OP, don’t let small size fool you! My 7 lb. Toy Poodle is a great outdoor dog. We take walks in the foothills, and he can go forever. But he doesn’t need to keep moving like my German Shepherd does. He keeps my feet warm, lays on my chest when I am anxious and sleeps under the covers right next to me. He lays in my lap while I read. He watches tv with me.
He is the perfect dog for me. Ready to go when I want and happy to not go when I don’t want to. Seriously consider a Toy Poodle.
Sheilah
Even a medium poodle is still portable but not huge. I love Poodles. Is it miniature? I can’t remember now, but the one bigger than the toy, lol.
Yes, the size goes Toy, Miniature and Standard.
Sheilah
@Cat_Tap I haven’t read all the responses on your post, so forgive me if this has already been suggested.
If I were you I would reach out to private, reputable breeders to see if they have an older retired show or breeding animal that they know of, looking for a companion home. Maybe make a list of a few different breeds and start making some emails and phone calls.
You might be surprised what turns up.
Longtime mini poodle owner here, and they are awesome, athletic dogs. Mine at the barn (he is so smart and trainable, fits all the stereotypes). They ARE often high energy, and need some sort of job. We do scent and rally, and that helps, but he can get into mischief if he’s bored (mostly trying to catch things on our property and digging). But then all dogs have something :D. I love that you’re taking a bit of time and waiting; I think that’s a good idea.
I have so far joined several breed organizations, completed applications to rescue groups but no response from anyone, very discouraging. I have even made phone calls leaving messages.
You may have better luck if you go directly to breeders.
What a beautiful dog!
There aren’t many Bouvier breeders in Ontario and no puppies at the moment. If an adult dog needs to be placed it is always because of death or ill health of the owner. I belong to a Bouvier rescue group and they would notify me if a dog became available…
Called a Boxer breeder and they don’t even reply.
Some of the breeds I have found on Pet finder are bully mixes, Cane Corso etc. and I am not familiar with those breeds. Besides Bouviers I have owned poodle, golden, labrador and bearded collie. So far have not seen any of those breeds or similar available.
I am also afraid that an adult dog may come with baggage that at my age may not be easy to deal with. Have always managed quite well with all my dogs, except of course the last one.
I vote no on any bully breed. Sorry to those that love them - they are immensely powerful even at a small size, and I don’t know that they’d be right for you at this juncture.
I’d be looking for a mini poodle if I were you, with that list of breeds. I’ve never met one I didn’t like.
Have you tried going on Facebook and searching for “rehoming pets Ontario” or “rehoming dogs Ontario”? I was curious and tried it, and a number of groups you can join came up that have several new posts a day. It may be a way to find a dog or pup that a private individual needs to rehome, instead of going through a rescue.
Found a 9month old Bouvier on Craigs list, it would have meant a 3 hour drive but I was willing. She was gone within hours of the ad being posted.
I am going to give it a rest, too depressing, if there is a dog for me out there he will find me, so for now I shall remain dogless.
Thank you all for your contributions.
@Cat_Tap are you open to mixed breeds? I follow this group on FB, they are in the Niagara region. For some reason, this boy is tugging at my heart strings, appears to be a Golden mix, 35 lbs, medium to low energy
Have you looked at Schnauzer rescues? You seem to like that type.
https://standardschnauzerclub.com/rescue.htm
I have no idea where you live except Canada: https://www.adoptapet.com/pet-search?breedId[0]=104&breedId[1]=837&breedId[2]=836&speciesId=1&radius=500&postalCode=T3Z&city=Calgary&state=AB&sortOption=Nearest&transport=false
@Cat_Tap - I can’t remember about your particular situation, but rescues tend to not consider homes without fenced yards. Another issue is age - IIRC, you are older (as am I) and rescues are often very hesitant to place animals with someone over age 65 or so, and esp. if they are into their 70s or beyond. A breeder may also be reticent to place a retired dog with you for those same reasons, so if you continue to strike out with rescues and breed groups, your best bet may be to find something at the local animal shelter. An older, quieter dog that just needs a soft place to land for its remaining years may end up being the perfect dog for you.
don’t give up. The dog for you is out there. I had a lovely conversation with a lady the other day. She told me how after losing their longtime dog she found the perfect dog for their family.
The right dog at the right time.
Many hugs to you.
Boxers are great… although they’re Velcro dogs. Eager to please, keep the puppy goofiness forever, but they want to literally be touching you 24/7.
Sorry - this is definitely not the way to find a dog for you at this point in time. A 9 month being rehomed on Craigslist is there for a reason. Maybe because the owners had no idea what the breed involved and/or any 9 month old, but also maybe because it was a dog with problems. If you’re going the purebred route - finding a breeder is still the best way to weed out total trainwrecks. Your experience is unusual, but reputable breeders usually can predict temperament better than backyard breeders or greeders. Breeders are still one of the best ways to find older dogs as well - they have a network they can tap into in minutes now that social media has become so available.
I would think your last breeder would be interested in helping you find a more suitable dog, but maybe not.
But I do agree that maybe finding something smaller is worth considering. I own Brittanys and I sometimes wish I had something smaller. And they are only 40lbs.
1,000% agree, and also a 9 month being rehomed on Craigslist has likely had some bad training you’ll have to untrain.
I’ll bow out of this thread after saying this, but OP, I am a little concerned about you getting a very large, energetic breed. I know that your last dog clearly had multiple psychological issues, but even very kind and friendly big, young dogs can pull and unintentionally knock down someone who maybe older, frailer, or unsteady on her feet (even though you sound like you are in great shape). Sometimes just physically being bigger than a dog can make it easier to have some level of control. Yes, there are some small, difficult dogs like JRTs, but even then, size DOES matter to some extent.
^^^I want to second this. This thread has been on my mind, and I have been having the same thoughts.
I also wanted to share my personal story. My last dog was a 60-lb greyhound. I loved him dearly, and he passed at 13 years old from a very aggressive cancer. While he was sick, I badly herniated a disc in my back while trying to help hjm up the stairs. After he passed, I was convinced I wanted another greyhound. No other breed would do. My husband I and I did try to adopt another greyhound, and it went badly. That is a whole 'nother story and one I have debated sharing with you. But the point I am trying to make is – I know I love sighthounds. Probably the way you love Bouviers. They’re my favorite type of breed. I love their looks and their temperament and their energy levels and their mannerisms. By networking, I was able to find a 2 year old whippet looking for a home. I wasn’t sure that I would like having a smaller dog. I’ve never been a small dog person. But she is lovely and just perfect for me. Having a 35 lb dog is more suitable for my lifestyle, for many reasons. And I still enjoy all of the wonderful traits of the sighthound breed.
All this is to say, please consider a smaller dog. I’m nearing 50 years old and I see the benefits of having a smaller, more easily managed dog. My mom just turned 70 and is just now struggling with her 8 year old lab, as the dog is just too strong for her to walk. She has been knocked down once and is now afraid of falling.
The right dog for you is out there, and I hope you find it (or it finds you).
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