Breed ideas for me - seeking others' input

Karinia · 11-19-2009, 12:58 PM

I believe a Eurasier would be a good match. I'm just going to quote from Wikipedia since I don't have much time right now..

Quote:

Eurasiers are calm, even-tempered dogs. They are watchful and alert, yet reserved towards strangers without being timid or aggressive. Eurasiers form a strong link to their families. For the full development of these qualities, the Eurasier needs constant close contact with its family, combined with understanding, yet consistent, training. They are extremely sensitive to harsh words or discipline and respond best to soft reprimand. The Eurasier is a combination of the best qualities of the Chow Chow, the Wolfspitz, and the Samoyed (dog), resulting in a dignified, intelligent breed.

Eurasiers were bred as companion dogs; as such they do poorly in a kennel environment such as those commonly used for institutionally trained service dogs, nor are they well suited for the social stresses of working as a sled or guard dog. Training should always be done through family members, not through strangers or handlers. Eurasiers should never be restricted to only a yard, kennel, crate, or chained up. They would pine and become depressed. Within these limitations, Eurasiers can work very well as service or therapy dogs. This breed enjoys all kinds of activities, especially if the activities involve their family. Eurasiers are calm and quiet indoors, outdoors they are lively and enjoy action. Eurasiers rarely bark but if they do, they usually have a good reason.

misty073 · 11-19-2009, 01:48 PM

I have a JRT and she is not overly hyper at all, infact as I sit here and type this she is sitting curled up right beside me (she always is when I am watching TV or on the computer). If we were a more active family I would immagine she would be a more active dog, but even given our current living situation she doesnt get to outside and play as much as she should (we just moved to a different city and found out we have a coyote den right beside our fence

) and she is still fairly calm. She loves to play fetch (inside and out LOL) she loves to wrestle and play with the kids and chase the cat...but the cat loves it as well LOL.

She is a small dog (12lbs) and I love the fact that I can pick her up when I need to

didee · 11-19-2009, 02:17 PM

Thank you everyone. I have never heard of 2 of breeds mentioned (the polish dog and Eurasier). And Maggie's picture makes me want to run out and get a JRT! I will research the suggestions here...

Xeph · 11-19-2009, 02:25 PM

Just be careful with the PON. They require a LOT of socialization or they can be very shy. As a general whole the ones I've met that aren't schizoid are very very serious.

The Cavalier could be a good choice.

BTW, it is a toy breed

Locke · 11-19-2009, 02:29 PM

You could also look into the border terrier. Might need more exercise than you're willing to give, but they're not the hyper active type, very social, small, and SOOO adorable. They're great agility and flyball dogs so would enjoy playing ball and the likes.

Karinia · 11-19-2009, 03:09 PM

The Eurasier sheds a LOT. Also they're 50-70lb, females being on the smaller side of the range.

Dogstar · 11-19-2009, 03:10 PM

I'll second the Eurasier (but wow, the shedding) and add corgis to the list.

Dog_Shrink · 11-19-2009, 03:27 PM

What about the larger more spitz type poms spitz middlen (sp?) or shar pei... much nicer now that breeders aer starting to breed for temperament rather than all those wrinkles. Or Keeshond if ya don't mind grooming. Maybe a nice pug? (better like snoring tho)

You could also check out http://dogbreedinfo.com they actually have a "match me to my breed" thingy that could be a big help ( I swear I should start charging dogbreeinfo every time I recommend them. It seems I do it all the time

)

didee · 11-19-2009, 04:37 PM

Thanks for that link. I went to that website. One of the choices that came up was Griffichon. Has anyone ever heard of this dog or know about it?

Dog_Shrink · 11-19-2009, 04:55 PM

That would be one of those "designer breeds" Griffon bichon mix. They do have a VERY complete section on hybrid/designer breeds.

HuggaPug · 11-19-2009, 06:03 PM

I was also thinking Border Terrier. They are small but sturdy smart not alot of grooming and a terrier without an overly terrier personality. It's about the only terrier I think I would ever own.

losinsusan · 11-20-2009, 05:58 PM

I know of the perfect breed for you. A Brittany!
Loves to cuddle, be at your side, loves to play, run, frizbee, chuck it.
I always own Irish Setters but we had a Brittany for 10 years and it was one of the healthiest, sweetest dogs ever.

Max's Mom · 11-20-2009, 07:29 PM

A Border Terrier might fit the bill, or how about a Poodle?

I just had another thought, how about a Cocker Spaniel?

Karinia · 11-20-2009, 09:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by losinsusan

I know of the perfect breed for you. A Brittany!
Loves to cuddle, be at your side, loves to play, run, frizbee, chuck it.
I always own Irish Setters but we had a Brittany for 10 years and it was one of the healthiest, sweetest dogs ever.

I don't really think so. I think a Brittany has way too much energy and if you don't give them enough they can be very hyper or out-of-control. And also you have to be very careful with the way you train them. If you are too harsh they will quickly learn to not trust you, and they will also take advantage of you if you let them. Also they are very people-oriented so separation anxiety can develop easily.. I think OP wants a calmer, less demanding dog.

losinsusan · 11-21-2009, 10:22 AM

I owned one for ten years. We have at least four of them, under 2 yrs at our dog park and I do not find them any less active than any other sporting breed dog. They are wonderful family companions dogs. Let's remember here, dogs are not another piece of furniture you aquire for your home. They are living creatures that need exercise and attention. Isn't that why you get a dog? If I wanted something to cuddle on the couch I would buy a new afgan not a dog. Young dogs are active but most breeds do settle down after a couple years and with proper daily exercise. I find our terrier friends dogs are way more hyper than the sporting breeds are.

Karinia · 11-21-2009, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by losinsusan

I owned one for ten years. We have at least four of them, under 2 yrs at our dog park and I do not find them any less active than any other sporting breed dog. They are wonderful family companions dogs. Let's remember here, dogs are not another piece of furniture you aquire for your home. They are living creatures that need exercise and attention. Isn't that why you get a dog? If I wanted something to cuddle on the couch I would buy a new afgan not a dog. Young dogs are active but most breeds do settle down after a couple years and with proper daily exercise. I find our terrier friends dogs are way more hyper than the sporting breeds are.

OP said that he wouldn't consider a Border Collie because they have too much energy. What makes you think that a Brittany is any less active than a Border Collie?