still be living at home for a good 4-5 years to come. My mother is also home most of the time, she is in her fifties, very very fit, and has trained 3 very well behaved German shepherds in the past. She has owned other dogs but GS are always her favourite. We walk everyday. It is very quiet in the house usually.

Another thing to mention is my father, who works in Africa, comes home every 6 weeks. He is a very tall solid man and I think it would upset the peace for a new dog? Mum wants a dog that will give off a warning bark for my sake if I am home alone. We both want a medium to large sized dog, who can survive on our daily 30 minute walk and be quiet with the constant family contact at home.

The most important thing is our cat. He is very sooky and vocal, but scares easily. He has reacted well to dogs in the past, but we obviously don’t want strong chase drives from breeds.

I am stuck. Ideally I would go for a basset hound (ticks all the boxes), and my father would go for a corgi (he used to show them) but they are too small, and the basset has too many health problems from what I can see. Mum would get a GS obviously, but our yard isn’t exactly a farm and I am a twig who falls over in a strong gust of wind let alone a massive dog on a leash. I have no previous 'dog' experience, and while Mum will assist I wouldn't be able to handle a strong willed dog.

I have search the local pounds and all I can find are staffy mixes, while I have nothing against staffies it’s not what we want. And yes, I was kind of put off by that BBC documentary about purebreds. I know it was very biased, but it still sticks in your mind. I am still open to them however I feel none of them are suitable.

I need to explore mixes/cross breeds, but there is so much misinformation out there and none of it seems remotely reputable. Can someone point me in the right direction?

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

Ok...yes I have written a lot. Sorry, was trying to avoid that : (

Good luck in your search and its great to see a young guy that is doing his ground work before getting a dog as (I think)others have suggested get out and see, greet and meet some breeds and breeders/owners as there are some beautiful examples of breeds that would suit your needs and lifestyle, I have a Bull Terrier that would fit every thing you were looking for but I could show you others that would not suit a single thing on your list of needs in a dog. I am not suggesting that you get a BT but pointing out an example just in case there is a dog that you like and have discounted because of a breed description, there still may be individual dogs within the breed that would suit you, anyway I hope you do find a lovely and suitable addition for you and your family to share some great memories and make some with.

Edit for text stuff up ooops

Edited September 14, 2011 by Ladedadeda

[Ozone]

What are your plans after 4/5 years when you move out??

I would consider this option more than the ease of living at home at present.

If you have to move away with work will the dog go with you?

Will you be looking at living in a house or apartment style down the track ?

These things will also help to decide what dog may fit in better plus able to cope from being at home with company dog to no one home at all maybe??

Do you want something that sheds??

Do you want a breed that will need regular brushing or regular trips to the grooming salon??(trips to the salon will be $60 plus depending on the breed & many will need 4 plus trips )

I ask because we board/groom alot of dogs that the parents have suddenly taken on because there children have finished uni got jobs & are unable to take the dog with them or found it to hard to get rental for there big dog or suitable flat mates.

Out little dogs alert us more to strangers than our big dogs,the big ones just look more intimidating .

The best choice is the dog you can control & handle easily when out in public & one you wish to happily live with for the next 12/14 years.

There are so many that may be suitable but it comes down what your preferences really are

read this article ,its ashame it didn't get the same exposure as her other stuff

http://www.ourdogs.co.uk/News/2011/Feb2011/pedigree.htm

My mother would most likely keep the dog, or I will take it depending on housing etc...I am generation Y, looks like we are out of the housing market for a good 10 years xD It isn't going to be 'my' dog, its 'our' dog.

A long haired breed would probably be better, our house doesn't have the greatest heating.

[poodlefan]

A long haired breed would probably be better, our house doesn't have the greatest heating.

You can buy coats for Whippets.

You go up in size considerably for a hairy sighthound.

Edited September 14, 2011 by poodlefan

[Ozone]

Hello all, and bear with me I will try to make this short.

I have been researching dogs and dog breeds for well over a year now and still can’t find one that would be suitable. I would consider ‘cross breeds’ however the only information pages/sites I can find look very dodgy...

I am in my last year of high school (18) and will go to university next year, but I will most likely still be living at home for a good 4-5 years to come. My mother is also home most of the time, she is in her fifties, very very fit, and has trained 3 very well behaved German shepherds in the past. She has owned other dogs but GS are always her favourite. We walk everyday. It is very quiet in the house usually.

Another thing to mention is my father, who works in Africa, comes home every 6 weeks. He is a very tall solid man and I think it would upset the peace for a new dog? Mum wants a dog that will give off a warning bark for my sake if I am home alone. We both want a medium to large sized dog, who can survive on our daily 30 minute walk and be quiet with the constant family contact at home.

The most important thing is our cat. He is very sooky and vocal, but scares easily. He has reacted well to dogs in the past, but we obviously don’t want strong chase drives from breeds.

I am stuck. Ideally I would go for a basset hound (ticks all the boxes), and my father would go for a corgi (he used to show them) but they are too small, and the basset has too many health problems from what I can see. Mum would get a GS obviously, but our yard isn’t exactly a farm and I am a twig who falls over in a strong gust of wind let alone a massive dog on a leash. I have no previous 'dog' experience, and while Mum will assist I wouldn't be able to handle a strong willed dog.

I have search the local pounds and all I can find are staffy mixes, while I have nothing against staffies it’s not what we want. And yes, I was kind of put off by that BBC documentary about purebreds. I know it was very biased, but it still sticks in your mind. I am still open to them however I feel none of them are suitable.

I need to explore mixes/cross breeds, but there is so much misinformation out there and none of it seems remotely reputable. Can someone point me in the right direction?

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

Ok...yes I have written a lot. Sorry, was trying to avoid that : (

Good luck in your search and its great to see a young guy that is doing his ground work before getting a dog as (I think)others have suggested get out and see, greet and meet some breeds and breeders/owners as there are some beautiful examples of breeds that would suit your needs and lifestyle, I have a Bull Terrier that would fit every thing you were looking for but I could show you others that would not suit a single thing on your list of needs in a dog. I am not suggesting that you get a BT but pointing out an example just in case there is a dog that you like and have discounted because of a breed description, there still may be individual dogs within the breed that would suit you, anyway I hope you do find a lovely and suitable addition for you and your family to share some great memories and make some with.

Edit for text stuff up ooops

I am a girl? Sorry if I didn't make that apparent

[Ladedadeda]

Hello all, and bear with me I will try to make this short.

I have been researching dogs and dog breeds for well over a year now and still can’t find one that would be suitable. I would consider ‘cross breeds’ however the only information pages/sites I can find look very dodgy...

I am in my last year of high school (18) and will go to university next year, but I will most likely still be living at home for a good 4-5 years to come. My mother is also home most of the time, she is in her fifties, very very fit, and has trained 3 very well behaved German shepherds in the past. She has owned other dogs but GS are always her favourite. We walk everyday. It is very quiet in the house usually.

Another thing to mention is my father, who works in Africa, comes home every 6 weeks. He is a very tall solid man and I think it would upset the peace for a new dog? Mum wants a dog that will give off a warning bark for my sake if I am home alone. We both want a medium to large sized dog, who can survive on our daily 30 minute walk and be quiet with the constant family contact at home.

The most important thing is our cat. He is very sooky and vocal, but scares easily. He has reacted well to dogs in the past, but we obviously don’t want strong chase drives from breeds.

I am stuck. Ideally I would go for a basset hound (ticks all the boxes), and my father would go for a corgi (he used to show them) but they are too small, and the basset has too many health problems from what I can see. Mum would get a GS obviously, but our yard isn’t exactly a farm and I am a twig who falls over in a strong gust of wind let alone a massive dog on a leash. I have no previous 'dog' experience, and while Mum will assist I wouldn't be able to handle a strong willed dog.

I have search the local pounds and all I can find are staffy mixes, while I have nothing against staffies it’s not what we want. And yes, I was kind of put off by that BBC documentary about purebreds. I know it was very biased, but it still sticks in your mind. I am still open to them however I feel none of them are suitable.

I need to explore mixes/cross breeds, but there is so much misinformation out there and none of it seems remotely reputable. Can someone point me in the right direction?

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

Ok...yes I have written a lot. Sorry, was trying to avoid that : (

Good luck in your search and its great to see a young guy that is doing his ground work before getting a dog as (I think)others have suggested get out and see, greet and meet some breeds and breeders/owners as there are some beautiful examples of breeds that would suit your needs and lifestyle, I have a Bull Terrier that would fit every thing you were looking for but I could show you others that would not suit a single thing on your list of needs in a dog. I am not suggesting that you get a BT but pointing out an example just in case there is a dog that you like and have discounted because of a breed description, there still may be individual dogs within the breed that would suit you, anyway I hope you do find a lovely and suitable addition for you and your family to share some great memories and make some with.

Edit for text stuff up ooops

I am a girl? Sorry if I didn't make that apparent

Sorry, then a lovely young girl sorry probably because my son (your age) is yapping in my ear while typing and I should be working SORRY am I red much ooops

[Keira&Phoenix]

I am another vote for Whippet or Greyhound, they are beautiful dogs, and match what you are looking for really.

I love BT's but they need someone with a lot of patience and persistence because otherwise they will out persist you when it comes to training. In saying that I know some really fabulous BT's owned by friends who have done a wonderful job with their dogs. One is so great we call her Nanny Scarlett and she looks after all the pups and teaches them manners.

Best of luck finding a suitable breed.

[mita]

Would the tibbie happen to be from Stylyn?

The Qld tibbie was from Myikyi. My other equally great tibbies have come from Lynandra in NSW (no longer operating) and Pzazz from Sweden (imported & raised & beautifully socialised at Telavier in NSW).

The experienced sheltie breeders in the Sheltie Club of Qld, also get the hugest bouquet from me, for what they produce.

I'm sure there'd be registered breeders of this calibre for other breeds as well. It beats me why anyone would go anywhere near a pet store or a puppy farm. I thought your post captured perfectly what this 'calibre' is.

So it's good to see the OP doing her homework.

Edited September 14, 2011 by mita