Dog Community

Need some breed suggestions

Posted : 12/7/2006 7:47:25 PM

Hello everyone,

My girlfriend and I are looking to get a dog in the coming spring. Right now we are doing research to find a breed that is right for us. The problem is, she wants a small dog, ie. Yorkie, Dachsund, Corgi, while I want a "normal" sized dog, ie. Lab, German Shephard, Rhodesian Ridgeback. So right now we're trying to find a compromise breed. I guess what we're looking for is something around 20" tall, and in the 30-40 lb range. We live in a smaller duplex (1100 sq. ft), so we can't really have something that is quite active inside.

We have a small yard, so we have room to exercise and have several large fields around us. So far the one we can agree on is the Shiba Inu, but the more I read about it, the more it seems that it's personality won't fit with what we want. It sounds like it can be a very demanding, high maintenance dog, which I don't think we can handle at this point. The other option we have both agreed upon is the American Staff Terrier. I know it's a little out of the "range" we're looking, but we both like it and it's not as big as other dogs I like. We're going to the Boston dog show on Saturday to get some more info and ideas.

So anyways, can anyone reccomend any other breeds to consider? Thanks very much for the help.

alieliza

Posted : 12/7/2006 8:55:52 PM

Do you mean the American Staffordshire Terrier? They are really great dogs for the right people, but I will tell you that I own an American Pit Bull Terrier (hes the greatest dog) but hes very active... Indoors, Outdoors, you name it. I don't think that you are going to have much luck finding a dog that is inactive indoors, unless you adopt an older dog. I will say, though, that I live in an apartment that is probably around 1200+ square feet (as an estimate) and he gets a good amount of exercise/play indoors, running through the apartment (its set up in a way that he has a long run through it, sort of rail road style).

Do your reasearch, as I see you have been doing...

An Amstaff/Pit Bull would probably be a good choice, as they are extremely affectionate, and may fulfill that "lap dog" quality your girlfriend seems to be looking for, but in a bigger size.

They are loyal, affectionate, fun, gorgeous dogs. They have incredible personalities... I just cannot say enough good things about them!

You must be prepared, however, to be an advocate for the breed. Owning this kind of dog, as rewarding as it will definitely be, you are going to have to defend your choice to some, and spread the good word.

ColleenC

Posted : 12/7/2006 10:00:31 PM

You might think about adopting an adult, maybe a year or two old. Then you can see the full size and its temperment. Try looking at shelters. You might be surprised with the dog you fall in love with! Going to shows are a great way to find a dog if you are looking for a purebred. Talk to the breeders. Most are willing to answer questions.

Xerxes

Posted : 12/7/2006 10:03:43 PM

How much experience do you have with dogs? How long will the dog be alone during the day?

You might want to consider adopting an older dog, not necessarily a puppy. If you're looking for a relatively inactive breed inside, have you considered adopting a retired greyhound? While it's true that they are a bit larger than you are considering, they are couch potatoes most of the time. There are several idoggers that have them and I'm sure they'll chime in about them. They are great for apartment life, most are very quiet, and they require a lot less activity than one would think.

Just some food for thought.

jjsmom06

Posted : 12/8/2006 12:47:34 AM

Underdog...
can you tell us what are some of the "traits" you and your girlfriend looking for in a dog? This might help us to narrow it down a bit for you because the breeds you mentioned are kind of all over the board in terms of personality, etc.

As far as the duplex issue, I would stay away from the very active breeds unless you plan to do a lot of walking and exercising with your pup. Although having a yard does not exclude folks from not giving regular excercise including daily walks.

As Xerxes pointed out...a retired racing greyhound might potentially be a good option for your living situation, but then again sighthounds have some very specific needs and are not for everyone.

If you can give us more insight into how this dog will fit into your lives and also what you both are wanting in terms of personality it would be very helpful![

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Katy Harvey

Posted : 12/8/2006 8:56:28 AM

Although a bit smaller than you are looking for, how about a Sheltie? They are usually around 20lbs and 12-14" tall, with some larger than that (although that's not the breed standard). They are active dogs however they are small enough that then can get plenty of exercise in a small home and won't destroy the house knocking things over in the process. They are very agile and careful. Although they are herding dogs they don't have as strong of a herding drive as say a Border Collie or Aussie. They can be yappy though, but my Sheltie never barked unless he had a reason, like when people were at the door (good watch dog), he never barked just to bark. They love to rough house and are very smart. Pretty dogs on top of it all, they are like little Lassies. Just be prepared for brushing and taking to the groomers from time to time. My first husband was a Lab kinda guy and loved our Sheltie--we ended up fighting over him in the divorce!! But I got him of course, hee hee! My second (and current) husband also prefers larger dogs but Britt was his buddy, and he cried as much as I did when he passed away in July, he was 14-1/2, they live a long time!

I also agree that it's a good idea to adopt an older dog, you'll know what you've got!

rwbeagles

Posted : 12/8/2006 9:44:39 AM

If you like AmStaffs but they're a bit big, then why not an actual Staffordshire Bull Terrier?

This breed gets overlooked too often IMO...they are SWEET dogs..typically great with kids (known as the Nanny Dog in England), but other dogs...like with an AmStaff are not always easy. They love people and are up for any sort of game or just cuddling.

I think they tend to get lumped in and people forget about them...but IMO they are a nicer breed...because of their even more compact size and the fact that they aren't bred by seemingly everyone lol!
[linkhttp://www.sbtca.com/site01/]http://www.sbtca.com/site01/[/link]

houndlove

Posted : 12/8/2006 9:51:41 AM

Well, how about a mutt?

If you adopt from a shelter or rescue that has a good foster program and/or temperment testing/evaluation program, there's a good chance that you can find a dog who really fits your needs.

Erica Saunders

Posted : 12/8/2006 10:29:15 AM

Hmm, here's some possiblities that might be worth considering:
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (possibly ideal for what you want) [link>http://animal.discovery.com/breedselector/dogprofile.do?id=2150]http://animal.discovery.com/breedselector/dogprofile.do?id=2150[/link]
- Cocker Spaniel [link>http://animal.discovery.com/breedselector/dogprofile.do?id=1610]http://animal.discovery.com/breedselector/dogprofile.do?id=1610[/link]
- Mini Schauzer [link>http://animal.discovery.com/breedselector/dogprofile.do?id=2010]http://animal.discovery.com/breedselector/dogprofile.do?id=2010[/link]
- Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier [link>http://animal.discovery.com/breedselector/dogprofile.do?id=2080]http://animal.discovery.com/breedselector/dogprofile.do?id=2080[/link]
- Tibetan Terrier [link>http://animal.discovery.com/breedselector/dogprofile.do?id=1600]http://animal.discovery.com/breedselector/dogprofile.do?id=1600[/link]
- Norwich, Cairn or West Highland Terrier [link>http://animal.discovery.com/breedselector/dogprofile.do?id=2110]http://animal.discovery.com/breedselector/dogprofile.do?id=2110[/link]
- Havanese [link>http://animal.discovery.com/breedselector/dogprofile.do?id=2190]http://animal.discovery.com/breedselector/dogprofile.do?id=2190[/link]
- Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen (PBGV, very cool dogs) [link>http://animal.discovery.com/breedselector/dogprofile.do?id=1350]http://animal.discovery.com/breedselector/dogprofile.do?id=1350[/link]
- Tibetan Spaniel [link>http://animal.discovery.com/breedselector/dogprofile.do?id=1590]http://animal.discovery.com/breedselector/dogprofile.do?id=1590[/link]
- Whippet (like greyhounds, tend to be very quiet housedogs but smaller) [link>http://animal.discovery.com/breedselector/dogprofile.do?id=1400]http://animal.discovery.com/breedselector/dogprofile.do?id=1400[/link]

The CKCS, PBGV or Whippet might be the best matches depending on what you prefer in traits, with the Whippet matching the listed information the most closely. There are long-haired whippets as well although very uncommon (very neat looking though, sort of like a whippet for canadian winters)

jjsmom06

Posted : 12/8/2006 1:45:33 PM

Well, how about a mutt?

If you adopt from a shelter or rescue that has a good foster program and/or temperment testing/evaluation program, there's a good chance that you can find a dog who really fits your needs.

I love mutts...talk about great doggies![

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Underdog_19

Posted : 12/8/2006 2:38:33 PM

Thanks for all the replies.

My girlfriend wants a dog she can cuddle with and isn't large.

I want a dog I can take out and throw the ball, run with etc. Not too interested in guard/watch dog aspect, but those would be an added bonus.

Being able to be sociable with other dogs and people is very important as my parents have a lab and my girlfriend's mom has a Yorkie and Dachsund that our dog would be interacting with.

I'd like a dog that is short coated and not something you need to take to a groomer ever month. My previous experiences with dogs have been 2 labs (black and yellow) and a Norweigen Elkhound.

So far I'm really digging the AmStaff. Everything that I've read sounds great and very interesting. Had a couple questions about them though. Are they into retrieving or is it throw and wait till they drop it or lose interest? How are they with new babies? One day the gf and I will get married and have kids (maybe). How does the AmStaff handle that?

Another breed that's creeping up on me a little is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. The length of the coat is what's sticking me though.

Anyways, thanks for the help and any more is greatly appreciated.

muckypup

Posted : 12/8/2006 2:57:50 PM

I know they are a little bit bigger but I'd just get a Lab or a Shepherd. Definitely try the pound or Petfinder.

houndlove

Posted : 12/8/2006 3:36:48 PM

Well, you can tell your girlfriend that it's possible to snuggle with large dogs! My coonhound especially is a complete snuggle monkey. Large dogs have the extra added bonus of being awesome to spoon with too.

alieliza

Posted : 12/8/2006 3:44:41 PM

Another thing you may want to consider is a Boston Terrier. They are like small big dogs... lol

As far as AmStaffs go, I can't speak for that breed specifically, but Tyson, my APBT, *loves* to play fetch... he will chase a ball all day.

The problem, though, is that unless you adopt an adult dog (2 years +) you will not be able to know if the dog will grow up to be sociable with other dogs. Amstaffs and APBTs can grow up to be dog aggressive.

rwbeagles

Posted : 12/8/2006 3:51:25 PM

Some Beagles fetch....I have had two in fact. Ellie will fetch all day.

They are champion cuddlers and extremely sociable with people and other animals...even small furry's. Might consider them.