Recommend me a breed?

[Blueskiesunshine]

We lost our beloved dog a few weeks ago, we miss him terribly. I'm retired so at home all the time, the house feels so empty and silent without him!

This morning I asked my husband if he thought he would be ready for another dog any time soon. I was a bit shocked when he said he might never be ready for another dog, as he has developed mobility problems recently and would struggle to walk a dog.

I have no problem walking a dog but I do have arthritis and sciatica which combined mean that I can't do the very long walks I used to.

So my question is, can anyone recommend a smallish dog (we live in a semi-detached house with a fairly big garden) who wouldn't need a lot of walking, please? I've seen greyhounds recommended before but they're not a breed that appeals to me.

I think greyhounds, a giant breed or an older rescue dog would be the best match in my opinion.
Its a big mistake to think that ‘small’ equals not much exercise is needed.
Most of the small dogs I know, including my own, are very active and relish long walks.

Maybe get a cat instead?

Why don’t you contact your local rescues, explain your circumstances and ask them to match you up with a dog? My mum did this, and although it wasn’t one she would have gone for initially, he really is perfect for her

An older rescue not a puppy. Maybe a greyhound.

Lurchers are a very underestimated ddog.

Greyhounds and lurchers don't appeal to me either. A thoughtfully bred Cavalier or a papillon would be my smaller breed of choice (have always had Labs). They are both bright, happy, easily trained and don't need mega walks, but can do them if they work up to them.

A well-bred bichon might suit. Intelligent little dogs which don’t need massive amounts of exercise. Need to be well socialised and someone at home most of the time. Needs quite a lot of input but not much walking.

Something small bred to be a lapdog would be best. A lhasa apso or shi tzu.

Why is everyone recommending a greyhound when OP specifically says they don't appeal to her 🙄

OP - how much exercise would you be able to do on a daily basis? Would you be able to afford a dogwalker to take the pressure off a little bit?

Personally, I would look at companion-type breeds - shih-tzus, Maltese, bolognese, toy poodles etc. They do need regular grooming and plenty of company but their exercise needs really aren't intense.

Personally, I would look at companion-type breeds - shih-tzus, Maltese, bolognese, toy poodles etc. They do need regular grooming and plenty of company but their exercise needs really aren't intense

Why..?

With the possible exception of shih tzu as they are brachycephalic, most little dogs (except pugs and the like) are really very active, toy poodles especially are typically very lively.

Its the bigger breeds, your Saint Bernards, Danes, Greyhounds etc that typically are much calmer and satisfied with smaller walks.

It’s all very well asking why people are recommending greyhounds when OP doesn’t like them, but equally, why are people recommending smaller breeds that are active and healthy and appreciate some decent exercise..?

This myth that tiny size means tiny exercise exercise needs drives me mad!

OP hasn’t actually specified what duration the supposed walks are, but if the bigger breeds aren’t an option, I think perhaps the first poster who suggested a cat had the right idea.

With mobility problems you might be better with a larger dog that he won’t fall over

get a lovely beaglier they have a beautiful nature and while they enjoy a walk they don’t need masses of exercise. here is mine with his mum and sister.

It depends on your situation.

for example I have a yorkie who doesn’t need a lot of walks, but we live rurally with a big garden so he spends a lot of time outside hunting squirrels and other rodents, burying his stick stash etc.

there are quite a lot of smaller, older companion type dogs in rescue where there elderly owners die. Might be worth ringing round.

@Blueskiesunshine I wouldn't fixate on a breed, I'd go to a GOOD rescue & see what they match you with, a good rescue will know their dogs & you and the dog will be happy companions.

I agree with a PP who said not to get a small dog, bigger ones are less of a trip hazard!!

With no kids or other animals I’d go down the rescue route and let a GOOD rescue match you. We’re early 40s just got our first pup and my goodness it’s hard work. No kids. One lady back cat.

Labrador or working type cocker spaniel. Both beautiful company and will give you what you give them. A gentleman I know just bought a cocker pup. He's in his eighties, wife isn't too well but he's the one looking after the pup so it's his choice.

Don't feel you have to rescue either, you're as entitled to a brand new pup as anyone else.

I think cavaliers if you can get one with extensively health tested parents are fantastic dogs.

I’d go to a rescue and see what they have available. We have a 2 year old cocker who I adore (wouldn’t be the bread for you) but I wouldn’t do the puppy bit again. It was right for us at the time but my confidence has grown and I’d definitely get a rescue.

I adopted a poodle/shih tzu and she is THE loveliest dog.

She is still young and doesn't need much exercise - I take a ball and she just chases it and brings it back - I don't need to walk much. She also LOVES everyone and every dog so she gets her exercise wagging her bum furiously.

I also have - purebred miniature schnauzer and a medium sized mongrel of no discernible breed crosses.....both a very lazy and need even less than the young dog.

I think you can avoid certain breeds but you'll never know what you'll end up with, unless you rescue an older dog and know their personality.

Sorry for you loss, it's heartbreaking. Hope your new dog can fill your heart again

@CharlesChihuahua none of the breeds I listed require tons of exercise though Two short walks a day is plenty for them, especially if they'll company during the day.

How about a poodle? Some of the smartest dogs, they are very tuned into the owner's lifestyle and will equally happily spend a day on the sofa or go on long country walks. Fit many years I had medium-sized poodles (moyens or kleins, a rare size group in the Uk), and have a standard (large) now. All have been gentle but a standard might be too big for you if you get one as a puppy, they can be goofy and pull a lot until properly trained.

Chiliers (cross between the Chihuahua and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dog breeds) are beautiful friendly don't need much walking dogs.

hellobark.com/dogs/chilier/amp/

DB's Chilier

Working spaniel?! Bloody hell, no. I have a 12 month old sprocker from working parents and he’s the most intense dog I’ve ever had. A show cocker, maybe, but not a working one.

In your circumstances OP I would get either a bichon or a papillon. A cavalier would tick your boxes but there are so many health problems in the breed I would avoid unfortunately.

Thank you for all the helpful replies, much appreciated.

Before he was pts we were walking our boy for about 3 km per day. He'd become slow and unwilling to walk long distances, was probably already unwell but no symptoms except slowing down up to a few days before he died.

So I'm fine with 3-4 km once or twice a day.

I hadn't thought of ringing a rescue centre, that's a really good idea. I read last week that they are inundated with dogs being "disposed of" with Christmas coming up 🙄 I had considered visiting a rescue centre but I know I couldn't choose just one dog, I'd want to take them all home.

I would however quite like a puppy as we have a grandchild who can't have pets but loves animals and wants to be a vet when he grows up!

The reason I can't consider a greyhound is because I watched 4 of them tearing a neighbour's cairn terrier to pieces many years ago. Never got over that.

Oh and to those suggesting a cat, we have one already, getting on a bit but still lively. Shares herself generously amongst all the neighbours.

PS thanks for the doggy photos, all gorgeous! There's nothing like a dog's love.

hmm, maybe a poodle. You can do a good walk each day and poodles are amazing. Toy or miniature might suit.