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Original poster

Please tell me which breed of dog is best?

45 replies

Rapphue · 26/09/2020 23:56

I’ve wanted a dog since , well forever really. After an awful break up I’m slowly getting over, i think it’s time I went ahead and found this dog

I work everyday obviously at home at the moment but I need to be realistic that at some point I will be out of the house 3 days a week. Probably will need a dog walker those days.

My main criteria are short haired, ok on their own for some time each day, don’t need mammoth walks and are gentle in nature.

So far I’ve thought a whippet or spaniel (though that’s longer haired). I also don’t know if it’s best to get a puppy or an older dog?

Any dog fans able to help here?

OP posts:

SomeHalfHumanCreatureThing · 26/09/2020 23:59

Spaniel. Obviously you've planned for the days you're out and have a dog walker, so that's great.

Spaniels are the best of all the breeds in so many ways.

DramaAlpaca · 27/09/2020 00:00

If you don't want a dog that 'mammoth walks' that almost certainly rules out a spaniel. They are fabulous family pets but high energy.

SomeHalfHumanCreatureThing · 27/09/2020 00:02

They're a great medium kind of a dog. So trainable, really happy and friendly. Maybe not a springer, unless you are happy to walk many miles a day, but we've always had spaniel cross pups and they're just the best. Field spaniel + cocker was my particular favourite.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

Dogs

DramaAlpaca · 27/09/2020 00:03

Sorry, 'needs' mammoth walks, that should say, but it was probably obvious. Funny how my post completely contradicts the previous one. I agree that they are the best dog group (biased) but they really do needs lots of long walks.

Brigante9 · 27/09/2020 00:06

If you don't want a dog that 'mammoth walks' that almost certainly rules out a spaniel. They are fabulous family pets but high energy

Just not true for all spaniels, they’re not all mad. One of mine is demanding and needs attention, but not necessarily huge walks. He just needs stimulation and to be with his people. Spaniels are velcro dogs. My lot get 30-40 minutes a day and are made to work on walks.They might get a second walk if we have time.

DramaAlpaca · 27/09/2020 00:07

Mine are springers - maybe a smaller cross would be less active.

SomeHalfHumanCreatureThing · 27/09/2020 00:37

Yep. Springer and Field spaniels need insane levels of walking, but lower level cross ones are a bit more chilled. All dogs need a decent amount of exercise tbh, spaniels aren't really more needy than any other proper dog breeds

SomeHalfHumanCreatureThing · 27/09/2020 00:41

@DramaAlpaca

Don't think it 'completely contradicted' mine. My experience is that dog walkers really do take their job title very literally. Ours does a good 20k steps a day (fitbity, she tells us. We could literally track her) So yeah..

RoseTintedAtuin · 27/09/2020 01:09

I rescued a greyhound a couple of years ago and am still amazed by her relaxed nature and temperament. They are so easy to care for and just there. My understanding is whippets are similar (smaller). If so would definitely recommend. I’ve had a few dogs through puppy stage and although rescue can be a bit daunting (while they settle in) I have found an older dog is easier. Puppy’s are great but there’s so much more to it than cuddles and play and it can be really hard work (I’m sure mine went through a terrible twos stage and puberty in the first few years )

loubieloo4 · 27/09/2020 02:01

Cocker spaniel 💜

Tr1skel1on · 27/09/2020 02:19

Definitely don't rescue a runt of the litter working farm collie. 8 years later I'm still waiting for him to calm down but he's the best dog I've ever had.

Be open minded about what dog you get :)

Furries · 27/09/2020 02:33

Would be interested to know why you only want short-haired. If it’s because you think you’ll have less hair to clear up, then think again! Those short hairs are like evil little needles that insert themselves into all types of fabric - can be harder to clear up than from a long-haired dog. If this is the case, then maybe something like a golden doodle, as the shedding is so low.

Smaller breeds can often need much more excessive/stimulation than larger breeds, you need to factor this in.

Also, are you town/village/rural? Please think of your neighbours! Some breeds have a much higher propensity for barking than others, not nice when you’re out working for the day so have no idea, but your neighbour has to put up with constant barking.

I’m biased, but can highly recommend a Leonberger. Yes, they are big! But they are incredibly gentle, low propensity for barking, do not require hours of exercise, do not drool, and are basically the best thing since sliced bread!

I would say look at some rescue sites to see what is on there. If a few catch your eye, then google for information on that breed - and see whether they sound like a fit for you. Don’t just go for something because it’s small and short-haired, you need to understand the inherent traits of a breed to know whether or not that type would a) fit your lifestyle and, more importantly, b) if you can give that breed what they need.

Pixxie7 · 27/09/2020 02:38

Cavalier King Charles spaniels although I love retrievers.

HistoriaTrixie · 27/09/2020 03:24

Basset Hound. They're short haired, super chill on their own all day, and will walk with you but don't need to go very far. Also super lovable. I miss mine every day and can't wait til I can find another one - they're rare at rescues here.

allofthetings · 27/09/2020 05:53

Don't you dare get a spaniel, you don't want a spaniel if you dont want to walk very much.

King Charles need a lot of company.

allofthetings · 27/09/2020 05:59

I would say you should get an older rescue/rehome who is happy alone for 3 days a week (dog walker once a day is still alone for a very long time).

Do you need to get a dog? Or are you just jumping on the dog bandwagon?
You don't come across as someone who knows much about dogs?

Cats are great, I have both, I started with just a cat until I was ready for the commitment (10 years +) of a dog.
Even then I got a older rescue; puppies deserve a lot of time & input.

Maybe get a cat, I promise they are great company.

Frankie2008 · 27/09/2020 06:04

@Tr1skel1on

Definitely don't rescue a runt of the litter working farm collie. 8 years later I'm still waiting for him to calm down but he's the best dog I've ever had.

Be open minded about what dog you get :)

Couldn't agree more! I loved every minute of the 12 years I had my border collie. But, they do say don't get a dog more intelligent than yourself......

Collies need LOADS of exercise and mental stimulation - it's 24/7.

I hate seeing collies with owners and it's obvious that the dog is hyper/destructive from lack of exercise.

YorkshireGirl2016 · 27/09/2020 06:10

Staffordshire Bull Terriers. Amazingly loving, kind, affectionate dogs

Wellthatsit · 27/09/2020 06:27

OP, you are going to get a ton of people recommending their favourite breed of dog rather than listen to your criteria. It's tricky, because dogs have personalities, and so you can get lucky or unlucky. I have had two whippets, and while they shared some traits (sleeping a lot during day, always seeking out a cost bed, quiet and calm in the house, gentle), they were quite different in other ways (one was an explorer and would run off, v playful with other dogs - annoying them - not interested in food/treats so difficult to train/recall, skilled hunter of rabbits. The other, scared of other dogs, sticks by my side, very people and treat-oriented, likes routine). It sounds like you need a greyhound from your description. Not sure a spaniel fits the bill, to be honest (well, not a Springer anyway as they seem pretty energetic and would need much more walking than a sighthound, who are generally pretty lazy ).

fallfallfall · 27/09/2020 06:29

Tibetan Spaniel, forever like a golden retriever pup.
They shed BUT are gentle and independent enough to be fine at home while you work.

Laney79 · 27/09/2020 06:43

Greyhound/lurcher/whippet. Our rescue lurcher is lovely. Very chilled at home, sleeps most of the day, two 30 min walks a day and cuddles from us. He does have issues with other dogs but that's due to his life before us. Deffo consider a rescue-even if you want a pup.

hopeforlucky3 · 27/09/2020 06:48

My favourite breed is Staffordshire bulls but I also have a lurcher. Staffys are very hyperactive and need a lot of training and socialising from the get go, my boy 9 and is often mistaken for being around 2yrs old. They need a lot of stimulation also to keep them calm.

Lurcher (most sighthounds) however are happy with a lead walk and they a half hour mad dash around the park/woodlands. IMO they are very laid back and love nothing more than lazing around.

ElizabethMainwaring · 27/09/2020 06:54

@fallfallfall

Tibetan Spaniel, forever like a golden retriever pup. They shed BUT are gentle and independent enough to be fine at home while you work.

Tibetan spaniels are utterly awesome dogs. My first dog was a tibbie, she was perfection. Current DDog is a tibbie/ bichon cross. She is fabulous too. Tibetan spaniels are very hard to come by.

Qwertywerty3 · 27/09/2020 06:58

This reply has been deleted

Withdrawn at the user's request

ShesMadeATwatOfMePam · 27/09/2020 07:08

Only on Mumsnet can someone ask for a short haired breed and someone suggest a leonberger.

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