Hi there, I'll start off by saying I don't want to run off and buy a dog tomorrow! It's been a consideration for a while now, but I'm only recently starting to look into the practicalities of dog ownership and finding a few suitable breeds would be a good start Whether you have had dogs previously I've owned many other animals, but never a dog as the title states. However my mother and fiance's family are experienced with them. Your circumstances - do you work etc? I'm currently not in work, but am looking to get into full or part time employment. When I do get a job though, my mum will still be at home in the day time, so the dog wont be alone. How much time you have for exercise At the moment, lots of time! In the future I'm not sure tbh. Maybe around an hour or so a day? Whether you have children, other pets etc No children for a fair few years, I hope; however we've 3 cats and I own a hamster. The dog in question MUST get on with the cats, or it's a no-go. What characteristics you are looking for I'm looking for something that is docile. My mum suffers greatly from MS and couldn't be subjected to a bolshy, boisterous or pushy dog. The prospective dog must above all be calm, friendly, good with small furries and be happy to cuddle without being really clingy What breeds you have already looked at and your thoughts on them I'd thought a small-medium size breed would be best, and looked briefly at Westies, purely for their size I'll admit. For aesthetics only, I love GSDs and collies, though I know the latter wouldn't really be manageable for us. At the moment a strong contender would be a relatively small greyhound for their placid nature, requirements for exercise and their being content to sleep all day. However there's the cats to consider, and they come before a maybe-dog. Is there anything with the nature of a greyhound, without the chase instinct maybe? :? Anything else you think might be relevant or important I would much rather rehome a dog from a pound or shelter, if possible, so rare or greatly sought after breeds only available from their breeders probably wouldn't fly. Other than that I'm open to ideas and suggestions, because I'm a bit stumped atm! Thanks in advance
If you're looking for a placid dog, then how about a slightly older rescue Labrador...? There are so many, both in general rescues and also breed specific ones, and a Lab that is 4 or older would be somewhat calmer than a younger one. One slight drawback might be that most Labs need more than one hour exercise a day, though. I think a Greyhound or Lurcher might be a good bet, again if you get a retired Greyhound via a rescue, you could possibly one that is fine with your other pets. A woman at our local park has a fab Lurcher and he's a real softy, and good with small animals, so it is possible. For a slightly bigger dog, what about a rescue slightly older Golden Retriever? If you got one aged five or six it would be much calmer than a younger one and - in general - Goldens have wonderful temperaments. In my experience, and it is just my personal experience, Goldens tend to calm down quicker than Labradors. Another idea is to just start checking out the websites of general rescue centres - there are so many medium sized dogs, various crossbreeds, that would no doubt be suitable I'm sure other people will come along and give you some great suggestions, do keep us posted!
Thanks Tabitha! I'd totally forgotten about labs and Golden Retrievers actually I know a couple of labs myself and they're lovely dogs, definitely two breeds to consider!
Yes, if typical of the breed, both have lovely natures Do be careful not to end up with a young, wildly energetic, excitable Lab though! I found that some rescue groups were far more careful than others in assessing dogs.
I think a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel would suit all your needs admirably. calm, cuddly, ok with small furries, docile, not at all boisterous, bolshy or pushy. And plenty available in rescue. One of the most cat like of dogs can take as little or as much exercise as you wish. Does not need specialist coat care nor shed like some of the double coated dogs (eg GSD, Goldies or Labradors). Ideal for a first time owner. http://www.cavalierrescue.co.uk/
Dachshund Lhasa Apso Shih Tzu Pug Cavalier Rescue greyhound as others have said - lots of rescues cat test so you can possibly find one that is safe with cats? I think quite a few of the toy breeds might suit you due to their less active, constantly on the go nature. Perhaps even a rescue staffie if it was a slightly older rescue which is calm and laid back?
I feel a medium sized mature dog would be best. One who wouldn`t need hours of walks and training. Why not have a look at your local Rescue centre and chat to them about what you can offer?
Don't be put off Greyhounds because of the cats. Most rescues cat-test, I know Greyhound Gap does, and will be able to give you a reliable Greyhound with cats. They fit all your requirments, an hour a day is fine and often too much for my Greyhound boy. He does like to have a good run a few times a week, so either a fenced in area or tennis court is good if your garden isn't huge. Most are really gentle and loving, my boy is really sappy. Best of luck finding your dog
As Insomnia said, a greyhound does sound like a good match for your requirements. I own a ex racing greyhound and a cat, they co-exist quite happily without any problems. Guinness will allow Tyr to take food from his bowl (although obviously I discourage Tyr from doing this) and isn't even reactive to strange cats when we're out and about. One thing I will say about most greyhounds though, you will never be able to leave anything edible unattended in any room they have access to, and a hound nose gets into places you wouldn't believe.
I would suggest a greyhound. My mum is in her early sixties and has a 2 year old rescue grey hound who is the soppiest most docile and lazy dog I ever met!! She is great with my kids and mums cat, and just needs a quick run off lead and then will happily sleep or cuddle all day. Also there are loads of greyhounds who need homes so maybe check out the greyhound rescue site. Good luck x
