[Lemon Haze]

I'll be getting my own dog for the first time soon and was wondering what to get? I'm home mopst of the time, but will am looking for 20hrs work per week, so the dog would be on it's own for that time. I want a puppy, not an adult dog.

They need to be

a)Small to medium size
b) Playful and affectionate dog that will follow me around.
b) Needs about 30-45 mins excercise a day
c) Doesn't molt heavily

I was thinking maybe a Beagle, but I heard that they are difficult to house train and pee everywhere? Then I was thinking a long legged Jack Russell, but maybe they are too energetic?

[molliepops]

All puppies pee everywhere at some tiime, as dogs go into their declining years they can do it all over again so really get used to pee.

No breed will be more likely to follow you around that is down to individual personalities and training.

Same goes for playful and affectionate.

Pups should not be walked more than 5 minutes for every month of life to make sure they develop good bones and joints.

Having said all that JR's are great little bossy dogs but they are terriers and that can bring very different behaviours to other types of dog. Beagles I have no experience of so can't really comment.

[Fizzee Rascal]

I'm biased, but I reckon you should get a staffy.

[molliepops]

Why oh why when the OP is obviously a novice would you suggest a staffie - they are bigger than JR's and still terriers no matter how you try to say they are soft and lovable they still have terrier instincts.

[CBFreak]

If you don't mind spending out on Groomers your best bet might be something like Bichon Frise.

[StressMonkey]

Originally Posted by molliepops

Why oh why when the OP is obviously a novice would you suggest a staffie - they are bigger than JR's and still terriers no matter how you try to say they are soft and lovable they still have terrier instincts.

They do have more of a 'people pleaser' attitude than many terriers though. I don't think a Staffie is a terrible choice for a beginner. Better than a JR - though as long as you familiarise yourself with terrier nature (stubborn, independant, high prey drive) they can be fine.

Nor do I think a Beagle is a bad choice for the beginner as long as you are aware they may never be able to be let off lead (poor recall), follow their noses to the exclusion of all else, need lots of exercise and crave company.

However, none fit the bill for the OP.

OP - how do you feel about grooming? A Cavelier King Charles Spaniel might be a good choice or Shih tzu? Well natured dogs, trainable, will be content with 45 mins a day walking (though better to give more) Not sure how much a CKCS molts but Shih Tzu's have a 'haired' coat like a poodle so don't shed but do need a trip to the doggy salon every few weeks.

The only thing with CKCS is poor breeding has produced some dogs with horrendous health problems that you would need to be very aware of when selecting your puppy.

[Josephine_1]

How about a retired racing greyhound/whippet they don't have excessive exercise needs two 20-25 minute walks a day or a good run in a secure area off lead and they are happy to be laying around sleeping for the most part as you will be working some of the time and are loyal to their owner.

Or if you want a breed that is known for little to no shedding then there is the poodle.

The two breeds you mention- well I'd say no. As a long legged Jack russell owner myself and knowing the breed inside out they may be very common but they are not an easy breed at all and require a lot more exercise than you mention. Also the beagle are a really difficult breed that needs a lot of research before going into. They follow their nose and if let off lead without solid recall may not come back to you for hours upon hours!

Also if you are going to work consider what you will do if your hours increase and you are out longer. Do you plan to get a dog walker in or drop your dog at daycare for eg or will you be able to pop home in lunch hour to walk them?

If you have a puppy instead of an adult they won't be able to be left alone for longer periods for some time and in order to have a well adjusted dog you will need to be around with them so consider if you will be able to have sufficent time off work if in work at that point.

[Wee Tinkers]

I'd recommend you read, read, read first - on breeds and behaviour and training (no dog will be a dream without enough exercise and discipline (positive, reward based).

We got a book on dog breeds first to narrow it down and now we've got our shortlist we are researching each breed thoroughly.

To make sure you are prepared for training I'd suggest watching or reading Victoria Stilwell (It's me or the dog) or similar.

Here's a link to a pet forum for you to take a mosey through if it's any use to you. I kindly linked it to a fun thread that gives you an idea of what you're letting yourself in for. Pssst, you are doomed....

http://www.petforums.co.uk/dog-chat/...realities.html


Posted before I'd finished.

Try reading up on the toy breeds - Cavalier King Charles spaniels (I consider them the least wussy of the Toy breeds)and Bichon Frise in particular. A Bichon's life revolves around entertaining and pleasing you. Although some toy breeds can be harder to toilet train so more patience will be needed . Don't know if you'd find that a major problem or not.

Beagles would be a favourite of mine but they really don't like to be on their own (prone to howling as hound breeds do) and are harder to train off the lead as they'll be off on a scent leaving you standing like a lemon.

Labradors are wonderfully loving, loyal and adorable companions but probably too big for you (some labs are smaller than others and would be considered 'medium'....but risky if buying a pup as you may end up with a large lab.

Tbh most dogs will adore you and follow you if looked after correctly as they are a pack animal and, in time and training, will see you as a pack member.

Good luck.

[Aarghawasp!]

How about a retired racing greyhound/whippet they don't have excessive exercise needs two 20-25 minute walks a day or a good run in a secure area off lead and they are happy to be laying around sleeping for the most part as you will be working some of the time and are loyal to their owner.

*nodding* Low maintenance dog = greyhound/whippet/lurcher. Very affectionate, lazy and cuddly in the house and don't need a huge amount of walking. My lurcher didn't shed at all and never got that doggy smell - he had no undercoat so needed to wear a coat in cold wet weather.

Lurcher Link

[Wee Tinkers]

It's well seen I'm so tired I'm borderline sleep drunk (and a bit biased :-o) as I completely disregarded numbers 3 & 4 on your wish list when I mentioned labs. They need far more exercise and molt everywhere. All the time. Endlessly. Sorry.

[TWS]

Originally Posted by Lemon Haze

I'll be getting my own dog for the first time soon and was wondering what to get? I'm home mopst of the time, but will am looking for 20hrs work per week, so the dog would be on it's own for that time. I want a puppy, not an adult dog.

They need to be

a)Small to medium size
b) Playful and affectionate dog that will follow me around.
b) Needs about 30-45 mins excercise a day
c) Doesn't molt heavily

I was thinking maybe a Beagle, but I heard that they are difficult to house train and pee everywhere? Then I was thinking a long legged Jack Russell, but maybe they are too energetic?

most dogs should have more than 30 mins exercise a day and a lot of the smaller terrier types need more than some bigger dogs.

You will also need to provide a lot of training, mental stimulation and proper socialisation if you get a puppy and there is no guarantee you will end up with a dog that follows you around.

Beagle as like all scent hounds will have issues with their attentions span and recall, jack russell as terriers can be a nightmare depends how much effort you are going to put into training it, if you are only going to put in the 30 mins it takes to walk the dog i cannot imagine you spending hours over the months training it so it is happy healthy and well balanced.

I would really suggest something low maintenance from a rescue

[bazaar1]

Op why do you want a puppy?for a first dog a puppy isnt always a good idea, you really need to 'know' dogs before you attempt a puppy! Why not get a young rescue dog, there'll be less training required and you'll be able o leave them a bit longer

[DaisyBumbleroot]

Originally Posted by Lemon Haze

I'll be getting my own dog for the first time soon and was wondering what to get? I'm home mopst of the time, but will am looking for 20hrs work per week, so the dog would be on it's own for that time. I want a puppy, not an adult dog.

They need to be

a)Small to medium size
b) Playful and affectionate dog that will follow me around.
b) Needs about 30-45 mins excercise a day
c) Doesn't molt heavily

I was thinking maybe a Beagle, but I heard that they are difficult to house train and pee everywhere? Then I was thinking a long legged Jack Russell, but maybe they are too energetic?

we have a parsons terrier (long legged jack)

He is great!

He fits the first three of your quota. Very affectionate and playful and is like my shadow. HE is very energetic but he gets a quick 10 min walk on the morning and a run round the park for 45 mins to an hour. Plus we play with him too and he seems to be fine with that.

He is a clever little chap as well, dead quick to learn.


He does moult though, but you can get brushes that have small hooks to get most of it out, if you brush every day.

[StressMonkey]

Originally Posted by Wee Tinkers

It's well seen I'm so tired I'm borderline sleep drunk (and a bit biased :-o) as I completely disregarded numbers 3 & 4 on your wish list when I mentioned labs. They need far more exercise and molt everywhere. All the time. Endlessly. Sorry.

lol - I was going to go 'LAB!! Low Molt!!!' with as many as I DS would allow

[molliepops]

Originally Posted by StressMonkey

They do have more of a 'people pleaser' attitude than many terriers though. I don't think a Staffie is a terrible choice for a beginner. Better than a JR - though as long as you familiarise yourself with terrier nature (stubborn, independant, high prey drive) they can be fine.

Nor do I think a Beagle is a bad choice for the beginner as long as you are aware they may never be able to be let off lead (poor recall), follow their noses to the exclusion of all else, need lots of exercise and crave company.

However, none fit the bill for the OP.

OP - how do you feel about grooming? A Cavelier King Charles Spaniel might be a good choice or Shih tzu? Well natured dogs, trainable, will be content with 45 mins a day walking (though better to give more) Not sure how much a CKCS molts but Shih Tzu's have a 'haired' coat like a poodle so don't shed but do need a trip to the doggy salon every few weeks.

The only thing with CKCS is poor breeding has produced some dogs with horrendous health problems that you would need to be very aware of when selecting your puppy.

The problem with staffies though is they are feared dogs these days, and I think a newbie to dogs needs a dog other people won't be running away from or removing their dog from just because of it's breed.

[Fizzee Rascal]

Originally Posted by molliepops

Why oh why when the OP is obviously a novice would you suggest a staffie - they are bigger than JR's and still terriers no matter how you try to say they are soft and lovable they still have terrier instincts.

I've had Staffs for a long while now and would suggest they are the perfect dog for a beginner.

They are bigger than Jacks, yes, but they have a far more pleasant temperament IMO.

[StressMonkey]

Originally Posted by molliepops

The problem with staffies though is they are feared dogs these days, and I think a newbie to dogs needs a dog other people won't be running away from or removing their dog from just because of it's breed.

I don't think they are as feared as the Daily Mail would want. But I perhaps would stear clear if I lived in a urban area where there was a preponderance of idiots with Staffies, Staffie Crosses & Pitbull types.

Living in the country I am more fearful of Collies and poorly trained Labs!!

As for the dog being confiscated for being a Staff, this doesn't happen. Staff Crosses - yes. I've heard of Staff X Labs (fantastic mix BTW but can be prone to molting) being taken, but not pure Staffs. They look NOTHING like a Pit.

[year 1957]

Originally Posted by Lemon Haze

I'll be getting my own dog for the first time soon and was wondering what to get? I'm home mopst of the time, but will am looking for 20hrs work per week, so the dog would be on it's own for that time. I want a puppy, not an adult dog.

They need to be

a)Small to medium size
b) Playful and affectionate dog that will follow me around.
b) Needs about 30-45 mins excercise a day
c) Doesn't molt heavily

I was thinking maybe a Beagle, but I heard that they are difficult to house train and pee everywhere? Then I was thinking a long legged Jack Russell, but maybe they are too energetic?

I recommend a westie

a) small
b) very playfull and freindly if treated right
c) does not require a lot of exercise
d) does not moult at all requires a hair cut about once a year.
e) very cute face, and little compact muscular frame.
f) likes to hunt spiders.
g)throaty little bark
h) likes companionship
i) surprisingly clever

[DaisyBumbleroot]

Originally Posted by year 1957

I recommend a westie

a) small
b) very playfull and freindly if treated right
c) does not require a lot of exercise
d) does not moult at all requires a hair cut about once a year.
e) very cute face, and little compact muscular frame.
f) likes to hunt spiders.
g)throaty little bark
h) likes companionship
i) surprisingly clever

I have a prejudice against westies, I've no idea why, maybe I was growled at by one as a kid, but I get the impression they are grumpy little sods I don't know any or know anyone with a westie, so I'm probably prejudiced for no reason. Sorry to any lovely westie owners....!


My dad think ALL small dogs are Yappy little buggers, not true, Ren the jrt barely says a word, McGee the parson barks sometimes. But he is right about Cabbage, our yorkie. Noisy little bugger, she is.

[molliepops]

Originally Posted by StressMonkey

I don't think they are as feared as the Daily Mail would want. But I perhaps would stear clear if I lived in a urban area where there was a preponderance of idiots with Staffies, Staffie Crosses & Pitbull types.

Living in the country I am more fearful of Collies and poorly trained Labs!!

As for the dog being confiscated for being a Staff, this doesn't happen. Staff Crosses - yes. I've heard of Staff X Labs (fantastic mix BTW but can be prone to molting) being taken, but not pure Staffs. They look NOTHING like a Pit.

No one suggested they did or would be confiscated ?? And pit bulls have not been mentioned

[StressMonkey]

Originally Posted by molliepops

No one suggested they did or would be confiscated ?? And pit bulls have not been mentioned

Sorry - misunderstood the 'removing their dog from' bit fo you post I though you meant removing the Staffie - you meant random people moving their own dogs away from the Staffie. Got that now

But again, I think that depends on the area, the owners and the dogs in question.

Daisy - I'm not a massive Westie fan either - the one I used to live next door to was an unholy terror and used to attack its owner. I've known a few others, some are fantastic, some are quite difficult. I just think they are a bit hit and miss to take a risk on for a first time owner.

[crunchienut]

Originally Posted by molliepops

The problem with staffies though is they are feared dogs these days, and I think a newbie to dogs needs a dog other people won't be running away from or removing their dog from just because of it's breed.

But thats the problem, if everyone thinks like that staffies will end up in even a worse position than they are now. I have grown up around staffies and found them to be the most loving and loyal dogs (i currently have a Rodesian Ridgeback cross, and he's a great grumpy sod! I love him though!). Shelters are full to bursting with staffies and its heartbreaking because they are so eager to please.
If your out and about and see a staffie (or any dog for that matter) look for the owner! That will tell you all you need to know about whether they are safe to approach.
As for people not allowing their pets near staffies, if someone takes their dog away from yours simply because it is a staffie then they are not worth bothering with anyway.

[molliepops]

Originally Posted by crunchienut

But thats the problem, if everyone thinks like that staffies will end up in even a worse position than they are now. I have grown up around staffies and found them to be the most loving and loyal dogs (i currently have a Rodesian Ridgeback cross, and he's a great grumpy sod! I love him though!). Shelters are full to bursting with staffies and its heartbreaking because they are so eager to please.
If your out and about and see a staffie (or any dog for that matter) look for the owner! That will tell you all you need to know about whether they are safe to approach.
As for people not allowing their pets near staffies, if someone takes their dog away from yours simply because it is a staffie then they are not worth bothering with anyway.

But no matter how you feel about staffies encouraging someone who has never owned a dog, no idea as it's an internet forum who or what they are to take one on is as likely to end up with another one in rescue or worse as anything.

[crunchienut]

Originally Posted by molliepops

But no matter how you feel about staffies encouraging someone who has never owned a dog, no idea as it's an internet forum who or what they are to take one on is as likely to end up with another one in rescue or worse as anything.

I wasn't encouraging anyone to have a staffie as a first dog, alot of people are not suited to staffies, just as alot of people arent suited to huskies, i was simply pointing out that alot of people have this (very vocal) idea of staffies being vicious (because of the morons who raise them to be violent!) where it is actually the complete opposite, and it puts alot of people, first time owners or not, off them. If a first time dog owner feels a saffie is right for them, they should get it regardless of what 'others' might think.
I understand what you are saying though, i'm not all that certain about protocols for first time dog owners, like i said i have grown up with them, but the dog should fit the owner-to-be's lifestyle and personality.

[Duncan_Styles]

My sister bought a Shih Tzu a few months back. Here is a vid of her at about 8 weeks old http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60j_IINGh9o (the dog, not my sister)

She follows my sister everywhere, she loves to know what is going on and is very friendly, basically just wants to be friends with everyone. She likes to lie on your feet if you are sat on the sofa,

I'm not a dog person but I love this dog to bits, no problems being around her or playing.

So can be quite possessive, when playing with a ball she has to have it. She wont do anything with it, she just wants to have it and doesn't want you to have it. Place two balls at opposite ends of the lawn, walk towards one and she stands over it, walk to the other one and she runs to cover that one. Its quite funny.

I don't know what they are like as a breed in general but this one is very good company and very cute.