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Sorry - Yet Another "what Breed Should They Get" Thread


jr_inoz
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I am so over all these people that want a dog but cannot be bothered brushing it. There are so many lovely long coated breeds that simply get overlooked because of the current fad to get a non-shedding dog. The long coats are so much better shedding wise than many of the short coats. I will never again own a Lab or anythign with a similar coat because that is just too much shedding for me but my BCs, Aussies, Collies, Shelties and many of the Spitz breeds are easy care long coats and when they shed it comes out in easy to pick up lumps, not one hair at a time that gets into everything.

better them knowing what they want over getting a dog that they wont groom and who ends up matted and horrible.

I hate grooming and brushing and this is a deal breaker for me, i dont want a dog that has a long coat as i am not huge into brushing.

+1

I agree with both Teebs and Aussielover that it's better that people are realistic about how much grooming they are prepared to do.

An active family with 3 kids will likely find it easier to incorporate exercise than grooming into their dogs day. I'd rather walk/ train my dog than spend heaps of time grooming it. I picked a breed accordingly. Yes, he sheds a little, but I have to vacuum my house frequently anyway because I have messy kids. Dog hair is least of my complaints! :laugh:

For the family the OP is speaking of though it sounds like allergies are a concern so their needs are more specific regarding coat type. They may have to compromise and be prepared to get a dog whose coat does require more grooming. :)

Yes - I am glad they are realistic about it too. I think they are aware that low-shedding doesn't necessarily mean low maintenance.

Yep - my sheltie's coat doesn't require a lot of grooming (especially when we aren't showing) but when she blows her coat.... just lets say - I could vacuum my hard floor twice a day and it would still look like I hadn't vacuumed in a month - especially right at the moment - she is blowing her coat big time. I am brushing her each day to get rid of it all, in the hope of having less on the floor - but she still leaves fur behind. Mind you - I do love that she doesn't shed much at all for the rest of the time.

I had a miniature fox terrier growing up (suspect it would be a tenterfield now...) and he shed all year round. Short little hair everywhere that got stuck in everything.

I should ask them more questions about what they are after.

What are havanese like for grooming? Can anyone tell me about an Aussie Terrier?

I'll mention corgis. There are some lovely ones here in SA. Keep the ideas coming. I am not very knowledgeable about dogs outside of the working dog group.

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I'll mention corgis.

This one illustrates why my suggestion was Cardigan Corgi. I'd totally agree with this fella's breeder about how adaptable these dogs are for families & children. And he's been raised to be happy around children!

Scrumpy is just over the waters in Tasmania. :)

http://www.dogzonline.com.au/breeds/mature/welsh-corgi-cardigan.asp

Edited by mita
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If they're after a low maintenance dog I'm going to suggest an Australian Terrier. These guys are so robust and suitable for kids of all ages. They act big and tough like big dogs but are compact in their terrier size.

Very easy to look after and very sound health wise. Coat doesn't require much and there's little to no shedding. They are a very active breed but are also very happy to lounge around too.

I can't speak highly enough of this breed. However whippets and greys are growing on me too!!

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Hi Gayle :wave:

Gayle thats odd - I've never heard of a high-shedding westie, but I suppose there is always a first. :) I always describe westies as low-shedding (mine shed a bit after a clip or a bath),as I genuinely don't believe there is such a thing as a no-shedding dog.

Anyway I agree with the poster who said this trend towards no brushing no clipping, no shedding diadvantaging gorgeous long-haired breeds... well maybe those people should get a stuffed toy instead...

Sadly this still includes some cross breeds but I like the table layout and allows you to compare breeds for suitability. Here

This one has photos to show what the dog looks like and then you click on the photo to learn more Here

Oh lordy a list without oodles or cross breeds Yippee

The list of non-shedding dogs includes a Westie. A friend of mine had one, a very, very nice pedigree boy who shed more than her 3 Aussies combined.

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mini schanuzer!

spunky, fun, adaptable, easy to train.

grooming wise, i keep my boy quite long in the furnishings and i run a comb through his hair once a week and he doesn't get matty/knotty. but they could just clip off pretty much all the hair and leave a short moustache/beard if that is easier for them. most grooming places will do it and i've seen plenty of minis cut like that - i personally don't like it but that's just me... mine isn't great with kids, but that is cos we (stupidly) didn't socialise him with kids when he was a pup - we didn't know any kids at the time and since then i've had a boon of little cousins, nieces and nephews so he is getting much much better and the kids are all getting a pretty good early education on how to behave around dogs.

or maybe a lakeland or a border terrier? met a few of each and they are both lovely little/smallish robust dogs, not too much shedding and fun and vivacious little dogs that, given a daily walk seem to settle in the house really well. all of the lakelands i've met are super with kids.

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I am so over all these people that want a dog but cannot be bothered brushing it. There are so many lovely long coated breeds that simply get overlooked because of the current fad to get a non-shedding dog. The long coats are so much better shedding wise than many of the short coats. I will never again own a Lab or anythign with a similar coat because that is just too much shedding for me but my BCs, Aussies, Collies, Shelties and many of the Spitz breeds are easy care long coats and when they shed it comes out in easy to pick up lumps, not one hair at a time that gets into everything.

better them knowing what they want over getting a dog that they wont groom and who ends up matted and horrible.

I hate grooming and brushing and this is a deal breaker for me, i dont want a dog that has a long coat as i am not huge into brushing.

+1

I agree with both Teebs and Aussielover that it's better that people are realistic about how much grooming they are prepared to do.

An active family with 3 kids will likely find it easier to incorporate exercise than grooming into their dogs day. I'd rather walk/ train my dog than spend heaps of time grooming it. I picked a breed accordingly. Yes, he sheds a little, but I have to vacuum my house frequently anyway because I have messy kids. Dog hair is least of my complaints! :laugh:

For the family the OP is speaking of though it sounds like allergies are a concern so their needs are more specific regarding coat type. They may have to compromise and be prepared to get a dog whose coat does require more grooming. :)

Yes - I am glad they are realistic about it too. I think they are aware that low-shedding doesn't necessarily mean low maintenance.

Yep - my sheltie's coat doesn't require a lot of grooming (especially when we aren't showing) but when she blows her coat.... just lets say - I could vacuum my hard floor twice a day and it would still look like I hadn't vacuumed in a month - especially right at the moment - she is blowing her coat big time. I am brushing her each day to get rid of it all, in the hope of having less on the floor - but she still leaves fur behind. Mind you - I do love that she doesn't shed much at all for the rest of the time.

I had a miniature fox terrier growing up (suspect it would be a tenterfield now...) and he shed all year round. Short little hair everywhere that got stuck in everything.

I should ask them more questions about what they are after.

What are havanese like for grooming? Can anyone tell me about an Aussie Terrier?

I'll mention corgis. There are some lovely ones here in SA. Keep the ideas coming. I am not very knowledgeable about dogs outside of the working dog group.

I think it's great they're realistic about what grooming they're willing to do. Nothing worse than a matted unbrushed dog...I've got a mini schnauzer no-shedding wasn't really on my list of requirements for a dog, but I must admit it's been a bonus and I can understand why people are looking for that, and lets face it as long as people are aware that low shedding does NOT equal no grooming, what is the problem? If you are researching breeds seriously, of course it would not be the only thing you'd be ticking off when deciding what to get.

As for the mini schnauzer would absolutely recommend them for a family. He's a fun loving little guy, very friendly, great with kids, smart and provided you get them clipped regularly grooming's no problem as long as you're willing to brush through their beard and legs every day or so to prevent matting.

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I really dont understand why people dont look at rescues and shelters first when they want a xbred dog....

its frustrating because there are so many in need of homes and are all so loving......

you cant predict a desiger dogs temp or appearance or health anymore then a pound mutt.....

:mad its really sad.....that these dogs die while unscrupulous "breeders" line their pockets and put stuffed up lies and crazy "facts" into the unsuspecting publics heads........

a bloody cavoodle,labradoodle lashoodle choodle blah!!!!! :(

i saw this cartoon with my nephew yesterday called marthur speaks, and is was all about educating people on responsible dog ownership, yeh even kids cartoons do it now.

it was about a young girl who bought a " bluedoberottweilerdoodle" she bought the designer dog to match her handbag, and then realised she bought it on impulse and dumped it in the pound.....

they went through many things on that episode about people fostering and adopting dogs, and that just because its mixed with a poodle doesnt mean its non shedding or hypoallergenic.

they found the puppy a home of course ( its a cartoon.......)

they need more things like this

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or a tibetan spaniel?

jr, I'm a tibetan spaniel tragic. :) And based on the requirements you posted, I actually ruled one out. The family don't want a dog that sheds much. Even tho' a tibbie's coat is wash 'n wear, they can go thro' a couple of months when the coat 'blows' a bit.

That's why I suggested a Cardigan Corgi. Fantastic all-round good breed for a family.

That was so interesting what the mum said to you, how they could only afford a mixed breed & not a purebred. I thought your answer to her was spot on.

It is a view that's held by lots of people. When often, the 'designed' mixed breeds in pet stores are often far more expensive than a purebred from a good registered breeder.

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what are shiba inus like? would they be suitable?
They have the energy for kids but shed fluff several times of year. It gets everywhere..... Not a good dog to let off leash at a dog park either.... (little buggers may not come back....) but if they are ok with that, and dog proofing a yard (which they would anyway I hope)then maybe?
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it sounds like a corgi or a schnauzer might be good.

I'll start planting seeds for them.

I think a retired show dog might be the answer for them. I know they would probably love a puppy but I think it will be out of their price range (knowing that my breed are now around $1000, I think corgis and schnauzers are that or a bit more....). I suspect their decisions are a bit further down the track though. Hopefully I'll be able to slowly work on them. Might take the dog mad younger ones to a show in the next month or so...

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Guest RosieFT

Just to answer the 'look in shelters' comment.. before i came on DOL i did not know all the rescue sites, but the ones i found when we were researching for our dog, were full of staffy crosses, bull breed crosses and little else. Pounds and the bigger rescue places. If you are not aware of the smaller rescue places who don't advertise etc. I found it nigh on impossible to find a small/medium rescue dog that was NOT a bull breed cross. Perhaps that is just Perth though.

Back to the OP, we were choosing between mini schnauzer and a Fox Terrier (smooth). In the end we went the foxie as my husband has always adored these dogs and we could not be happier. Rosie is the ultimate family dog. She is out in the garden with the kids when they are there, she will retrieve balls etc which is always fun for kids, I do agility with her and my husband loves taking her for walks along the river etc. where she really runs, jumps, swims and has a real doggy time.

I was concerned about dog aggression as I had read some unfavourable stuff about them (breeder disagreed though) so I did a few terms of dog obedience with her. She loves all dogs (so far) and loves, loves, loves meeting people. Also was very aware of any toy/food possessiveness as that also was talked about in the info i sourced - never happened (although she has discovered that bags at agility do contain lots of toys and food so is starting to become too interested in any lying around!!), as a terrier i expected her to dig and bark - again, has not yet happened!! I think she is broken LOL. BUT I was very quick to react to her barking when she was a puppy, a 'thankyou', a 'quiet' and a timeout if she did not respond. I think i broke her as she does not even bark when people come to the door..oops! she gets on well with our cat (who was here first and a young cat/old kitten when we got rosie).

coat - well at the moment she is dropping alot of white hairs but she is changing coat. The rest of the year, it can be a pain in the sense that if you pick her up you end up with white hairs, or if she is on furniture you get white hairs, but overall I only vaccuum once a week (might sweep lightly in between cos my kids are grotty!) but i don't think she is bad at all. She doesn't smell doggy.

She is a terrier and so can be a bit full on about life sometimes, but definitely has an off switch.

:-) anyway, just my 2cents.

My friend has a mini and adores her and knows she made the 'right' choice for her family, and i am sure we would have loved a schnauzer too.

ETA - Rosie was well under 1000.00 from a registered breeder in Perth.

Edited by RosieFT
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  • 1 month later...

Just bumping this thread again.

I caught up with my friends who are looking at a dog.

The youngest girl, whose dog it would mainly be, has been "doing her research" and has been looking at mini schnauzers.

I showed her (and mum and dad) the dogzonline breed pages. They were very pleased to see them. I also told them that they should come to a show with me. They loved that idea too.

Further found out tonight that the dog would be an "outside dog". Would a schnauzer cope with that? I know a sheltie wouldn't (not that they are looking at that breed) because they love being with people. I was able to put them off a "cavocker" with one of the reasons (of many I mentioned) being that Cavs love being with people and are inside dogs, so a cavocker would be the same.

I showed them the border terrier pages tonight. They really liked the look of a border. Can they handle being outside? Temperament with kids?

What are the "water" breeds of dogs (like the portuguese water dog) that don't shed and repel water? Would any of these be suitable? They would be happy with a small (sheltie size) to medium dog (border collie size).

Can someone pm me the price that a mini schnauzer or a border terrier puppy are likely to be going for?

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If they like your Sheltie and the allergic child is fine with her then why not steer them towards a Sheltie. They would certainly get a good purebred Sheltie for less than many oodles.

As much as they love her, I think the twice a year coat blow puts them off.

I am so over all these people that want a dog but cannot be bothered brushing it. There are so many lovely long coated breeds that simply get overlooked because of the current fad to get a non-shedding dog. The long coats are so much better shedding wise than many of the short coats. I will never again own a Lab or anythign with a similar coat because that is just too much shedding for me but my BCs, Aussies, Collies, Shelties and many of the Spitz breeds are easy care long coats and when they shed it comes out in easy to pick up lumps, not one hair at a time that gets into everything.

So true. My OH's SBT would shed like mad, little tiny prickly hairs that were impossible to pick up, my Aussie and Anatolian x have medium length double coats and the hair just forms its own little clumps so I can pick it up, that easy! I love brushing my dogs, it's bonding to me, relaxing and nice :)

I would maybe suggest a CKCS, or a Whippet, just saw the updated post though. IMO all dogs like to be with their family, and keeping them outside away from everyone is unfair, and I don't understand why you would even bother, but each to their own.

Edited by Aussie3
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My uncle had a border terrier that was outside- he seemed to cope fine (no bad habits and not over excited). I don't think it got a lot of interaction. I think most dogs would prefer to be inside, or at least have the option to come inside. I personally think you really need to be spending at least 2-3 hours training, exercising or playing with the dog if it is outside only, otherwise the dog would have a pretty isolated and solitary existence (unless they had other dogs/animals to keep them company).

I am so over all these people that want a dog but cannot be bothered brushing it. There are so many lovely long coated breeds that simply get overlooked because of the current fad to get a non-shedding dog

BTW you have to brush a non shedding dog much more frequently than you have to brush many long/double coated breeds.

I don't think issue is brushing, but shedding. Personally, I barely notice it but I've always had black dogs, so its not really as obvious.

If the issue is brushing- a short coated breed is the way to go, but obviously they can shed as much (sometimes more) than a long coated breed.

A long coat is a deal-breaker for me personally. I don't have the time or inclination for regular brushing and I don't like it when long coated dogs get wet as they take forever to dry (compared to short haired breeds).

I don't see why you are so against people that prefer to do minimal coat care and brushing?

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all mini schnauzers i've met can be naughty as hell if just left outside. they are people dogs and want/need to be amongst the action indoors with the family. can't they just have a crate set up in a common space (like the dining room) where the dog sleeps of a night? and let it in amongst the family during the day? honestly, what's the point getting a dog if you don't have it around/with the family?

as for price, my mini was a tick under $1000 - but as a salt & pepper was a less in-demand colour, the black & silver or blacks are a little more i think

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I am so over all these people that want a dog but cannot be bothered brushing it. There are so many lovely long coated breeds that simply get overlooked because of the current fad to get a non-shedding dog. The long coats are so much better shedding wise than many of the short coats. I will never again own a Lab or anythign with a similar coat because that is just too much shedding for me but my BCs, Aussies, Collies, Shelties and many of the Spitz breeds are easy care long coats and when they shed it comes out in easy to pick up lumps, not one hair at a time that gets into everything.

better them knowing what they want over getting a dog that they wont groom and who ends up matted and horrible.

I hate grooming and brushing and this is a deal breaker for me, i dont want a dog that has a long coat as i am not huge into brushing.

Agree with Teebs - people are being responsible by thinking what they cancan't handle before they get a pup! There are plenty of nice short coated, wash'n'wear breeds too.

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I had this recently with a good friend, she posted on FB that they had just visited a breeder and gave a long list of breeds ending in "poo". I was instantly on the phone to her trying to explain all the reasons why she should get a purebreed, but "lots of her friends have dogs from this woman and they are all beautiful dogs, and the puppies were all so cute". Sigh. It sounds like it's just the done thing in her town, and they are still calling them "Designer".

I haven't heard from her since, probably when I pointed out that it was the equivalent of buying a "designer watch" on the streets of Bangkok and paying the price of a real Rolex. She did post a photo of her wall of a little black ball of fluff, but didn't answer any of the questions as to the "breed".

Edited by Rosaline
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A schnauzer is a very different dog to a mini schnauzer - which is what I think you're recommending (ie the mini)? You'll need to explain this to them because many people think they're just the next size up but they are not dogs for first time owners.

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When they say outside do they mean outside while noone is home? Or outside full time? Dogs are pack animals they need to be with their pack or they get very lonely :( what's the point if you're going to leave it outside away from the family? Once the novelty wears off that poor dog will likely be left to it's own devices :(

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