Guest Posted December 31, 2011 Share Posted December 31, 2011 Ok - a few years back I was thinking hard about getting a dog for my son. HArry has Aspergers Syndrome and it's well documented that a dog as companion is a good thing for children like him. He is 12 btw..... and very responsible and loves dogs! Well..... I chickened out and got chickens instead - which has been great and I am so glad we have them as they are brilliant! (as we all well know). But the doggy question is still in my head and i'm pondering it once more! So - it would have to be small as we have a small house/small garden etc - but fields nearby for walkies and a huge allotment to visit! Plus I am a bit prone to allergies - I get bad heyfever - so a non-shedder - and less "doggy" smellng dog would be in order! I love scruffy dogs - the scruffier the better - so am thinking a terrier type! I like cairn/skye/scottish terriers and rough jack russells.....and anything in beteween! A "Heinz 57" would be my kind of mutt really! An acquaintance has a "yorkie-poo" - which would fit the bill as it doesn't shed much! I also know a lovely Bichon - but wouldn't want the grooming bills! So............ Any thoughts on what to look for? I have never owned a dog! I have had plenty of cats (none atm and don't plan on getting one). I have the chickens of course and they are here to stay! Plus a couple of hamsters and some fish (don't think dogs would chase them though). Then - do I get a puppy? or a rescue dog? or a slightly older dog! Help please!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Space Chick Posted December 31, 2011 Share Posted December 31, 2011 I had a rescue Heinz 51 terrier, all black (possibly with Patterdale terrier in him) but around Jack Russell size. I rescued him at around 6-8 weeks old, and had him for 16 wonderful years... Anyhow... He was fabulous with children (until he got old and arthritic) and played like a pup until a few weeks before he died. They are such characters and very loving and loyal... Like big dogs in small packages! I would recommend you consider a rescue dog, maybe not a puppy, but a house trained young dog. I wish you luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SilverC Posted December 31, 2011 Share Posted December 31, 2011 We have a Border Terrier x Lakeland Terrier. We couldn't decide between the 2 breeds, so when we saw an ad for the cross, it was kind of like fate. SHe has a double coat, so doesn't moult (we strip her ourselves, but you can get a groomer to do this for you, or have the pooch clipped). She is fantastic with children, if there is a crowd of them, you can guarantee that Ruby is in the middle of them all, lapping up the attention! She lives with 2 cats and 4 chickens, and even sleeps in the same bed as the cats. She was toilet trained by 12 weeks, she picks things up really easily. There may be a rescue centre in your area for the specific breed you are thinking of, who do their best to suit specific dogs with proespective new owners, so it might be worth checking out that route if you didn't want to go for a puppy? This is Ruby in a few different situations (some you will see, she's not so happy about, still, made us laugh!) Cairn Terriers look nice too, but not sure if they are none-moulting or not Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted December 31, 2011 Share Posted December 31, 2011 Thankyou spacechick! I was worried about Terriers - I love them but have been told they can be a bit feisty and chase things! Your experience really helps - that sounds just the kind of doggy i'd like! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted December 31, 2011 Share Posted December 31, 2011 SIlverC - she would be jusr perfick! That's the kind of route I was thinking about tbh.....I know there are groups who re-home dogs and that would be just fine by me. I'm not sure if I or my son could cope with training a puppy - so having a slightly older dog who would love a new home seems a good idea! No idea how to find such a group though - have you? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cooks Posted December 31, 2011 Share Posted December 31, 2011 Try dog pages there are many rescues listed there and fosterers too you may find the dog of your dreams. I have a spaniel and a Yorkshire terrier and the spaniel is a pain and whiney although i adore the gtound she walks on lol, whereas the yorkie is a joy andloves everyone although will wee on your feet if excited so some good some bad Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SilverC Posted December 31, 2011 Share Posted December 31, 2011 Here are the links for various rescue groups for a few breeds: http://www.borderterrierwelfare.org.uk/page3.htm http://www.terrierrescue.co.uk/page22.htm http://www.foxterrierrescue.co.uk/Adoptables.html http://www.westhighlandterrierrescue.co.uk/contact.htm http://www.yorkieandtoybreedrescue.co.uk/adopting.html Good luck and keep us posted Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky Mama Posted December 31, 2011 Share Posted December 31, 2011 You will need to be firm if you get a terrier if you haven't had a dog before. I would advise doing some research and both puppy and adult training classes. Terriers and working breeds are particularly bright and need mental stimulation otherwise they make up their own rules. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SilverC Posted December 31, 2011 Share Posted December 31, 2011 The other option is you could dog walk at the local dogs home - they are eager for volunteers, and that way you get to know all the dogs with no commitment, till you (and they) are happy that you are suited. I'm sure there will be lots of small crossbreeds that will also fit the bill. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted December 31, 2011 Share Posted December 31, 2011 OOh thankyou for your replies! Been searching for terrier rescue places and have found a few with some lovely doggies. I am erring towards a dog a couple of years old - that was they are house trained and you know what quirks - good and bad - that they have! But really need to do some soul searching to see if this is right for all of us! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted December 31, 2011 Share Posted December 31, 2011 The other option is you could dog walk at the local dogs home - they are eager for volunteers, and that way you get to know all the dogs with no commitment, till you (and they) are happy that you are suited. I'm sure there will be lots of small crossbreeds that will also fit the bill. Good idea - I was thinking of this too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky Mama Posted December 31, 2011 Share Posted December 31, 2011 I personally would advise a female over a male for your first dog. Others may disagree. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lavenders_Blue Posted December 31, 2011 Share Posted December 31, 2011 You will need to be firm if you get a terrier if you haven't had a dog before. I would advise doing some research and both puppy and adult training classes. Terriers and working breeds are particularly bright and need mental stimulation otherwise they make up their own rules. I agree with this - my parents have had terriers for years and hubby and I currently have a terrier X breed called Tango. They are super super dogs with fab personalities BUT have a real independent streak and certainly will find their own entertainment if you don't give them enough to do. Tango is a bright little button and loves her training sessions (we do 5-10 mins a few times a day at home) - unfortunately this doesn't always transfer into 'real life' as she hurtles off into the distance after a rabbit/bird/other dog, but she is getting better! We are thinking of starting agility training with her in the spring as she really does enjoy using her brain, it might be a good outlet for her energies. You are right that they do like to hunt and chase, some are worse than others but it is in their instinct so it's something that you need to be aware of. They are also prone to going totally deaf when in hunting mode, it's very difficult to distract them from the exciting rabbit/squirrel/bird they have just seen which is far more interesting than you and the treat you are waving at them! They also tend to be fairly high energy dogs having been originally bred to work, Tango has a minimum of 2 x 45 minute off lead walks every day, but she would happily keep going all day if offered the opportunity. None of the above is intended to put you off by the way, I have a real love of terriers, but forewarned is forearmed especially if you have not owned a dog before. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted January 2, 2012 Share Posted January 2, 2012 I have a welsh terrier and he is smashing but can be hard work, he is always on the go and not always in a well behaved way! I'd recommend the book 'choosing the right dog for you' this was our bible when we were looking for a dog Maybe also consider a poodle, these are non shedding and left a little rough don't look too 'posh' they are cracking dogs clever and have big personalities but with a little less of the chaos that comes with terriers I think they are a recommended breed if you have allergies too You mentioned grooming bills but rough/wire haired dogs cone with these too (unless you attempt it yourself) our dog is stripped twice a year at a cost of £25 a visit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky Mama Posted January 2, 2012 Share Posted January 2, 2012 Good info from LB, especially the selective deafness Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freddie Posted January 2, 2012 Share Posted January 2, 2012 Be aware that a lot of rescue centres keep the dogs of both sexes on DAP, to keep them calm, whilst in kennels...., this can be a hell of a shock to the new owners when the stuff wears off, and the real character comes out..... I got mine from a private home, as a pup, which is hard work at the start, but I needed to know for sure that we'd be imprinting her with a zero tolerance of misbehaviour towards hens, cats, other dogs and the poor tortoise, who has been carried about by other people's dogs before now! Spaniels are incredibly active, but soft as butter in character, very chewy!!!Ours is a crossbreed with who knows what, and she's a joy, though we're always muddy, and wet from hosing her down, and my buttocks are in much better shape now, due to all the walking Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
