Henrietta Posted November 19, 2015 Share Posted November 19, 2015 (edited) Next year I'd like to add a second dog to our family. For myself and for Mr Whippet. I'm considering all options - breeder/rescue, puppy/adult. Mr Whippet is a sweet, easy going boy. Lovely doggy manners and reserved around others until he warms up to them. He and my old stafford girl didn't interact all that much other than the occasional chat, but they were never playmates. He quite liked my parent's chi x and would attempt to engage in play but she only had eyes for my old girl. They will occasionally run around together though. I would like to get a dog that he could really get on with and relate to. I'd like him to have a playmate. He gets on very well with my cat and they play together, so it's not like he doesn't like play. It's just trying to find a type of dog that will 'get' him and vice versa. Of course, what I want in a dog is important as well. I wouldn't get another whippet. They are not really for me, although I far from dislike them as a breed. They've got some lovely attributes. My well-meaning friends are saying get a baby stafford, but my girl was one in a million. I want a confident dog with a sound temperament. Gracie stafford was this, she was faultless with people, and very good with other dogs - not in a free-for-all, dog park kinda way - we didn't partake. But in a non-DA, confident, patient way - she had quite a few doggie friends. Basically she was a lovely dog to take out in public. I love smaller, lively dogs and I'm drawn to the gundog group and have considered a number of breeds as 'one day' breeds. I think suitability as a companion for Mr Whippet is important, he's not going to enjoy a very rough and tumble in your face dog, but he does love chase games and some gentle wrestling. So I am leaning toward a smaller dog. Another thing that is very important to me is health and longevity. I'd like a breed that is overall a very healthy, robust breed - long quality of life. I would like a dog that enjoys exercise, travel and social outings. I would like to dabble in dog sports again ideally, as I have done with previous dogs. I am after a companion for myself and Locke first and foremost. Exercise is pretty consistent, my little dog needed a whole lot more than the stafford or the whippet and more importantly, more mental stimulation so I adjusted to that with no issues. Grooming wise - I appreciate a wash and wear dog. Locke is hands down the easiest dog for that kind of thing. (Is it normal for whippets not to smell at all??) He is seriously low maintenance in the grooming department. I'd also consider the right rescue dog as well. A second dog would have to get used to the cats. If I got a young adult dog it would have to be ok with cats, ie. from a home with cats. My dogs are inside/outside dogs (wherever I am as a rule, but left outside with access to the back patio during work hours). Any suggestions would be appreciated. This will not happen until the new year/possibly mid year. Oh and I live in north Queensland. So quite hot and humid. There are obviously ways to make life more bearable -air con, clam shells, shade etc and not exercising at all except for early morning/ night time, but I need to keep that in mind when choosing a dog. Would be interested in seeing your suggestions. Edited November 19, 2015 by Henrietta Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Salukifan Posted November 19, 2015 Share Posted November 19, 2015 (edited) The first problem you're going to have Henrietta is that there are no "smaller" wash and wear gundogs. All the smaller ones are spaniels with coats. Given a gundog's function, that's not surprising. About the smallest you are going to find is the Hungarian Vizsla. My Whippets get on very well with FHRP's Vizslas. And yes, you don't get much more low maintenance than Whippets - the close coat does tend to mean they have no odour. You could try for a more outgoing Whippet - one of mine is like your Mr Whippet. The other is a tearaway!! Edited November 19, 2015 by Haredown Whippets Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
denali Posted November 19, 2015 Share Posted November 19, 2015 (edited) Cavalier? - Small, love outings, playful but not rough (Mostly :D), grooming wise just a quick brush or clip, do have health concerns but good breeders decrease this chance (all of mine are healthy), mine do agility, love hiking etc. But some can be less outgoing. But Haredown is right, the gun dogs are all larger or coated! A few breeds i don't know too much about but spring to mind: Nova scotia duck tolling retriever, cockers, the springers, brittany spaniel, sheltie, chinese crested (can get the powderpuffs :) ) or you've got the terriers- they are certainly lively :laugh: Fox terrier, schnauzer, bedlington, wheaton, westie etc. Edited November 19, 2015 by denali Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
megan_ Posted November 19, 2015 Share Posted November 19, 2015 Off the top of my head, some of the dogs that fit most of your criteria are: - mini poodles (my Fergus is a mini poodle cross, and loves a game of chasey. He has always got on well with whippets as a result of this. I'd avoid any of the bitey face/body slam breeds). They are hardy, great at dog sports and, if you find the right breeder, you'll get a resiliant, happy-go-lucky dog. I'd be very picky who I bought from though. - Cairn terrier - has been suggested to me by someone who knows the breed and knows me. Happy, confident etc but not in-your-face-can't-take-a-hint to other dogs. - mini schnauzer, for the reasons above. Again, the right breeder is very important. All of these need grooming, but that is what groomers are for. Confession: I take mine to the groomer every 6 weeks and don't do a thing inbetween. My dogs have always looked good and haven't been matted. If I got another MS or cairn I'd get them hand stripped and occasionally brush them. The coat remains a lot more harsh and easy to maintain if you do that. Again, I have a groomer that does this for a very reasonable price so, from my prespective, the dogs are super easy to maintain. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Henrietta Posted November 20, 2015 Author Share Posted November 20, 2015 The first problem you're going to have Henrietta is that there are no "smaller" wash and wear gundogs. All the smaller ones are spaniels with coats. Given a gundog's function, that's not surprising. About the smallest you are going to find is the Hungarian Vizsla. My Whippets get on very well with FHRP's Vizslas. And yes, you don't get much more low maintenance than Whippets - the close coat does tend to mean they have no odour. You could try for a more outgoing Whippet - one of mine is like your Mr Whippet. The other is a tearaway!! Thanks HW. I realised I worded my OP confusingly. In that I know there are no gundogs that fit the bill entirely. I was referring to smaller dogs separately. What kinds of smaller dogs have I considered? Papillon, schipperke maybe (worry about coat up here in NQ), a dog that is lively and confident. I remember really liking the personality of a friend of a friend's Tentie. And then on the other end of the scale I've got the gundogs that I am quite drawn to. Vizsla are certainly one that I have considered, Brittany being another but I think they tend to like to work away from you as that is their working style. I think pointers are beautiful dogs and I've heard great things about their temperaments, but probably getting too big to be ideal. A pause for thought with the gundog group though, is their differing levels of bounciness or rough play? How do your whippets and FHRP's Vizslas play? I actually sound quite confused about what I want. Time to meet some breeds perhaps. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Henrietta Posted November 20, 2015 Author Share Posted November 20, 2015 Cavalier? - Small, love outings, playful but not rough (Mostly :D), grooming wise just a quick brush or clip, do have health concerns but good breeders decrease this chance (all of mine are healthy), mine do agility, love hiking etc. But some can be less outgoing. But Haredown is right, the gun dogs are all larger or coated! A few breeds i don't know too much about but spring to mind: Nova scotia duck tolling retriever, cockers, the springers, brittany spaniel, sheltie, chinese crested (can get the powderpuffs :) ) or you've got the terriers- they are certainly lively :laugh: Fox terrier, schnauzer, bedlington, wheaton, westie etc. Thanks Denali. I'm not sure about the terrier group - obviously I had a stafford and as mentioned before I liked the tentie I've met, but not a good sample size. I quite like the springers and brittany, probably wouldn't have a cocker. I worry about the temperament of the sheltie - lacking in confidence. Plus there is the grooming to consider. I'm happy to brush my dogs but anything more involved and I'd have to look into a groomer and factor that in with costs I think. I'm not very good at hair cuts. I did meet a lovely outgoing Cav pup, I think in general they are not what I'm looking for in terms of activity levels. Health issues are a worry as well, yes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Salukifan Posted November 20, 2015 Share Posted November 20, 2015 (edited) I think pointers are beautiful dogs and I've heard great things about their temperaments, but probably getting too big to be ideal. A pause for thought with the gundog group though, is their differing levels of bounciness or rough play? How do your whippets and FHRP's Vizslas play? I actually sound quite confused about what I want. Time to meet some breeds perhaps. Mostly chasey games. They have a fair bit of size over my Whippets. My current boarder is a Border Collie (minding while my friends are O/S) Its full on wrestling, bitey face and chasey with her! They also get on very well with my friends' Cocker Spaniel. My Whippets live well with my poodles. The Toy Poodle plays daily with the Whippets - her rules of course. They are tough little tykes. Edited November 20, 2015 by Haredown Whippets Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jed Posted November 20, 2015 Share Posted November 20, 2015 Cavalier, Miniature Poodle or a Schipperke would be my recommendation. Perhaps you could speak to a Schipperke breeder about their requirements in your climate? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rascalmyshadow Posted November 20, 2015 Share Posted November 20, 2015 A mini poodle kept short would be ideal or I would look into a mini pinscher. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tibbie_tabbie Posted November 20, 2015 Share Posted November 20, 2015 How about a Tibetan Spaniel? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Airedaler Posted November 20, 2015 Share Posted November 20, 2015 Have you thought about a Basenji? I've no idea about them but they would seem to fit your size preference and require little grooming. Also a beagle may be suitable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brightstar123 Posted November 20, 2015 Share Posted November 20, 2015 I'd love a Welsh Springer, I find them to generally be lovely sociable dogs, fun to work with, a handy size and good with other animals. I know they need more grooming than you would like though. For me the right Kelpie (from certain lines) can be hard to beat too, they can be such easy, healthy allrounders. Sounds like they might be a bit big though! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Podengo Posted November 20, 2015 Share Posted November 20, 2015 (edited) Portuguese Podengo Pequeno could fit your requirements well. Edited November 20, 2015 by Podengo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Spotted Devil Posted November 20, 2015 Share Posted November 20, 2015 (edited) Working line English Springers don't have much coat. Size depends on lines. My pup has been very carefully socialised and she adapts her play style incredibly well - from respect for grumpy adults to wild play with her Mama, to gentle play with a litter of 5 week old Tollers or a shy pup to absolute madness with a huge long haired adolescent male Weim. Lots of energy and mental stimulation but with a great off switch and love for cuddles. Classic case of what you put in you get out. If you are in Vic you are welcome to meet my lot. My 7 month old Ginny...I've only trimmed a small amount of feathering from the hock, wrist and tail for neatness. I brush them more because we enjoy it than it's needed. Giving Mum, Em a good ear tugging... Edited November 20, 2015 by The Spotted Devil Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
megan_ Posted November 20, 2015 Share Posted November 20, 2015 Totally OT TSD but will she be at the k9 trial tomorrow or Sunday? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Spotted Devil Posted November 20, 2015 Share Posted November 20, 2015 Totally OT TSD but will she be at the k9 trial tomorrow or Sunday? Yes! We all will be - both days. Would love to see you Megan - all my runs will be in Ring One on Sat and Rings One and Two on Sunday so I will be set up close by hopefully. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dogsfevr Posted November 20, 2015 Share Posted November 20, 2015 Paps are great little dogs and alot of gundog people have down sized to them & they do well in obedience . Pointers are great dogs as well i love my gundogs & handle Pointers but funnily i couldn't live with one because they lack the personality i like in my dogs 24/7 but i think they are a very under estimated breed calm,social & do well in dog sports . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Henrietta Posted November 21, 2015 Author Share Posted November 21, 2015 Off the top of my head, some of the dogs that fit most of your criteria are: - mini poodles (my Fergus is a mini poodle cross, and loves a game of chasey. He has always got on well with whippets as a result of this. I'd avoid any of the bitey face/body slam breeds). They are hardy, great at dog sports and, if you find the right breeder, you'll get a resiliant, happy-go-lucky dog. I'd be very picky who I bought from though. - Cairn terrier - has been suggested to me by someone who knows the breed and knows me. Happy, confident etc but not in-your-face-can't-take-a-hint to other dogs. - mini schnauzer, for the reasons above. Again, the right breeder is very important. All of these need grooming, but that is what groomers are for. Confession: I take mine to the groomer every 6 weeks and don't do a thing inbetween. My dogs have always looked good and haven't been matted. If I got another MS or cairn I'd get them hand stripped and occasionally brush them. The coat remains a lot more harsh and easy to maintain if you do that. Again, I have a groomer that does this for a very reasonable price so, from my prespective, the dogs are super easy to maintain. Hi Megan, Thanks for the suggestions. Poodles appeal to me, but I'd have to look into the two smaller sizes. And the breeders. I'd be going down the professional grooming route no doubt though... I'm not sure about mini schnauzers, but I've never met one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Henrietta Posted November 21, 2015 Author Share Posted November 21, 2015 Cavalier, Miniature Poodle or a Schipperke would be my recommendation. Perhaps you could speak to a Schipperke breeder about their requirements in your climate? I did speak to a breeder and ran into someone with a Schipp. They didn't think it would be an issue with the usually precautions. Other suggestions - TT - Tibbies, such nice dogs but I worry they would be slightly too independent in temperament? Rascal - Min Pin - Have never met one and don't know too much about them. I remember a DOLer having a couple of them. They were full of energy if I remember correctly. Pondengo - Portuguese Podengo Pequeno- Your gorgeous Ping is one, right? Again, I'd have to look into the breed. Basenji - I don't think a basenji would be ideal for me. Being a primitive breed. Beagle - They are funny. merry little hounds. but they are not my cup of tea. Thanks Airedaler. Bright Star - Welshies - I love the Welshies but acknowledge that there would be a bit of grooming involved. Beautiful dogs. I've actually met a couple of them. One was really reserved to the point of shyness, one was reserved but sweet. English SS - TSD your girls are gorgeous. They seem a fairly compact size as well. Beautiful. I certainly love to do stuff with my dogs, I just wonder whether I'd be giving them enough of a job. Unfortunately I'm in NQ so it's hard to see a lot of breeds. I have come to the conclusion that I'll have to meet some dogs now. Maybe next year I could find an excuse to go to a show and then a dog sports event in a capital city and meet some more breeds. I think Mr Whippet would love any dog who'd happily chase or be chased. I appreciate your thoughts. Lots of work to do. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Henrietta Posted November 21, 2015 Author Share Posted November 21, 2015 Paps are great little dogs and alot of gundog people have down sized to them & they do well in obedience . Pointers are great dogs as well i love my gundogs & handle Pointers but funnily i couldn't live with one because they lack the personality i like in my dogs 24/7 but i think they are a very under estimated breed calm,social & do well in dog sports . Paps are on the maybe list. And I really like the pointers too, but maybe ideally too large? What other gundogs have you lived with/handled SD? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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