New Here - Investigating Getting Dogs For Companionship And Advice Wan

[DobieMum]

Another small dog to consider is a Tenterfield Terrier. My 11 year old daughter has hers for agility and she runs around all day with our Dobies. She can keep up with them no worries and can still go out for exercise too.

[minimax]

A puppy from a registered breeder with parents whose medical (and genetic, if possible) history is known and who has seen other litters would make me feel more comfortable, but I do agree with you, dogs are unique individuals and things can happen in a dog's early life that may result in the issues described. I am basing my decision on experiences that have been recounted to me by others with rescue dogs, but understand they may be biased and if you know of a reliable shelter that might consider me I'd love to know more. A rescue dog was my first preference, but again, I'm seeking reliable guidance so I do what's right. :)

Check out the rescue sub-forum on here - sometimes there are re-homing dogs, and non-urgent rescues. Not all rescues are from pounds or shelters that are full of dumped dogs. And sometimes they have puppies or younger dogs.

There are heaps of people on this forum that work in rescue, so hang around, browse the threads (check out the breed-specific threads of breeds you're interested in too, to learn more info on them), and get to know people

[Alkhe]

I would also suggest have a look at a rescue dog - it's a common misconception that rescue dogs have behavioural issues or have been abused - some have, by all means, but definitely not all. The best option would be to meet some dogs that have been in foster care, rather than coming straight out of a pound or shelter. The foster carer will then know the kind of home and owner hte dog would be best suited to.

You may have a problem adopting a dog if you're under 25 though, you're right - I'm 26 and was facing that too, when I ended up getting my dog!

That said, I have a Toy Poodle and a Poodle x - I live in Brunswick and would be more than happy to meet up and let you meet my girls and have a play etc. They're aged 4 and 11 - the 11 year is far more energetic and sprightly than the 4 year old :laugh: I think a Mini Poodle would suit your situation perfectly - as could a Toy, but Minis are that little bit bigger and may make a better exercise partner? Both Mini and Toy Poodles can be great exercise partners - just.. not mine.. :D She'd be great if you were into competitive eating though, if only they had titles and competitions for that..

The grooming can be expensive but I've been doing it myself for about a year now, which has basically eliminated that cost.

I got my 4 year old Maggie (Toy Poodle) as a 'mature dog' from the dogzonline.com.au listings, when she was 3 and had had puppies. She was being rehomed by a breeder and fit my circumstances perfectly. I didn't want a puppy but got a lovely young little dog who I go to dog school with weekly. I would definitely, definitely go this route again and get another 'mature' dog through Dogz Online. Also, 'mature' can be as young as 4 or 5 months - some breeders list their older puppies in the mature area once they're more than baby puppies.

Anyway - PM me if yuo would like to meet some poodles ot help make up your mind! :)

Edited October 3, 2012 by Alkhe

[ish]

A Pembroke Corgi might be a good option too - a working breed with energy for walks and jogging, but in a smaller package :)

[juice]

My friend down the stret has a Cardigan Corgi, she has lots of energy, goes for an hours walk every night, and she is 14! they have a big attitude too, i love them :laugh:

You could always look at an older dog from a breeder too, then you know exactly what you are getting.

[Salukifan]

I think a Miniature Poodle would thrive with this kind of lifestyle. They can handle plenty of exercise. They are as tall as a Cocker Spaniel but far lighter in build. Once mature they'd have no problem going for a daily jog :)

[megan_]

Given you're going to have an active dog, I'd suggest googling some of Pat Hasting's stuff. She writes about structure and how it impacts a dog's ability to live a pain-free life. I'd highly recommend reading some of her articles and, regardless of what breed you choose, look at the dog with structure in mind.

You will find that any ethical breeder will want to know your plans for the dog, living arrangements etc. Given that you're young and still studying, they'll want to know what you'll do when you move out of home, get a full-time job etc. This is because many dogs get dumped when someone can't find an affordable rental that allows dogs in the city if they move there for work. If the breeder doesn't ask you about these things, run a mile!

[persephone]

corgis can cope :p

Love this youtube video!

[Clyde]

I think a Staffordshire Bull Terrier would love your lifestyle!

[Cosmolo]

You may want to seriously consider a rough coat Jack Russell Terrier. Active, bold, confident and would LOVE the amount of exercise you're talking about. The breeder of our rough coat JRT is amazing, happy to pass on details if needed. She doesn't show as much these days so you're unlikely to see her at a show. Would definitely go to a show to have a look at the different breeds though and narrow down your choices.

[Dogsfevr]

If you plan on flying with your dog the bigger it is the more it will cost & flying dogs isn't a cheap exercise .

We breed Minis.

Have owned Kerry Blue & a true Keery which ever sex it may be will be fiesty,more placid ones often come up but as a breed i would suggest with Kerrys you own one dog at a time very few Kerry breeders run older dogs together.

Also keep in mind different breeds will cost more to groom,a Kerry would be more & take ages dry in winter without a dryer can can be done .

I think the main thing is to be sure what you really want & what you really don't want in your dog .

If renting & the dog is allowed inside then non shedding can be easier but they all need regular clipping & can take longer to bath.dry,

Smooths coats can shed but are easy wash/wear to keep clean & maybe a good option as a first dog money wise .

For some breeds you could be spending over $300 if not more for grooming .

When emphasis this to our prospective buyers that Minis are a breed with expense for life .

Mind you reading what you like & want to do the breed that popped into my mind was an Irish Terrier

[megan_]

If you're renting I think it is easier to find a place if you have a small, cute dog.

Showdog - how do you think a mini would cope with the lifestyle described, especially the exercise? I think my two would love it.

[Guest RosieFT]

Have you looked at a smooth fox terrier?

:)

Mine usually only needs a 5 min recharge and she is ready to go again.

[Dogsfevr]

If you're renting I think it is easier to find a place if you have a small, cute dog.

Showdog - how do you think a mini would cope with the lifestyle described, especially the exercise? I think my two would love it.

For most of the breeds the OP has listed i would say her active level & many of those breeds will not match .

2 hrs walking for many breeds is more than enough & the dog would have to be brought up to a fitness level slow & steady to be able to do that amount on a regular basis especially smaller breeds with a little leg stride.

A Std Schnauzer would do that level no troubles but most Minis wouldn't even though they are a very active breed there still small.

Ours have an acre to run but like many breeds they do it at there own pace & rest when required ,

Any breed to do that level every day would take a few years anyway because under 12 months it slow & steady & then after that age any sane owner wouldn't simply head of for that long they would need there muscle & fitness level increased .i wouldn't do that much until over 2 years

Many of those breeds simply enjoy there human company alot more

[dancinbcs]

My goodness, thank you both so much for your helpful replies. :)

I've had dogs in my childhood but this will be my first experience being solely responsible from day one.

I appreciate your advice regarding getting a pair, if it will make it more difficult to train them then I'm not giving them the best chance and that wouldn't be fair. The dog will have access to the yard and bottom floor of the house while any of us are absent, I'll be sure to research and ask about suitable toys. :)

Thank you, MalteseLuna, and I agree; it sounds like a maltese may not be the best option for my current lifestyle. I definitely don't want to put a dog at risk of exhaustion or harm if I don't know their limits.

What kind of events would be appropriate to meet dogs of specific breeds and ask questions? I certainly don't want to interrupt a professional when they are busy. My friend who shows border collies has demonstrated that it's definitely not an effortless or easy thing to do! Are there times in these situations where it would be appropriate to interact with the dogs and their owners?

I know there's a popular walking park nearby that's favoured by dog owners, so I may try and include that in my jogs. Otherwise, is it rude to enquire as to visiting a breeder's property just to see if the breed is right for me?

I am definitely willing to brush dogs daily if necessary and absolutely to visit a groomer frequently (and especially for summer in Victoria). I have between 12-19 contact hours of class a week and that's spread out fairly well, and I work evenings on weekends. Over the summer though, I have no classes and am hoping to have plenty of time to help a puppy adjust.

lilli, I'm certainly open to investigating other breeds, since I definitely don't want to get a dog I'm not compatible with. I'll look the smooth collie up :)

My major concerns with size are related to my own relative body size (I was once walked by a friend's young german shepherd, lol), and being sure I am giving them the right level of exercise (my jogs are about 30-60 minutes with up to 1-2 hours of walking each day).

I'll also do some more research into miniature poodles. There appear to be quite a few breeders registered, which ought to mean there'll be some really useful information out there.

What about a female Border Collie. Their weight range is usually 14kg-19kg, they have less coat than males, and cope better left on their own at home than males do. I normally would not suggest a Border for a new puppy owner but if you have an experienced friend to act as mentor and with the right contacts, there could be the perfect dog waiting for you. Temperaments and activity levels vary a lot even within the same litter so it is a matter of finding the right puppy, that suits you.

You asked earlier about Terriers digging. The word Terrier comes from "terra" meaning earth, as in "what they dig in' to hunt their quarry. So yes Terriers dig.

No matter what breed you get, remember that serious exercise cannot really start until after they are 12 months old.

[Ruin Maniac]

Excellent advice and suggestions, everybody. Thank you so much.

I've been checking back and will write some replies in more detail a bit later as I'm writing my final assignment for this semester. :)

I'm taking down breed names and making a list, going to different web resources to get as much information as possible for each breed (some accounts differ vastly from others). I also took that K9 Country questionnaire and it gave me around 93 breeds varying in match with the lifestyle I described from 80-100% (although since it's a multiple choice thing, I know it won't be wholly accurate and will still require further research on my behalf).

Please continue to post if you have advice and questions and I will be writing in more detail again later. You've all been extremely helpful in highlighting the considerations I need to take!

[Alibi]

I too would keep it to the smaller breeds if you are renting, as i have found alot of places specify small dogs only. what about a australian silky terrier, very active but loves to be with u on your lap too.

[Dame Aussie]

Thanks for clearing up the clipping, too. I have heard that some people don't approve of it from groomers but I haven't known why until now. I know a lot of pet owners who get a full clip frequently throughout the year, so it's good to get a professional's opinion. :)

Oh I am not a professional, I have wash and wear dogs :laugh: I know my limitations and dog grooming is one of them!

What does your friend say about Border Collies maybe being suitable? Or an Aussie Shepherd? Medium size dogs with coat who are usually biddable and more willing to please their owner as a working dog rather then a terrier who is usually bred to be more independant? And once grown would love the workload you have in mind.

eta I read some one recommended one of the spaniels, they are worth looking into as well.

I have only ever owned German Shepherds and Greyhounds with one pound puppy thrown into the mix so can't really recommend a particular breed.

I have an Aussie and I think one would be PERFECT for what you want.

Very active but also happy to chill on the couch with you (and snuggle, they love to snuggle), biddable as rebanne said, all they want is to please you and be with you, medium easy care coat just brush to keep tangles out, very clever, medium size and with enough stamina to go for long runs etc with you.

Edited October 4, 2012 by Aussie3

[Simply Grand]

I'd be wary about an Aussie in a rental property, unless it's a pretty destruction-proof house (and garden)! I have scratch and chew damage all over the place, although mine is quite an "enthusiastic" girl.

ETA - I agree with everything else you said tho Aussie3!

I think a mini poodle would be a good choice, as long as you keep on top of the grooming. I do my own grooming for my poodle x malt and although he never looks perfect, it's cheap (after the initial outlay for clippers and scissors).

Also, be aware that a 20-30kg dog could pull you around if it wanted to! My 23kg-ish Aussie Shepherd can pull me around and I weigh alot more than 45kgs ;)

Edited October 4, 2012 by Simply Grand

[Loving my Oldies]

I've never understood why people advise not getting two puppies at the same time :). I did and used to take them to training and train them both at the same time. Difficult? Yes, but it was worth it because they had each other when I wasn't there.

Breed is definitely important, but so much depends on the owner and how they treat and train the dogs.

As you are young and energetic, Ruin Maniac, perhaps you could consider looking at medium sized dogs, but if you really want to keep with little dogs, the Papillon is a great all rounder: beautiful, intelligent, easier to groom than other long haireds (lol), energetic.

Have a look at the breeds in the 101 forum.

Remember to have fun and not over-analyse. :D :D