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The doghouse

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Original poster

Breed recs for a long time working dog owner who doesn’t have enough time now.

30 replies

Ostryga · 02/04/2022 20:03

I’ve always had working spaniels (cockers and Welshies) and been without a dog for almost 5 years now.

My house feels so wrong without a dog in it, and I’m even missing the awful teenager stages and all the frustration that brings. That’s how I know I’m ready for another dog Grin

I have a much more involved career now, and am also now a single parent so would be the sole person for walks/training/everything. So I know deep down I just don’t have the time I had before for a spaniel.

Any ideas of a breed with less exercise and mental stimulation needs? Or am I kidding myself and need to wait a few more years until I have less paperwork and more spare time?

OP posts:
Original poster
Ostryga · 02/04/2022 20:04

Just realised that reads a bit like I gave my dogs away because I got busy - they all lived long and happy lives and died with me!

OP posts:
Goawayangryman · 02/04/2022 20:05

How about something like a slightly less sharp retriever ;) .. curly, flat-coated, etc. They definitely do teenage and aren't dim (which I think you would find weird...?) But aren't the top flight smartest dogs either.

SummerSazz · 02/04/2022 20:07

I have a Toller and although a working dog her exercise needs aren't as great as a spaniel and she's pretty chilled. We do do agility though twice a week and do some sniffing games

lljkk · 02/04/2022 20:08

Chihuaua? Greyhound, dane, westie, Scottie?

Mongrels are the very best, of course.

Dahliasrule · 02/04/2022 20:21

What about a rescue greyhound? My DS and DDIL have two and foster another and the dogs are very laid back and actually don’t need much exercise. However, not suitable for a household with any cats!

Shmithecat2 · 02/04/2022 20:28

Retired greyhound

takemetomars · 02/04/2022 20:34

Golden retriever. Just bright enough to be easy to train but chilled enough to sleep +++

EdithStourton · 02/04/2022 20:47

Working line golden retrievers are very nice. Not as frenetic as spaniels, but bright enough to be engaging. Bit more to them than the show line ones. There is a lovely show line GR puppy near us, and she's very sweet but bloody odd when you're used to working line puppies.

MrsWinters · 02/04/2022 22:11

Westie? I’ve always fancied a terrier and if properly socialised they are cheery wee things.

I love retrievers but they take a long time to mature and are hard work until 2 years old-but will probably seem calmer than a spaniel.

lljkk · 02/04/2022 22:13

What are pugs like, or chugs, even.
Neighbour has a lovely chug, he doesn't seem demanding.

Mongrels are still the best, imho!

Alfixnm · 02/04/2022 22:17

Another greyhound/lurcher/whippet vote here. Gentle, soft oafs, happy to laze about for 23.5 hours a day, and they love their people.

OldWivesTale · 02/04/2022 22:30

I have a whippet and they hate to be alone. Would you be working from home?

XelaM · 02/04/2022 22:36

We have a pug - most laidback and loving little creature who will adapt to anything you offer him (whether it's several hours walking or a just a bit of playing around in the garden). He sleeps most of the day is just the best dog that you can take anywhere and who loves everyone. 🥰

I know most pugs have breathing issues, but (touch wood) ours doesn't at all. If you take him out he can walk/run for hours, but he will just be as happy with a duvet day curled up next to any human. I don't know if we were just plain lucky or if it was because our breeder came recommended with someone we know also having had healthy pugs from her.

user3837313202 · 02/04/2022 22:41

Would you consider adopting (or even fostering, especially if vet bills are a concern) an elderly spaniel? It could be a good halfway house.

fairylightsandwaxmelts · 03/04/2022 09:09

Who will look after the dog while you're at work?

WheresMyAlex · 03/04/2022 09:12

King Charles Cavalier Spaniel. Ours is the most chilled out little man and I recommend them to everyone.

Original poster
Ostryga · 03/04/2022 15:28

@fairylightsandwaxmelts

Who will look after the dog while you're at work?
I have a dog walker/daycare already from my last dog so that’s not an issue.

I like cavs but the health issues are awful. So no brachy dogs either.

Maybe a goldie. They are gorgeous and still within the realms of ‘working’. I’m Norfolk based so was also looking at Norfolk terriers, but having never had a terrier before think I might be woefully unprepared for them.

OP posts:
fairylightsandwaxmelts · 03/04/2022 18:26

I have a dog walker/daycare already from my last dog so that’s not an issue.

Ah, fab :)

If a spaniel is too high-energy, what about something like a Labrador or a retriever?

Goawayangryman · 03/04/2022 21:42

We had working spaniels when I was growing up, also collies, and there was a spaniel. My golden retriever is not the easiest most placid dog in comparison 🤣. She is high, high energy, does not do lounging, needs loads of brain work. I don't think there are any guarantees with any breed but don't get a golden if you don't want a high chance of needing a lot of input. Also they don't mature till around 2.5...

Goawayangryman · 03/04/2022 21:44

And I have an involved job and am a single parent like you. Many, many times I have wished for a more pudding-like dog....

Goawayangryman · 03/04/2022 21:48

there was a terrier (not multiple different types of spaniel)...

EdithStourton · 04/04/2022 07:12

OP, I think you'd find a Norfolk terrier much more chilled than, say, a JRT, but less chilled than the average (stresses average) GR.

Stellaris22 · 04/04/2022 07:22

Greyhound/whippet recommendations are good, the whippets I know love a snooze and they are happy on a sofa.

I don't want to be one of those 'I have this breed' people, but in this situation a basset hound could work. But if you're used to spaniel training then it's a very different attitude. Perfectly trainable, just different.

Laid back, still loves a good walk but happy to doze on the sofa or bed.

Having a dog walker would be great but can be prone to separation anxiety. I'd definitely look at hounds.

cherrytree63 · 04/04/2022 07:32

Another vote for a retired greyhound, canine couch potato.
We've always had an assortment of greyhounds, lurchers and terriers, and the long dogs are definitely a calming influence on the terrierists.

ImplementingTheDennisSystem · 04/04/2022 07:41

Our Border Terrier is a dream.
Because she's a terrier, she's a 'proper' dog in a small package.
We give her something between a 30-60 minute walk a day, depending on what we're doing, and then she sleeps for the entire rest of the day! She's naturally pretty lazy and it's us who make her go for walks - she'd rather be lounging on the sofa or in a sunny patch on the kitchen floor.