A friend of mine has been asking advice on what breed of dog would be best for his 21yo disabled son. The lad can walk, but not far, has some mental problems as well. He originally had his heart set on a Newfoundland but we feel it would be too much for him. So we are now down to 2 breeds, a rescue greyhound or Schnauzer. I feel the greyhound would be ideal, not much grooming or exercise, they live next to open land so the dog could have a good run without the lad having to walk too far, I know absolutely nothing about Schnauzers so perhaps someone could tell me whether they feel one would be suitable. The boy has had various small animals all his life and is very dedicated to them, his disability means his life expectancy is probably not much more then 10 years and it would be nice if we could find the ideal dog for him, he doesn't want a small one. Ingrid

If the lad has all day with a dog the bull terrier (staff/english/or irish)are among the best companion dogs. They are quite happy not to have too much exercise as they will exercise themselves. They are easy to train.

Mick

Feel the greyhound would be excelent in all but the exercising on open land, if it gets wind of say a rabbit it would be off. And much the same would apply to any hound so although the temperment is just what is needed the hunting urge may not be ideal unless it can be exercised in a fenced field. Can't offer a suggestion with any in depth knowledge as hounds are my special interest. May be one of the retriever breeds. Ja:)kie

Schnauzers can be very hard work, they are strong, full of energy and can be stubborn. In some countries the Giants are used for police work and guard work which gives an indication of how strong they can be although they are super dogs. I'd go for the rescue greyhound in preference.

Joan
Take the rough with the smooth

I think a rescue greyhound would be ideal. They seem to be couch potatoes if given half a chance and don't need much excercise. There's one goes to our training class and it's very laid back and gentle and very elegant looking. I think it wou;d be easy for grooming as well.
Dot

ingrid,
i would be inclined to agree with jackie h on this, with regards to a greyhound instict to chase, would be most upsetting for the young man if he could not get the dog back, they keep going until the chase is over so to speak, i have whippets and am very carefull were i let them off,any thoughts on a great dane, i know one of the dane rescue that ads in dogs today, do test the dogs befor they rehome them, most dogs seem to adapt when they are around people with dissabilities wether phisical or mental, make a list of everything, your housing situation, expense on food, vets bills if breed may have hereditory ailments, ask yourselfs everything you can think of as although you may like a large breed of dog when you way everthing up you , you may have to come down in size to suit your requirments, a dog what ever breed and size will bring hopfully love and happiness to you, good luck hope you find what you are looking for, regards tina

With regards to the Newfoundland, I have actually seen a lady at champ shows who shows a Newfie from a wheelchair. I think she won a CC with him quite recently.
I would have to agree though, that a rescued Greyhound would be a good choice. Although it would not be a good idea to let it off on open land, most Greyhounds would be happy with a walk on an extending lead, as well as roadwalking.
Liz

couldnt a tibetan terrier or a polish lowland be worth thinking about?

Hi it may be worth taking the life expectancy of the dog into consideration. If sadly your friends son has a life expectancy of ten years I think it would be very sad for him to have to cope with the death of his pet. I would go for a dog with a life expectancy of at least 10-12 years. I believe that giant breeds like Newfoundlands would normally have a shorter life than non-giant breeds. they need a huge amount of grooming and are so big and strong they may pull his wheelchair over IMO. I think like others that a greyhound would be an excellent choice, they need next to no grooming, and often have fewer health problems than many breeds and are so gentle, and just the right hight to stroke from a chair. I wouldn't let it loose in open country though!

Sorry Newfi lovers but big gentle giants they may be but they are also a bit stupid as to where they are putting all that weight or how much distance they need to stop. I've the brusies to prove it. Also need a lot of care, at the moment searching for grass seeds in all that coat. Ja:)kie

How about a smooth coated collie? More easy to train than a greyhound, and much more willing to come back when let of the lead. Very little grooming required, fair sized dog, and with a good life expectancy. Just a thought. :D

There are some possible negative points about adopting a former racing greyhound. These were brought up by a greyhound breeder in conversation several years ago. It's something to consider, especially since training can take time and physical effort. Just to keep in mind when selecting a breed or specific dog.

* Non-socialized -- They've been in cages for most of their lives. They haven't really interacted with people and other animals. But they are used to being in cages and around other animals in controlled situations. What happens when those aren't around?

* Used to a regimental life --- Their life has been spent in patterns. Up at 5 or 6 am for training. Food/breaks/rest time all have been pretty much the same all of its life.
* Not trained for leash and off lead living.
* They will run at the drop of a hat and go for miles!
* Health. Some have serious long-term health problems.

Sure, greyhounds love to be couch potatos. But out in the field and on the street, it would have to have good control and patience for quite some time whilst adjusting to 'normal' life :) Rehoming a dog can be a lot of work. The male dogs can be very strong and they've been trained all of their lives to push the 'chase' instinct. If an owner is not expecting these types of difficulties, he/she could be in for a rude awakening. Former racing hounds aren't necessarily as easy as everyone makes it out to be.
good luck on finding the "right" dog for your friend.
toodles

How about a rescue clumber? They are very loyal and loving and don't need all that much exercise, they will thrive on a little or a lot depending on what you can give them. Plus, they will guard their owner with a very deep scary growl, which might be helpful for someone vulnerable. The only drawback would be the hair.

It might not be a good idea to have a dog that will guard its owner to any great degree. Fine when he is vulnerable, but no good if the owner actually needs help and the dog won't allow anyone near.

Joan
Take the rough with the smooth

They're all noise though :D They would probably make enough noise to make someone think twice, but that's all it is. Clumbers should not be at all aggressive. I just thought that a dog that would make a lot of noise, but wasn't at all aggressive, might be helpful. It could be their tendancy to headbut strangers for a pat which might be the downside :rolleyes:

Thanks everyone for the suggestions, the lad isn't in a wheel chair but is partially paralysed down one side, he lives with his parents so would be supervised. I like the great dane suggestion, I've had dealings with them and they are gentle giants, and 9th don't tempt me with the clumber, I might get one. Being used to rescue dogs I will be on hand to help them out with training etc. Will let you all know what happens. Ingrid

HI
Have to go with the greyhound..this would be ideal...and there are so many in rescue looking for a home..maybe this young lad could be a life saver for one of them and have a best friend at the same time. :) :) :)
Tracey

What about a poodle? just a thought

Pam n the boys