Can't find the right dog!

[urbandream]

I have been promising my son (and husband) we can get a dog after losing our beloved dog 6 months ago - I thought it would be easy but it's really not We are looking for a small dog, not too strong (easy to manage on the lead particularly for my son and mum who will be dog sitting for us when we need it), we have a cat already so a younger dog who will adapt would probably be better - my son is 11 so that shouldn't be a problem, I have looked at every rescue I can find and nothing that meets our needs - so where do we start??

[Missdee2014]

Consider a Lhasa apso. Great natured wee dogs, they don't need much exercise and they don't cast. Brilliant with kids and such loving wee pets.

[urbandream]

Thank you - I'll google, I thought we could go to a rescue and find a lovely dog to love but the cat restricts us from so many!

[tammytwigg]

Lhaso apso are the perfect small dog ,ours is a year old now but as been no trouble from day 1 loves playing with the kids ,loves a walk but is quite happy just chilling every one falls in love with him he's such a little character

[Backforthis]

Have you looked online at rescue websites or have you gone in to talk to them or phoned them? Some of them might be able to help if you explain your circumstances and ask if they have a dog that would be a good fit. Rescues that use fostering would be good as some of those people must have cats themselves.

[urbandream]

Have rung a couple of local one's - one said they won't even think about housing with a cat, the other said they had nothing that fitted our needs. I will try some bigger one's maybe they can help - just looked up lhaso apso, gorgeous

[Bubble2bubble]

There's a lot of info about rescues on this site which may help

[Floundering]

Please keep looking at rescues, so many have dogs handed in from family groups for a myriad of reasons, and lots of them are cat tolerant / friendly .

What area of the UK are.you in vaguely? I work with a charity supporting loads of smaller rescues, many of whom are not on the radar but have lovely surrenedered dogs. I'd be happy to PM you some links.

Also try not to have a specific breed in mind, too much-your new DDog might be out there in a totally different form to the one you firstthought of!

[mrslaughan]

Have you looked at Hounds first sighthound rescue?

Though you may have a wait for a cat safe hound.

[insanityscatching]

What about a poodle? Intelligent, non shedding and a miniature or toy shoud fit your size requirements. Rescue here

[queenofwesteros]

Have you tried loveunderdogs.com?
They rehome very carefully and I'm sure I've seen a few cat-friendly dogs.

[JointheJoyride]

Please don't give up on rescues. So many wonderful dogs sat waiting for homes. Zillions will be cat friendly or at the least, cat trainable. Have a look at lurcher rescue. I know that sounds weird to suggest dogs of mixed breeding who are generally hunters or coursers but do so many are there because they've no instinct to chase small furries.

I have a massive ex racing greyhound. We are getting a rescue cat next month. Dog has more interest in sleeping than chasing a cat. It's so very doable without buying a puppy.

[FiveHoursSleep]

Are you anywhere near Heathlands?
www.heathlands.org.uk/image.php?imageid=2439

[BlueKarou]

Have you gone to a Dogs Trust rehoming centre? I told them I worked full time (but could bring the dog to the office), had three cats, plus caged small furries, and that I was planning on starting a family. They found a beautiful lurcher puppy for me. They seem a lot more open-minded than other rescues I've been in touch with.

[cleowasmycat]

Pug! Ours is great with kids, not bothered by cats, just wants to cuddle all the time. Lovely dog.

[BagelwithButter]

Join the FB group for Balkan Underdogs and this or look at their website.

It is difficult emotionally to adopt a rescue dog from abroad, but you can offer to foster beforehand if you want a trial period.

They have some lovely dogs, all sizes and all ages. I fostered two dogs from abroad, both ex-street dogs, who had spent time in the rescue kennels and had been well socialised before they came to me. I'm not an experienced dog owner but the two I had were both soppy, loveable and easy dogs.

Good rescues will offer backup if you need help, have great advice on their FB groups and will always offer to take the dog back if, for valid reasons, it doesn't work out for you and your family.

[Wolfiefan]

Dogsblog allows you to search by criteria.

[OhMyGodThereIsAwalkerInMyHouse]

I would have to recommend a Bichon Frise, they are such loving loyal dogs. Also, they don't shed any hair and are hypo allergenic!

I have one and have never looked back, she is a beautiful girl and fabulous with other animals

[jamiejamie77]

Mongers as they have all the best bits

[jamiejamie77]

Mongrels damp phone!

[jamiejamie77]

I give up

[hellhasnofurylikeahungrywoman]

We have a Heathlands dog and a Many Tears Animal rescue dog. Both organisations foster with families so many dogs are in homes with cats. Both have websites and Many Tears seem to have lots of smaller dogs on their books, they also have foster homes across the country so they might be a good option for you.