We are looking for a friendly family pet that would also enjoy a 20min run each morning. We think a smallish dog would suit us but which breed would be best. We like Westies but could they run alongside a jogger and are Cockers too unpredictable near roads?

A few of my friends run with collies and golden retrievers - is it possible to find a breeder that specialises in smaller retrievers - the range in the sizes I've seen is vast. My mum has a black lab built like a brick-you-know-what whereas a collegue of mine has a much smaller otter-like one.

Any advice much appreciated.

I think you'll find that most small breeds (as long as they are slowly trained) would be capable of keeping up with a jog as long as they have been allowed to relieve themselves first! However, I wouldnt run along a road with any dog off lead nor indeed would I run along a road without a pavement with a dog running beside me unless it was hedge side.

Hi, an adult Westie would love to accompany you on a daily jog I am sure. The only drawback is that any dog receiving such exersize would need to be adult, and gradually made fit for it, so if you are thinking of having a puppy it will be a long time before you could go out together. Puppies of most breed should not be exersised in this way, its too much for them, especially on hard surfaces like roads as it puts a big strain on tender growing joints/ligaments etc. A Westie could manage a couple of miles jog at 12-14 months onwards, though I cannot really speak about other breeds. You would need to build up very gradually to this distance and pace. I agree that in any public place I would have my dog on a lead, they are just too precious to me to allow the chance that they may be attacked by other dogs some distance from me or be distracted and cause an accident. WL

Under UK Dog Legislation.
The 'Control of Dogs on Roads Order 1993' states: It is an offence for a dog to be on or near a road off of a lead.

Leigh

Hello, westie lover,
I was interested to note your comment on always having your dogs on leads in public places. Our last dog, who sadly died in July, was a rescue collie-cross and although brilliant with people and children, did not get on with other dogs. We tried training classes, and treats whenever we saw another dog approaching, but all to no avail. We eventually came to the conclusion that we dare not let him off his lead outside the house. Perhaps I shoud mention that he was at least six when we first had him.
However, although we had to keep him on a lead for the safety of other dogs, I felt really guilty that he could never have a good run except in our medium sized garden. Surely most larger breeds, in particular, do need exercise off the lead for the maintenance of their health, don't they?
Cathy.

Hi Cathy,

My in-laws have got an 11yr old springer spaniel/border collie cross and she has never been excercised off the lead. She's mad, and is totally uncontrollable but most of that is down to the owners and the way they've brought her up. My FIL runs with her for 6miles a day in the winter and rides his bike for 4miles with her in the summer and then she runs up and down the beach on a trailing lead and a dog stake whilst he swims in the sea.

This type of excercise suits Meg as it gives her an opportunity to go mad and run around without being a danger to anyone. Having said that my FIL ended up in hospital with some nasty injuries when Meg saw a Siamese cat and decided to run in front of the bike and try to chase the cat :D

Fiona

Did you get in touch with John about the a puppy for next year?

Hello, Fiona,
Thanks for your information. Your father-in-law is amazingly active!
Yes, we have put our names down on John's waiting list for next year.
We are looking forward to hearing about your puppy when you have her.
Cathy.

We've got one of the smaller 'otter' type Labs( she'll be 25 kilos at the very most when she's fully grown). I spent a long time thinking about the best dog for us and she is a wonderful temperament- like her mother and older half sister. Actually her older half sister is called Otter and I think they may breed from her in the near future, so if you're still looking later in the year maybe they would have something suitable for you.
Jane