Best breed for my parents

[Jj2431]

My parents will be getting a dog next year. They're looking to rescue but would like some ideas on breeds. Here is what They're looking for and what they can offer. They are in their early sixties

What they can offer/their situation

• a small terraced house with decent size secure garden
• 2 x 30 minute walks
• Mum is home all day, dad works full time. Mum has arthritis though.
• They don't mind grooming needs
• They can afford vet bills
• No kids at home but they have grandchildren ranging from toddler to teen.

What they want

• A small/medium size dog
• A dog that doesn't bark too much
• cuddly dog

Any ideas?

Miniature Schnauzer, I don’t own one but have friends that do and this would be a good match based on their experience

To be dead honest, I think it’s a bit of a waste of time to pick breeds when looking for a rescue.

Because you could end up never looking at individual dogs that would be ideal because the breed isn’t ideal on paper...

Yorkie. Often in breed rescue if you look…

Not small but retired greyhound are fab and ideal for older people as lazy dogs and they love to snuggle up. They definitely love home comforts. Super dogs.

@tabulahrasa

To be dead honest, I think it’s a bit of a waste of time to pick breeds when looking for a rescue.

Because you could end up never looking at individual dogs that would be ideal because the breed isn’t ideal on paper...

I was going to say the same thing. The best thing they can do is go with an open mind. Not all dogs adhere to breed characteristics.

They should listen to the advice of the Rehomers and rescue staff as they will be able to tell them about the dog and whether it is appropriate.

Llhasa or shih tzu/m min schnauzer, bichon type dogs
Id avoid cockerpoo types, look great but can be really hard work

Whippet, so loving, cuddly lap dogs after a short burst of running.

Small, minimum grooming.

Not good with cats but walks so elegantly on lead. I don't let him off unless in a secure area.

Staffy or staffy cross. The most loving breed ❤️

Whippet or greyhound is an obvious choice - perfect in fact for an arthritic person. They usually walk really nicely on the lead and don't pull like a steam train like my idiot spaniel. They don't require enormous walks to calm them down. 2 x 30 mins sometimes an hour is exactly what my greyhound had. Plus they are the cats of the dog world - super affectionate and cuddly and adore lounging and company.

Biggest selling point is they are almost mute - my gh barked about 3 times in her life with us!

@pastypirate I was going to say my Whippet is a bit of a dog fail, doesn't bark, can't sit to order (floors too cold) but does make an excellent cat!

Our older neighbour has a Chinese crested (the powder puff type) and it's the perfect dog for the older, less mobile types. Another friend has a Coton de tulear, another a havanese. All small, fluffy, cuddly, not too yappy and not overbred enough to have so many health issues like King Charles etc. Whippets are lovely too. Two of the above dogs came from rescue at quite a young age and were recommended by the rescue for their situation. I'm sure they'll be able to find a lovely new friend.

One of the companion breeds would be best, something like a Bichon Frisé, Shih-tzu or Havanese type. You could even consider a small terrier - Cairns are great, love a good run but are also happy enough with two shorter walks.

I wouldn't recommend a greyhound as while they are lazy, they are big dogs and your mum may struggle with her arthritis if they decide to pull or lunge towards a squirrel!

A small terrier type Yorkie, Maltese that sort, not expensive to feed or vet bills, avoid showy type dogs, a spayed bitch is likely to be easiest to live with.

My yorkie is very chatty. She has a variety of noises to indicate her desire so not a quiet dog. An ex racing greyhound sounds like it'd be a great fit and you don't even need to bend to stroke!