Dog type- smallish, easy to train, calm, not too strong, up to 1 hr walk a day

[Movingonmymind]

And yes, i know this doesn't make me the most dog-devoted potential owner in the world! But no apologies, i HAVE done my time over decades with tough causes - rescue dogs & cats. And now with a busy life, job, kids and small urban garden and a bad back i just would like an easy dog to offer a home to, not toy size but one which will not wreck my back further from constant tugging or be too yappy. One which the kids will love and feel is a bonus to their lives not a burden to walk. Not asking for perfection, just easy and reliable. Oh and we may get a cat at some point so that needs to be considered.

Am torn between getting a v carefully chosen rescue 6mths- 18mths to avoid the mad puppy stage but still fear its history could be an issue and training missed. Have been stalking all those rejoming websites- Dogstrust, Hungarian , spanish rescues etc. Or to grit my teeth and go for a pup from a KC registered breeder, something like a Miniature Schnauzer. Happy for advice please, but after research do not want a terrier/hound type, a collie, a bouncy spaniel, lurcher or a SBT or a bigger dog. Thanks.

[SmartAlecMetalGit]

Plenty of people have both whippets and cats but in most cases I know of the cats were there first and the whippet introduced as a puppy. It may be very difficult to later introduce a cat to a whippet that hasn't grown up with them.

On every other point they'd seem perfect for you though.

They're very sweet, gentle and cuddly little things. They're also goofy, mischievous and endlessly entertaining.

They're very flexible as far as exercise goes, they'll go all day given the chance (as long as it's not raining......) but equally they'll be satisfied with much less if necessary as long as they have chance to run and stretch their legs. I took my three out for just over an hour this afternoon (mostly off lead) and they've been horizontal since.

They're generally under the weight limit you mentioned. One of mine is over height and he's just over 15kg, but only just. The other two are a more standard height (around 19") and they weigh between 13kg and 14kg.

They seem to be very amenable when it comes to lead training (I think they just want an easy life tbh), mine have always taken to lead walking really quickly and are happy to walk nicely until they're let off the lead to go batshit I take all three of mine out together no problems and my 8 year old niece can easily walk them one at a time.

Recall training is very important with them, it's the first thing I start training puppies and I never walk without treats or recall them without rewarding them. As far as sighthounds go though they are very much at the trainable end of the spectrum and the vast majority of whippets I know (and I know a lot!) go off lead without issue.

They can be trained to do tricks and such if that floats your boat but they also don't need masses of mental stimulation like some breeds. Mine have all been very food motivated and really enjoy short bursts of clicker training but their first love is always snoozing in the comfiest spot they can find.

Super dogs, I can't imagine having anything else now.

There are several whippet specific rescues that only use foster homes and it's not that unusual to find successfully cat tested individuals up for rehoming which might be an option for you.

[SmartAlecMetalGit]

As you can see I will waffle for ages about them given the opportunity, I didn't realise I'd written quite such an essay

[LokiBuddyBoo1]

Whippets they are sweet natured couch potatoes. Easy to train good with kids and will walk all day or just take two 20 minute runs off lead, most of the time they like to be curled up next to you asleep.
Here's my father's and my sisters whippet doingvwhat they love best with my chihuahua cross Jrt

[TwistAndShout]

Another whippets vote here. Tibetan terriers are lovely but huge grooming commitment and I wouldn't describe as easy going. They are bright little dogs but still found mine had that terrier aspect despite what the books say!

[sweetkitty]

The two Tibetan's I know are so laid back and lovely, but your right grooming is a huge commitment, I have a single coated sight hound myself who is so easy compared to the Tibetan grooming wise but he's such a lovely laid back little dog so friendly.

Whippets are also gorgeous I know quite a few always lovely dogs, also know an Italian greyhound who looks like a small whippet, he's a bit timid but lovely too.

I'm looking for dog #2 just now don't know whether to get another large sight hound or a whippet myself

[ladylinda52]

Another vote for mini schnauzer. We frequently look after our daughter 's and Reg moves seamlessly between two households. He is soppy, loving, very family orientated- always in the middle of everything, and really good with children and other dogs. He only really barks if someone comes to the house and doesn't take him on. He just wants everyone to love him!

[Movingonmymind]

Thanks! Think we're erring towards mini schnauzer pup but not ready yet. Eldest wants a "proper dog" ie GSD, lab, Rottie etc which wouldnt get walk by him, would hurt my back and go crazy in back garden So it'll take a while.

Alternative is to get holy grail of full (honest) history rescue dog rehomed not due to neglect/ill-treatment/aggression etc wtc. Have looked far and wide at all local and national rescues (plus some continental ones on FB) , HOW to do this? Without taking a staffie, rottie, collie or terrier. NOr an ex-breeding purebreed rescue such as a schnauzer that is unhousetrained/never been walked aged 4! Theres only so much dog- work or risk we are prepared to take on with kids at this v busy stage of our lives. Help?!

[Movingonmymind]

Any rescue dog stories please?

[Elysianfields]

I had a bearded collie from a rescue and he was the most wonderful dog ever. We got him aged about 11 because his owner hadnt time for him any more and he just made out lives so much better. He did pull on the lead, and the solution was to give him it to hold in his mouth and he would happily stay at your side carrying his lead. He had impeccable manners, was happy to walk miles - or not specially in the rain. His favourite place was in the middle of everything, just sitting and wagging.

Old as he was he still learned new tricks and had quite a repertoire of playing dead etc.

We had him pts on new years eve, aged about 16. Sad day.

[CMOTDibbler]

I think you have more chance of a relinquished dog with a breed specific charity, though you may have to wait. My ddog1 was handed in to his charity aged 6 months as he has no prey instinct and therefore wouldn't hare course. This rescue fairly often have dogs who have come in because their owners can't have them anymore for one reason or another, though often they are older dogs.

I guess you would have to decide on what you are prepared to compromise on - would a 16 week old puppy work if they were house trained for instance?

[kissmyheathenass]

We have a cavalier cross and she is small and calm, very very tolerant and very affectionate. She is equally happy with a short walk or a 3 hour hike.

[Movingonmymind]

Thanks, lots to think about

[hollyisalovelyname]

Kissmy what is your cavalier crossed with ?

[BoreOfWhabylon]

Shetland sheepdog might fit the bill?

[Loafline]

Whippets are lovely but mine was very hard to train to recall....I nearly gave up but around the 8 month mark he started wanting to be with me more than other dogs - before that it didn't matter what treats i had, all he wanted to do was run with other dogs and while they were in sight me and my treats were worthless. But now we have recall, our little whippet is a dream dog.
I'd get the kitten and puppy at the same time - nightmare for a few months but at least you'll have a better chance of them being friends for life.

[Movingonmymind]

Thanks, everyone. Lots to think about, think will either go for older mixed breed rescue or Schnauzer puppy. Like the idea of whippet or the sheepdog breed (sorry, forgotten which but did research) but think too hard work for us.

[ladylinda52]

Reg at 12 weeks and at nearly 2. Cutest little button in the world!

[Movingonmymind]

Reg is gorgeous! Schnauzer?

[MmeLindor]

I was just going to suggest a Maltalier but saw your Dh has vetoed Cavachon, which is pretty similar. My DH didn't want a fluffy wee dog though, and now he's absolutely devoted to our Daphne. :)

My second choice was Border or Schnauzer.

[Angelface5]

Lhasa apso all the way. Mine is so sweet she is fab with the kids. And non moulting but a brush every other day is enough.they love there family and are really affectionate,easy to train as love there treats. Wouldn't have a different dog. Down side is love nothing better than a muddy puddly when on her walk
And they are not a terrier,she hardly barks,and when she does it's with excitement as I can't stand dogs that are happy !!!!

[faitaccompli]

Mini poodle - best dog in the world. Will go for walks all day long if you want them to, or go out for half an hour a day - they adapt because they WANT to do what you want to do.

No hair, intelligent, never lose their puppy dog fun - you HAVE to get one!

[Movingonmymind]

Thanks, v tempted by both but dh objects to p word.. Think both lovely!

[ladylinda52]

Yes, Schn.Currently asleep on my feet on the sofa. Gorgeous boy!

[faitaccompli]

Or go for a P cross (my ex OH refused to have a "P" so we ended up with a poodle/border collie cross - a much admired pooch wherever we go!)

[Tapps]

We got a rescue dog 2 years ago. She was a Staffie, EBT cross. She is beautiful and I have never had a dog that is so good with children. We are thinking of getting a puppy now she has settled in and we were thinking of a Bichon. They seem friendly, good with kids. Not to large and they don't shed hair everywhere.