Advise And Guidance

[peterseaford]

Good afternoon everybody - the wife and i need your advise and guidance.

we live in Seaford Victoria and have a motor home.

we regularly baby sit our daughters dogs but we have not had one of our own for a few years now because we did a fair amount of overseas travel but now we

are well into our seventies we would love a companion or two to share our lives.

In the past we have had big and small dogs but now we think smaller might be the way to go as the motor home is not all that big.

Would like o dog with few health issues and would like some advise as to a reliable health insurance scheme for our pet.

Our idea of size was around a beagle to a kelpie as both of these would fit our bed and furniture .

When you have time would you mind letting us have your opinions which will be most appreciated.

kind regards

peter

[Loving my Oldies]

Check out https://www.petrescue.com.au

Thousands of dogs there and plenty would fit your criteria.

[Loving my Oldies]

There is a thread in General on Pet Insurance. I’ll find it and link.

[Loving my Oldies]

http://www.dolforums.com.au/topic/266252-pet-insurance/

[Rozzie]

Hi Peter

I have a campervan and a Mini Foxie. She loves traveling and her crate fits nicely in the van. She's a good bed warmer, doesn't take much space on the lounge.

[PossumCorner]

Welcome Peterseaford.

Sounds a good project. Back in the mad old days we went round Australia in a Kombi, not quite motor-home specs but fun, fairly basic camping. Our dogs were a miniature Fox Terrier and a Basenji. The Foxie was a great little 'watch-dog' but was just as likely to bite wanted visitors as unwanted. Made life interesting keeping an eye on her. Thankfully it was in pre-litigation days. But we were never robbed. The Basenji was a joy as a travelling companion, everybody was his new best friend, absolute gem. Except they hate/hate getting wet, and as we slept on every beach in the country he spent a lot of time sulking just because the foxie was wet and sat beside him.

As DDD said, many dogs will fit your criteria (once you have one). I'd go for short shiny coat for lower maintenance, light colour (black dogs not as comfortable in the red centre summer) cheerful confident friendly temperament. And small. Small is still all dog, but so much easier to manage travelling. And if you could cope with two, they are company for one another while you are off doing people-only things.

You mentioned health issues - vets can give best advice on breeds or types to avoid, they are in the coal face experience position to do this for you rather than random anecdotal advice. Vets also have experience of the pet insurance schemes.

Edit. Rozzie just saw your Mini Foxie note: our Cindy was not an ambassador for the breed but had a very rough beginning to life among people which made it understandable.

Edited April 20, 2016 by PossumCorner

[Rebanne]

I'd 2nd a short coated dog. Maybe a Jack Russell or similar. I'd be thinking of an older dog as well, maybe an ex show dog, who is already used to travelling around. And usually already toilet trained. You can meet them and get an idea of their temperament. You don't want a very bold, over confident dog nor a shrinking violet as you will be meeting lots of different people and dogs.

[Dogsfevr]

Depends what sort of activity level you want to provide & what your expectations are when traveling .What general style of environment they dog needs to be good in & how much alone time it may spend .

Do you want something that can easily sit in a good quality pen happily or something more reliant on being attached to a lead for quality time .by pen i mean to be used at times of just sitting around & dog confined with ample space to chill in its bed or have a play without being loose or always on a leash .

There are plenty of breeds that would be ideal just comes down to what best suits you

[Purdie]

A Cocker spaniel..

[Scottsmum]

I'd 2nd a short coated dog. Maybe a Jack Russell or similar. I'd be thinking of an older dog as well, maybe an ex show dog, who is already used to travelling around. And usually already toilet trained. You can meet them and get an idea of their temperament. You don't want a very bold, over confident dog nor a shrinking violet as you will be meeting lots of different people and dogs.

Hi Peter,

Great topic :)

I also vote short hair - My mum and her partner spend up to 8 weeks a year (in one block) holidaying with their Dachshund. She loves it - but they do worry sometimes as she gets a bit too much attention - they're worried she'll get pinched. But she is bold and not scared of protecting her domain.

She also spends a lot of time going to camp drafts and other horsie events - so she's a seasoned traveler.

I think the recommendation of a show dog has merit too - we adopted a fox terrier type from the pound and he's awesome in every way - but he's an appalling traveler. He vomited every time he got in the car for the first 18 months we had him - not something we'd banked on.

[Rozzie]

My dog has been traveling to dog shows since she was 12 weeks old. She's a calm, relaxed car dog.

[Salukifan]

I'd like to suggest a Whippet

Despite their long legs, they don't take up much room, have the best low maintenance coats and cope well with confinement for a few days.

I know of at least one doing the Big Lap around Oz in a camper van.

Edited April 20, 2016 by Haredown Whippets

[Daisys Mum]

A couple I know who are in their 60,s ... They travel around NZ in their bus conversion . They have Standard Schnauzers and they absolutely love it when they get to go places ????

[Guest crazydoglady99]

Our idea of size was around a beagle to a kelpie as both of these would fit our bed and furniture .

I don't have any advice - but this bit made me smile.

Good luck with your doggie search :-)

[trifecta]

Have a look at the Schipperke, the little barge dog, it could well be a good fit :)

Edited April 20, 2016 by trifecta

[Rascalmyshadow]

Hi I'm also from Seaford, small world!

I would suggest an Aussie Terrier a bit smaller than a kelpie or beagle but they are robust little dogs that are quite easy to train, love being with their people without being over needy. They are not a smooth coat but still easy to maintain.

[skip]

Dogs love being with you and getting round in a camper....bliss to most dogs.

Getting one to suit yourlife style and your wishes in terms of energy levels most important.

So many.....also poodles if you like no shedding and don't mind coat maintenance. Jack Russell, foxies, chihuahua, cavalier, min pins, and also I love Italian greyhounds and whippets.

So I suppose its any you prefer the look and nature of.

I like rescue dogs as well if you get one well socialised. Heaps to choose from and realise now the small white fluffys as well.

Sounds like fun.

[Ashka]

We travelled around NZ in our motorhome/camper for 7 years. Our Cavalier King Charles Spaniel came too.

His metal crate was securely tied down on the middle jump seat at the front with the crate door opening into the Motorhome.

He had a 360º view :)

He loved it and we loved having him around. The only downside is that your dog gets used to having you with him 24/7 for years.

As Cavs have been bred for generations as companion dogs it was a good fit.

Edited April 20, 2016 by Ashka

[denali]

I too think a cavalier would fit, but they do need grooming (brushing) and a cocker could also possibly fit.

But need regular clipping, which can be a pain to try and schedule into traveling.

My other suggestion was going to be whippet. I do think one could fit in well :)