Hello!

Any recommendations for the "ideal" puppy for me?

I seem to want a bit of everything...not really sure what is the best option - but need to forward plan...

okay so trying to negotiate a place with a garden, but until then it will be an apartment dog. 
I don't want a breed that needs 2 hours exercise a day, but want one that is sturdy and not to tiny to not be able to get round a 2 hour forest walk.  Also i'd like one that would be happy enough in a very cold alpine environment (for 4-5 months of the year, coldest -10) with plenty of doggy clothing!

I'd like one that is easy enough to train.  i am willing to put the effort in if they are a little more difficult in order to get the other bits right...

i don't mind grooming either...

Dunno, any thoughts|?  My perfect dog is a beagle but been warned off them...

thanks!

A male long haired mini dachshund. Perfect dogs. They're great walkers but are also happy lounging about. They're small but sturdy. There coat will keep them insulated in cold weather and they are very intelligent, loyal dogs.

aww that's great.  I worked with a mini dax last year (well - i worked, she lolled about and got cuddles) and she was just perfect.

I was always really worried about the health problems of the backs though?

sarah

What about a spitz?

I'm not sure this is ever a question that other people can answer for you so here's a few things to think about and some questions to answer:

Have you looked at a good dog breeds book?

Breeds are always so very much more than their appearance.  Have a look at the different groups of dogs: hounds, terriers, gundogs etc.  There are often comments from new owners saying they didn't realise their new dog would chase things, or bark a lot, or chew, or not come back when called.  Some of these traits are determined by the type of dog you choose.  For instance, I read recently of someone that chose a hound then complained that it went around sniffing everything!!

Have you met any particular dogs than you have felt drawn to?  What is it about the beagle that you like?  Same question for dogs you didn't like.  It can be useful to go to some shows to have a look at breeds en masse.  Crufts or Discover Dogs is ideal but those are March and November.

When you get to appearance consider the elements that appeal to you.  Ears (up or down), coat type (long, short, wiry, profuse), tail set (up or down), size (above or below your knee), muzzle length.  Look at breed clubs online to find information about health tests and known health problems.  Your need for a dog that can cope with the temperatures you want may dictate a breed but they may well not be suitable as an apartment dog.

In truth, if it were me, I'd wait until I was settled into a place with a garden.  That however, is definitely determined by the types of dog I like.  Be aware that some breeders may not consider you for their breed with your current accommodation.  Good luck with choosing a breed.  When you get to that stage come back and ask about how to choose a good breeder... :)

I was thinking Spitz family due to the weather, something like a Swedish Vallhund, certainly sturdy enough, but easily carryable, stand the cold, but not a dog that needs lots of grooming, though double coated so will shed, once/twice yearly, but that's life.

they aren't really short on leg, like a Dachs or Corgi, great at Agility a herding dog, so pretty trainable as Spitz go.

Always considered one if I wanted something nearer the ground ;)

hello

is a spitz the one in your photo?

Thanks for your other tips dogs a babe.  I understand about the garden thing...however it could be years before a place with a garden comes up.  i only rent at the moment. 

I've done a fair bit of research via the kennel club etc but thought it would be a nice idea to get people's real experiences, as i suppose things vary even within breeds...

i like the look of most dogs to be honest, i stop and talk to dogs quite often when i am out walking so have seen a fair few...least keen on slobbery dogs i suppose.  favourites so far have been spaniel (cocker i think) boxers, beagles, maltese (clipped though!) huskies, setters - like i said, i like most puppies!

Also, don't really want a mega rare breed that is impossible to track down and costs a fortune to buy!

: - )

ps Swedish Vallhund!  Very cute!  like a cross between a daxie and a huskie!  lol

Yep that's about right,so they have the sturdiness, but with the smaller stature fit into apartments better as well as being easier to carry if needed.

Spitz are all the breeds with double coats, prick ears, wedge shape heads and usually with a curl to the tails.

og.

If you are thinking about a spitz breed then what about a Finnish Lapphund - my picture is a Swedish Lapphund but they are very difficult to get here - the Finnish Lapphund is slightly bigger but not huge, they are a herding breed.

ah yes!  that's a very nice looking animal (Finnish Lapphund)

will look into that one in a bit more detail...

: - )

do herding dogs try and herd groups of small children?  just would be funny to watch s'all (!)

sarah

most herding breeds will try to herd anything that moves - including cats, chickens and people :-)

I know someone (trains dogs and competes and trains in agility) who would say ... CKCS, CKSC, CKCS. But she's biased, although she only has one of them, in amongst her collies and GSDs. They will go with the flow, happy to chill or happy to do lots, good to train, can be excellent couch potatoes or excellent agility dogs and will do little country/town walks or walk the mountain tops with you.

Personally, I don't know the breed particularly well, but I do know her mantra!!!

Oh, and she takes hers on ski trips to the Alps, and no it doesn't need doggy clothing!!

As you don't have a garden at the moment, how about taking on an adult rescue?
If you contact the breed rescues you can put your name down for any breed you think would suit you - and of course, not having a garden is MUCH less of a problem with an adult dog, than it is with a puppy. Many rescues in breed rescue are there because their owners can no longer care for them, or have died - not because they have any particular issues.

I rent and may have to move soon, but as my dog is now an adult - and I know others with adult dogs in flats with no garden - it's not such a big deal if I don't have a garden, as I know my dog is very clean indoors and will always tell me, or hang on if necessary. But a puppy is another thing entirely and I would not get, advise or condone a pup without a garden, and neither would an honest decent breeder. (Though I have seen chihuahuas trained to eliminate in one place only in a garden-less flat, but that takes time, patience and experience to achieve).

oh sorry?!  being a bit dense...a CKCS?  but sounds like a good idea about the alps!  i'm hoping to work out there eventually...and the finnish lapphund is looking very promising too....has everything i'm looking for...

I see what you mean about the adult rescue and the garden issue, although my colleague with the daxie lives in a flat and has had her since puppy...i guess some breeders are happier with it than others...

> I see what you mean about the adult rescue and the garden issue, although my colleague with the daxie lives in a flat and has had her since puppy...i guess some breeders are happier with it than others...

If you've never had a puppy before, it's hard to envisage the hard work that goes with one! It really is hard work, with many a broken night and I could not imagine having a pup with no space to let him/her out when needed - which with a puppy could mean 1am, then again at 3am and yet again at 6am for weeks, and sometimes, months. Very few puppies are entirely reliable until 6-8 months.

The reality of not having a garden with a puppy is: Several times a night you will need to set your alarm, dress yourself, put your shoes on, put a lead on the pup and go out of the front door (possibly standing around for 20 mins in the freezing cold, just to see the pup doesn't need a wee after all) for at least the first 8 weeks - and don't forget puppies are prone to the odd minor digestive upset, meaning runny poos and frequent trips - and you could be doing this for up to 6 months. Some breeds housetrain easier than others. It's almost a recipe for a nervous breakdown.

Plus if you are renting your landlords will not be happy about any accidents indoors - which are inevitable even if you do have a garden - but far worse when you don't.

> not to tiny to not be able to get round a 2 hour forest walk. 

You have been given lots of ideas, so I won't add any more breeds, but just a reminder about those long walks that you want. No puppy will be able to take that sort of exercise.  Sorry if you are already aware!  But the rule for any breed is 5 mintes walk per month of age per day.  So, at 4 months you can walk them for 10 minutes from home, and 10 mintes back.  It will be some time before you can do those 2 hour walks and not cause problems for your dog.

oh yes, no i was aware of that...wouldn't dream of dragging a poor little puppy around on a long walk!  lol....was thinking of for the longer term, didn't want to end up with a companion that couldn't keep up as an adult dog..

: - )

Fine!  Not everybody realises that they can contribute to skeletal problems.

All you have to do now, is DECIDE!!!!   :-)  :-)

> oh sorry?!  being a bit dense...a CKCS?

Cavalier King charles spaniel :-)

from your description, a tibetan spaniel sounds like it would fit in,once fully grown would be able to take as much exercise as you want without being demanding if you don't want to walk far on other days.they are quite stubborn and you musnt be fooled into giving in to them while cutesy puppies,are very intelligent and generally pretty fearless and need minimal grooming without needing to be clipped.mine have been socialised with all breeds and generally tend to be aloof with strangers,whilst also being good watchdogs.hope this helps,roy.

Hi, sorry, CKCS = cavalier king charles spaniel :-)

Edit: Oops, sorry, just spotted someone had explained!

I second the Cavalier - happy to curl up on your lap for hours, but once adult and fit, able to do a 2 hour walk with no trouble at all. Just be sure to buy from a breeder who has done all the health tests.

Was going to suggest that one :) I know a family with 3 Tibetans and they are lovely dogs. They are about to get their 4th.

I was also going to suggest the Keeshond
http://www.keeshondclub.org.uk/html/the_keeshond.html
There is a link for the breed rescue on there if you were maybe considering an older dog :)

Good luck with whatever breed you choose

hi there!

Thanks all for your help and tips.  I had done a fair bit of research on the breeds and the KCS came out really poor for health problems due to over breeding. 

Any other tips welcome though!

xx
: - )

The King Charles Spaniel (KCS) and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (CKCS) are two different breeds. :-)

as the owner of a king charles(not cav) spaniel,i can also add there is a big difference in temperament between the two too.the king charles more stubborn than the cav for a start..

Hi, I own Vallhunds. They are a great breed, just hard to get hold of! In this country we only have approx 40 puppies born each year so most people who want one have to go on a waiting list.
As a spitz breed they can be noisy if allowed to get away with barking when a puppy. I know KateM on here lived in a flat with hers many years ago, it might be worth sending her a message to ask her opinion.

> Hi, I own Vallhunds. They are a great breed, just hard to get hold of!

I quite like Vallhunds having met a few now, and that's from someone who's not naturally keen on short dogs. The Lancashire Heeler is another small breed that might suit - and don't forget Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen. If I could only ever have a small dog  in the future for some reason, I think I'd be leaning towards those breeds, or Papillons... and I'm not against Tibetan Spaniels either though I'm not usually a fan of short-nosed breeds.

hiya, i did what you are doing, researched every breed to see which suited my circumstances, however, becareful of the "breed info" found on some sites.  they mostly refer to the adult dog.  phrases like, can be left/low barking/low health issues/non fussy eater   all applied to my dog.  but so far none is true, although i have been told he will grow into these categories!!

also, puppies, wow, are they hard work!!  i was looking for a dog around a year old, so all the hard work was done.  but fate stepped in and gave me a 10wk pup,,,,,,,,,, it really is like having a baby (and i hate that phrase).  up every two hours for toilet, constant attention, unable to be left, housework is a thing of the past,   granted i may have made things harder than necessary for myself but this was the youngest dog i ever had, and i just didnt know.  plus mine was very poorly and needed lots of vet visits (thank goodness i took sensible advice and got insurance).  he is now 6mths and turning out just fine, i love him to bits and cant wait to spend our weekends rambling and maybe agility, but thats still along way off.  

so, i think what i am trying to say is, dont discount an older/rescue dog, you will get the love and "instant" dog i think you may want and the dog will get the walks and "instant" owner he wanted too.   lots of luck

> but fate stepped in and gave me a 10wk pup,,,,,,,,,, it really is like having a baby (and i hate that phrase). 

Ah but at least the baby stage is over is 6 months and by two to three years you have a sensible adult, with a  baby your lucky to be sleeping for the first two years. ;)

Give me dogs and puppies any day, but yes I too which you could get them all nicely well brought up at a year or two.

We very briefly discussed children when I married for the second time last year, but as I was already 45 and had two grown up ones it was a no, even though hubby has no children of his own. 

He says the dogs will be his babies,a nd eh loves seeing them into the world.

German Spitz might suit, come in all sizes from Zwergspitz (Pomeranian in UK) Klein, Mittel, Gross (German Spitz in UK) to Wolfspitz (Keeshond in UK). They can be noisy and will take as much exercise as you can give (will turn their paw to anything- I have attended flyball,agility,cani-x, htm and obedience events with GS taking part in all)
Being native to Northern Europe they will suit the variable weather conditions :-)
If neutered boys/girls coats will thicken up and I have found that the shedding that is inevitable with all spitz breeds is confined to 1x year when neutered (2 weeks to blow full coat which to my mind is better than a lot of double coated breeds that shed all year round in CH homes).
I started with 1 - 5 years ago and now have 5 :-) :-)
Good Luck in finding the right breed for you
Angela