i need a small dog please

Doggy do, or doggy dont

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Coley.

Bryant Gumble
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Yes
My mum's dog died a couple years ago - think it was about 15 so had a good innings ! She was obviously gutted and i think through some kind of loyalty decided she wouldnt have another.
That's when it began...........her first replacement pet was a couple goldfish, which didn't last very long.
Her second attempt at another pet was 3 cockateils. She got rid of these after a few months, i think because they were unable to interact like a dog or a cat can.
I was chatting with my mum and auntie today and it was all sort of agreed a dog would be the best pet she could have- again.
Here's the problem. Im not that familiar with doggy breeds. The last one she had was a beagle cross terrier that my brother got/left with her.
I've been able to get this much from her so far-

it needs to be small, not tiny though

Needs to have fairly short hair, so shouldn't need clipping

Ideally not a hyperactive breed

I thought a Caesar type dog would have been ideal, but apparently its got too long coat.

Any help would be greatly received. If i can shortlist it to several breeds i can print off some a3 mugshots and then get searching. I did think about going to a blue cross type place, but after being bitten twice lately think id sooner just get a little pup so i know its history.

Thanks

Coley
 
Jack Russell. Although maybe a bit hyper, although I'd say it depends on its training. IMO all small dogs are a little hyper.
 
we have a Westie, and hes probably the best dog we have ever had..

So easy to train, mega loyal, Great lapdog and such a character..

Theres never a day where we dont laugh at the dog, and they are such a friendly breed.

He does need clipping every so often but its no more than once every 3 months or so!


Ollie Informing me that was HIS ball by justinsherman, on Flickr
 
Cavishon or at least I think that how it's spelt! I'm not a small dog person but we have one at the dealership and he's ace :)
 
Dan is right, I think all small dogs tend to be a bit hyper, Jack Russels for sure have no brakes but as long as they get enough exercise she'll be hard pressed to find a better companion.
 
lurcher = no chance, they are a big dog and very powerful when they want to be. they need lots of exercise and time

Jack Russel - Nutty dogs but lots of fun

why not something like a border collie? easy going, need walks but are easily trainable to be off a lead.
or even something like a labradoodle - they are good tempered dogs.
 
Just Dave said:
LOL they can be quite big though so not small :thinking:
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Depends on breeding
I've 3 at the minute, totally all different breeds
Ranging from 26 inchs to 13inchs high

I've had lurchers all my life plus many other dogs and nothing comes close for loyalty and behaviour
 
gazedd said:
lurcher = no chance, they are a big dog and very powerful when they want to be. they need lots of exercise and time

Jack Russel - Nutty dogs but lots of fun

why not something like a border collie? easy going, need walks but are easily trainable to be off a lead.
or even something like a labradoodle - they are good tempered dogs.
Click to expand...

Google lurcher

Why does everyone think i speak to think a lurcher is a one type of dog???
 
JS172 said:
we have a Westie, and hes probably the best dog we have ever had..
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Weve had a Westie (Rescue Dog) never again also I look after a Yorky wouldnt have one of those either, their both yapping and very nowty things not recommended near kids, we have Chocolate lab (so medium size) now hes a bit scatter but very obedient and gentle, even when the grandkids rag him about very friendly, but a bit of a handful when young and they can chew a lot so a dog pen for when you go out as therell be nowt left when you come home


Tyler Chocolate Labrador 18 Weeks Old by Just Daves Photos, on Flickr


Tyler Our Chocolate Labrador Sketch by Just Daves Photos, on Flickr


IMG_5204 Tyler My Dog Chocolate Lab Anglezarke Reservoir Chorley Lancashire by Just Daves Photos, on Flickr

Dave
 
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Steep said:
have no brakes
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Neither do Labs they have fauly brakes, yesterday he slammed into me twice on the same leg once on my calf and once on my knee, its not his fault hes just so keen and pleased to retrieve his stick, he gets carried away, mind you my legs very sore today
 
We also had a Black lab Max, he was a bit more urm sensible for the lack of a better word, but he was stolen out of our garden age 3yrs, but chew more well he went through a kitchen table and every kitchen chair, hence the pen when for Tyler when young, hes OK now age 2yrs 6 months
 
I suggest you and your Mum go to a rescue centre because there are lots of dogs that really need a home.

Rescue centre do have dogs that are going to be very difficult to house, in some cases impossible, but they also have many others, some of which just have not had the looking after they need or are old and need a home for a few years.

The centres are realistic and straightforward about their dogs when considering prospective owners. They are not going to release a dog that is uncontrollable and the last thing they want is to place a dog with someone only to have it be returned to them.

Rather than looking at particular breeds just have a look at the dogs the centre has and how they would fit in with your Mum's situation.


Dave
 
Re-read the post and yeah, Border Terrier sounds like a good dog to get.

Doesn't need clipping, but 'plucking' is reccommended, basically the hair is literally pulled out where it starts to get thick. Thats about it, it doesn't drop out that much either. Quote from Wiki:

The Border Terrier has a double coat consisting of a short, dense, soft undercoat and harsh, wiry weather and dirt resistant, close-lying outer coat with no curl or wave. This coat usually requires hand-stripping twice a year to remove dead hair. It then takes about eight weeks for the top coat to come back in. For some dogs, weekly brushing will suffice. Most Border Terriers are seen groomed with short hair but longer hair can sometimes be preferred.
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A good comparison image of groomed and natural:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bd/Border_Terrier_brothers.jpg

They come in two 'colours' blue and tan; I have one of each :)


Curious by Sarky., on Flickr


Dog Tired by Sarky., on Flickr
 
We have a shih tzu, great dog small but. Reds a lot of grooming

I've had Chinese crested dogs, they have rescue dog, go for a hairless or hairy hairless cute dogs

Or what about an Italian greyhound, they are delicate looking dogs, no idea on temperament thou
 
Dachshund, great ittle dogs, loads of character and fairly calm
 
Tringa said:
I suggest you and your Mum go to a rescue centre because there are lots of dogs that really need a home.

Rescue centre do have dogs that are going to be very difficult to house, in some cases impossible, but they also have many others, some of which just have not had the looking after they need or are old and need a home for a few years.

The centres are realistic and straightforward about their dogs when considering prospective owners. They are not going to release a dog that is uncontrollable and the last thing they want is to place a dog with someone only to have it be returned to them.

Rather than looking at particular breeds just have a look at the dogs the centre has and how they would fit in with your Mum's situation.


Dave
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:plus1:

They may also have some who are only there because they have lost their owners which may be ideal!

The staff will also know the temperament of the dogs and will know which ones to suggest for your mum, a young , untrained, boisterous puppy may not be the best thing for her, but they will also advise on this too if that is what you want.


Heather
 
I have a Cairn Terrier he is great dog, he is both chilled and hyper but more chilled, he has long hair but only needs stripping (never clip) twice a year gets most of his exercise around the garden so also perfect for the elderly.

there are loads of dog quizes you can do online to find the perfect dog for you ask you how much exercise you can give it, the size you want etc... I did a couple different ones and all came up with a Cairn :) I'd also did loads of research on little breads and the Cairns came up trump.

here he is :)


The Hunter by Kiteninja (Morgan Lee), on Flickr

I will say this if your determined to get a short haired dog no matter what people say you still have to maintain there coat with regular brushing etc....
 
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How about A Staffordshire Bull Terrior, meets all the criteria and theres are tons of cross breeds about.
 
Woblee said:
How about A Staffordshire Bull Terrior, meets all the criteria and theres are tons of cross breeds about.
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I agree. good choice (y)
 
stumac said:
Google lurcher

Why does everyone think i speak to think a lurcher is a one type of dog???
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I'm speaking from experience, We had one when I was 16 and he could drag me around a field with no problem at all. I was a sporty kid so it's not like I couldn't handle myself but he was extremely powerful and fast.
Remember the OP's requirement :rules: - it's for their mother, going by the average age on this site being more likely in the 30-40's, the chances of their mother being in prime shape is less likely.

However, in your defence - my dog was from a hunting family, so was not a cross from a whippet or any other smaller dog. Sadly he had to be out down as he attacked my brother twice.
 
A Cairn or a Border Terrier are perhaps the obvious choices - both seem to adapt themselves to the owner's lifestyle very readily.

A King Charles Spaniel would be another good choice. But not, in any circumstances, a Working Cocker or a Springer Spaniel, both need huge amounts of both exercise and stimulation. And the same goes for Working Sheepdogs/Border Collies - these dogs are bred and intended for work and where the working instinct is strong, they have the same needs as Springers, but in italics.

I would avoid all of the hound breeds, and of course I would also avoid the breeds that have a propensity to fight other dogs.
 
Woblee said:
How about A Staffordshire Bull Terrior, meets all the criteria and theres are tons of cross breeds about.
Click to expand...

pepi1967 said:
I agree. good choice (y)
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I'm not sure that would be the best choice for her.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not in the "anti-Staffie" brigade. We've had Staffs for 20 years, fantastic dogs and I wouldn't even consider any other breed for myself. Just not sure that they'd meet her requirements.
I wouldn't really classify them as small. They're pretty lively. And I don't know Coley's age, but if his mum's getting on a bit they're also very strong dogs that could easily pull her over if not well-trained on the lead.

To the OP.
My one piece of advice would be not to rule out a dog from a rescue centre without looking into it a bit more first. It sounds like your mum wants an easy to look after dog and whatever breed you choose, a puppy is going to be demanding. They will need training and they'll also go through a teething / chewing phase. There's a lot to be said for an adult rescue dog who's already gone through childhood and adolescence.
 
Thanks for all your suggestions (y)

Just reading through all the posts and put together a quick list of ones i think she may take a shine to-

Jack Russell
Westie
Cavachon
Border Terrier
King Charles spaniel
Cairn terrier

Gary, i think a border collie would be too big for her. Shes in her early 60's now so isnt going to be able to walk for miles and miles- as daft as this sounds, im also guessing a bigger dog would cost alot more to feed.

Stuart, I dont reckon she'd like a lurcher- too big

Lee, i think a staffie would scare her to death- might keep the burglars away though :LOL: Seriously though, i think it would be too powerfull and would end up taking her for walkies :nuts:

Gary your post is making me think. Perhaps im wrong persuading her to get another at her age. Shes had it pretty tough the last few years- divorce, dog dying, cateracts, diabetes etc. My auntie told me she sometimes goes to bed at 7 cause theres nothing else for her to do- i just thought at least with a dog there she would have a little more to do in the day. If i can figure out how, i'll try setting up a poll- doggy do, or doggy dont :shrug:

Thanks

Coley
 
Another vote for a Border Terrier. My friends have had them and they are brilliant, I personally prefer a bigger dog, other wise I'd have a Border Terrier or a Patterdale.
 
SarahLee said:
To the OP.
My one piece of advice would be not to rule out a dog from a rescue centre without looking into it a bit more first. It sounds like your mum wants an easy to look after dog and whatever breed you choose, a puppy is going to be demanding. They will need training and they'll also go through a teething / chewing phase. There's a lot to be said for an adult rescue dog who's already gone through childhood and adolescence.
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The rescue dog idea was more off putting for me. The last 2 that bit me both came from rescue centres- the last time nearly put me off dogs for good- still got the scars to prove it :shake:
I think having to get someone around to inspect her place, then reading all the rules and regulations might scare her off the idea altogether :shrug:
 
Yorkshire terrier.
You can get a few different sizes.
It has Hair,not fur.So no allergies.
(y)


PS
We have a border cross and the fur gets scruffy and needs pulling out.
We have ours trimmed regularly to keep it looking smart.
 
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Coley. said:
Lee, i think a staffie would scare her to death- might keep the burglars away though :LOL: Seriously though, i think it would be too powerfull and would end up taking her for walkies :nuts:
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Lol, they aren't that bad, big softies really. They are usually pretty quiet once they get tired of destroying your house :) (crates are a godsend)


A Border or Cairn would be good then
 
Coley. said:
The rescue dog idea was more off putting for me. The last 2 that bit me both came from rescue centres- the last time nearly put me off dogs for good- still got the scars to prove it :shake:
I think having to get someone around to inspect her place, then reading all the rules and regulations might scare her off the idea altogether :shrug:
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When you say the "last 2 that bit you", does that mean there have been more before that? Either you must have a job that brings you into contact with a lot of dogs or you're very unlucky.
I can understand how it might put you off but we're now on our 3rd rescue dog and my personal experience is that it's an immensely rewarding thing to do for both you and the dog. In the circumstances I just think that a puppy may be a bit much for your mum to cope with and the home visits are really not that invasive - more like a bit of a chat than a full inspection.

Not sure that I can answer your poll . . . it has to be your mum's decision. If she's bored, lonely and missing her last dog, there's no better companion to have, but she has to be the one to decide to make that commitment.
 
Haven't read the whole thread but what was your mum's last dog?
 
I can see from your posts Coley, that your Mum has had a difficult time recently and you want to do all you can to help her but, does the idea of a dog for your Mum comes from you rather than your Mum?

Has your Mum talked about getting another dog or have you suggested it to her to see her reaction?

Would the dog be a surprise for her?

If so, then I do not think that is a good idea. The person who is going to be responsible for the animal has to be the one making the decision to get one.

Sorry, if I have misunderstood your posts.

If your Mum is keen then I'd still look at rescue centres - if you have had at least two dogs from rescue centres (particularly if they have been from different centres) that have bitten you then you really have been unlucky.

A lot of the breeds already mentioned are great dogs but I'd not to be too determined to get a particular breed.

Agree with Gary about the more working type dogs, although I know a Springer Spaniel that is one of the easiest dogs to handle (but does need the exercise).

Dave
 
OMG! a labradoodle???? I've got 2, and have rehomed 9.... for an older person, never NEVER get a blimmin doodle! (sorry, seen too many sad endings with older owners)

if she wants a smaller dog, a cavalier or bichon might suit, and I've met the most adorable norfolk terrier, who isn't the yappy hyper idiot that so many terriers seem to be.

good luck with your search, how about looking at an oldie for her? http://www.oldies.org.uk they do amazing things, and the dog will already be housetrained and grown up, and more than grateful for a loving and stable home in their later years
x
 
Coley. said:
Gary your post is making me think. Perhaps im wrong persuading her to get another at her age. Shes had it pretty tough the last few years- divorce, dog dying, cateracts, diabetes etc. My auntie told me she sometimes goes to bed at 7 cause theres nothing else for her to do- i just thought at least with a dog there she would have a little more to do in the day. If i can figure out how, i'll try setting up a poll- doggy do, or doggy dont :shrug:

Thanks

Coley
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Personally, I would never persuade anyone to do anything like this, it needs to be her own decision and she needs to be either fully committed to it or to not do it at all.

Probably the worst things about her having a dog would be that she would be responsible for its welfare and happiness and would need to care for it at all times. It would need regular exercise, it would need to socialise with other dogs and people and she will need to take it out every day, regardless of the weather and regardless of how she feels about taking it out.

But probably the best things about her having a dog would be that she would be responsible for its welfare and happiness and would need to care for it at all times. It would need regular exercise, it would need to socialise with other dogs and people and she will need to take it out every day, regardless of the weather and regardless of how she feels about taking it out.

Maybe she needs to have that responsibility and purpose in life, but maybe that's the last thing she needs. That's why she needs to be sure before she decides.
 
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