Advice on dog breed

i-digress

Hi all

I've been thinking of getting a dog for a while. I was thinking of getting a jack russell or an old english sheepdog, but I've recently been diagnosed with a long term illness, and even though I'm 22 my mobility is often restricted. Due to the amount of exercise these dogs need I've reluctantly had to shelve my plan to get either. It wouldn't be fair.

As I'm home a lot of the time, I'm looking for a companion dog. Ideally I'd like it to be a bit of a watchdog too. For its own sake I'd like a dog that could get by with a thirty minute walk on my bad days, but is able for longer walks on my good days. It would need to get on with kids and other dogs, as when I go away any dog I have would holiday in my parents house. They have small kids and a jack russell.

Can anyone give me any advice on breeds? I'm planning to get my dog from the DSPCA, but I'd like some practical advice first so I don't pick an unsuitable dog because I feel sorry for it and make the dog and me both miserable. It's a decision for both head and heart methinks.

I've done some research into breeds, but most companion dogs seem to be riddled with health problems and poor watch dogs. Any advice anyone can give is very welcome.

peasant

Plenty of slightly older dogs in shelters that often come from elderly owners and that would be used to a somewhat sedate lifestyle (and are little bit spoiled and very companionable).
The shelter should be able to advise which of these candidates would be suitable for children and other dogs.

ISDW

I don't know about being a good watch dog, but greyhounds are fantastic couch potatoes. They only need a couple of walks each day, about 20 minutes a go and they're happy. Very misunderstood breed, and always loads of them looking for a new home in this country.

votejohn

I second the greyhound idea. fab dogs for companion, and they're big dogs which usually puts people off more so than small dogs (security wise). They have beautiful faces and eyes, actually in face they are very like jack russells, so you get a giant jack russell without the manic personality!!! They would probably be your ideal dog.

votejohn

info http://www.irishanimals.ie/greyhounds/index.html

and dogs http://www.irishanimals.ie/adoptagreyhound.html

Paul91

I feel for you OP - my sister was over from the UK three weeks ago to visit me, well she said that, i think she came over to see the poo-pee's

anyhew she fell in love with them (German Shep/Newfoundland) and wanted to take one home, unfortunately she was diagnosed with MS almost 20 years ago and although you wouldn't automatically think it by looking at her, her mobility is restriced, it really annoyed her that she couldn't have one but she realised it would be for the best, as she wouldn't always be able to walk the dog, and i think all breeds require at least daily exercise, but as "peasant" mentioned you could well find a slightly older dog in the pound/rescue whome is used to the sedate lifestyle, you may be better of with one which is in foster care as they would know how energetic the dog is - alternatively a cat? do you get attack cats?

oh, my sister has managed to get one of my pups in a way - my mum is taking one, so she'' be visiting more often i reckon

jen_23

Papillons are one of few breeds that don't require as much excercise as other breeds.

They don't need much exercise as they can get an adequate amount by running through the house, but they do enjoy a chance to walk around when they can. They are great with kids, but you will want to supervise them at all times, because Papillons are very tolerant of little children, and the children might end up harming the poor little dog.

From here

I don't know what kind of guard dog they make but they are a lovely breed.

lrushe

My little Chihuahua is a great companion (she's lying here beside me as I type), she goes on an hour walk with me because I've 2 bigger dogs but she could survive happily on 30 mins. They tend to bond to one person. She is alert to the slightest sound and is the first of my 3 dogs to bark if there is something unfamiliar to her. I don't know how intimidating she would be as a guard dog but she certainly makes all the right noises!!

Sigma Force

Yeh OP a jack russel or a collie wouldn't be the best idea even older jrts and collies are super bouncy, our collie is 10 now and she's has more energy than out 6 months old pup. Although saying that any dog can be trained but some need somewhere off lead where they can let off steam.

An older greyhound might be a good idea they are couch potatoes but do love a free run so if you have access to a secure field or safe open space once the dog has learned recall etc. they can let off steam.

Papillons are fantastic dogs, we have a Phalene (same thing just with drop ears) and he's the best thing since sliced bread. Saying that we have a x breed she's so crossed too hard to pin down what she's crossed with but she has the exact same personality as a Papillon although she's some bad manners but that is down to us spoiling her too much. She's not into racing around much she runs a bit but much prefers to sniff and potter about.

Our Phalene is the same in that way, being a pup he does like to run about a bit but a little walk is enough to tire him out. 30 minutes for him is a great walk then he flops. He did 3 hours (slowly as he likes to sniff everything every 3 steps) one day and he was exhausted took him 2 days to recover lol.

Papillons are fantastic lap dogs but also independant but love cuddling up and they can feel the cold a bit having no undercoat so do like the body heat.
They have a good bark, ok might not do much damage (although we have many a holey sock) but have a sharp, loud bark very terrierish in it's sound.
They like to dig a little bit and are very people friendly and love other dogs, obviously depends on how well socialised they are like any dog.

On the days where you can't get out much a Papillon will be happy with a short walk or a good game of fetch around the house. We have a very large garden so with the weather being so bad he's been having big runs around the garden instead and is happy then to just plonk.
They are very playful I wouldn't say they are as bright as a collie and they can be a little stubborn but with a bit of bribery they can be easily trained.

Was never into specific breeds except for collies before I discovered the Papillon/Phalene breed and if I could afford it and had the energy now along with a bunch of collies and collie crosses I'd have half a dozen Papillons.
They are a great house dog, obviously like any dog they need the stimulation and walks other wise they will get bored.

Greyhound or Papillon or a friendly older mix breed.
Attached is a pic of our little cross breed, she's the prettiest dog in the world (has won lots of ribbons boast boast) but also isn't as demanding as the collie when it comes to excercise and is a total lap dog.
She's only about 7kg so when walking she's not hard work. With Papillons being a light boned kind of dog you might find a smaller dog easier to manage. Use a harness though it makes it easier and prevents any damage being done to a lighter boned dog.

lorebringer

Cavaliers are great companion dogs, but do have health problems. You can find info here --> http://www.ckcsrescue.com/rescue/about_cavaliers.html and here --> http://board.cavaliertalk.com/forumdisplay.php?f=34

The best thing to do is talk to the rescue - dogs are evaluated to see what type of home they would suit so you could get lots of info on the dog before you get it. Puppies are a bit of a no no if you have limited mobitily but older adults would be a good match (maybe over 4/5), lots of people are put off by older dogs but they have so many advantges (house training, independence etc.) and still have lots of years left in them! There are lots of pure breeds and mixed breeds out there in rescues that are suited to a quieter, less active enviroment. Definately talk to the rescue you are thinking of dopting from and they will be able to give you all the info before you bring your new pet home. Good luck!

chiefwiggum

basset hounds..just sleep sleep and more sleep...usuaslly on top of you....great companion dog

venividivici

There's only one 'top-dawg' worth mentioning, the mighty Pug..everyone should have one..except bold people!!

Ciaraella

Lurchers, like greyhounds, like a short run each day but apart from that are happy to laze about. They're also very gentle, the DSPCA recommend them often on their 'homes needed' section as a 60mph couch potato!