[Independent George]

If you don't mind my asking, why not just get another Spaniel?

[hulkamaniac]

Originally Posted by Independent George

If you don't mind my asking, why not just get another Spaniel?

Thought about it, but I'm trying to get away from the grooming if possible. I have to have Zero professionally groomed a couple of times a year.

[Xeph]

Have you considered a welsh springer? They really don't require heavy grooming...just bathe them out and brush them, they don't even need to be clipped unless you want to

[hulkamaniac]

Originally Posted by Xeph

Have you considered a welsh springer? They really don't require heavy grooming...just bathe them out and brush them, they don't even need to be clipped unless you want to

They're larger spaniels though if I remember correctly. Zero is only 15 lbs and I'm limited by a 4 ft fence. I also don't want a high energy or even medium energy dog for that matter. Zero is content to chill out in the house and lay around and do nothing. Once we go outside, he wants me to toss him a tennis ball all day long which is fine, but as soon as we go back inside, he's laid back again. I didn't train this, this is just what he is.

[Xeph]

They aren't terribly large...not much taller than the American Cockers I've seen, with what I feel is equitable energy (there's a woman at my club that breeds them).

Hers are actually pretty laid back, and they know how to settle in the house.

Even if Zero is only 15 pounds, the Welsh are 30-50 pounds (upper end would be the dogs), but like any dog, temper their play to the size of the other dog.

ANY dog that has good nerves should be able to settle in the house. Not being able to settle is a nerve issue, not a breed issue. The four foot fence also shouldn't be much of an issue.

Just saying..I don't think it would be a terrible mismatch.

[FilleBelle]

Originally Posted by hulkamaniac

He gets along fine with Brutus, but Brutus is pretty tolerant of just about everything though. Not much phases him and being a basset he doesn't have a high prey instinct to begin with or any real dog aggressive tendencies. (Tonight at nine - Basset hound eats 1 year old as she sleeps.)

I could definitely see Zero possibly ticking off another dog though so I'm wondering if I should just push the sharpei down the list of possible breeds.

"Tolerant" is a word I would never use to refer to a Shar Pei.

[LoupGarouTFTs]

Originally Posted by FilleBelle

"Tolerant" is a word I would never use to refer to a Shar Pei.

I've known a couple of tolerant Shar-Pei. It's like any other breed: you start with the root stock and reap what you train.

[sillylilykitty]

Originally Posted by Xeph

That said...if you go to a REPUTABLE breeder that has some retired adults up for sale, you may be able to talk to them and find a low-non dog aggressive Pei

I agree with this. Though I still think it's much easier to get a puppy and that way they grow up into the situation and are used to it. It would require more work to find an adult, ask around (breeders near you) who knows maybe someone has one waiting for you.

What about a Miniature Pinscher? Or Boston Terrier? They are small low maintenance breeds.

[Elana55]

It seems to me that Hulk wants a dog that is:

1.) Not very enrergetic.. does not need a lot of exercise.
2.) Can be left outside in a yard with another dog and not try to escape.
3.) Is housebroken.
4.) Is an adult.
5.) Is tolerant.
6.) Is trained or partly trained and easily trained.
7.) Needs no grooming other than a quick comb now and then.
6.) Is a Chick Magnet.

IOW's a dog like this (definately a chick magnet if you win it for her at the Fair):

[Independent George]

Originally Posted by Elana55

It seems to me that Hulk wants a dog that is:

1.) Not very enrergetic.. does not need a lot of exercise.
2.) Can be left outside in a yard with another dog and not try to escape.
3.) Is housebroken.
4.) Is an adult.
5.) Is tolerant.
6.) Is trained or partly trained and easily trained.
7.) Needs no grooming other than a quick comb now and then.
6.) Is a Chick Magnet.

IOW's a dog like this (definately a chick magnet if you win it for her at the Fair):

Shame on you for pushing a puppy mill product.

[wvasko]

Originally Posted by Independent George

Shame on you for pushing a puppy mill product.

And besides that, I know it's not my dog but I don't like the color.

Oh, I don't care as I already am a chick(much older chicken type magnet) fried especially.

[LilMissSunshine]

that happens a lot with dogs at the shelter I volunteer at. they see the kennel as THEIR HOME, so when they leave it, they go to the bathroom.
it often makes for easier housebreaking because they know not to go where they sleep, eat or live.

[rosemaryninja]

Hulk, maybe it would help if you told us what you DO want in your dog, not what you DON'T want.

[hulkamaniac]

I've kind of made a short list that will be changed/updated/scrapped entirely as I see fit.

1. The dog must be trainable. Preferably, the dog should be trained, but if not, the dog must be trainable. Hounds need not apply I guess.
2. The dog must be playful. Zero loves to play and it'd be nice to have someone he can play with.
3. The dog must be contained safely by a 4 ft fence. This is what I've got to work with.
4. The dog must fetch. This is Zero's favorite game and when he sees me he always asks where the tennis ball is.
5. The dog must not be a puppy. I have neither the time nor the energy to deal with puppies.
6. The dog must have low grooming requirements. I don't mind brushing the dog on a regular basis, but that's it.
7. The dog must be satisfied with a 20-30 minute walk a day. Tossing the tennis ball around in the backyard is a bonus on days when I'm not swamped with stuff.
8. The dog should be a lower energy dog. I don't have the energy otherwise.
9. The dog should ideally be a candidate for the CGC given enough training.
10. The dog should be a younger, healthy dog.

[Elana55]

Well, the dog I offered up is, according to the link, also a Chinese Breed.. and guaranteed to be non aggressive.

They come in other colors. Even this one.

This one will meet all your requirements except it won't fetch. However, Zero can fetch him. He is all trained, will nevert topple the trash and is completely housebroken. He doesn't require any walking and is very inexpensive to feed.

The prefect dog.

[rosemaryninja]

Yeah, honestly Hulk, it's gonna be tough. You've said Zero is the perfect canine candidate multiple times -- well-behaved, well-socialized, a dog that came ready-made wonderful... except even he doesn't fit the bill well enough. In my opinion Zero is one of those exceptions to his breed. Not sure how many Cockers there are out there who would be satisfied with 20 minutes a day. You can probably keep looking for that other rescue dog who is a trainable, low-maintenance individual... but as of now I don't think a breed exists that fits every single one of your criteria.

[Xeph]

I'm afraid I must agree...your requirements really don't mesh....

[hulkamaniac]

Originally Posted by Xeph

I'm afraid I must agree...your requirements really don't mesh....

I don't know. I look over them and Zero meets all of them except the grooming.

[Xeph]

And Zero isn't the norm for the AmCocker the way you've described him.

I know many, MANY AmCockers, and while they can settle in the house, overall they are a GO GO GO!!! breed. They are constant thinkers, even tending towards neuroticism due to it.

You might find the type of dog you like...I don't think that you'll find it in a Shar Pei though.

[wvasko]

elana ok, I go with the new color.

I tried this list stuff that hulk is doing, only I was wife hunting. He's got it easier I had to use stone tablets etc. Anyway I digress, it didn't work for me. I just flipped a coin next time and we've been together a long time. I'm gonna suggest look at dogs and flip coin.