Considering another dog.

[Thinx]

I like the way you said this. Probably not, but the housing agency I’m in doesn’t allow it.

Could you break the rules?

 

[Gracey]

Italian Spinone?
May be a little bigger than you were thinking but you won’t get a better temperament.
(Was thinking about your husband when considering temperament)

Staffordshire Bull Terrier?
Smaller than the Pit or English Bull Terrier.
If you approach a responsible breeder, let them know you’re looking for a pack driven/ companion animal and not a show dog or prey driven Staffy


A Staffy cross or mix may add hair ?
Useful for the temperature/snow?
Usually a mutt/ mongrel has fewer health problems, obviously there’s always exceptions to that.

I like the Cocker Spaniels
Perhaps keep paw and pad hair trimmed and thinned? Less impacted snow?

Lurchers are quite easy going dogs, you have to keep the fact they’re sight hounds in the back of your mind and work on excellent recall from a young age.
A gentle dog (until they’re off lead and ‘ping’ a fast moving something or other ... this is where that excellent recall comes into play
They’re sprinters not plodders so warm up really quickly. Shop bought coats aren’t necessary (if you avoid the smooth coated lurchers)

Have you had any more ideas @Mia?
Narrowed it down to any group? Toy group? Utility group? Etc.

 

[Mia]

Thanks @Gracey, those are excellent suggestions. Especially the Spinone, which I hadn't considered. A smaller female might be just right. From 25.5 to 31.5 kg and 22-25 cm at the withers. Not too large for my husband or myself. Requires minimal grooming, perhaps some stripping, for it's wire haired coat. There are several CKC breeders within the province and in an adjacent one. One of the positives is that the dog enjoys water, and would be able to swim nearby in the summer. The spinone would have to do with leash walks in the winter, yet when I snowshoe they could come along. I have yet to consider a dog outside the working breeds group, and the spinone even looks a little like a terrier

 

[Streetwise]

I couldn't get another pedigree dog !
I am scarred by the memory of the Cavalier King Charles puppy who died at 10 months old !!!!!!!!!!bleeding from its anus we knew nothing about puppy farms we were blind to the fact ,that he vomited after a few minutes in our house ,his sibling did the same thing ,I cannot repeat what I think about the breeder ,if only people in most countries knew how full rescue shelters are with animals they would never buy from a breeder .

 

[AloneNotLonely]

From an ethical standpoint I would first look to shelters. Unfortunately, you might live in a country with irresponsible shelters that might send you home with a dog that is not a good match.

As said before shelters are generally full of Pits and Chihuahuas. From your description these would both be a bad match (Both breeds that require a very firm hand as well as the size + barking issue from Chihuahuas).

The best breed I could suggest is a Poodle. It's totally perfect and I think it's the only one that meets all your requirements. Poodles are decent in cold weather (not great but all breeds with winter coats cannot be bathed), can be bathed, they are calm, don't bark and require no grooming (apart from an annual spring haircut, else they might get matting issues). They also come in all sizes so you can pick one that's suitable.

You would need a top notch shelter system in your country in order to find a suitable dog from a shelter since you do have... ahem... strict requirements

Wouldn't hurt to search a few neighbourhood shelters for a lucky Poodle, but don't expect everything.

 

[Kirsty]

Could you break the rules?

Haha. If I did, I’d be evicted.

 

[Thinx]

Just a thought. Sometimes they set a rule but don't enforce it.

Poodle mixes seem good too. My aunt had a terrier and Poodle mix, really bright cute little dog, as was her sister. Very long-lived too.

 

[Kirsty]

Just a thought. Sometimes they set a rule but don't enforce it.

I’ve already asked and gave them my reasons about my difficulties with interpersonal relationships, but said they have a very strict policy about having no pets as it is a houseshare. Oh well. I tried.

 

[Juliettaa]

Adorable pics @Mia

I hope you find a suitable pup

 

[Kirsty]

I’m so jealous, but I’m happy for you, Mia. The closest I can get is visiting my cousin’s dog soon. To make it even more special, I’m close to my cousin and my aunt. I love them so much unlike the rest of the family.

 

[AloneNotLonely]

I would not suggest a wire hair dachshund.

They are extremely fickle, do not listen and require a firm hand. They have a high risk of back/spinal issues and are not suitable for cold weather. Honestly... a Saint Bernard would be a better match (apart from the bathing/size issue).

 

[Rectify]

@Mia I would suggest a shelter dog too, if you can find one suitable from there. Nothing like saving a life and others have already pointed out the benefit of avoiding some of the health issues associated with purebred breeds.

Don't know how I feel about sweaters on dogs.

I love it. But I'm a wicked person.

I like the Chihuahuas for ease of maintenance, easy to pick up, big personalities, long living.

They wouldn't be much good for exercising with.

 

[Rectify]

The best breed I could suggest is a Poodle.

I like poodles, too. The larger sizes, not the mini. That sounds like I'm buying a drink or something :/

Oh - you found a dog! Sorry, I started the thread at the beginning and worked through

 

[Rectify]

@Mia yes I see. It's not always possible. I'm sorry you and your cocker sp. went through so much.
The little dachshunds look adorable anyway.

 

[Tom]

They wouldn't be much good for exercising with.

I wouldn't say it's impossible. I have taken regular long walks with some of mine (the larger mixes) at times. But they are more meant for people who won't be able to do strenuous exercise. In fact with the little ones, just running around the house or apartment is considered by many sufficient. Though most say at least one 20 minute walk outside daily is best.

 

[Gracey]

I hope you let logic rule over emotion when going to "look" at those pups

Don't know much about the Dachshunds.
Intelligent, small game hunters is about it. Can be prey driven.

Good luck anyway

 

[Rectify]

I wouldn't say it's impossible. I have taken regular long walks with some of mine (the larger mixes) at times. But they are more meant for people who won't be able to do strenuous exercise. In fact with the little ones, just running around the house or apartment is considered by many sufficient. Though most say at least one 20 minute walk outside daily is best.

I actually think they would be a good breed for me.

 

[Tom]

I've known one that I looked after for months, for many years. He was quite intelligent and would trick my cocker by running toward the door barking when there was no one there. So he could take her treat. He actually made plans to trick her many times.

I realize that a dog that I really liked who was of the same breed, was a 'one off'. That it simply is impossible to replace one particularly wonderful dog with another. As they are all different individually. Yet I do like the breed, as I've known one, and I think I'm hoping that there are some similar characteristics that I grew to love over many years. These puppies will just be opening their eyes next week. So I will go to see the dam and sire and look at the little ones.

I've also been considering that I would like a dog that I can train, from early on. So young enough that I won't have to deal with bad habits, such as barking.

Just be sure not to take from Mom too early. They get important socialization skills from Mom and siblings.

 

[Mia]

Just be sure not to take from Mom too early. They get important socialization skills from Mom and siblings.

Never, I've known dogs who were removed from their moms too early. They had both physical and behavioral problems. It will tell me a lot about the breeder, if they offer to sell the puppies too early.

 

[Gracey]

Approximately 12 - 16 weeks is a fair age to be separated from it's litter mates.
(dependant on pups temperament/breed)

There's much happening within the litter till approximately week 10.
Learning bite inhibition, fear/hazard avoidance, socialisation, some self control, pecking order and so on.
- these are things the litter mates learn from each other.

I'd agree with you @Mia, two dogs of the same breed, even the same litter may display different temperaments, levels of intelligence etc.

When my old Dobermann passed on, as much as I dearly wanted another Dobermann, the new dog wouldn't replace the old dog.
my expectations of the new Dobermann would be too high.


with regard to training,
any dog can be trained, even older dogs.
You only have to discover what motivates it.
What opens up those dopamine pathways,
what the dog prizes above all else and use it, work with what traits are there naturally