sandy2 Posted February 27, 2012 Share Posted February 27, 2012 Hello, We are looking for the right dog to add as a new family member but it has to be the right choice. Ideally it will need to be a dog for a small back yard, one that gets along to an extent with chickens and ducks (these are penned), a large backyard aviary, a neighbour who doesn't like noisy dogs and a dog that isn't going to dig up our veggies or try to escape. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Our children are 12 and 10 and would love to have a dog though it will also have to be low maintenace. We also are aware that doggie training is a must to help with any of these issues. Many thanks!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Salukifan Posted February 27, 2012 Share Posted February 27, 2012 Will the dog be allowed inside? How much exercise will the dog get daily? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
~Shepherd~ Posted February 27, 2012 Share Posted February 27, 2012 you are looking for a trained and disciplined dog, adapted to your requirements and lifestyle, something you get after the dog (most breeds) arrives. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rilla-My-Rilla Posted February 27, 2012 Share Posted February 27, 2012 I'll suggest a Cavalier King Charles - they are my favorite after Border Collies :) I've never owner a Cavalier, but my mum has had two, when we were kids. They were fine with the chickens and great with us kids! At the moment we've got a little jack russel x, and she gets along fine with the chickens, simply because she was raised with them from 7wks old, and knew that they were off limits from the start. Good luck on your puppy search! :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheridan Posted February 27, 2012 Share Posted February 27, 2012 Dogs don't automatically go, 'I won't escape.' Generally this is done with good fencing and lots of training. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted February 27, 2012 Share Posted February 27, 2012 (edited) Good for you in doing some research!! :) Unfortunately, dogs don't normally come pre programmed to not dig, not bark, etc. All those things are things which the humans educate the puppies in .... most dogs will dig/bark/run/show interest in chooks/birds, and it is up to teh owners to understand what is happening , why it happens, and how to re direct the behaviour :) To help understand your circumstances a bit more.... What do you call "Low" maintenance? Where will dog be sleeping? How long will dog be trained/walked each day? Edited February 27, 2012 by persephone Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
juice Posted February 27, 2012 Share Posted February 27, 2012 Cav? But would depend on wether it was an inside dog. You could also get a mature dog from a breeder, would be past all the digging chewing stage, and you could match up the temp ,lifestyle with a good breeder? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Topoftheheap Posted February 27, 2012 Share Posted February 27, 2012 I don't know if a Cavalier would be right particularly as a pup. maybe a mature one that has already been trained would be better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandy2 Posted February 27, 2012 Author Share Posted February 27, 2012 Wow! Thank you so much everyone for your replies......I really do appreciate them....I don't mind the dog being inside as long as it doesn't shed too much. By low maintenance I mean a breed of dog that doesn't have a lot of health issues...I remember we had a rotty when i was growing up and it was very sad to put him down at such a young age due to hip problems......By low maintence I also mean one that doesn't have to be brushed every day and walked every day. I am at home most of the time so we would be company for one another. I understand how important training a dog is but I see on some web sites that certain breeds of dogs have natural tendancies towards certain issues such as digging, barking, etc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChristineX Posted February 27, 2012 Share Posted February 27, 2012 Hi Sandy2, I think, given your criteria, that terriers would be a no go zone. Some ideas: - powder puff; smooth coat griffon; french bulldog, purebred maltese, bichon frise, affenpincher, minature/toy poodle. Keep in mind, low maintenance does not really exist. Its more pet vs show dog which can be massive maintenance. For pets, you keep the coats clipped down(either a groomer or a nice sharp pair of scissors or clippers) keeps things nice and manageable. All dogs really do need regular brushing, it also allows you to check for grass seeds, suspicious lumps cuts and bumps etc. Noise and escapeology and chasing - very strong instincts in terriers, noise can be a problem in dogs that were bred for watchdogs but basically every dog is different, which is why you need to tell the breeder you like what your requirements are. Training is also a strong factor and the ground rules need to be set in place from day one. Do have a look at the french bulldog - they are a seriously lovely and fun dog to have around. There's a breed thread in the subforum at the top of the page. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newfsie Posted February 27, 2012 Share Posted February 27, 2012 Or a senior rescue maybe? Who's temp is known, especially if he is in the foster system....I have had a couple of seniors that we gave a home to. They were totally lovable . peaceful and quiet gentleman Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Topoftheheap Posted February 27, 2012 Share Posted February 27, 2012 I agree with the above - terriers would be a no no no... in terms of other options, an older cavie might be ok, but not a young one - as they were bred originally as spaniels they tend to love chasing birds - mine are obsessed with it, even ones just flying by, one girl even points. Other than that, in relation to your non-shedding, and less exercise request, and not needing to be brushed everyday maybe something shortcoated (i have recently started to love italian greyhounds, but not sure if there temperament would stand up to it!) or other than that maybe a pug! they make great family pets! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mjosa Posted February 27, 2012 Share Posted February 27, 2012 I have bred shown and owned Frenchies for almost 30 years, they are a wonderful little dog to have as a companion, they love children are low maintenance, one from a reputable breeder seldom have health issues and they are dogs that do not bark for the sake of it, only when there is someone knocking at the door will they bark, and even then not all the time, they look at me as much to say well are you going to answer it or not? A word of warning though, the one thing that I impress upon people who are enquiring after a puppy, that they are indoor dogs especially when it is hot, they must be kept in air conditioning, I even have the ducting in my laundry, as they are very susceptable to heat stroke, and they can die very quickly. They are not cheap to purchase, just to warn you that they are on the expensive side. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rozzie Posted February 27, 2012 Share Posted February 27, 2012 Shihtzu kept clipped off. Ours loves everybody and everything. He is great with the chooks and ducks and they free range. Loves the cats. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandy2 Posted February 28, 2012 Author Share Posted February 28, 2012 Thanks everyone for all your suggestions!.......I will definitely be checking these all out and making very sure of our decision before purchase. Thanks again!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheridan Posted February 28, 2012 Share Posted February 28, 2012 So few people want terriers these days. Too independent, too much hard work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosaline Posted February 28, 2012 Share Posted February 28, 2012 Did you have a size in mind at all? Does it have to be a puppy or would you be interested in a grown dog? So few people want terriers these days. Too independent, too much hard work. Awwww! My parents love their Wheatens! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest donatella Posted February 28, 2012 Share Posted February 28, 2012 Wow! Thank you so much everyone for your replies......I really do appreciate them....I don't mind the dog being inside as long as it doesn't shed too much. By low maintenance I mean a breed of dog that doesn't have a lot of health issues...I remember we had a rotty when i was growing up and it was very sad to put him down at such a young age due to hip problems......By low maintence I also mean one that doesn't have to be brushed every day and walked every day. I am at home most of the time so we would be company for one another. I understand how important training a dog is but I see on some web sites that certain breeds of dogs have natural tendancies towards certain issues such as digging, barking, etc what about a Spitz breed, they dont shed too much, dont have that 'dog smell' and many just need a good brush every few days but thats about as much grooming as they need. there are plenty of spitz breeds to chose from (i should also note they're the prettiest dogs hehe) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blitz3 Posted February 29, 2012 Share Posted February 29, 2012 Too independent, too much hard work. they are the reasons i love terriers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paula89 Posted February 29, 2012 Share Posted February 29, 2012 what about a Spitz breed, they dont shed too much, dont have that 'dog smell' and many just need a good brush every few days but thats about as much grooming as they need. there are plenty of spitz breeds to chose from (i should also note they're the prettiest dogs hehe) Spitzes don't shed? I should tell the samoyed down the street, he must have missed the memo :laugh: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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