Pjrt

Haha im the exact opposite! I really dont like interacting with extremely biddable "what can I do for ya next?" kind of dogs! Those ones that are uber alert and have to get up and move with you every time you move and run up and back up and back or always have a toy for you to throw or have to climb all over you or scream and carry on happy dance when you come home etc etc. Id hate a dog that needed much mental stimulation to be happy. I like the 'stubborn' ones. I actually think it takes a lot of smarts to be stubborn. I like a dog that can just relax and take in the world around it without having to seem overly involved.

Can we say 'Chow Chow"!!! My Chow boy was as stubborn as hell. It was always, 'hmmm, just give me fifteen minutes to think about what I get out of that request' . But you know he really was the best dog I have ever owned or known. He was intensely loyal and protective of me and mine without any display or show, was a deep thinker, and had the ultimate dog smarts. He knew himself and never questioned what he was about. He was not easily distracted by the fluff of everyday life. He would never refuse a request from me as long as he was given the latitude to respond in a Chow like manner.

A bored dachshund will soon be a noisy dachshund! It could be said to some extend for most breeds, but especially so with dachshunds. They are beaut little dogs but they do often like the sound of their own voices! You probably won't get much sympathy here wanting a small smooth coat breed for outdoors etc but it can and does work if you make the right choices and manage the situation properly. My personal choice would probably be a Smooth Fox Terrier, but I have a soft spot for the breed.

Oh my dog OutOfSightHound you are talking my language!

If you would consider something a bit different a Chinese Crested from a reputable breeder ticks all your boxes.

Small to medium smooth coat sturdy with good temperament I can come up with a few for consideration. Miniature Pinscher Smooth Fox Terrier Tenterfield Terrier Boston Terrier Possibly German Pinscher Some of these guys are busy little dogs but don't necessarily need more than a brisk walk and a good game of fetch in the yard.

Do you mean short smooth hair like a staffy or whippet, or short hair like a kelpie or Labrador?

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Oh dog I LOVE that first photo of him looking at the lamp shade "hmm, I sense we have something in common"

Personally I wouldn't chose a short faced breed with all your running. You may find their tolerance drops off dramatically even in mildly warm weather. I would second Dalmation, and add Rhodesian Ridgeback.

I am finally home now and have looked at the article. Thanks for sharing. Apart from the bubble I climb into for work, my life is pretty much living hell. I know without Gruf I would be dead. He gets me out of bed, he gets me out of the house, even if it is just to 'safe' places. And when I just cant leave the house, he doesnt abandon me. I truly understand the guy who said the only reason he cant suicide is because the bloody dog would be there looking at him. Dog bless him. Lately I have been having more and more flashbacks. Its amazing to me how a mind can retrieve in vivd detail so many things that happened over 35yrs ago. Gruf is always there when I need him.

Haha I concur! But, I think perhaps in Europe they are classed as a terrier, hence why the association? Nope, they are categorised among the Bichons in the Toy and Companion Group funny while i was typing that post I'm thinking, no, they're Bichon! Something in my brain is telling me somewhere in history they have been described as terrier. I can tell you I groom dozens upon dozens of Maltese 'terriers'.....some of them are even not white.....

Oh, and I haven't looked at the story yet, but as someone who lives with C-PTSD I know it's my dog who keeps me alive most days and is the only thing I have to turn to in my darkest moments. He is definitely my lifeline.

Haha I concur! But, I think perhaps in Europe they are classed as a terrier, hence why the association?

Mmmmmmm summer rolls

Keep looking, the right one will come along. Chihuahua are my heart breed. I have owned three, Billy a red long coat, Rita a black/tan smooth, and Joseph a tri long coat. They were all correct breed type with Apple heads and molera. I wonder if there is a push away from the apple dome head in some uneducated circles who may think the molera is wrong or cruel? I can only assume that the molera may be lessened in the deer type? I definitely have more chihuahuas in my future! Donatella, I love Pomeranians but they are worlds apart in temperament from the correct chihuahua temperament. I am guessing the op really wants that chi temperament, as well as the correct conformation to go with it.

Ihad a flick through their covers and there's not much dog dick going on. A sort of smudge there on some of them. But I did notice the Teacup Chihuahua, and the Labradoodle.........

Haha I think predictive text has it! Leonberger Is the breed name. And yes they are beautiful

In my humble opinion managed exposure to many experiences far outweighs the risks of keepiing them at home! I'd rather manage the health risks and get out and about than end up with a wallflower.

I'm not a fan of cats in the Australian landscape but they're here now. Destruction of wildlife and general nuisance behaviour is not the cats fault, but the fault of their humans that don't control and contain them properly. I absolutely agree that every single owned cat should be microchipped and completely contained within its owners property either in the house or in an enclosure or a yard containment system.

At least it would always bring the stick back........ Unless they come with a program to go get the stick then bugger of doing enormous circles just out of reach with their head in the air and then when they finally decide they want the stick thrown agin, tear past you whacking you in the shins with the stick before finally yielding.....

Well I better learn me some electronics if I'm to stay in business!

Did the groomer know that the dogs had bypassed quarantine? I would forgive anyone for not asking, because really in Australia you could be forgiven for assuming all pets pass through quarantine, no question. If I was the groomer, and assumed the dogs had been quarantined, and then found out otherwise, I would be billing JD for the decontamination of my salon and full health testing of any dogs whose owners wanted it. And a written apology to myself and my clients! If the groomer knew all along, then damn them to quarantine and back! No excuses.

Hey Gruf - yes she's 3yrs. We run 6-10kms every day in our nearby bush reserve (mostly off leash). She's in great health - no dandruff, itching etc. She just has an annoying super shedding coat!! A Sounds like she has a great life. Medical issues sound unlikely then. If you dog is really frightened of vacuum type noises and you don't think she would do very well with a professional strength dog blow dryer I would suggest what I call a bucket bath which will minimise grooming stress and maximise grooming outcome for home grooming. Get a bucket of warm soapy water and an old face washer, as well as your curry brush. Without making the dog soaking wet, rinse the face washer in the bucket and ring it out partially, then rub it vigorously through your dogs coat getting you fingers right in and rubbing all around in all directions. Once the dog is damp and rubbed you will probably have hair going everywhere. Now go to the curry brush backwards and upwards and final with the grain of the coat. By now hopefully you will have a cleaner dog with a bunch less coat. Use a slicker brush and a comb to really finish things off. I just find this damp semi bath method works really well for grooming at home. You may find that for a day or so it heightens shedding as the coat settles down but give her another brush through the following day and hopefully you will have stripped out a lot of coat.

How old is your dog and it it in generally good health. Lean and fit? Everyone's idea of excessive shedding is different but there are some illnesses and conditions in dogs that can cause truly excessive coat turnover. If your dog is older , fat, unfit, drinks a lot and /or generally has a dull or dandruffy coat it might be worth a vet check. Ps. I'm a LesPooch girl myself. Best slickers everrrrrr!