View Full Version : breed for the future
BlackDog
11-01-2005, 12:44 PM
I'm going to get a dog now but I will later. Here's what I'm looking for.
1. Doesn't require a ton of exercise, 30 minutes to 1 hour a day. But can handle a good amount of exercise when we go up north.
2. Loves to be with you alot but can handle being alone as well acople hours per day.
3. Can handle cold and heat fairly well (since I will in michigan)
4. Is good with children, elderly, and people in general.
5. Good with other pets, even small rodents or bunnies.
6. Can have a fair amount of coat work but doesn't have to (Striping, brushing, bathing) two to three hours weekly.
7. Doesn't have a ton of health problems
8. Is a people pleaser. Aka. Tends to be easy to train.
9. Shedding or non shedding is fine.
10. I don't care about the appearance, weight, height, coat length, structure as long as he/she will be happy living in a apartment.
What breed would fit my lifestyle best based on the above? By the way, I'm not getting a puppy. Most likely I'd like a elderly dog or one that's at least four or five years old from a breed rescue.
showpug
11-01-2005, 12:55 PM
Okay, I know you are probably thinking that I am saying pug because well, I am a pug person. Honestly I know the breed very well and they fit all your criteria except they can not tolerate extreme heat or cold, but if they lived inside and were well watched and monitored while outside they do fine. There are so many pugs that are in need of rescue and they make such wonderful loving companions for children and the elderly. Anyway, just a thought....
Whitedobelover
11-01-2005, 01:03 PM
as i would say doberman however i would have to say a husky is pretty good... also... with excercise occasionally a walk of an hour to an hour and a half a day can sufise (sp?) however i would always tend to say doberman but they need lots of exercise hehehe... and well that puts them out but husky malamute... every springer spaniel :D
Lexus
11-01-2005, 01:23 PM
Actually huskies and malamute are working breeds- they do require quite a bit of exercise or they can get destructive. And dobies can (emphasis on the can) be prone to many problems that affect the breed.
The breed that really pops into my mind is the Cavelier King Charles Spaniel. They were breed to be companions to people, and fit your every criteria, with the exception, they can be a bit bull headed. I know half that aren't and half that are! They really are great dogs!
Whitedobelover
11-01-2005, 01:25 PM
ive had both and mine werent destructive at all. lol he loved his alone time and was gone 4-6 hours he just sleeps lol and caveliers do not do good in the cold and severe heat
I second Lexus's suggestion of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. They are -great- little dogs that seem to fit into any environment. They seem to adapt their energy levels to yours on any given day. They're velcro dogs but most are just fine being left alone.
They do have their fair share of health problems, the most severe being a lot of heart issues, but generally I would say they're pretty healthy little dogs.
I wouldn't recommend a Doberman for someone who can't provide it with a lot of exercise -- ESPECIALLY if it's a puppy. An adult Dobe, maybe.
Lexus
11-01-2005, 06:15 PM
ive had both and mine werent destructive at all. lol he loved his alone time and was gone 4-6 hours he just sleeps lol and caveliers do not do good in the cold and severe heat
Actually caveliers do fine in cold weather, (not to be confused with any dog "living" outside) they have ample coat and their biggest issue is that they get those little iceballs in their fur on their feet. I've always kept the fur on their feet trimmed to avoid that. As for extreme heat, like any other dog, best kept from extreme heat.
Chithedobe
11-01-2005, 06:34 PM
Good suggestion Lex. :-) I saw a pair in the vet clinic yesterday. One was very, very loved (ie. pretty darn heavy) the other was just the picture of what a Cav. should be. But both were adorable and so in love with everyone and everything in the clinic :-) The few I've known seemed to be pretty versatile and outgoing. I like that they don't require large amounts of grooming that the other spaniels do and I don't think they face as many health problems as say the cockers...
bubbatd
11-01-2005, 07:15 PM
GOLDEN RETRIEVER fits the bill plus !!
Lexus
11-01-2005, 07:19 PM
GOLDEN RETRIEVER fits the bill plus !!
Good idea too!
your goldens only require 30 minutes to an hour of exercise a day?? I petsit for alot of goldens and that wouldn't fly with them LOL..they like and need more exercise than that...
I also like the cavalier,,I petsit for a couple of those and they are nice small dogs, that are happy just hanging around but eager to go..They do however, have alot of heart problems so it's a definite to do your research as with any breed, in finding a good breeder who knows her dogs..
Honestly, the requirements of the poster are a bit unrealistic,,as he/she is looking for the "perfect" dog, and well there just isn't "one" perfect breed or dog..
Good luck in your search
Jynx
bubbatd
11-01-2005, 07:51 PM
I'm a bad mommy .... my Goldens were never really " excercised" , just normal activety and play. Both inside and out. I never had a hyper Golden. Chip, who came to me through adoption, was given up because they thought he was hyper and needed more excercise. All he was trying to do was try to please them.!! They'd " wind him up " and then expected him to crash. I kept things low key and he settled right in as a couch potato . No, he wasn't asking too much...he was discribing a Golden.
Chithedobe
11-01-2005, 08:12 PM
I'm a bad mommy .... my Goldens were never really " excercised" , just normal activety and play. Both inside and out. I never had a hyper Golden. Chip, who came to me through adoption, was given up because they thought he was hyper and needed more excercise. All he was trying to do was try to please them.!! They'd " wind him up " and then expected him to crash. I kept things low key and he settled right in as a couch potato . No, he wasn't asking too much...he was discribing a Golden.
Isn't it sad that that's often the case with dogs who are turned in to rescues and shelters because they're "hyper"? From what I've seen - more often than not - the dog is simply trying to get attention (which he is lacking) or just doing what his owners taught him to do (although inadvertanly, I think we teach our dogs more than we know sometimes).
Chithedobe
11-01-2005, 08:15 PM
Honestly, the requirements of the poster are a bit unrealistic,,as he/she is looking for the "perfect" dog, and well there just isn't "one" perfect breed or dog..
I had a collie breeder tell me that once. Told me I was being "too picky" there was no such thing as the perfect dog I was looking for. And although I agree there is no such thing, I can't fault a person for listing the criteria that they know their future dog must meet and then trying to find what fits the closest.
bubbatd
11-01-2005, 08:36 PM
Chi...that was the case with Chip. She said when they got home from work they'd throw balls and frizbies for a 1/2 hr. and he'd never settle down. It's like playing rough house with kids before bedtime and expect them to settle down to sleep ! Some owners don't have brains. I had turned the couple down once with a litter because I didn't think it was the right time for them ....but I promised them the pick of the litter which was going to come up in about a year through my male"s breeding.....that is Chip, who they turned into rescue after 2 years !
BigDog2191
11-01-2005, 09:00 PM
I was thinking Bassett Hound but the only thing that concerned me is, well, Bassett Hounds have smooth, short coats. I don't think that's too suitable for Michigan but if he's kept inside, he should be fine.
I really think a Bassett Hound would do great and fit your lifestyle well.
poodlesmom
11-01-2005, 09:57 PM
Hmmmm, sounds like a standard poodle to me! :) Love to play, love to be with people of all ages, very smart & a joy to train, non-shedding, with a short clip every 8 wks very easy to maintain.
juliefurry
11-01-2005, 10:14 PM
Hmmmm, sounds like a standard poodle to me! :) Love to play, love to be with people of all ages, very smart & a joy to train, non-shedding, with a short clip every 8 wks very easy to maintain.
I tend to second that opinion. Mine LOVES to play she is good with my daughter and my grandparents and she's only four months. We've never had an issue of her jumping...on people since we got her we told her "off" and she has never done it agian (furniture is another story altogether though). I would however tend to mention that yes they are smart but believe they are so smart that they don't have to learn what you are teaching them. That is how my Lily is we've been working at sit for three weeks now and she's just now starting to do it continuously.
bubbatd
11-01-2005, 10:28 PM
Isn't it amazing that we're sticking to our own breeds !!!! ??? LOL!!! Ain't we loyal !
I also think a Cav would suit well...I adore the ones that come in and actually sorta kinda want to get one myself. :rolleyes:
The one thing with bassets is they are prone to horrible ear infections, much like Cockers. And there's the drool factor...if you can live it with, great, but it does gross out some.
Goldens would/are a good choice, if the poster knows what questions to ask and how to find a good dog. I know the breed isn't supposed to be hyper, but anymore so many are. One of my favorite daycare Goldens doesn't seem to have an off-switch, excpet when she's asleep.
BlackDog
11-02-2005, 10:46 AM
I've done about a years semi-intensive research on Cavaliers but that was four years ago. Can't recall all the info but I know where to re-find it. What sticks out in my mind from the research I did was that they can have some serious health problems. You must be very vigorous with the rescue on seeing the dog's health records. (not that you usually don't need to) Also, they are prone to be wonderers and can never be trusted off leash. The last one's not to big of a issue. I also remember the traits you guys posted about them but I didn't repost those since you already did.
I like the poodle and golden as suggestions. I'll consider those. I'm also considering possibly a papillon or brussels griffon.
Lexus
11-02-2005, 11:09 AM
I've done about a years semi-intensive research on Cavaliers but that was four years ago. Can't recall all the info but I know where to re-find it. What sticks out in my mind from the research I did was that they can have some serious health problems. You must be very vigorous with the rescue on seeing the dog's health records. (not that you usually don't need to) Also, they are prone to be wonderers and can never be trusted off leash. The last one's not to big of a issue. I also remember the traits you guys posted about them but I didn't repost those since you already did.
I like the poodle and golden as suggestions. I'll consider those. I'm also considering possibly a papillon or brussels griffon.
They are wanderers! Got that right! Gotta have a leash or fenced in area at all times.
bubbatd
11-02-2005, 11:10 AM
Goldens became so popular , too many BYBs stepped in causing a bunch of hyper ones. When I go to club meetings I never see hyper ones from the good breeders.
BlackDog
11-02-2005, 06:19 PM
Goldens became so popular , too many BYBs stepped in causing a bunch of hyper ones. When I go to club meetings I never see hyper ones from the good breeders.
True, and then they get bad reputations for it. Which makes people start to believe that laying down over $2000 for a goldendoodle is okay because they ''combine the best of both breeds.''
bubbatd
11-02-2005, 06:51 PM
You got it !!! That's what p*sses me off so !!! When I took Kobe in for neutering yesterday , everyone started laughing as there were 6 goldens in for one thing or another.......called it a golden day. Of the 6 there were only 2 that I'd say had the Golden temperment and within the standard. One female was bouncing off the walls and growling ! So sad !
EliNHunter
11-02-2005, 06:58 PM
Every breed has it's "hyper" side... it's all what you put into your dog. May I suggest an older Greyhound rescue dog? They're sweet couch potatoes and just want loved on, from what I hear!
Sirius
11-02-2005, 07:41 PM
GOLDEN RETRIEVER fits the bill plus !!
Buy from Grammy, she's the best ;)
Pugs! Pugs are adorable lil farts. And, they don't mind almost anything. see?
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b61/Harley-Davidson/HappyPug.jpg
Heehee....
What about an english toy terrier???
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b61/Harley-Davidson/english_toy_terrier.jpg
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b61/Harley-Davidson/engtoyterr.jpg
BlackDog
11-02-2005, 11:59 PM
Every breed has it's "hyper" side... it's all what you put into your dog. May I suggest an older Greyhound rescue dog? They're sweet couch potatoes and just want loved on, from what I hear!
Well yeah. There's normal range of hyper and a excessive range of it. I think bubbatd was talking about excessive amounts that aren't normal for the breed.
A Papillon fits the bill for you, too.. One thing, though, is with their very small size and fragility I wouldn't have a Pap around kids. (This doesn't apply to all of them.. Some Paps are tanks, but others, especially those from show lines, are very refined and can be fragile.) Paps may enjoy kids but they do need to be protected from them, I've seen so many of these little guys in rescue because they bit a child who handled them poorly.
Are you considering rescuing or buying from a breeder? Do be careful about luxating patellas, that's probably the breed's main health issue and it is getting tough to find a Papillon with absolutely perfect knees.
BlackDog
11-03-2005, 09:21 AM
A Papillon fits the bill for you, too.. One thing, though, is with their very small size and fragility I wouldn't have a Pap around kids. (This doesn't apply to all of them.. Some Paps are tanks, but others, especially those from show lines, are very refined and can be fragile.) Paps may enjoy kids but they do need to be protected from them, I've seen so many of these little guys in rescue because they bit a child who handled them poorly.
Are you considering rescuing or buying from a breeder? Do be careful about luxating patellas, that's probably the breed's main health issue and it is getting tough to find a Papillon with absolutely perfect knees.
I have a papillon now. She the "tank" type. I'd be more worried about her hurting a kid then the other way around. I know what you mean about she of them being very fragile.
I'd be getting one from a rescue. I thought the luxating patellas were a health problem with the breed. I asked my vet about it and she said no. It's a common problem with toy dogs in general. She said papillons don't have any specific health problems associated with them but that doesn't mean they never have health problems. My papillon's knees are just fine according to my vet.
mojozen
11-03-2005, 05:38 PM
Every breed has it's "hyper" side... it's all what you put into your dog. May I suggest an older Greyhound rescue dog? They're sweet couch potatoes and just want loved on, from what I hear!
I agree with the Greyhound suggestion. I know from the research i did into them, prior to getting my pit mix mojo, that they are big couch potatos. They do need a "blowout" about once a week where they can run as much as they want - but they do not have high energy levels beyond that requirement.
I guess the biggest drawback in regards to your situation is they would need a coat to wear in the winter, but for the most part the majority of them are used to wearing blankets, anyway.
Plus there are ALWAYS some up for adoption through the racetracks or rescue organization as the racing industry continues to slow down and die off.
here's a link to look at: http://www.adopt-a-greyhound.org/
If you are put off by their rather large size, you could also look into gettnig a whippet, which is rather like a medium sized cousin. :)
bubbatd
11-03-2005, 06:53 PM
I still vote Golden !!
BlackDog
11-04-2005, 09:05 AM
Anything else?
bubbatd
11-04-2005, 11:52 AM
Not unless you ask !
Sirius
11-04-2005, 04:30 PM
Golden or a lab. You could even get one from the shelter! Well... Mastiffs would be okay if not in extreme heat...
BlackDog
11-06-2005, 07:09 PM
Golden or a lab. You could even get one from the shelter! Well... Mastiffs would be okay if not in extreme heat...
I do love mastiffs but I wouldn't be able to keep one in a apartment.
wildwings811
11-08-2005, 11:31 AM
I am going to suggest a Pomeranian
gaddylovesdogs
11-08-2005, 01:31 PM
Labs shed a lot...I mean A LOT. When I sit down and brush my girl, I can get a foot tall pile off of just her hips and shoulders. She is generally pretty calm but she loooves her exercise. Most labs are very good with people, some are nippy.
norskgra
11-29-2005, 01:55 AM
Norwegian Elkhounds fit all your criteria. I am not sure about health problems inthe US but in Australia they don't have any.
Dixie
11-29-2005, 10:07 AM
I would suggest a Lab. They are god with anybody. And they only require 30-mins to an hour of excercise a day. Of course if you leave them in the kennel too long they get that hyper happy-assed attitude.
As for the shedding, I really dont have a problem with it. The boy gets a bath once a week. They do have two layers. The undercoat is thick and does provide warmth, although I wouldnt leave em out in 28 degree weather for too long.
They can handle being by themselves for a few hours a day, and can easily switch gears from work to play to relaxing. They love to retrieve. Its in their instinct, you dont have to reward them for a retrieve, just praise em.
But I will warn they do like to chew, so until they are out of the chewing stage (around 18 mos), I wouldnt let them run freely in the house, but would let them stay in a fenced in area with plenty of chew toys.
Good luck on your search.
-Dix
Brattina88
04-18-2006, 09:52 AM
I don't think greyhounds would like the MI winters too much...
I'd say look into some of the medium sporting breeds. Naturally I have to say Cocker Spaniel, but you have to be careful when getting one from a breeder. BYBs have ruined this breed, and you might get one with a snappy temperment. Adult rescue cockers are such gems! I've heard well breed cockers being compared to miniature [well breed] goldens. I've never had a golden, so I wouldn't know. Clumber spaniels actually require a little less, and more sedate exersize. I love those! To me its like a mastiff and a spaniel rolled in to one sweet package! LoL!
I agree with the Pom, Standard poodle, and lab suggestions. I think the poodle would like a little more excersize than that, but that's just me :crazy:
I might splurge and say GSD. They do require a little more exersize, shed a lot, and some aren't good with the small animals...
FoxyWench
04-18-2006, 10:12 AM
of the spaniels id prolly say a cav king charles (from nothing but a great breeder) or english cocker spaniel (american cocker too just be VERY carefull about selecting a breeder!)
wonderfull breeds, spaniels of all kinds are known for their merry dispositions, and would do fine with a good 1/2- 1 hour run/play/walk aday, my parents american x english mix is a gem, hell go out in the yard and play about 1 hour a day, inside the house hes calm and sweet though occasionally he loves a god game of fetch which he'll happily play by himself by rolling his ball down the stairs. they also do fine with the heat and the cold, however of course are NOT meant to live outside and should never be left out in the snow or midday heat...
im also a big fan of grehounds, great apartment dogs and wonderfull big sweethearts, if your not keen on the size a whippet is basically a mini version lol, ive got no experience with italian greyhounds so i cant say much on their behalf.
Poodles are wonderfull, rember though the standards were origionally bred to work so might be good if you can do a job with a poodle once a week, ive known poodles to make wonderfull therpay dogs. however so long as mentally challenged they make great apartment dogs and wil be fine with 1/2 -1 hour a day of excersize. (grooming if hair is kept in a simple puppy cut isnt as painfull as grooming a poodle can seem and no shedding :) )
JennSLK
04-18-2006, 12:54 PM
I would vote for the greyhound.
True the cold would bother them, but a coat isnt that expesive and you would only need one or two (so you had a spare).
When you go up north they would have a ball running around.
Dreeza
04-18-2006, 01:14 PM
ok, i totally havent read this thread at all...i was just surprised about the greyhound thing...having an issue in MI
I really never knew that. I know there is a pretty big greyhound rescue somewhere around me. I cant imagine that it *that* big of a deal...as long as you are careful of course!
pocket warmer
04-19-2006, 08:09 PM
border collie would be perfect
BlackDog
04-20-2006, 09:12 AM
border collie would be perfect
A BC would NOT fit my lifestyle because of these two very important reasons I stated in my first post
"Doesn't require a ton of exercise, 30 minutes to 1 hour a day. But can handle a good amount of exercise when we go up north.
Good with other pets, even small rodents or bunnies."
qwiksilver
04-20-2006, 03:16 PM
Mutt. Especially the Heinz 57 variety.
Cavaliers fit your lifestyle pretty much...but before considering one, google "matral valve disease cavalier king charles spaniel". Matral valve disease is a serious problem with Cavs, half of them have it by the time they're 5 and they all have it by the time they're 10 :( . They can go on without symptoms for a while even after they are diagnosed, though, so, if I were you, I would look into those.
Also, why not a good ol' mutt? There are plenty of shelters that have a ton available for adoption. They have fewer health problems and are great family pets. You may find the best companion you'll ever have!