Which dog???

[jetlaggedmummy]

I'm going round in circles and would appreciate some advice......

We're a family of 4, kids are 10 and 13. Both work shifts, opposites most of the time, so usually someone is home. We have decided to get a dog, but here's where I'm going round in circles:

We would prefer something small and non shedding, however, most breeds that fall into this category seem to have problems being house trained and/or eat their own poo. I know I couldn't deal with this (I'm aware that a puppy needs to be trained, and happy to do this, as long as we get there sooner rather than later!)

So, I started looking at Cavaliers, seemed perfect (despite shedding), but they seem to have sooooo many health problems

So I've been looking at rescues, yet they're nearly all 'adult only' (and I find myself drawn to beautiful Border Collies which, realistically, are extremely hard work) Those that aren't seem to be of the Lurcher type, which I'm not really keen on.

I think we do need something small, so does anyone have any experience with any of the toy breeds that they'd be willing to share? Especially along the lines of house training issues.

Many thanks for any advice.

glad you clarified @FlyingSquid

If you get any poo mix you need to factor in the grooming cost if they have poodle type fur, it's not cheap. Also for every balanced poocross that you see happily out and about there is another who has inherited the worse traits of the poodle/other dog and is a behavioral /health problem waiting to happen. The rescue I work in is seeing a steady stream of imbalanced dogs, it's not just a breeder /training fault but a genetic one.

Why not get a toy poodle?

Intelligent, learns quickly, small and low shedding. They do need grooming regularly and brushing daily, though. They're also fairly energetic but so are all young dogs.

How much time do you have to actually dedicate to the dog? You say someone is home most of the time, which is great, but how much time do you want to spend walking/training/grooming? Do you have plans in place for when you want a family day out and can't take the dog (eg. zoo, beach, amusement park).

Ime. those things are what's important because you need to be able to give any dog sufficient exercise, training, time and company. If you can't do that then your dog will suffer no matter what size or breed.

There’s a toy poodle lives near us, boy does it yap? When you walk past it it yaps, shows it’s teeth and is generally very unpleasant. Our dog walks past and looks the other way!

There’s a toy poodle lives near us, boy does it yap? When you walk past it it yaps, shows it’s teeth and is generally very unpleasant.

That just sounds like a dog who's guarding, and is potentially poorly socialised too. If it's left outside, it will be be bored and will yap/bark to pass the time and to get attention.

I don't think you can judge a whole breed based on one example.

Ok, so thanks for all the comments, didn't quite expect so many!

To address a few points, I'm well aware of what owning a dog entails. I grew up with a family dog and my parents have had dogs since (Border Collies) and so have in laws. In laws have had puppies and I've witnessed first hand the chaos that ensued! However, all have been housetrained fairly quickly, albeit with the occasional accident. I should just point out that I have weeks off work at a time and would therefore have the time to devote to getting this aspect of training sorted.

I also know it's not uncommon for dog to eat poo occasionally, but we were looking at Shih Tzus, and it really does seem to be a big issue with them. I have joined lots of owners groups on Facebook and am learning a lot.

We have looked after family dogs for weeks and also months (due to ill health), so don't need to 'borrow my doggy' - although that's a fab idea for those who have no experience with dogs. Maybe if I can narrow it down to a certain breed I'll look into it.

I realise no dog will tick every single box, I would like something fairly small so it's easier to keep clean and transport around. Having witnessed elderly dogs struggling to get in cars, upstairs etc, it's so much easier if you can pick them up.

I'm going to have a look now at the specific breeds people have mentioned - I was really hoping to hear from owners who have experience of certain breeds, so thanks all for your comments, I'm off to read up now!

That just sounds like a dog who's guarding, and is potentially poorly socialised too. If it's left outside, it will be be bored and will yap/bark to pass the time and to get attention

It’s when you pass it on the lead.

So, first thoughts..... originally I was interested in Cavapoos and Cockerpoos. However, I've become so concerned with how these dogs are bred it's put me off somewhat. If anyone does have any tips on finding a reputable breeder I'd love to hear them! Also, having freaked out at the health concerns with Cavaliers, I'm not sure whether Cavapoos could suffer the same problems?

A poodle is perhaps an option. Any poodle owners here???

A Cocker Spaniel also an option. I didn't know that the show variety tend to be more laid back. Funnily, the non shedding is negotiable, I can cope with a bit of hair as long as the dog is small enough for me to be able to clean it up after walks.

Still looking through the replies.......

It’s when you pass it on the lead.

Lead frustration is a real thing and isn't necessarily a sign of aggression. Lots of dogs don't like being on lead around other dogs.

Show cockers (and springers) are a bit more laid back and less in need of being on the go but...

• they have primarily been bred for looks over the generations. Temperament has often been a secondary consideration. Choose someone who is breeding only from excellent temperments because the show strains can be intolerant of children and other dogs, guarding, a bit grumpy etc. Not all, many are lovely, but a watch out for you.

• they have been bred to have a LOT of fur and longer dangly ears and heavier skin. They are mud magnets and shed hair more than the working strains.

• their heavier skin means they can have mouth and ear problems that are expensive to fix. Get great insurance right from the off.

That all sounds negative and isn't really meant to so, for balance, the show cockers I have known very well (about 7) have been:

• funny with any naughty behaviour being of the amusing kind, not the tearing your hear out kind
• happy go lucky
• welcoming of all house guests
• greedy and so easy to motivate for training
• keen to learn
• affectionate
• always up for a walk but happy to chill in the house
• early to bed and late to rise
• just the right size to fit in most situations
• long lived (14 years +)
• relatively easy to house train

Adaline do you have a Toy Poodle?

Am quite happy to spend time each day walking, training and brushing. The odd days out are what has prevented us getting a dog before now, but really, we hardly do those things anyway! If something was planned in advance family could help out and I would also look into getting a dog walker and building a relationship so that we have that option in place. Mostly, we plan to take the dog on dog friendly outings with us. I do of course need to leave the house sometimes, and would like to be able to leave a dog for a couple of hours on occasion. This would not be a regular occurrence though.

Missbattenburg that's great info, thank you. I am going to do a bit more research.......I've only really known one Cocker, and he was a working variety. Beautifully behaved and beautifully trained, gorgeous dog..... but needed quite a lot of exercise and mental stimulation (and then we're getting into Border Collie type territory, which is where my heart really lies, but realistically not an option.)

I am a Goldie fan, I’ve got one now and have always had them, I’ve never had one eat poo and they are easy to House train but other than that they probably wouldn’t suit you
I prefer long haired big dogs but I have recently met some beautiful whippets so I would suggest one of those

My working cocker needs more mental stimulation than physical.

Getting his nose to work with hunting is the key to 'tire' him out. If I could turn the clock back I would have taken him to scent training rather than agility when younger as he really loves hunting out scents/food etc.

@jetlaggedmummy no, but I know plenty of people who do, they seem to be pretty popular around here :)

They're great little dogs from what I can see but poodle coats do need regular brushing and grooming to prevent matting.

What is it you don’t like about lurchers? I got my lurcher as a older puppy from a rescue when my dc were younger than yours. She’s bright and easy to train, never barks, sleeps for England and is generally a lovely chilled out family dog. She doesn’t shed much and doesn’t need to go to the groomers. She wasn’t housetrained when we got her but was within a week of arriving home.

Unfortunately this is the worst possible timing for you (2 weeks ago) but if you happen to still be in the research phase next year then www.discoverdogs.org.uk/ is a brilliant way to meet a wide variety of breeds and talk to people who know eahc breed very well to get more info.

Miniature poodle owner here!! They are fabulous dogs and very clever so pick up training very quickly. Ours was house-trained by around 4 months and the only time he has ever had an accident was when he wasn't well. Ours is now 3 and although he will happily walk for miles with us, he's also happy with 20 mins round the park and playtime at home if the weather's bad. They need clipping around every 8 weeks and brushing at home in between, although if you have them in a pet clip (so same length all over), their coats are pretty easy to manage. Guaranteed non-shedding and don't smell very 'doggy', if that's an issue for you! Can't recommend the breed highly enough and as there is less demand for pure poods than for the poo crosses (I'd be a wealthy woman if I had a pound for every time someone has asked if ours is a cockapoo!), you're not going to get the irresponsible, money-grabbing backyard breeders. You still need to do your research, as the parents both need to have been tested for PRA (eye condition that is hereditary)but there are some very good breeders around. You may, however, wish to avoid red poodles - we had no idea until after we had got our boy that the red ones are known to be as mad as a box of frogs!! Very true in our boy's case but it's part of his charm!

Missbattenburg - yes, I saw that, just after I missed it I think it would have been great and really helpful. Oh well, will have to pick Mumsnetters brains instead

I think all the toy breeds can potentially be a pain to housebreak - they are tiny so naturally have tiny bladders to match, and can't hold it for as long as a bigger dog. They are also very fragile which is something that needs to be taken into account - they can easily be injured, whether that's from accidentally tripping over them, stepping on paws and tails, bigger dogs trying to play too rough with them, etc.. It's no wonder that many toy dogs are nervous and snappy when the world around them is scary and potentially dangerous.

Miniature poodles would be my go-to if shedding is a concern. Not too small, curly coat which barely sheds and a stable temperament - providing you buy from a responsible breeder that breeds to standard and health tests. Keep in mind they will need to visit the groomer every 1-2 months to be clipped, with a daily brushing routine at home to ensure they don't get matted - poodles are not low maintenance in regards to grooming.

A show-type English cocker may have everything you like in Cavs, but with fewer health problems. I have two - they are incredibly loving and gentle with everyone, fairly small (but solidly built and durable - they don't have the fear issues that toys may develop because of their size) and with a lovely soft, silky coat. They love being around people. They do need trips to the groomer and regular brushing at home, but not quite as high maintenance as poodles. And thankfully they don't eat poo 😂 But they are partial to a roll in fox poo! The show-types are not quite as active as their working-line counterparts but they will always appreciate a nice long walk. They should be health tested for PRA, FN and more recently, AON. As well as hip scored and eye tested.

Hi yep my bichon took ages to house train (9 months) but since then (she is 1.5 yrs) no accidents and very reliable. Lovely friendly personality. A bit hyper and yappy as a pup. Was up in the night quite a lot until about 1 and doesn't like being left alone. However I know some bichons who were a doddle. Worth checking out bichon groups if you would consider the breed. She is easily socialized and friendly. Very soft with kids.

OMFG those cockers are cute.

But then I am sucker for spaniels...

but remeber, don't choose on looks

Another mini poodle owner here. He’s our first dog and only about 15 months so nothing to compare him to.

But he was no trouble at night from day one, toilet trained quickly, learns fast as poodles are clever and mine loves his food, he’s happy with a big walk or a couple of 20 min walks. He doesn’t shed or smell very ‘doggy’. He only ate his own poo once, he learned it was disgusting. But he will happily chomp on a horse poo unless I tell him to leave it . He does use his ‘voice’ to tell us things - if his ball is stuck under the settee, he wants to go out etc. But he’s not yappy. He loves cuddling up with us to watch tv, but is also happy playing in the garden with my kids.

I was looking into poodle mixes to start, but the more I learned the less I wanted a cross. All the traits I wanted were all poodle.

Wire hair fox terrier!
They don't shed and are full of character and clever. Can be strong willed. There is a rescue centre, in Norfolk I think...