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Original poster

Which dog would suit us?

32 replies

Twixx2 · 01/10/2023 22:11

Hi,
Just after a bit of advice really.
So we're a family of 5 and we have a 9 year old cat.
My partner has had dogs over the years and would love a staffie as he had a few.
My older children - 16 and 18 have a labrador at their dad's but my 8 year old has never had a dog, though been around friends. It would be my first dog.
We have a garden and green areas nearby too, like walking though probably not massive walks in the week only weekends.
My work is flexible so can be at home a few days a week.
My partner has heart set on a staffie, I was thinking lab or cockerpoo though open to ideas.
Thank you.

OP posts:
elizabethdraper · 01/10/2023 22:13

Greyhound
The answer is always a greyhound

margotrose · 02/10/2023 05:04

What will happen to the dog on the days you're not home? Then people can give more helpful advice.

Original poster
Twixx2 · 02/10/2023 06:55

My parents would pop in but the dog may be left odd time for 4 hours.

OP posts:
Toooldtoworry · 02/10/2023 06:57

Purebred KC Reg SBT

Riverlee · 02/10/2023 06:58

Labradors are lively dogs and only calm down after a few years, but are lovely dogs.

Snoken · 02/10/2023 07:16

Definitely not a greyhound or any type of terrier if you have a cat.

It's difficult because a dog that can do massive walks on the weekend needs that during the week too. It's a fitness and mental stimulation thing, so if they are fit to do massive walks they will be bored (and possibly destructive) Mon-Fri when they are not getting exercised enough.

Because of this I think you need to choose a counch potato kind of dog so that the dog is happy Mon-Fri too. It also won't be possible for you to get a puppy as there is no way a puppy can be left home alone for anything even close to 4 hours. It's something you build up to and maybe at 6 months a dog can be home for a couple of hours, but it depends on the dog and the training you do.

So, an adult smaller dog would probably be your best bet.

Lastqueenofscotland2 · 02/10/2023 07:30

Snoken · 02/10/2023 07:16

Definitely not a greyhound or any type of terrier if you have a cat.

It's difficult because a dog that can do massive walks on the weekend needs that during the week too. It's a fitness and mental stimulation thing, so if they are fit to do massive walks they will be bored (and possibly destructive) Mon-Fri when they are not getting exercised enough.

Because of this I think you need to choose a counch potato kind of dog so that the dog is happy Mon-Fri too. It also won't be possible for you to get a puppy as there is no way a puppy can be left home alone for anything even close to 4 hours. It's something you build up to and maybe at 6 months a dog can be home for a couple of hours, but it depends on the dog and the training you do.

So, an adult smaller dog would probably be your best bet.

Yep I agree with this 100%
Absoutely not a cockerpoo.

Id look for small, low energy dogs that are unlikely to have a pray drive if you have a cat. Definitely not a greyhound if you have a cat.
Bichon is often (imo) a good family dog for someone who doesn’t want to do loads of walking

Nannyfannybanny · 02/10/2023 07:45

Labs are working dogs,I have a relative with one soon to be 2,has had them for over 20 years. They have a big garden, live on the outskirts of a forest, they get 2 X2 hour walks a day minimum. He's now doing the gun dog training.... not to shoot prey, just to keep the dogs brain active. Same with cockerpoo,high energy,high maintenance coat and grooming. We have 2 border collies...nope definitely not recommending them! I've had them since I was a kid. We had a Phalane almost 18 years,(cousin of the pappilon,bred from the cavaliers in the 18thc. He was great with cats, small kids. Have a work colleague who has had many cavaliers,says the same about them

wildwestpioneer · 02/10/2023 07:52

Staffies are brilliant family dogs and are really good with children. They can be reactive towards other dogs though, they lost definite prefer humans

Greyhounds would be a nightmare with your cat

Cockerpoo's etc are lovely, don't she'd much but are bonkers

Labs make lovely pets but are utter twats for the first 18 months, make sure it's not a working lab as they aren't bred for family life.

Riverlee · 02/10/2023 14:48

2x2 hour walks - my (working?) lab certainly doesn’t get that!

margotrose · 02/10/2023 14:49

Twixx2 · 02/10/2023 06:55

My parents would pop in but the dog may be left odd time for 4 hours.

If that's the case, you'll need to look for an older dog, so I wouldn't look at breed so much as personality and needs.

MetaMette · 02/10/2023 15:11

Riverlee · 02/10/2023 14:48

2x2 hour walks - my (working?) lab certainly doesn’t get that!

I have working labs, I know lots of people with working labs, I don't know anyone who gives them 2 x 2 hours walks every day

Floralnomad · 02/10/2023 15:54

Your best bet would be to speak to a few local rescues , tell them your requirements and see if they can match you up . Unless someone can have a good few weeks ( months ) at home I don’t think a puppy is a good idea .

BigDahliaFan · 02/10/2023 15:56

Our cockapoo isn't bonkers. She can be left at home. But she does get two decent off lead walks a day so that probably keeps her energy levels in check.

But they can be quite needy.

itsmyp4rty · 02/10/2023 16:25

I'd say go for a whippet, they'll be more than happy with a short burst of exercise in the week but able to go on bigger walks at the weekend.

Original poster
Twixx2 · 02/10/2023 17:06

Thank you all for your replies!
I'm pretty clueless about dogs and don't want us to pick a breed that we aren't a good match for. We've got a lot of love to give and going to take on your advice.

OP posts:
Snoken · 02/10/2023 18:00

@itsmyp4rty You shouldn't get a whippet if you have a cat.

Funhouse8 · 02/10/2023 18:55

Whippets are fantastic, we have two and we have a cat. They snuggle up together, just teach the puppy the cat is off limits to chase.

They are happy to walk a lot, or a quick half an hour in the morning and evening. The rest of the day they sleep, they love a good run.

Fantastic family pet's, dog and people friendly. And just the best dog's, I wouldn't get anything else.

FawltyTower · 02/10/2023 20:16

It's difficult because a dog that can do massive walks on the weekend needs that during the week too. It's a fitness and mental stimulation thing, so if they are fit to do massive walks they will be bored (and possibly destructive) Mon-Fri when they are not getting exercised enough

I don't think this is true at all.

We have a Springer Spaniel. We're often out with her for several hours on weekends...sometimes full days of Country park or hiking, swimming, beach treks etc. She will keep going and going all day long.

During the week she gets an hour walk and a couple of 5 minute toilet walks. The hour walk is a full hour offlead through woodland, so a spaniels paradise with mud, bushes, squirrels, swimming etc...but it's only an hour and she does just fine on it.

She's not destructive at all and her ability to walk/run/swim for 8 hours on a Saturday day trip doesn't mean she 'needs' it every day.

Snoken · 02/10/2023 20:27

@FawltyTower an hour of running around offlead together with two shorter walks is enough to keep a grown up high energy dog stimulated. I am not sure what the OPs plan is but when she said her parents will pop in on the days she working it sounds more like they might open the back door or go for a walk around the block. Most high energy dogs would be unhappy with that.

Original poster
Twixx2 · 02/10/2023 21:06

Yeah it would be pop in/ quick walk with my parents rather than big walk.
I have been looking at rescues but the cat limits the options , not ruling that out though.

OP posts:
UndercoverCop · 02/10/2023 21:12

We had a family lab and if I ever had a dog of my own I'd love a Labrador but my dad is a walker and a cyclist and my parents now live within a five minute walk of the edge of parkland/woods then public footpaths that go into a country park. Even when working my dad would walk or cycle an hour in the morning and the dog would go with, running with the bike and at least an hour in the evening often more. More at weekends, they also did agility classes, a hobby for my dad but to stimulate the dog and engage his brain. My parents prefer walking holidays or UK coast out of season so lots of beach runs and swims for the dog.

He was a terrible chewer as a pup and my dad was semi retired by the time we got him so he was never alone for long periods.
Unless you have someone that committed rain or shine I'd go for a less energetic breed.
PIL have bassets and they don't much like walking! One just lays on the ground and refuses to go any further after a short walk!

feelingalittlehorse · 02/10/2023 21:16

Riverlee · 02/10/2023 14:48

2x2 hour walks - my (working?) lab certainly doesn’t get that!

If I denied any of mine’s precious sofa time for 4 hours a day, there would be absolute mutiny in the ranks ….

PepeLePugh · 02/10/2023 21:24

I agree with previous posters that recommend you don't get a puppy if you are expecting to leave it alone for hours each day. Imagine the destruction if you left a hyperactive toddler on their own for a few hours with no nappy on and that is pretty much what you can expect. Puppies need constant attention otherwise they will try and eat anything and everything.

Newuser75 · 02/10/2023 21:32

Snoken · 02/10/2023 07:16

Definitely not a greyhound or any type of terrier if you have a cat.

It's difficult because a dog that can do massive walks on the weekend needs that during the week too. It's a fitness and mental stimulation thing, so if they are fit to do massive walks they will be bored (and possibly destructive) Mon-Fri when they are not getting exercised enough.

Because of this I think you need to choose a counch potato kind of dog so that the dog is happy Mon-Fri too. It also won't be possible for you to get a puppy as there is no way a puppy can be left home alone for anything even close to 4 hours. It's something you build up to and maybe at 6 months a dog can be home for a couple of hours, but it depends on the dog and the training you do.

So, an adult smaller dog would probably be your best bet.

I'd agree with this totally. I wouldn't risk a cat with a terrier or greyhound.

I'd recommend looking up dogs that were bred as companion dogs. Do take into account any breed specific health issues though.

I do love Staffies and am pleased to see them mentioned as an option but they can be quite excitable and do like their exercise!