Can you assist by suggesting a dog breed or cross for dogsblog search?

[SarfE4sticated]

We will be in a position to get a dog next year, and I need to start my research now. I am used to cairn terriers, and love them dearly. We currently have a rescue cat, so I think terriers are out tbh.
We would love a rescue, but there are so many rescues and so many different types of dogs! Dogsblog is great, but there are so many different mixes.
We will be living in a house near some decent sized parks in London. one hour long run each day at least. We will be home every day apart from one day, so local doggy daycare will be sought. Dog will not be required to journey into a London office, so should have a good quiet unscary life (no tube travel needed).
MY DD is not keen on big dogs, and would love a really soppy soft mouthed kind of dog like a King Charles Spaniel, but obvs they have major health issues.
So I need a breed (or combination of breeds) to search for on Dogsblog. Can you help? I need to narrow it down.

• soft natured
  
• cat friendly
  
• city living
  
• hormonal teen friendly
  
• not keen on flat faced breeds, the more natural the better.
  There are all sorts of dogs listed on there, lots I have never heard of, so any suggestions you can give would be appreciated. We're in no rush so can take our time.
  Also any rescues you can recommend in SE would be appreciated too.
  Thanks!

[Lonecatwithkitten]

Entirely possible to have terriers and cats together particularly in the cat is an adult and the terrier arrives as a puppy. Cairn, Border or Norfolk terriers would be good or miniature poodle, Tibetan terrier.

[SarfE4sticated]

I love Norfolk Terriers, but they seem quite rare. Most terriers in rescue seem to be labelled not cat friendly, I guess they don’t want to take the chance.

[GColdtimer]

We have a rescue cavalier cross puppy (no idea with what!). I found it hard to search by breed because there are so many options. Some websites you can say small/medium/large / - dogs trust I think. Battersea is obvious for you and blue cross I think. I found it easier to scroll through pictures and get used to the types of dogs and breeds.

Be aware that we gave ourselves a year and had our puppy home within a week. . I just happened to search Many Tears for dogs who could be an only dog (lots on Many Tears from breeders who have never lived in a home so need to be with other dogs) and who were fostered within 10 miles of our house. A cav cross had just been added and I knew he would be snapped up so we went for it (and surprised the kids!). You normally have to apply for a dog and then they with do the calls and checks.

I would spend time on Dogs Trust, Blue Cross, Battersa, Many Tears and RSPCA.

In terms of breed Cavs are being breed with many different breeds, presumably because of health issues. We think ours is a Cav Jack Russell cross but no idea really. Collie and Collie crosses are lovely and cockers are great but need a lot of attention.

Good luck.

[MishMashMosher]

Miniature schnauzer. I have two small but not too small, they don't shed hair and mine live happily with the grumpiest cat ever. They don't need as much exercise as other breeds. They do hate rain though. Mine wont even walk through a puddle if they can help it. I have lots of schnauzer owner friends and they all say the same. They are very loyal and get on great with my kids. No major health problems with the breed but obviously still make sure they have had their eyes tested if you end up getting a puppy.

[MishMashMosher]

Sorry just seen that you're wanting a rescue. Ignore the last sentence in my other post!

[SarfE4sticated]

Thanks both - Cav cross sounds ideal! I’ll definitely add them to my search options. Mini Schnauzers sound good, I’ll add them too. 😊

[GColdtimer]

This is him. Good luck with your search!

[anniehm]

Think about training - some breeds are far easier than others. Everyday I see designer cross breeds, rescue cases so badly behaved at the park, no recall, no common sense even. My collie seems to sigh at their stupidity - he gets an hour off lead in the pm and a late night walk around 9pm, in the morning he goes in the garden for 10 mins, very content dog!

[DogInATent]

I wouldn't search for a rescue the way you describe. Whilst you're waiting for the right time I'd research a little about variety of different breeds of about the right size and temperament just so you have an idea of what a few breeds are like and the associated health issues that can crop up. Do not invest too much emotionally in a specific breed or cross.

I'd then go to a local rescue shelter when you're ready for a dog. Choose the shelter you like, don't start with a shopping list of a specific breed you want and try and find a shelter that has one in "stock". Choose your shelter carefully based on your own ethical judgement, they are not all the same. I'm probably in the minority here when I say I specifically went to RSPCA for our rescue - I don't agree with their legal enforcement position, but I do support their shelter work. For a minimal trouble rescue dog they can be a good option. With some other shelters the percentage of dogs-with-problems is higher because of their policies. I have a specific ethical problem with some shelters and the tacit support they provide to puppy farms.

Explain to the shelter what you're looking for and what your circumstances are and let them guide you towards a dog that's suitable. But be critical. After the first visit take some time to research the dog(s) they've shown you. Make at least three visits to confirm the dog is right for you.

[SarfE4sticated]

twofalls he's gorgeous!

Good point re training anniehm we'll be going to weekly classes. My Cairn was so stubborn that she wouldn't do anything at all for a liver treat.
I have always loved and been interested in dogs, but my own requirements are a bit different to my DD's and the cat's!
They basically need gentle and loving dog breed, that for some reason might just end up in a local London shelter!

Dogsblog has lots of different European breeds I have never heard of, Teckles for instance! and a lot of rejected hunting dogs.

[SarfE4sticated]

I'm going around in circles a bit researching breeds,

1. spent a while thinking about Vizslas, but they may be a bit needy, and need too much exercise, but loved their (apparent) loving reputation
   
2. moved on to lab/retriever types, expensive, moulting drooling and a bit too big really
   
3. I keep coming back to cairns. I know cairns! I love em. They can be loving and snuggly, surely if I got a really nice sweet one, I could train it to not terrorise our cat?
   

I could just get a mongrel pup from rescue though, and hope for the best?
Gah it's a really hard choice!

[PengAly]

@DogInATent Would you mind explaining a bit about what you mean with not supporting all shelters and making "ethical choices"? I just would have thought dogs in shelters need homes and it shouldn't really matter what shelter they are from. I'm certain some shelters will put more effort in than others to rehome a dog but I'm not sure if that's what you meant? Apologies if I come across a bit ignorant!

[PengAly]

Also, OP personally I think with your circumstances it may be best to come away from the idea of looking for a specific breed and instead go based of a dog that works for you and your lifestyle. Plenty of mixed breed dogs make great family pets, unless you wanted a really popular breed then you could potentially look at breed specific rescues?

[DogInATent]

@PengAly
Ethics are personal, so I don't expect anyone to agree with me. There are many types of shelter, and the result of their different policies is that they will be offering different types of dog. In choosing which shelters you look at when looking to adopt a rescue dog you will need to make your own informed decision, choosing to consider (or not) the issues of:

• euthanasia policies
• import policies
• puppy farm policies
• awareness of when a stray/street dog is not always what it seems

[PengAly]

@DogInATent I do understand its personal, I was just interested in what the opinions were as its the first I'd heard someone mention choosing shelters. I suppose I see what you're saying, we are adopting from Greyhound Trust who don't like to consider themselves a "rescue" or a shelter, instead they are a"rehoming organisation" that at time work alongside the tracks to ensure dogs get rehomed. Personally, I'm not too sure my own opinions on that but I guess as long as a dog gets a good home and more importantly, an appropriate home then the shelter should be doing its job. Always happy to hear different viewpoints though :)

[Whoseranium]

DogInATent is absolutely right that rescues are not all the same and it’s very sensible to do your research when looking to adopt just as you would with a breeder.

There are loads of really great rescue organisations, large and small, doing excellent work however there are also those which are less than ideal for various reasons.

Research always pays off when getting a dog, whether that be buying from a breeder or adopting from a rescue. When going down either route it’s a good idea to consider exactly what sort of set ups you’d be happy supporting.

[Banksy13]

In your position I would definitely consider rehoming a Greyhound. My old housemate had one and while it is a big dog it so placid and laid back I loved it like my own.

[SarfE4sticated]

Hi Banksy thanks for posting- I thought Cats and Greyhounds were mortal enemies?

[Banksy13]

@SarfE4sticated I'm not sure, the one I lived with had no problem with the cat we had anyway. Best ask someone with more experience though :)

[Gloschick]

We have a Havanese which would fulfill all your criteria. He's just fab. They are apparently usually ok with cats. We don't have have a cat, but our dog tends to stare at them in awe!
If you want to select a specific breed, then you may be better off giving your details to several reputable breeders of the breed you want. Many good breeders will take back a dog that can no longer be looked after by the owners and re-home them themselves.