Breed ideas for me - seeking others' input

didee · 11-18-2009, 08:57 PM

I want to get a dog. I love mixed breeds, but unfortunately, had 2 bad experiences. In the past, I have had wonderful experiences. One of my dogs, a rescue which we had no idea what she was, was with me for 16 years. I wish I knew what her breed lines were.

Anyway, here are my criteria. Any thoughts?

Do not like toy breeds
Do not want a large/huge breed
Would prefer around 40 pounds max.
Want a calm, NOT HYPERACTIVE, but one which will play, run for the ball and frisbee, etc. (I love the JRTs and BCs, but I know they are too high energy for my home)
No fence jumpers or chronic barkers/howlers (neighbors)
Absolutely, positively NOT INTERESTED in breeds which can be fearful/snappish/aggressive
Rocket scientist not necessary, but I do enjoy doing training for obedience and doing tricks. I would like the dog to have the aptitude to be able to fetch.

How about a Sheltie or Sheltie mix? Does anyone have any ideas of breeds? I heard a little about "doodles" but don't know much about them.

Laurelin · 11-18-2009, 09:01 PM

Sheltie is not my first thought honestly. I had them for a long time and they're BIG barkers, possibly the worst in all dogdom. They also have a tendency to be very fearful and reactive. However, a proper sheltie shouldn't be snappy and fearful, just aloof. A lot are though and temperament problems like that are not uncommon. However if you go with a rescued adult you *may* find something, maybe not.

How about a whippet? I'm trying to think of other ideas...

Keechak · 11-18-2009, 09:07 PM

It sounds like a retired racing greyhound is for you, get one from Kenosha WI.

Greyhounds are couch potatoes but they love to run when you take them out. They don't shed much, they are medium large dogs, they come perfectly crate trained. they are typically a very quiet breed. They are almost always very good with all people because of how much they are handled thru their time on the track. and they can be trained in obedience. Racing greyhounds are usually about 2-5 years old when you adopt them and they usually live to be about 12-14 years

GottaLuvMutts · 11-18-2009, 10:14 PM

What sprung to my mind was a heeler, although they have some interesting personality traits, so do some research. Finding one in a rescue wouldn't be too hard.

Keechak, I agree with your suggestion, but I'm pretty sure greyhounds weigh more than 40 pounds? Maybe they're so lean that I'm wrong, but I would put them in with large breeds.

MoonStr80 · 11-18-2009, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keechak

It sounds like a retired racing greyhound is for you,

I think she ask 40 pound max however that wouldn't be such bad idea if she has a average size back yard! Lets see if she replies says about Greyhounds though

Keechak · 11-18-2009, 10:22 PM

Ya they weight more than 40 pounds but I think they are such easy dogs size doesn't really matter, they are easier to handle than most 40 pound dogs of other breeds

MoonStr80 · 11-18-2009, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keechak

Ya they weight more than 40 pounds but I think they are such easy dogs size doesn't really matter, they are easier to handle than most 40 pound dogs of other breeds

I agree they're very mellow laid back dogs

Michiyo-Fir · 11-18-2009, 10:36 PM

I'm thinking whippets/greyhounds. They are calm dogs, generally not aggressive/snappy/fearful. Not too big and fetch and play if you need them to.

didee · 11-18-2009, 11:11 PM

Thanks for the ideas...regarding whippets and greyhounds, they don't strike me as cuddlers. And aren't they the ones that, if they saw a squirrel, would go berserk?

I ought to change my criteria list to add "cuddly"

And yes, I meant 40# max. Optimally, I would like to be able to pick it up and carry it if necessary, e.g., if ill.

It seems like the dogs I love the looks of are oh, so hyperactive, such as border collies, Jack Russels and all terriers (except Yorkies and Rat). Are there any terriers which meet my wish list? We had a wired hair fox years ago (GREAT DOG!!! She actually caught a water rat that got into my sister's bedroom from the canal we lived on! Thank god I was away at college!). But she was an escape artist. People used to bring her home and say "we found your dog at the shopping center." Everyone knew her but she was hard to keep confined. Also had a Scottie, again, loved her, but at this point, I would prefer a more openly friendly dog vs a "one person" dog.

So disappointed about the sheltie barking comment.....I wasn't aware of that.

Keechak · 11-18-2009, 11:13 PM

How big are you? I
m 5foot 5 inches and I can carry a 70 pound dog no problem

and the greyhounds and whippets I've met all they wanted to do was cuddle.

didee · 11-18-2009, 11:22 PM

I'm 5'4 1/2" (hey, every bit counts). But I can only lift about 40 and I wouldn't want to have to carry it too far, just if needed, which I have had to do with prior dogs toward end of life. Guess my upper body strength isn't so great!

MoonStr80 · 11-18-2009, 11:22 PM

*edits*
My apologize I thought she was coming off being rude, she mention "TERRIERS" I think Miniature Schnauzers are good dogs they do need 8-6 trimming and a month of grooming depends how fast their coat grows

nikkiluvsu15 · 11-18-2009, 11:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MoonStr80

Removed so things make sense now.

I didn't really see anything wrong with the comment....

I think she was just asking if they were cuddlers because she/he didn't know.

Maybe not... That's just how I read it.

didee · 11-18-2009, 11:46 PM

I'm not sure what struck you as rude. We all have our preferences and whippets and greyhounds just don't strike me as being a breed I would look to cuddle with. That doesn't mean anyone else shouldn't cuddle with one if they choose to. I'm not disparaging anyone else's whippet or greyhound. If you felt I was insulting your dog, rest assured I'm not. Relax....this isn't intended to make judgments about breeds, it's about getting info so that I can get a dog that's right for me.

Michiyo-Fir · 11-18-2009, 11:47 PM

You know what? I'm going to recommend you the same thing that I recommended another person currently asking about breeds on this forum.

How about a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel? The only downside is that they are considered a toy breed, although the biggest one at 13-18lbs. Ours is 21 lbs so they're not really that small.

They are basically everything you've described other than not wanting a toy breed. But they are also spaniels.

didee · 11-18-2009, 11:56 PM

Quote:

How about a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel?

Very interesting suggestion....I will look into them. I know two people who have and adore them. Quickly read a summary and the temperament sounds perfect. Thnx!

MoonStr80 · 11-18-2009, 11:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by didee

Relax....this isn't intended to make judgments about breeds, it's about getting info so that I can get a dog that's right for me.

Okay! I'll have to make a list of breeds would be your type etc
Lemme ask you this what groups do you like other then herding & terrier groups? You can use positive reinforcement with any dog to be an pleasant dog to cuddle next to you

HayleyMarie · 11-19-2009, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Do not like toy breeds
Do not want a large/huge breed
Would prefer around 40 pounds max.
Want a calm, NOT HYPERACTIVE, but one which will play, run for the ball and frisbee, etc. (I love the JRTs and BCs, but I know they are too high energy for my home)
No fence jumpers or chronic barkers/howlers (neighbors)
Absolutely, positively NOT INTERESTED in breeds which can be fearful/snappish/aggressive
Rocket scientist not necessary, but I do enjoy doing training for obedience and doing tricks. I would like the dog to have the aptitude to be able to fetch

.

You said also that you like the terriers. Why not look into the WestHighland Terrier. They are more on the smaller side about 11 inches at the withers and only weighing about 20 pounds. They are great little dogs. Very outgoing and love love to play fetch and run around. People think terriers are yappy but in all my experiance in owning terriers we have never had a yappy terrier and traning could clear up the yappy problem. My Westie Teagan is very very cuddly. Female westies tend to be more independant than males. So males tend to be more of a velcro dog. They are very very smart as well, and I have never met a westie that did not learn very fast.

A terrier is a terrier and they do have high prey drive with smaller animals. But I know from experiance that they can be trained to get along with your small animals. I have owned terriers all my life as well as small animals and never have we had an accident with the terrier going after our small animals. It all has to do with training!

luvntzus · 11-19-2009, 09:43 AM

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier! Next question. lol Seriously though, I think they would be a really good fit. The breed standard is 30-45 pounds. They aren't as feisty as other terriers. I think they're active, but not hyperactive. They're affectionate, smart and cute.

Also meant to mention the Australian Labradoodle. It is very different from regular Labradoodle crosses. It is being developed toward purebred status and has many generations of research and health testing. The size you would want is the mini. They have a very even keel, friendly, loveable temperament. They're bred to be family pets and service dogs (guide dogs, therapy dogs, etc.) To me it seems like they have the best of both the Poodle and Labrador temperaments and of course a different look from either of them. There is a range of energy level, with some of them being active and others very mellow. And of course they are off the charts adorable.

sadd3j · 11-19-2009, 10:41 AM

Sounds a little bit like what I've been looking for in a dog.. I looked at the Wheaten Terrier and almost settled on them, but the wife isn't a huge fan. I ended up falling in love with the Polish Lowland Sheepdog. Should be picking up a puppy in early March and counting the days! A Schapendoes (Dutch sheepdog) may also fit the bill.. similar to the PON but lighter weight and supposedly more friendly / outgoing. Both of these breeds have high grooming requirements however.

Do not like toy breeds
Do not want a large/huge breed
Would prefer around 40 pounds max.

It might be on the big side.. they average about 40lbs. They're only about 18-20" tall, but they're very sturdily built.

Want a calm, NOT HYPERACTIVE, but one which will play, run for the ball and frisbee, etc. (I love the JRTs and BCs, but I know they are too high energy for my home)

They're calm but alert, but definitely need their daily exercise to be this way since they're herders.

No fence jumpers or chronic barkers/howlers (neighbors)

They can bark, but commonly kept in apartments (in Poland) and like the majority of dogs, can be trained when is appropriate to bark.

Absolutely, positively NOT INTERESTED in breeds which can be fearful/snappish/aggressive

Like some other herding dogs, they are aloof to strangers, and have an independent streak, so the biggest emphasis on the PON in particular is socialization, socialization, socialization. (but that goes for any breed you choose)

Rocket scientist not necessary, but I do enjoy doing training for obedience and doing tricks. I would like the dog to have the aptitude to be able to fetch.

PONs are extraordinarily smart and LOVE to please their owner, so are up for anything you are. Very easily trained. Can be used for therapy as well.

I ought to change my criteria list to add "cuddly"

See below. Enough said. That's the father of the litter we're waiting on