Help me pick a dog
 

So it’s been a few years since we lost Cheyenne

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My wife and I are considering dogs, I say dogs because we would like two to keep each other company (not that there is much separation with the whole Covid thing), but we differ in companions.

I like medium to large dogs and she would like smaller ones. I get it makes sense if there are two, but not a game changer for me. I’ve had a mutt and a Weimaraner, loved them both, medium dogs, I like short hairs, but I’m open. My wife likes the “cuddly” ones, but I’m open.

I know when I ask what would you suggest, it will be all “what I have”, but if I said what are good options for:

- medium to small dog
- friendly, good temperament
- can’t fit in a carry bag
- smart
- affectionate, but knows who the Alfa male is
- is not super active, high maintenance
- Does not shed like a banshee

What are some options?

how about a greyhound?

there are rescue groups who specialize in them

they're mostly couch potatoes and are quiet

if you take them for a walk and they see a rabbit or a squirel be prepared for a chase

australian sheep dogs are also nice

Australian Cattle dog AKA heeler. Not that big, loyal, playful and loving.

I have two heelers. Psycho high energy monsters.

If you want the best of both world adopt a ten year old cattle dog. The personality and intelligence without the crazy.

Border Terriers are a one size fits all sort of dog. Get them into the hills it's time for action - no kisses or cuddles thank you! Back home they want to lick clean and fix the cat's bung eye - best friends. Time to watch TV - maybe time for a cuddle and watch the TV in case a dog comes on the telly or maybe even a rabbit!

Energy levels aren't such that doesn't matter what I do it's mot enough. By the time I've run out of steam so have they.

Safe with kids and waitresses.

Funny. Your wish list looks a lot like mine did.

We even mostly got what we wanted. We adopted a Black Mouth Cur. Totally random. He was a puppy and a rescue. We didn’t know what he was nor his attributes.

47#. Short hair. Smart as hell. Loyal to death. Sensitive. I hold him on my lap most days. Very protective- we don’t need doors (let alone locks) on our home! He does need a walk each day or more.

There are lots of similar dogs that should suit you. Once upon a time, I used to peruse shelters for fun. After Christmas, there should be plenty as demand falls then.

Keep us posted and good luck.

LOL ... you snapped yer Chuckit .... what's poochie gettin' for Christmas? I had the shorter blue one .... a real rotator cuff saver, and kept it on my back deck... it got down to the upper 20s one night a week back and later that evening, even at much warmer temps.... it snapped like a twig in 2 places... where yours did and another 4" up :(. I HAD to replace it immediately .... got one just like the one pictured. Although it's quite warm now ... it won't stay outside during cold weather .... hope it lasts longer than 6 months.... it's a necessity for my 65 lb, bred to run all day, and she sheds like a banshee, a Chocolate Lab that is the most perfect dawg in the world.... for me.

Do NOT get a Lab .... I luv 'em, but not the dog for the OP ;)...

Good luck on your dawgy search tho' :)!

Whatever you and your wife decide please ...... please get two dogs from your local humane society . There are so many good pets just needing to be rescued . It's a win win . I am 63 years old and have been around dogs my entire life . Have had Weiner dogs to our current shepherd mix and everything in between . Most were all good dogs . Good luck with your search .

A poodle.

+1

There are rescues full of dogs in all shapes and sizes. Go meet some and see if any click with you. Both our dogs are from a rescue. We would never consider anything but a rescue from here on out.

Shepherd mutts are wonderful dogs but the fur isn’t wonderful in the house. My daughter has a goldendoodle that has been a terrific mutt for her and no shedding.

Springer Spaniel
Had one for over 8 years. Most loyal/family dog of any I've ever owned.


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Everyone’s dog is the best. We have four...they’re all awesome in their own way.

Go to the pound and rescue two. I promise you’ll enjoy and love them as much as a $5k pure bred.

We had two Pugs. Very fun with loads of personality. I'll get another as soon as our Boston goes.

We owned a liver/white springer she was a good dog. We lived in Florida so had to get her a " summer cut " twice a year to keep her cool . Other than that low maintenance .

If I had to get a dog, I'd be looking at variations of the labradoodle mix. Or maybe even a standard poodle.

Our two...
 

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Mowgli and Summer - wonderful dogs, but they shed constantly and abundantly! We got Summer from a Golden Retriever breeder and Mowgli is a rescue. We love them!

3 of our 4. Variety is the spice of life. The St. Bernard and the Havanese were rescues. The hound wasn’t.

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And #4...A pound pup (almost 13 years ago)

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Another vote for a Heeler
. But I'm a little biased..:D

Bodhi agrees..

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Hey Vinny,

Exactly how much daily exercise does a typical heeler need?

Dogs that don't shed will need a haircut every 6-8 weeks or so.

https://www.akc.org/dog-breed-selector/

That says I should get a poodle :eek: Zappa would rise from his grave and haunt me forever!

do take a minute to check out the whoodles.
truly amazing family pets.

My suggestion is a mini labradoodle, it definitely checks all your boxes.

Another weim. Best dogs.

They are very high energy , task driven dogs. Especially when they are young. They do need a lot of exercise. Not the kind of dog you want to keep cooped up in the house all the time. Should be walked a couple times a day at least.
My Bodhi is 10 now, starting to slow down a little bit, but still has his psycho moments! They tend to generally have a long lifespan.

.

Thanks!

Why does this not surprise me.

To the OP - my vote would be a rescue dog of whatever dimensions and appearance appeals to you. Check out a local shelter before going the breeder route.

When I had my heeler I also had her daughter. I let them loose in the back yard together and they got al the exercise they needed. Two dogs are way better than one.

Our Heeler/Australian Cattle Dog is a mix, not a purebred. That said, she has the energy of the Tasmanian Devil in the cartoon. Just a kick in the pants, entertainment wise. I really think she would be happier if we had her on a daily routine of running two marathons with some cattle-herding during her break. Also, she sheds enough to fill the vacuum cleaner tank weekly.

I'm on my 4th Boxer in my life, smart, clean, well mannered, loves kids.
Jax is my "Mexican pistol" down in Baja MX, guns not allowed there.

We are on our 5th Humane Society rescue. Our first two were Weimaraners aka Wisenheimers. :) Super high energy. The next was a Boxer/Pit mix. Mello, smart, and very faithful. Our last one which we just lost September this year was a Staffordshire Pit. Three legged love bug. Our latest one, still a puppy, Pitbull/Basenji mix. She will be about 40lbs. fully grown. Extremely smart, also a love bug.
Rescues for us. Every time!

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We have two, olde English Bulldog and English staffordshire bull terrier. The terrier is a great dog, no shedding, laid back. Good family dog. The olde English is like a juvenile delinquent, high energy, into everything, hard headed but lovable. We had a shelter dog years ago, abused by the former owner but she was a sweetheart. Would do shelter dog again.http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1639936727.jpg

Alan A has great advice. Listen to it.
I live on a 164 acre ranch in Texas and have run a dog and horse rescue for 25 years.
I have had 37 dogs at one time ,all rescues,all fine dogs.
We keep all our rescues for life.
Rescue is the way to go.
Good luck in finding your dogs.

I’m afraid two would play with matches and steal my whiskey.

Why's that? Poodles are really German waterfowl hunting dogs, not French foo foo dogs. Super smart, curious, very athletic, and fine with minimal exercise. One was recommended to me as a companion to my smaller dogs- Zora is very careful with her feet and hops over them when they're in the way. She's also very gentle with them, although she likes to prove she can hunt them down when she plays. Mine's a very joyful dog, and sensitive. Once I scolded her in an angry voice and she was bummed out for a half hour about it, so I never get cross with her anymore.


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She used to use a small dog bed as a pillow...

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Poodles are awesome...