Breed suggestions for my sister please

[minxy]

Hey guys

 

Just after some breed suggestions for my sister and her family please.

 

- My sister, her husband and their two kids aged 4 and 7

- My sister's Rottie passed away before the kids and my brother-in-law has only had family dogs when he was a child

- Brother in law works full time, and my sister is currently home full time, looking to return part time in about 6 months. 

- After a small to medium sized dog that must be good with kids

- Independent but happy to have cuddles

- Not yappy

- The kids are outside a lot when home and the pup will be allowed to sleep inside and come inside sometimes during the day when they're home but will be outside when they're out

- Will go on short walks and when the girls go for bike rides

- Happy to brush as much as daily as long as they're fairly short grooming sessions

 

They were interested in a Cavalier but the first response they got from a breeder was that her going back to work part time at the end of the year meant the dog was going to be left alone for far too long and she would never let her have one of her dogs and to go and find another breed. So as you can imagine she's feeling pretty disheartened and wanting to see if there's something else suited to them.

 

Thank you!!

[karen15]

It's a reality of life that people work. If she wants a Cavalier, talk to more breeders and find one that accepts that.

 

ETA when I was looking for my westie I encountered a number of breeders who told me the same - if you work you can't have a westie. I found it very narrow minded. My vet and dog physio were more than happy to give references on the home a dog would have with me. They knew how my staffy was cared for and what a beautiful dog he was. I have my westie and he's gorgeous. I took three months off work to stay at home woth him and the mature cocker I got to be his friend. As noted by the poster below, I had a transitional plan to ease the change with me going back to work so it wasn't a shock. We went to the monthly westie walk on the weekend (about 53 westies) and there were lots of comments on Max's lovely outgoing nature and friendly demeanor. His vet also thinks he is a beautiful dog as do my neighbours. His is a nice, well adjusted dog. Properly socialised and happy in himself.

Edited April 17, 2018 by karen15

[Dogsfevr]

I can see the breeders point in the way off if they get a dog now it will be use to someone home all day then suddenly off to work .Not everyone prepares the dog well for such a change and issues  can arise .The breeder may have said this and it not interpreted that way or come across in that fashion but it’s just as an important part of the the right dog and training it for the big change especially in breeds that thrive with human companionship,most breeders will sell to her they just need to have the plan or wait till when they work and start the pup in the routine from there 

So when out what sort of backyard will it have ,small,grass,patio for good weather protection  or will it be a little kennel for protection .

Or will it have a doggy door with access to part of the house/ laundry 

[Rozzie]

Shih tzus are awesome little dogs, as are Lhasa Apso.

[RuralPug]

She should consider Tibetan Spaniels. Most tibbies would prefer someone home all day, for sure, but if they get a puppy and and your sister is willing to put in the work to accustom the pup to being on its own for several hours each day then it could work very well. Since there is very likely a few months before she returns to work, then this should certainly be possible in that time frame.
A good breeder will help you pick the right pup to suit the situation and, in my opinion, you have a much better chance of getting a Tibbie without a predisposition to separation anxiety than many other small breeds. 

Edited to add : most of the small non-terrier breeds do best when they have access to the home when alone - at least to the laundry area. 

Edited April 17, 2018 by RuralPug
another thought

[Two Best Dogs!]

Could still go a cavalier or cocker spaniel I think. If breeders are worried about puppy being used to people home, you could try for an older puppy or adult? Via a breeder who will help you plan teaching the dog about alone time. 

 

working is a fact of life. when I was first dog hunting there were rescues and breeders alike who didn’t like that I worked full time and was declined for just that. Second time around I had a different bigger hoop to jump but at least they discussed how to manage it with me. 

 

Very important to to find someone who will discuss any potential challenges with you and how they can be overcome. If they won’t even entertain that initial discussion with you - there are other breeders. Cavs are pretty common but careful to find a healthy line. 

 

Theyre lovely though, I really like cavs  such endearing sweethearts

[persephone]

4 hours ago, Thistle the dog said:

If breeders are worried about puppy being used to people home, you could try for an older puppy or adult? Via a breeder who will help you plan teaching the dog about alone time. 

THIS !! Definitely .

[poochmad]

9 hours ago, RuralPug said:

She should consider Tibetan Spaniels. Most tibbies would prefer someone home all day, for sure, but if they get a puppy and and your sister is willing to put in the work to accustom the pup to being on its own for several hours each day then it could work very well. Since there is very likely a few months before she returns to work, then this should certainly be possible in that time frame.
A good breeder will help you pick the right pup to suit the situation and, in my opinion, you have a much better chance of getting a Tibbie without a predisposition to separation anxiety than many other small breeds. 

Edited to add : most of the small non-terrier breeds do best when they have access to the home when alone - at least to the laundry area. 

Agree with this breed.

 

i was looking at getting one as I really liked the few health issues, the watchdog tendencies, the one owner personality (reading that as the dog not being effusive with strangers), their independent nature, the coat and size.

 

and I don’t even have one!!!

 

but they are on my list.

[poochmad]

Another breed that is often overlooked is the Border Terrier, without the Terrier tendencies.

 

it is difficult finding a breeder who wants someone home all the time. That’s so restrictive and almost impossible.

 

personally, being home all the time could easily create separation anxiety. I know this first hand after working from home for 3 years and then going back to work.

 

its taken a long time for the dogs to get used to it and thinking outside the box.

 

sorry, gone off on a tangent...

[minxy]

Thanks so much guys, a few breed suggestions we'd never thought of so I'll get her to have a look at them.

 

Funnily enough, she got a reply from another Cav breeder later that said they sounded perfect and that while Cavs would love to have someone home with them they cope better with being alone than some other breeds.

 

On 17/04/2018 at 11:01 PM, Dogsfevr said:

I can see the breeders point in the way off if they get a dog now it will be use to someone home all day then suddenly off to work .Not everyone prepares the dog well for such a change and issues  can arise .The breeder may have said this and it not interpreted that way or come across in that fashion but it’s just as an important part of the the right dog and training it for the big change especially in breeds that thrive with human companionship,most breeders will sell to her they just need to have the plan or wait till when they work and start the pup in the routine from there 

So when out what sort of backyard will it have ,small,grass,patio for good weather protection  or will it be a little kennel for protection .

Or will it have a doggy door with access to part of the house/ laundry 

Okay yep, I can definitely understand your reasoning here! That wasn't said by the breeder at all unfortunately, she seemed to think working part time was absolutely absurd and literally said she would never consider selling her a dog. I definitely agree that if they do get a pup now, they'll have to make sure it's well prepared for her return to work!

 

A reasonable backyard size. Shady trees and plants to lie under, lots of grass, as well as a huge covered patio area. 

[persephone]

I think your sister is really fortunate she has access, via YOU, to DOL ..and that makes her new journey so much more informed. 

[juice]

I think dogs who are with you 24/7 are more likely to get stressed if you do go out , which we all have to ! 

Get your sister to get the pup used to being outside while she is still there for periods of time so it gets used to it .

my neighbour had a Cav pup and they walked it before work and it was left all day , it did have a dog door and big garden and it was fine . They then bought a cocker pup who was a nightmare barker ! 

[Bushriver]

We just got our first cavalier puppy. She does love to be with us but she also copes well if we've had to leave her for awhile. She's quite confident and happy to play outside on her own even when we are home. She wakes up pretty early and loves going outside for a run around and is happy to come back in once we're up. I'd find a breeder that's happy to discuss her situation and perhaps choose the right individual personality. Cavaliers do seem to fit the description well. 

[poochmad]

On 19/04/2018 at 5:03 PM, Bushriver said:

We just got our first cavalier puppy. She does love to be with us but she also copes well if we've had to leave her for awhile. She's quite confident and happy to play outside on her own even when we are home. She wakes up pretty early and loves going outside for a run around and is happy to come back in once we're up. I'd find a breeder that's happy to discuss her situation and perhaps choose the right individual personality. Cavaliers do seem to fit the description well. 

I’m surprised no one has asked this...pics please!!!

[mita]

Good things said about Tibetan Spaniels.  Only thing I'd ask be re-considered.   Being left out in the yard when family is out.   Our own Tibbies always have access via a doggie door to go in and out of house (into a weather-proof, secure verandah room)  to a secure garden area at back of house.  Family next door also own a Tibbie & when they're out, they pop him into that arrangement with our Tibbie.  They're a very tribal breed & thrive on companionship, because that's what they were bred to be in the monasteries of Tibet...& also to alert for danger.  So a Tibbie breeder might stress companionship, too.  

 

Don't know if appropriate on this forum, but Tibetan Spaniel Rescue Australia  is soon going to do assisted rehoming for a pair of beautifully raised, well cared for adult Tibbie X Cavs (desexed male & female) for owners with legitimate reasons.  A well socialised, good natured,  much loved bonded pair.   Looking for similar quality new home.   Watch the Tibetan Spaniel Rescue Australia Facebook page... or PM me.  If inappropriate to mention them here....I'll delete.

Edited April 24, 2018 by mita

[minxy]

Thanks everyone! I've passed your feedback onto my sister to do some research now with her husband.

 

4 hours ago, mita said:

Good things said about Tibetan Spaniels.  Only thing I'd ask be re-considered.   Being left out in the yard when family is out.   Our own Tibbies always have access via a doggie door to go in and out of house (into a weather-proof, secure verandah room)  to a secure garden area at back of house.  Family next door also own a Tibbie & when they're out, they pop him into that arrangement with our Tibbie.  They're a very tribal breed & thrive on companionship, because that's what they were bred to be in the monasteries of Tibet...& also to alert for danger.  So a Tibbie breeder might stress companionship, too.  

I don't think that would really work for them to be honest. It would definitely be possible to add a doggy door to their laundry but with the two young kids they always have clothes overflowing in the laundry or toys around the house etc that I don't think it'd work having a dog inside when they're not around to supervise unfortunately. 

[Dogsfevr]

58 minutes ago, minxy said:

Thanks everyone! I've passed your feedback onto my sister to do some research now with her husband.

 

I don't think that would really work for them to be honest. It would definitely be possible to add a doggy door to their laundry but with the two young kids they always have clothes overflowing in the laundry or toys around the house etc that I don't think it'd work having a dog inside when they're not around to supervise unfortunately. 

Well the kids are going to learn very quickly to pick up there stuff or the dog will spend little time inside 

[mita]

Minxy, the good thing is that you and your sister are doing your research and also figuring out what would fit with the environment & lifestyle.  Rescue people would wish that everyone thinking of getting a dog would do exactly that!   Your sister & family, when they get the right dog for them, will be more likely to get one that settles well. Best wishes for their ongoing search.

Edited April 24, 2018 by mita