Hi, I wonder if I can ask some advice please.  We already have a Jack Russell Terrier bitch called Pip who is 9 1/2 yrs old.  We are thinking it would be a good time to have another dog as Pip is not able to walk too far now (arthritis - getting a Bioflow magnet collar to help with this).  I am a keen walker and suffer from mental health issues so a good daily walk is very important to me; I realise you can't take a young puppy too far though!!  We would ensure Pip didn't get too hassled from a youngster and would have somewhere to go quiet when s/he got a bit too much for her.  We have 2 very dog savvy children aged 7 and 11. 

The breeds I really like are Miniature Schnauzer, Whippet, Cocker Spaniel (show type) and Border Terrier.  I love Cavaliers too as I grew up with one but unfortunately they have just too many health issues for me to consider.  I also like Labradors but my husband thinks they are a bit on the big side.  Are there any pros/cons to the dogs I have chosen?  I really want a dog that is easy and will fit in with whatever we're doing, is happy to go out for a long walk or alternatively, if I'm mega busy, can just put up with a quick round the block and play in the garden.  I work from home so am always around apart from when I have to go shopping etc so that's not a problem.  Also is there a big difference between dogs and bitches?  I'd be keen to do training classes with the puppy.

Thanks in advance for your advice :o)

There is a varied collection of dogs here, all very different.

Apart from walks I think you need to ask yourself whether you want to be grooming or taking your dog to the groomers. Do you want a busy dog in the house? How biddable would you want the dog, do you want to let it off lead:
What about strangers, human and other canines, very friendly, cautious aloof etc.
So many questions to help you narrow this down as some will need more work and input than others, some are a lot more easier going. You have a terrier now, would you want mother with this type of spark and pushiness?

Some of these are much more robust than others too.

Thanks very much for getting back to me.  I would definitely want a dog I can let offlead to have a good run - this would be somewhere safe and well away from roads.  I want it to definitely be friendly with other people and other animals and not be worried about it being aggressive.  I don't know that I'd necessarily want another terrier, but having said this we didn't get Pip until she was 5 as she was a rescue dog so we weren't at all involved in her training and her manners weren't great (to say the least!)   I am happy to brush the dog, I don't want to have to keep going to a groomers every 4 weeks so so though.  Just basically I want an easy going companion we can all enjoy.

Hope that helps.

> Miniature Schnauzer, Whippet, Cocker Spaniel (show type) and Border Terrier.  I love Cavaliers too

As you have said you don't want frequent trips to the groomers, then that rules out most except the Whippet (and possibly Cavalier).

With a schnauzer you will need to learn to clip the coat or take it to the groomers, borders need hand stripping, cockers I'm sure are a trim and a brush through.

What I've read about whippets and any sight hound is never to trust them off lead where they can
Just run off.

I'd personally out of these be leaning towards a show cocker, yes you will have a full coat but that can be addressed in the home with the right grooming tools, I find most gundogsore
Amiable with other dogs too and they should be a biddable breed in terms of trAining.

I'd probably go onto the relevant breed club websites and hVe a read about they characteristics and requirements and see if they would be suitable for your lifestyle.

Ah, I wasn't aware the others need regular trips to the groomers - I thought maybe once every 8 weeks or so.  Thank you

Thank you Suejaw!

> Ah, I wasn't aware the others need regular trips to the groomers - I thought maybe once every 8 weeks or so.

Well, that's regular! :)
To people who don't want a dog that ever needs to go to be professionally groomed, that's 8 weeks too often ;)

Yes every 8 weeks is regular but not as frequent as say once a month!! 

suejaw....cockers need much more than just a brush through. I breed and show cockers and they need to be groomed very regularly, pets need to be clipped every 6 weeks or so and care needs to be taken as they can get matts in armpits etc

I would definitely want a dog I can let offlead to have a good run - this would be somewhere safe and well away from roads.  I want it to definitely be friendly with other people and other animals and not be worried about it being aggressive.

Ok, mumofpip...I know this is always my answer, but have you considered a welsh springer :-)?

Anyone would think that you're prejudiced JAY15.

:-)  :-)  :-)

No, I don't know about Welsh Springer Spaniels.  Don't shoot me down here, but aren't all Springers a bit, um hyper?  The one I knew threw herself down the cliffs at Aust, got up, shook and went running off!  I'll check them out, thank you :)

In my experience Welsh (and I used to look after a friends several, and knew others) seem to have an off switch, compared to other spaniels I have had dealings with (cockers and English Springers).

The boys can be fairly dominant (won't let another male walk all over them)/strong minded.

Thanks for that, knew there was grooming but didn't realise to that extent.

Gwen bailey does a good book called finding the right puppy. It has all the breeds and their characteristics, energy levels, grooming levels.
I personally would be considering some of the smaller gundogs, maybe a border collie. Some of the toy group might work. A frenchie might be worth thinking about too, though they so fart a lot.

Have to say I'm totally smitten with the Hungarian Pumi, there are a few which have been imported here and they are delightful souls

Thanks again Sue, think I need to check out that book on Amazon!  We're in no desperate rush and want to make sure we get the right one for our family.

I'd not necessarily rule out the gentle Whippet.   Yes, some can't be walked without being on a lead unless in a fully contained area but as far as being a house-dog they are brilliant.   For one their coats need absolutely minimal attention - a daily brush or even wipe down and that's it - gleaming.   Also they don't smell.   I switched to this breed after I came to the end of my Basset bloodline.   It wasn't totally successful because although my close neighbour had these (where we used to live) and we sat for her lot when they were away, so I knew a thing or two about them, I wasn't totally ready for stubborn AND FAST.  She was that as a youngster.   We had to sit and let her get the zoomies out of her system!  And our last elderly Basset just sat on his chair and watched in horror!!  It would be best if you have a fully fenced large garden so if you can't risk letting her off her lead when out (some can be you know but you must be one step ahead - sight hounds always see anything moving a long way away), she can had a blast outside.    I would just say that once we lost the last of our Bassets, I realised I couldn't live without one, so we bought another.    He's clever - he knows he can't keep up with her so waits until she comes round the garden, and heads her off!!

If you have a male Jackie - please don't consider another male.   From experience with these (lived on a Boarding Kennel where they bred these) male Jackies don't always tolerate living with another male.

Have you heard of/considered the Smooth Collie? Unusual enough for people not to know about, but not so rare you can't get hold of. Easy care, fun but biddable.

M.

> Have you heard of/considered the Smooth Collie

How are these compared to the Border Collie training/temperament etc ??

Yes I do keep being drawn back to the Whippets; they seem like gentle souls.  I know they're fast but I probably am unaware just how fast they really are!!  I know you have to keep looking out for potential things for them to chase too.  Pip is a bitch so we wouldn't have a problem if we got a dog or a bitch.

I haven't heard of the Smooth Collie either so will check them out.

I've ordered the book you suggested Sue - 1p on Amazon bargain!!

Thanks everyone for all your suggestions :)

Just looking through puppies for sale I'm amazed by how many cross breeds there are and how expensive they are - everything seems to be crossed with poodle making the most funny names!  I wonder why people go for these so much as you don't always get the best out of both breeds do you, it's very easy to get the down side but because the dog is 'in' they can bump up the price.  Seems to be a lot of dogs not born in people's homes but growing up in kennels but still with a £1000 price tag.  Good learning exercise this.

I've got a smooth collie.  It is a rough collie without the long coat.  It appears to moult more than my rough.  It is livelier than a rough.  Maybe because it doesn't have the coat to carry around.  I prefer pastoral dogs.  Bitches of course.

Anyone would think that you're prejudiced JAY15

Prejudiced....MOI, JeanSW???? *shocked* :-) :-) :-) :-) :-)

Don't let the cocker coat put you off entirely.  My last boy, a heavy coated black, was professionally groomed every 8 weeks, and took up to 15 minutes a day to brush through in between.  My present two are particolours ("-and white"/roan) with lighter coats, and I can deal with them myself, but it does need an hour a day for the two.  If you are considering a cocker it would be worth looking for lighter coats.

Alternatively, for a low maintenance coat and an elegant appearance have you considered a Manchester Terrier?

mumofpip, welsh springers are in general far calmer than ESS but they do need their families. If the choice is staying indoors with you, or going out for a run, they would choose you. They are kind, intelligent dogs who will do anything for the person they love. If you can, try to meet a few at shows--I don't know where you are in the country but would be happy to make some suggestions. I think you will be impressed with them.

Hey Jay, funny you recommended the Welsh Springer Spaniel - isn't that one in your profile picture?!!!  Thinking about it one of the mums at gym has a Welsh Springer who she positively adores; she says she's much calmer than ESS - maybe I should go and have a look at her.

Saw these on pets4homes.co.uk and emailed the lady as I didn't know the WSS come in liver and white but she says yes they are WSSs. 

www.pets4homes.co.uk/classifieds/680401-springer-spaniel-puppies-ready-now-welshpool.html

Will check out the Manchester Terrier too - hope my new book comes soon as going to be busy methinks :)

We had ESS as children and they were the most gentle, friendly of dogs and grooming was not to bad apart from the ears. They were fine off lead with the exception you always had to make sure you carried money as if there was children with footballs the boys were almost certain to catch the ball and pop it, :D

funny you recommended the Welsh Springer Spaniel - isn't that one in your profile picture

erm...yes.

WSS NEVER come in liver and white!!!!They are ALWAYS red and white. Unfortunately they are a few people who have been taken in by people selling working ESS/ESS crosses and describing them as Welsh by virtue of being born there. The puppies in the ad you posted are most definitely not WSS.

If you scroll down the same pge at Pets4Homes, you will see what a well bred WSS puppy looks like:

www.pets4homes.co.uk/classifieds/676189-welsh-springer-bitch-puppy-gateshead.html

I've owned sighthounds for nearly 30 years, many borzois, one whippet and now silken windhounds. ALL of mine have been off lead every single day and I don't own my own land. All my friends with sighthounds let them off every day too, it's simply about how you bring them up and being aware :-)

If a whippet puppy is let off lead every day from the moment he/she finishes her jags when it is still insecure it will follow you everywhere. There are some general rules with sighthounds which make life easier. Don't walk at dawn or dusk - prime hunting times and don't walk near an unfenced busy road. Most sighthounds will chase bunnies or squirrels butt hey will come back as soon as they have caught or lost them.

My dogs are off lead in the country park, farmers fields, playing fields etc every day :-)

Whippets are wonderful dogs, I never understand why they are not more popular, they are gentle sweet and quiet in the house.

Do you know, even with my limited experience of WSS (um, since I chatted to the lady in the gym and looked at them after you recommended them) I thought they're not WSS because of the colour.  She said the dad is lighter.  Hmmmm ..... don't think so.

mumofpip, if I had a dime for every "breeder" who claimed similar nonsense it would pay for our show entries :-)

Actually I would always suggest to visit one of the large championship shows, preferably on several days if they are within easy distance, but otherwise on the days with the groups of the breeds of main interest.

Generally some of the less well known and exploited breeds will have the most breeders who are in it for the love of the breed with fewer entirely commercially motivated ones.  This makes finding a good breeder so much easier.

>Miniature Schnauzer, Whippet, Cocker Spaniel (show type) and Border Terrier

MiniatureSchnauzer, lovely dogs, but need a lot of grooming in between 6 weekly trips to the salon.   These days they seem to have very profuse leg hair that is also very fine and knots up really easily ;)

Cocker Spaniel Show Type,  I've known a few of these and they have really heavy furnishings these days, my brother's show Cocker 30+ years ago had a much less profuse coat and was easy to care for at home.

Border Terrier - Not as heavy coated as the above, but would need regular stripping (ongoing) or 6 weekly clipping and then much more coat care as the coat changes.

Whippet - easy coat care, mostly biddable, quiet in the house - I'd have one of these  any day :-)

Manchester Terrier - Lovely little dogs, very much like a Bedlington in Character :-)  but without the coat care :-D   Bedlingtons and Manchesters aren't as fiesty, noisy, or pushy as the rest of the terrier group.   Very trainable, but still a little bit independant :-)

There are so many different breeds of dog, it's a shame not to explore them if you aren't sure what to go for :-)  here's a link which will lead to pages of clickable links telling you about the different breeds of dog.   Then, when you've found some you're interested in, you can find out more from the relevant Breed Clubs and/or visit Discover dogs or a Ch Show where you should be able to meet your chosen breed/s :-)

Good luck with your search, the right breed is out there waiting for you :-)

Many thanks Dill, lots to think about.

Thank goodness I work from home as can do my research in between waiting for more work to come in - I'd never cope if I had a proper office job!

Forgot to say, between us, we have many of the different breeds, so will always be able to help with Qs and advice re living with them :-)

Another question (sorry!) but what is the best age for a puppy to leave his/her mum?  Also very roughly how long does it take to housetrain a puppy?  I know some are paper trained but to me that seems like still letting it poo/wee in the house but as you know this is all unchartered territory for me, hence the questions.

Thanks as ever.

We collected our mini schnauzer at 8 weeks he was practically housetrained. The accidents he had were our fault for not watching for his signals. He was taken outside to wee/poo by the breeder from early age, non of the paper training.
Hes our first dog and I taught myself to groom him. Saved loads of money and its a good bonding experience to have with your dog.

> Whippets are wonderful dogs, I never understand why they are not more popular

Blimey any more popular & everyone would be owning one. They are top hound entries at shows & one several occasions top all breeds...yes even Goldies!! The Breed Records Suppliment for all of 2013 there were 3,226 puppies registered!!!

I am extreamly biased to Whippets *whistle icon* they can be trained as any breed, if you put in the work!

It very much depends on the breed, and on the pups :-)

But I wouldn't expect any breed to be ready to leave mum until about 8 weeks.   Some breeds need to stay with mum longer, mainly toy breeds.

A good breeder will have started their pups house training by the time they leave, and it won't be paper training :-)

I was very tempted to get a whippet this time, but hubby talked me round and back to a Golden. Still wouldn't mind one and I'm sure we could tuck a whippet into the motorhome which is more or less filled by our Golden.

> Another question (sorry!) but what is the best age for a puppy to leave his/her mum?  Also very roughly how long does it take to housetrain a puppy?  I know some are paper trained but to me that seems like still letting it poo/wee in the house but as you know this is all unchartered territory for me, hence the questions.
>

This can vary depending on how the pup was reared. Mine are reared in the house & like many other are in a play pen which is floor covered with newspaper(best & easily obbtainable way). With my most recent litter, once they go to new homes they are quick & some can be clean through the night within a day or so & some said they were fully clean within the week. The youngest to leaveof this litter was 10 weeks but they can be ready from 8 weeks.

>Blimey any more popular & everyone would be owning one.

There is one in my village and lots and lots of westies, mini schnauzers, shihtzus, doodles etc - all clipped and all owners would be better with a whippet in my opinion :-)

So why would a Lab be too big ? I prefer a dog with some height as you are less likely to trip over I as it gets under your feet ;-)

Seriously they are wonderful family dogs, they will never say no to a good walk and are loyal loving dogs.

I know I own different breeds but I was raised with Labs and I have to agree with LJS that really too of the list for me in your situation and requirements it would be a Labrador, I personally don't think that they are that big nor take up a huge amount of space. I have two large breed dogs myself and I often look after my fathers Lab and he is a total poppet and he honestly doesn't make me feel I have no space or too many dogs.
They are one of the most favoured breeds by the assistant dog charities.

I am very fond of Labradors but it's my husband that is the problem (as ever!)  He doesn't like big dogs that come and poke their nose at, um, crotch level shall we say and have a good sniff!!!  Daft isn't it.  I walked a friend's Lab just the other day and she was lovely, absolutely adorable and unlike my JRT only had eyes for me - a real people dog. 

Can I ask what people think of slightly older puppies like this one that have have some basic training rather than a tiddler.  I see both as having benefits. 

www.pets4homes.co.uk/classifieds/673960-blue-roan-cocker-spaniel-girl-available-birmingham.html

The good news is we're away this weekend so I won't be bothering you guys!! :)

Despite them being the most popular hound breed at shows, along with Beagles, why do you see so few being walked by the man in the street.

Here in Bristol I see more less common breeds from registration point of view more often than a Whippet, though I have seen the odd Beagle.

Same with Afghans, do they never go for walks???

>Can I ask what people think of slightly older puppies like this one that have have some basic training rather than a tiddler.  I see both as having benefits. 

I wouldn't even call that an older puppy (that would be one over 6 months), that's well within normal homing age,  as I often have pups being homed up to that age for whatever reason (holidays, export, or just still waiting for the right owner).

Breeders keeping a  puppy for show will often run them on a little longer before deciding if they have enough promise.

The crucial thing is ahs the pup had sufficient socialisation for it's age, which from this advert would seem it ahs.

Certainly if your strong minded (can resist puppy eyes) then a visit should tell you if pup is outgoing seems well adjusted.

While you can find some decent breeders on those sites it's not a place is go looking for a puppy I'm afraid. I'd go through breed clubs, champdogs and also visit shows to meet breeders.

As for crotch sniffing once they actually live with you it really doesn't happen, is their way of smelling out new people. If you got a larger dog like a Lab then it's not something your OH is going to really experience. Lol bless him

For Info: Champdogs has Breed Guides for all breeds: Champdogs Breed Guides, including: Welsh Springer Spaniels :)

Don't forget to read Champdogs Puppy Buyer Guide before contacting any breeders :)