Dogs

[Samuraisan]

We will be retiring in the near future and downsizing . Finally I will be able to fulfil a dream and get a little dog. Any recommendations ? I know nothing about them, can't stand yappy ones , as in the yorkie next door, and the rescue dogs here look so ugly.

[Islay]

Look around the different rescues - not all rescues are ugly!!
The type of dog really depends on what you want to do - long romps or short walks?
Basset hounds are stubborn and great for gentle strolls beagles are great for long romps.
Labs are great all rounders or greyhounds who love 2 short walks a day and then spend the rest of eat sleeping.
In my experience a lot of smaller dogs are yappy because they constantly try and get your attention!

[Samuraisan]

Thanks Islay, food for thought

[Tilly2]

I would recommend a rescue Staffie. :-)

[Tilly2]

Seriously though, Sam. Do you want a dog to take on long walks or a dog that will be happy with a walk around the block? Have you owned a dog before?

[Islay]

Sorry Tilly I didn't delib miss staffies off I was trying to cover one extreme to the other.
Staffies make excellent pets - the original nanny dogs so loving and loyal.
I think you need to think what you want from the dog before you go looking so that your head rules the search not your heart (which believe me is very difficult)

[Baldric]

We have two Rescues neither of which is ugly, one Staffie and one Staffie sized X-breed, both very active but not barkers.

[Tilly2]

Sam, Google 'dogs for seniors' or something similar. There is a lot of advice out there.

[Mamyalynne]

Don't dismiss a rescue with a not so pretty face, they might just have the best character and temperament.

[Buenchico]

Start here:
http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/services/public/findabreed/

Border collies are an absolute delight (loyal, intelligent and affectionate) but they require a LOT of exercise. (Several hours per day):
https://www.pets4homes.co.uk/dog-breeds/border-collie/

Cocker spaniels are less demanding of your time but utterly adorable:
http://www.about-cocker-spaniels.com/

All terriers are lovely (and full of energy), especially Norwich and Norfolk ones:
https://www.pets4homes.co.uk/dog-breeds/norwich-terrier/

https://www.pets4homes.co.uk/dog-breeds/norfolk-terrier/

[Deskdiary]

I had our very old and very loved 13 year old Labrador put down just before Xmas, which was heartbreaking, if nothing else because he had been a constant throughout the life of my children (now 13 and 8) and I swore I wouldn't get another dog.

We lasted until January.

We now have a six month old Cavachon (I hesitated spelling that with a capital C, because it's a cross-breed - Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Bichon) and it's a great little dog.

1 - doesn't need a huge amount of exercise.
2 - doesn't yap (I can't stand yappy dogs).
3 - very friendly.
4 - ridiculously cute.
5 - easy to train (we had him house trained in a fortnight)
6 - doesn't drop hair.

The one downside is in six months he's had to go to the poodle parlour twice because his hair grows quickly.......at £40 a go.

[pastafreak]

I have a rescue lurcher. She's a whippet cross,and is the size of a small greyhound. Sighthounds like her do not...contrary to popular belief...need a lot of exercise. Two 20-30 minute walks and the rest of her life is sleeping. She's a real cuddle monster and probably a useless watchdog. She's only barked 3 or 4 times in the years I've had her.

...ah...just saw Islay's remarks regarding them. All true.

[Islay]

Deskdiary - Cavachone's are very very cute x

[pastafreak]

Ps...I was originally considering a Staffie,but decided they might be too energetic for me...I was already past 60. Obviously it depends on the character you want.

[Islay]

Pasta - I support a rescue dedicated to greyhounds and I could not believe how 'lazy' they are - unfortunately I found out after I had rescued to Labradors - who never seem to tire!!

[pastafreak]

I was convinced when I met my first greyhounds when the rescue I eventually adopted from had a fundraiser in the city centre. I just fell in love there and then. Took a couple of months to get her as I wanted a cat friendly one.

[Deskdiary]

Islay - they really are. I never thought I'd get a small dog (although I'd be lying if I didn't say I feel a bit stupid hollering "Binty" (not my choice) at the top of my voice over the park), but the only way I've managed to describe him when people have asked me who haven't seen one "what is a cavachon" is to try to imagine a kid's teddy bear running towards you........and that's a cavachon.

[Samuraisan]

Tilly, I once had a lovely dog many many years ago, but am quite ignorant. I of course look forward to walkies, but maybe not energetic long rambles. I will check out the rescue centre again when we are all organised, but , although I know they are probably all very loving, I would like pretty one too.

[Samuraisan]

Staffies don't do it for me, I am more a Labrador ( too big maybe) Westie maybe ? Anyway, it is something to look forward to. I believe it is not a good idea to get one from a pet shop?

[Deskdiary]

A lot of getting a dog is in the buying (if that doesn't sound daft). We were only prepared to buy having seen the mum and dad with the pups.....which resulted on two 400 mile round trips, 1 to see the pups with the parents and the owners of the mother and 2 to pick him up.

[Samuraisan]

Desk diary, Cavachons look absolutely gorgeous.