Hi there,

We have recently had to have our fifteen and a half year old fox terrier put to sleep.I loved her dearly and miss her very much. Although it is tempting to have another one I must say the sort of walks we do, deep rural and very long always seemed to end with her yelping away in the far distance chasing anything that moved and so they were pretty stressful. I would like a medium sized dog that can take all the exercise that comes its way and doesn't have a killer instinct.I would be grateful for any advice.

Thanks Peaches

Hi there how big do you think is medium? I would class my Boxer as a medium sized dog but he may be too big for you? Have you considered some of the gundog breeds? Hounds are probably best avoided if you dont want the disappearing act! Have you considered some of the Utility breeds? Poodles can take long walks despite outward appearances. Some of the herding breeds may also be worth a look such as the Swedish Vallhund they arent too big and my friend used to take hers on their walking holidays.

Some of the breeds with the most Stmina are the hunting breeds. My breed can occasionally go selectively deaf, but are pretty good, it is all a matter of training. I would avoid the Terriers and sight hounds, as they are the ones who have the killing intentions most. A medium sized gundog say might suit or any from the other Groups of breeds other than toys (i know plenty of toy breeds can go miles) as you want a medium size. You will have to work out roughly some of the physical characteristics you want, coat type, normal or short legs, upright or floppy ears etc. Then find out the mental characteristics of the breeds that appeal.

Discover Dogs is on at Earls Court this Weekend, a visit may well prove worthwhile!!! :)

Thanks Brainless(feels funny putting that!)

I will look at a larger section of the dog world than I have been. I didn't think toy breeds could walk far at all.

A lot of the toy breeds have plenty of stamina and will walk for miles without any problem. Some of them are extremely tough little dogs, quite as spirited and energetic as many bigger dogs.

Joan
Take the rough with the smooth

Hi Fleetgold,

I like the idea of a toy breed but which ones in particular like walking? Can you be more specific.?

Cheers Jane

I would say most of them! The pug probably would have trouble due to the extreme flatness of the face and their general shape (not really built for athetisism!) but i'm sure Joan will tell you that her griffs are capable of a good hike as they have a lighter build and a slighty longer face than a pug! (and I want one!) It depends on whether you would like an easy care coat or dont mind having one that requires brushing! Although Toy Poodles arent in the toy group they are capable of decent walks but have a coat that needs regular attention. You have the English Toy Terrier and the Miniature Pinscher who have very short coats but may still retain the terrier instinct so you would have to discuss this with breeders. Have you considered a Schipperke? They arent huge dogs have an easy care coat and are more than capable of going on long walks, my one does.

Hi Jane

I don't really like small dogs but I agree they can be get little characters & few are couch potatoes

I've a friend with Cavaliers & they play all day with my working collies & GSD's

You do need to make sure they come from healthy parents like any breed & that they are bred properly & not just for money

I quite like Cardigan Corgis who are slightly bigger than Pembrkes & I think better charaters but rare though

My Griffons will go for miles. Cavaliers, Bichon Frise, Lowchens, Australian Silkys, King Charles Spaniels, Min Pins and various other breeds are all capable of a lot more than people think. Pugs (despite Bec's worries) are also good, very few have poor breathing. I have a friend who finds his Italian Greyhound will walk long distances at a good speed, however you have to be careful with them as they are too fragile to go in for any rough and tumble. I also know Yorkies and Japanese Chins that will walk, although I would avoid the smallest of these for too much exercise. The one breed I would definitely avoid is the Peke as they really do seem to have problems walking any distance.

Joan
Take the rough with the smooth.

Hi, Thanks for all the info regarding Toy breeds,I don't know anything about Griffons at all so that should be fun finding out more about them.I suppose I feel slightly reticent about getting another dog at all as I find myself unable to go on any holiday or visit my son in London because I simply couldn't kennel my dog at all, I was always so anxious that something would happen to her if not in my charge.I would really like to be able to be a bit more flexible regarding holidays etc.So that my family don't feel second best.Obviously you are all devoted dog owners how do you go about leaving them behind on occasions?

I've never left my dogs over night since I first owned one, thats 8 years now. If they cant go then I dont!

Well I have finally settled on a Tibetan Terrier puppy, it has been a traumatic journey with terrible longings for a Fox Terrier but knowing deep down that despite having had a love affair with my two for 18 years I really do want to walk in the countryside without coming back hoarse!I remember once trying to wrestle a terrified hare from the jaws of Clover, which unfortunately did not survive the experience, its a wonder I did, and that is not to mention the countless rabbits, moles dug up along the grass verge and killed, and the odd rat. So although this may sound like me trying to convince myself and there is an element of that, I know that me and my TT are going to look forward to a fun filled, peaceful life together. Will keep you informed. Jane

Hi Jane,
Are there any breeders here in this country? I didn't see any listed at this site. :( I was hoping to see a photo of one!
Quinn

Hi Quinn2, if you look on the puppies uk site in the featured breeders section there is a breeders website with some lovely pictures.Jane

Hi Jane,

We saw the Tibetan Terriers at the Discover Dogs show and thought they were gorgeous. I hope you have lots of happy walks together.

Fiona

Thanks Fiona, apparently they love long walks but don't like going out in the rain, suits me!

Thanks Jane. If I were that fluffly I don't think I'd like to go out in the rain either! Too cute!!! Good luck with your new puppy! :)
Quinn