Getting a Dog - advice please!

[calypso2008]

Hello all, I have always had dogs - Otter hounds and Bearded Collies, while growing up. Now I live in Spain, in a flat, with my little girl, I really want to get a dog. We live opposite a fantastic dog park with runs and exercise stuff for all the dogs to do. My question is: what dog would be a good dog for a flat but with access to a fantastic dog park a second away/ 4 yr old DD? I don't drive, I walk everywhere and love doing do - having a dog would be such a pleasure. I think it would be cery good for my DD as my husband has just left us.

What do I need to get in place? I was not in charge when we had dogs when I was growing up - what are your most important tips? I am really grateful for any advice.

What breeds would you recommend? Otter hounds and Beardies are a little tricky sometimes, not that I think I could find them here. I am thinking something a little smaller but I don't want a tiny dog like everyone else in my building, I want a bigger one! A loyal friend!

If you live in a flat, it could make house-training a bit more difficult. It might be worth considering getting an adult dog - I don't know what rescues are like in Spain but presumably there must be some decent ones.

Thanks for your reply Grimma the rescue centers are great here. I did want to get a puppy though - for my daughter, so the dog grows up with us. The park is opposite the flat and we have two big patios, I am not worried about accidents and training as such, more thinking what breed would be a good one? Adult or puppy - breed wise?

Have you considered a rescue Galgo?

Galgos are Spanish greyhounds, and many are abandoned each year at the end of the hunting season. Like British greyhounds, they are gentle dogs and make lovely pets. There are several galgo and podenco rescues working in Spain, many run and operated by British people. Try these as a starting point...

Scuttlebutter thank you! I was just reading another thread on greyhounds - I have no experience but they sound so lovely.

Checking your info out now - thanks again.

Oh they sound fabulous. Has anyone else got experience with Galgos or Greyhounds?

Does sounds like the perfect dog for Spain and a rescue dog which is really ideal. I also think my set up here would be great for a dog like this. They sound gentle and kind and lovely! Much opportunity for exercise - short bursts of - and lots of love as they seem to also be family dogs, good with children etc. I also think they are so elegant and beautiful - I like the 'rustic' ones! (But they are all lovely looking)

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We have cavalier king Charles spaniels they are small enough great with kids yet fun to play with. You can clip them if it is too hot.

Thanks pmgkt I was thinking of Spaniels earlier, they are gorgeous ... I thought they were good with children, also they are not too small or too big. I am thinking now though that these Galgos (being Spanish and rescue dogs) might be ideal.

DH's aunt and uncle have adopted galgos along with greyhounds, and I know quite a few people who have both. I also know someone with three greys and an adorable podenco

There really doesn't seem to be any differences particularly to set them aside from British greys (except their liking for tapas ) . For a better idea of grey ownership, come over to the "New cushion for Pointies" thread - lots of info there.

Without getting unbearably awful, galgos really do get a pretty raw deal, and making a home for one is an amazingly kind action. Good luck!

Scuttlebutter I have spent the last hour on the website for Galgos, I feel they are absolutely ideal and am really excited. Coming over to the thread you mention - thank you. The only problem I see is the rescue place seems to be outside Madrid and I am in Valencia. I am going to investigate fully tomorrow - thanks again - I think perfect for me and DD. Thank you for this great idea!

Defo come to the pointy cushion, there are a few of us with greys and small children (I have a 1yo!) who can tell you how it is with both :)

By the way, what's a Podenco?

Look at SOS Animals on Facebook (and they have a website) Lots of podencos etc on there. Don't know where they are in Spain but I think they may be in Murcia?

My in laws have adopted 2 Galgos this year. They live in rural Spain, already have 2 cockers and a terrier. MIL says although they are big buggers she hardly notices they are there; a run in the morning before its too hot and then a slow amble in the evening. Often found lounging around looking pretty!

Typical greyhounds then, inthepotty!