Which Dog suits my needs?

OffalyLad

Hi I'm looking out for a pup which is low maintenance,healthy,easily trained and more importantly one that would preferably bark at intruders to make me aware.
Currently have a cat so the dog would need to be able to mix.
Not interested in Rotweillers or Alsacians

Our house has a large garden so space is not an issue, gates are usually open during the day and closed at night so the dog could roam around the house. I am willing to give the dog regular walks when I am around.

I will be away in College from Sept to May during weekdays but my parents would walk and feed the dog etc

If anyone could suggest a suitable breed it would be great
Thanks

fatmammycat

Why do you want a dog exactly? I'm not being smart, but if you're away, why get one now? Why not wait until you are around to take care of said animal? And also, out of curiosity, why have your ruled out two perfectly good breeds?

OffalyLad

fatmammycat wrote: »

Why do you want a dog exactly? I'm not being smart, but if you're away, why get one now? Why not wait until you are around to take care of said animal? And also, out of curiosity, why have your ruled out two perfectly good breeds?

Hi Preferably for walks, and also to warn of intruders by barking,I will be around at the weekends and during the Summer, Parents will be taking care of the dog when im in College, Slightly wary of the tempraments of Alsacians/Rotweillers my mother isn't a fan of them. I have to please them also

AllthingsCP

OffalyLad wrote: »

Hi Preferably for walks, and also to warn of intruders by barking,I will be around at the weekends and during the Summer, Parents will be taking care of the dog when im in College, Slightly wary of the temperaments of Alsacians/Rotweillers my mother isn't a fan of them. I have to please them also

My first dog was an Female German Shepard Albino{Daisy} and quite larger then an average GS, When she was three years old i took in a stray female German Shepard{Holly adopted at Christmas} then we took in two Pom's one full breed one mixed with a Yorkie {Coco and Penny] then a very sick cat named Kit kat and final a rabbit named Oscar.

The two GS and extremely friendly considering their past and i have full confidence in their friendly temperaments towards my child and other people. infact the only one with an issue is the bloody rabbit but all these are best mates and play together sleep together, but the little Poms are the watch dogs. All these pets are highly trained by myself including the rabbit.

Honest been a pet owner is rewarding and i love all dog breeds but the GS is such a good dog and i class mind as my best mates they go everywhere with me and i feel safe when i am not around knowing they would keep my child and partner safe, like Daisy did three years ago when the side of the house caught fire and only for the dog i would not have awoken to be able to put out the fire before it got to out of control.

But do your research buy a breeder manual with a list of all breed and chose one to suit you but remember dogs are highly intelligent and require love and to be exercised mentally and physically require care, cleaning, and vet bills food alone cost me 60 euro a week. Remember most High breeds and pure breeds may suffer defects that are pone to certain breeds.

OffalyLad

Is the Pom X Yorkie a healthy dog? Will it let you know if someone is around your house at night time? Can he be left out at night? Thanks very much for your info

AllthingsCP

OffalyLad wrote: »

Is the Pom X Yorkie a healthy dog? Will it let you know if someone is around your house at night time? Can he be left out at night? Thanks very much for your info

The Poms are very vocal dogs and will usually yap at anything that move's, but sleeping outdoors they have the coat for it but Poms are classed as a Toy breed maybe you should consider a medium Spitz type.

Health issues can develop as a result of lack of attention to grooming, and teeth, ear and eye cleaning. Google for a better list.

Link to some of the Spitz breeds http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spitz

anniehoo

OffalyLad wrote: »

Hi I'm looking out for a pup which is low maintenance,healthy,easily trained

The Holy Grail of Dog Ownership. Wouldn't we all!It doesn't work like that.

Ticking this list of perfect attributes takes time,effort, patience and knowledge. You might aswell go into the "Motors" forum and ask "what is the best car,I've a small budget and no clue what I'm looking for?". Wouldn't we all like to know that.

wrote:

Currently have a cat so the dog would need to be able to mix.

If you go the rescue route (behaviour assessed), they will know what dog's are cat friendly.Pretty much every dog, from puppy stage (and older), can be integrated with cats as long as it's done correctly.But, it doesn't sound like you'll have the time to do that with a puppy.

wrote:

Not interested in Rotweillers or Alsacians

Alsations are called German Shepherds and haven't been referred to as Alsations in a very long time, by true owners.They are a beautiful breed,but on the Restricted Breed List and are "restricted" to many conditions unfortunately. A fantastic breed that is unfortunately misunderstood, but anyway....

wrote:

I will be away in College from Sept to May during weekdays but my parents would walk and feed the dog etc

Are you getting a dog for yourself or is it a family decision? Right now, it seems like it's just your decision.

fatmammycat wrote: »

Why do you want a dog exactly? I'm not being smart, but if you're away, why get one now? Why not wait until you are around to take care of said animal? And also, out of curiosity, why have your ruled out two perfectly good breeds?

+1

OffalyLad wrote: »

Hi Preferably for walks, and also to warn of intruders by barking,I will be around at the weekends and during the Summer, Parents will be taking care of the dog when im in College, Slightly wary of the tempraments of Alsacians/Rotweillers my mother isn't a fan of them. I have to please them also

AllthingsCP wrote: »

remember dogs are highly intelligent and require love and to be exercised mentally and physically require care, cleaning, and vet bills food alone cost me 60 euro a week.

+1

Are your parents willing to take the majority care for this dog? If you're not there for 2/3 of the year, the responsibility will be on them not you, no matter what dog you get. It doesn't matter a jot what dog (pedigree or not) that we recommend, your parents will be doing all of the work.

OffalyLad wrote: »

Is the Pom X Yorkie a healthy dog? Will it let you know if someone is around your house at night time? Can he be left out at night? Thanks very much for your info

No crossbreed (that's what a Pom/Yorkie is) can be a guaranteed healthy breed, as much as a Pedigree can be. You might get a "yappy outside" dog,with no manners and badly socialised, but is this what you want??

AllthingsCP wrote: »

Health issues can develop as a result of lack of attention to grooming, and teeth, ear and eye cleaning. Google for a better list.Link to some of the Spitz breeds http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spitz

You won't get a straight answer in here OP. It doesn't work like that. I would seriously reconsider your decision to get a dog fullstop.You are gone for 7 MONTHS OUT OF 12!!No breed is perfect, no dog is perfect, end of.

Dog's are not a substitute for an alarm, they need consistency,training,love,affection,nutrition,medical care,patience,time,understanding...the list goes on.

The WORST thing you can do right now is get a dog/puppy that your parents don't want/will accept.Reading between the lines, it sounds like you don't either and are worried about leaving your parents on their own.

Toulouse

Completely agree with the sentiments on this thread.

OP, dogs are a massive responsibility. If you really want a dog then wait until you finish college. Trust me, when you go into 3rd/4th year you will not be home as often as you think you will now.

If you are worried about your parents then go down the house alarm, panic button, motion sensor lights route. Some dogs can be useful for deterrent purposes but I wouldn't be getting one solely for this reason.

OffalyLad

Before you jump to conclusions. Its a family decision,The dog would be given 30-60 minutes exercise a day by my parents in a loving environment.

Have an alarm currently and sensor lights so that's not as much of an issue.

AllthingsCP

OffalyLad wrote: »

Before you jump to conclusions. Its a family decision,The dog would be given 30-60 minutes exercise a day by my parents in a loving environment.

Have an alarm currently and sensor lights so that's not as much of an issue.

Look people its his decision and rather them tell him off and him going anyway to get a dog and been ill-prepare give him some advice on a breed that his family will be able to care for one that will best fit his family.

Toulouse

Firstly we can only go on what is posted by the OP and give advice accordingly.

Secondly asking us to recommend a low maintenance, healthy, easily trained, cat loving, outdoor sleeping dog which more importantly would preferably bark at intruders to make him aware is no easy ask.

Nobody jumped to conclusions and noboby told anyone off. This is the Animal section, most of us know what we're talking about when it comes to dogs and more importantly the responsible ownership of same and for lots of us the OP's original post rang bells.

OffalyLad

Toulouse wrote: »

Firstly we can only go on what is posted by the OP and give advice accordingly.

Secondly asking us to recommend a low maintenance, healthy, easily trained, cat loving, outdoor sleeping dog which more importantly would preferably bark at intruders to make him aware is no easy ask.

Nobody jumped to conclusions and noboby told anyone off. This is the Animal section, most of us know what we're talking about when it comes to dogs and more importantly the responsible ownership of same and for lots of us the OP's original post rang bells.

Contrary to your belief I do realise that every breed has its upsides and downsides

I'm not disputing your knowledge of pets either

So there's no need to nit pick and disect everything word for word and get too technocratic

AllthingsCP

Toulouse wrote: »

Firstly we can only go on what is posted by the OP and give advice accordingly.

Secondly asking us to recommend a low maintenance, healthy, easily trained, cat loving, outdoor sleeping dog which more importantly would preferably bark at intruders to make him aware is no easy ask.

Nobody jumped to conclusions and noboby told anyone off. This is the Animal section, most of us know what we're talking about when it comes to dogs and more importantly the responsible ownership of same and for lots of us the OP's original post rang bells.

''low maintenance, healthy, easily trained, cat loving, outdoor sleeping dog which more importantly would preferably bark at intruders to make him aware is no easy ask.


The only problem with his question is the the low maintenance no dog is low maintenance, All the rest can be sorted with care and time.
My pets sleep indoors but with the right kennel and bed that is regularly cleaned and maintain why wouldn't the dog reside in the kennel. the barking comes natural, If the cat and dog are introduce at an early stage they will adapt and become friends, We had dogs for years then introduce a cat and rabbit within weeks and it was a complete success now the dogs protect the rabbit from larger prey. Training is time consuming if done to a high standard my own are not show or working so iv trained to a standard where they have bounds and limits and they know them. But really now we are companions rather then owner and pets. All i would say is really do you research check pet insurance rates research breeds if possible adopt. Ensure this is right for you are you family dogs have a long life ensure the one you pick has the best possible life he/she deserve and in return you will be giving a friend that will always listen and be their for you and your family, Truly will brighten your life completely.

OffalyLad

When Im taking about low maintenance, Im talking about not wanting a dog that needs to be brought to a dog groomers often, I'm well prepared to brush and comb a dog and wash it when needs be

westies4ever

OffalyLad wrote: »

When Im taking about low maintenance, Im talking about not wanting a dog that needs to be brought to a dog groomers often, I'm well prepared to brush and comb a dog and wash it when needs be

i was going to suggest a westie. great characters, sturdy, fearless and great little guard dogs but they'd need to be groomed at least quarterly. mine arent mad about cats either but every dog is different. they're great companions as well.

a jack russell could be a good alternative?

AllthingsCP

westies4ever wrote: »

i was going to suggest a westie. great characters, sturdy, fearless and great little guard dogs but they'd need to be groomed at least quarterly. mine arent mad about cats either but every dog is different. they're great companions as well.

a jack russell could be a good alternative?

Jack Russell are a great Breed, Smooth Fox Terrier,Border Terrier,Rhodesian Rideback.Beagle,Basenji,Norwegian Buhund,Pinscher,Chihuahua All usually tight coats

anniehoo

Ok, I'll start again OP as I dismissed your request going by your initial post and have provided more info, so I should be more helpful towards you.

One of my favourite breeds are Jack russells. They are cheeky, hardy,fun,sociable and what I'd class as an "all rounder dog". They would do great on 30-60mins exercise/day, food bills wont be massive, they are generally quite robust dogs so are low on the "genetic problem" list and once trained correctly, are excellent "watch dogs". They are suitable for indoors and require little grooming too.

Rescues are bursting with Jack russells at the minute if you felt that was a route you'd like to go. If not, they are not expensive to buy but do research your breeder before hand.

AllthingsCP

anniehoo wrote: »

Ok, I'll start again OP as I dismissed your request going by your initial post and have provided more info, so I should be more helpful towards you.

One of my favourite breeds are Jack russells. They are cheeky, hardy,fun,sociable and what I'd class as an "all rounder dog". They would do great on 30-60mins exercise/day, food bills wont be massive, they are generally quite robust dogs so are low on the "genetic problem" list and once trained correctly, are excellent "watch dogs". They are suitable for indoors and require little grooming too.

Rescues are bursting with Jack russells at the minute if you felt that was a route you'd like to go. If not, they are not expensive to buy but do research your breeder before hand.

Also find a good breeder as Jack Russell are been puppy farmed on a massive scale. Also adoption is a great way to go

OffalyLad

anniehoo wrote: »

Ok, I'll start again OP as I dismissed your request going by your initial post and have provided more info, so I should be more helpful towards you.

One of my favourite breeds are Jack russells. They are cheeky, hardy,fun,sociable and what I'd class as an "all rounder dog". They would do great on 30-60mins exercise/day, food bills wont be massive, they are generally quite robust dogs so are low on the "genetic problem" list and once trained correctly, are excellent "watch dogs". They are suitable for indoors and require little grooming too.

Rescues are bursting with Jack russells at the minute if you felt that was a route you'd like to go. If not, they are not expensive to buy but do research your breeder before hand.

Hi Thanks for your reponse I always had a soft spot for JR's Would I have to go to a breeders to get an athletic one as such? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lfxBRuu1GG0

tk123

I think an adult dog would suit your needs better tbh

- you mentioned you wanted to go on walks with it while you're on hols - you should only walk a puppy for 5 mins per month of age so it wouldn't be able for much of a walk for a few months

- you want it to guard/alert if there's somebody around the house - this in my experience with our retriever didn't kick in until he was about 6-7 months old

- easy to train. My dog was easy to train and I started him as a puppy so he knew his commands - sit, stay etc BUT when he got to aroud 18 months it was like he was in the zone for training and still is - he picks stuff up much much easier now that his puppy madness has gone

anniehoo

I'm not quite sure what you mean by "athletic" as in you want to go running with them like in the video? JRTs are energetic little dogs, but are small so while they are a sturdy breed, I'm not sure if id recommend them for long distance running etc but i may be open to correction. You mentioned 30-60mins exercise above, is that walking or running?

OffalyLad

anniehoo wrote: »

I'm not quite sure what you mean by "athletic" as in you want to go running with them like in the video? JRTs are energetic little dogs, but are small so while they are a sturdy breed, I'm not sure if id recommend them for long distance running etc but i may be open to correction. You mentioned 30-60mins exercise above, is that walking or running?

A mixture of mainly walking and some jogging thrown in there aswel, not a necessity for it to go jogging though either

AllthingsCP

anniehoo wrote: »

I'm not quite sure what you mean by "athletic" as in you want to go running with them like in the video? JRTs are energetic little dogs, but are small so while they are a sturdy breed, I'm not sure if id recommend them for long distance running etc but i may be open to correction. You mentioned 30-60mins exercise above, is that walking or running?

Its a question of how far you can run/walk Jack Russel can probably run 20 miles. But start off easy and work your way up

If he/she is dragging behind you or panting heavily take it easy bring water especial on hot days

OffalyLad

AllthingsCP wrote: »

Its a question of how far you can run/walk Jack Russel can probably run 20 miles. But start off easy and work your way up

If he/she is dragging behind you or panting heavily take it easy bring water especial on hot days

Haha cheers 10 miles would be enough for me Thanks for the info

If I was to look at getting a JR should I contact the IKC first and enquire?

westies4ever

OffalyLad wrote: »

Haha cheers 10 miles would be enough for me Thanks for the info

If I was to look at getting a JR should I contact the IKC first and enquire?

that would be your best bet. im not going to bang the rescue drum but they do have loads of JRT's at present.

AllthingsCP

westies4ever wrote: »

that would be your best bet. im not going to bang the rescue drum but they do have loads of JRT's at present.

Find a registered breeder from the IKG website, not quite sure on prices so i wont say, Im sure one of the other posters could help you their

Knine

AllthingsCP wrote: »

Jack Russell are a great Breed, Smooth Fox Terrier,Border Terrier,Rhodesian Rideback.Beagle,Basenji,Norwegian Buhund,Pinscher,Chihuahua All usually tight coats

I have Border Terriers - I'm a breeder and show & do agility with them. However honestly they need a lot more exercise then the OP is prepared to give. They also would not be happy sleeping outdoors as they want to be with their family. They will be good friends with their own family cat but would kill the neighbours & are fast enough to catch them. They also need regular coat stripping. Certainly not clipped or shaved.

fatmammycat

One of the women I walk with ( we have GSDs by the way, great temperaments, easy to train and loyal as anything- good watch dogs too) recently adopted another dog from the DSPCA, a little collie cross of some kind. I have never met a smarter more easy going dog. She's about a year, clean, good as gold, whip smart and a really fabulous personality. Amazing dog. My friend cannot believe her luck. OP, I'd check out a few pounds and rescues, you might land on a perfect dog for your situation without having to go through the puppy period.

OffalyLad

AllthingsCP wrote: »

Find a registered breeder from the IKG website, not quite sure on prices so i wont say, Im sure one of the other posters could help you their

Hi just got through to a lady of the JR club of Ireland she said shell find me some breeders in my locality. I wont rule out SPCA's either.

OffalyLad

Knine wrote: »

I have Border Terriers - I'm a breeder and show & do agility with them. However honestly they need a lot more exercise then the OP is prepared to give. They also would not be happy sleeping outdoors as they want to be with their family. They will be good friends with their own family cat but would kill the neighbours & are fast enough to catch them. They also need regular coat stripping. Certainly not clipped or shaved.

Thanks but I don't think they'd be suitable

OffalyLad

fatmammycat wrote: »

One of the women I walk with ( we have GSDs by the way, great temperaments, easy to train and loyal as anything- good watch dogs too) recently adopted another dog from the DSPCA, a little collie cross of some kind. I have never met a smarter more easy going dog. She's about a year, clean, good as gold, whip smart and a really fabulous personality. Amazing dog. My friend cannot believe her luck. OP, I'd check out a few pounds and rescues, you might land on a perfect dog for your situation without having to go through the puppy period.

I dont mind GS myself but my family would rather a smaller dog along the lines of a JR, I wont rule out pounds either Thanks for your info

Knine

OffalyLad wrote: »

Thanks but I don't think they'd be suitable

Just be aware that JRT's are similar in temperament and also need more then 30 minutes a day exercise. The JR I have will actually kill the cats he lives with. They stay well out of his way. I have had other JR's who were fine with cats. The rough haired Jacks also need their coat stripped. I see people have mentioned an older dog. Some older terriers will not live with cats.

These small terriers often live to their late teens so it is a bigger commitment then if you get a larger shorter lived breed.

OffalyLad

Knine wrote: »

Just be aware that JRT's are similar in temperament and also need more then 30 minutes a day exercise. The JR I have will actually kill the cats he lives with. They stay well out of his way. I have had other JR's who were fine with cats. The rough haired Jacks also need their coat stripped. I see people have mentioned an older dog. Some older terriers will not live with cats.

These small terriers often live to their late teens so it is a bigger commitment then if you get a larger shorter lived breed.

See getting along with the cat is a huge factor, as I don't want to upset the cat who's nearly 8 years old

Corruptedmorals

With rescue dogs you'll often be told how they interact with cats. They generally do their utmost to give all the info and history they have.

aonb

would def recommend the rescue route, if you are going to college soon - you can bond with it and exercise it from day 1 - and you would not be leaving a small pup to be trained by your parents, if you are the main person interested in having a dog? as other posters have said, if you get a rescue, then you will definately know if the dog is cat-friendly, so your resident cat wont be put out. There are some super young dogs waiting for a new home at rescues, if you and your family arent too pushed about having a puppy vs more mature dog. I too would highly recommend a JRT )but then Im totally biased)

Dodd

We had a JRT and cat that slept on the sofa together.

The dog had pups and after a few weeks the pups were noisy at night so I put them and the dog out to sleep in a big box in the shed at night.
Now the cat could get in the house when it wanted but it slept in the box with the dog and pups in the shed.

Brown eyed girl 4

Why don't you visit and talk to a rescue centre? The <snip> are very helpful.
BTW, puppies are very difficult you would be better off leaving that stage behind and getting a 1 or 2 year old dog.

Read the document on "love dogs hate my job" on boards before buying!


Please do not recommend individual rescues by name on-thread, as per the forum charter.
Thanks,
DBB

AllthingsCP

Brown eyed girl 4 wrote: »

Why don't you visit and talk to a rescue centre? The <snip> are very helpful.
BTW, puppies are very difficult you would be better off leaving that stage behind and getting a 1 or 2 year old dog.

Read the document on "love dogs hate my job" on boards before buying!


Please do not recommend individual rescues by name on-thread, as per the forum charter.
Thanks,
DBB[/QUOTE

The rescue path is a great way to go, But the puppies years are fantastic too i have done both, but the involvement needed in the pup's first very months is very important and great enjoyment.

zef

Hi, I wanted a dog myself (cat owner) some years ago, and researched about the whole cat/ dog thing, as I did not want to be putting the cats noses out of joint. And I love them too much to upet them! Anyway, I found the pug comes reccomended. They don't have the same 'chase that' instinct as the terriers , apparantly.
But they're def not suited to living outdoors. I didn't get one personally because of the expense. Lovely dogs though!

AllthingsCP

zef wrote: »

Hi, I wanted a dog myself (cat owner) some years ago, and researched about the whole cat/ dog thing, as I did not want to be putting the cats noses out of joint. And I love them too much to upet them! Anyway, I found the pug comes reccomended. They don't have the same 'chase that' instinct as the terriers , apparantly.
But they're def not suited to living outdoors. I didn't get one personally because of the expense. Lovely dogs though!

My oldest dog is 6 we introduced a cat a few weeks ago and all was fine best of buddies, Should be easy for you while the dog is young, Chose a dog that you want at a young age the dog and cat will build a relationship together.

We have four dogs, One cat, One rabbit all spent the whole day together in the house and backyard unsupervised, we bring them all to the forest and have a special lead for the rabbit

OffalyLad

I have come to the conclusion that I will wait until next summer in order to be able to train the dog fully and to have housing for him also as I am busy at the moment, Thanks for your help posters. I will keep you updated