Dog breed suggestions please!

[Bensmom]

A Soft Coated Wheaton sounds pretty perfect. And another option, but you’d have to find the “right” one, or raise it from a puppy, would be a Lakeland Terrier. My Opie would meet all your criteria except one important one – the Cat Problem.

But, not every Lakie is like that, and he likes to go with his people, and he likes to get exercise, but once he is in the house? He’s snoozin’. He will play with my Scottie puppy, but only after being badgered until finally giving in. He only barks if there is a real reason to bark, and is just the best companion. And bonus! He looks like a teddy bear when his hair gets a little longer, and he barely sheds – especially in comparison to the Scottie.

This is an article on our friend Waffle, the Lakeland Terrier, in the UK. Her pics would melt the heart of anyone!

http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/487660/Dog-finds-collects-balls-terrier-waffle-fetch

Lakies are hard to find, though. I do know of two, one in the Washington State/Oregon area and one in upper NY state that are looking for new homes, but I don’t know how they are with cats. I also know of a some good breeders I could recommend if you wanted to look for a pup. I think my Lakie’s obsession with cats is unusual – he can be woken from a deep sleep by saying the word “ki-cat” so you really wouldn’t want him! :lol:

[GraceLikeRain]

As a terrier person I almost never recommend them for someone wanting a low key dog. Wheatens are one of the least terrier of the terriers IMO.

I’ve had two and they are very good dogs but we lost one before 10 to cancer and the other one will not be around much longer and she isn’t even 11.

Health issues are through the roof in this breed. I also spent a fair amount of time around some big breeders while my mentor was campaigning a few. A lot more health issues are going on than what breeders will admit to each other, much less the general public. I heard a lot because I wasn’t “in the breed” so after a few drinks at the end of a long show day, people really started talking.

If you buy one, I would strongly encourage asking for documentation of all health testing and thoroughly researching the breeder.

[Houndhill]

Border terriers are also the “least terrier like” of the terriers.

I still have not gotten a clear idea of what you think a “dry coat” is, and whether a soft coated wheaten or welsh or border terrier is what you might consider a “dry” coat- can you please let us know, so we would be more able to suggest breeds?

What about the spaniels? Dry or not?

I still have no idea!

You say you know exactly what you mean by a “dry” coat, and that others you talk to also know what you mean. Can you please describe to us what kind of coat you mean, as I, and I’m sure others, do not understand what you mean by this?

If you cannot describe it, can you give us a list of what breeds you feel have a “dry” coat, and which have a " not dry" coat?

Please, I am an AKC judge and am not familiar with this term. We are trying to help you!

[Hannahsmom]

As a Border Terrier owner and lover of the breed, I’m not sure someone who states they admire whippets or silken wolfhounds would be happy with a terrier. Very different personalities.

[Houndhill]

[QUOTE=Hannahsmom;8843312]
As a Border Terrier owner and lover of the breed, I’m not sure someone who states they admire whippets or silken wolfhounds would be happy with a terrier. Very different personalities.[/QUOTE]

I agree.

As a sighthound person, as much as I admire terriers, herding dogs, sporting dogs, etc., they are very different to live with compared to sighthounds.

A Silken Windhound or certain lurcher crosses might give you a general sighthound look and temperament, with a little more “biddability”.

But I am still not sure whether OP would consider them “dry-coated” enough, as opposed to- “wet-coated”? Oily-coated? Lol.

[Dewey]

[QUOTE=Foxtrot’s;8827061]
Here I am plugging away again…
But I think you are in our region. There is a greyhound rescue called Royal Hounds and we got two from them.

They get their greyhounds from Colorado, they go to a wonderful vet who teaches at Colorado State University and she assesses them and gets them spayed. They are then selected - for you - according to your letter of application - and through a remarkable delivery system of volunteers they go to Seattle where BC volunteers go down, pick them up and you go and get your hound.
It is all kind of teary seeing them go to their new owners and embark on their new lives.

Our greyhounds did not know anything - it was sweet to see them come around to car rides, grocery bag noises, etc. Our place is fenced, of course. But I especially asked for a LOW prey drive dog and got one. She was perfectly good off leash and stuck to me like glue. But I’d put her back on less if another dog came by out of respect. Cats, with a dog like this, will be part of the family.

We treated them just like any other dog - they are just the kindest, sweetest, most loving dogs, but they don’t fetch your slippers. Mine did not leave my side.[/QUOTE]

I’ve heard that greyhounds, while wonderful dogs, tend to have a high prey drive. That would not work for OP as she has cats.

[Dewey]

OP, I am still confused about “dry-coated” even after your explanation.

I will recommend a miniature poodle for you in spite of not understanding what you are looking for in a dog’s coat. A poodle will need regular grooming and clipping, but its other advantages will make it the best dog you’ve even had. (IMO, of course! :winkgrin:)

Poodles are loving, extremely intelligent, versatile, and get along excellently with children and other pets. They are also super watch dogs. The dog will be happy to go on a run with you and then curl up and cuddle with you on the couch.

Best of all, they come in three sizes, so there’s a perfect poodle for everyone!

[wireweiners]

Standard dachshund from a reputable breeder. They will weigh between 20- 30 pounds on average. They are healthy and long lived. I have several friends with dachshunds that are 15+ years old. They are active and love walks but also love to veg on the couch and cuddle. They are very smart and trainable if you are willing to put in the effort. Prey drive varies with the individual but a puppy raised with cats should get along with them. Dachshunds come in three coats, smooth, long and wire. The longs are the most laid back and trainable, smooths ate in between, and wires are the a bit more terrier like. I, obviously prefer wires. I can put you in touch with some good breeders if you’re interested.

[AMWookey]

If you are in Canada, which end? High or low?

I have what is called a Valley Bulldog. Originated between 50-75 years ago, in the Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia. Started as a cross between a boxer/bulldog. I have owned two, my mom has one, and I have friends with them as well. Kind of like a Victorian, but smaller. My girl is 50 lbs of muscle, but small because she is muscular (sits on my lap for car rides, is the small spoon when she isn’t sleeping between your legs).

She is quite literally, as is most of them I have met, the perfect dog. Low prey drive (doesn’t kill chickens, cats, squirrels or even frogs - just hangs out and tries to play), happy on a farm, happy outside watching you work. Honestly anything she can do that is with her person is perfect. She gets along with every dog I have ever introduced her to, as do the others I know. They are just laid back, easy going dogs. Think the best of the bulldog and the best of the boxer. Loves to go for walks, great recall, but can go a couple days without one and doesn’t tear up your house if life gets busy (hubby and I are both military). She goes everywhere with us, and she has never once shown aggression to a human being. Not over food, toys, surprise, fear - nothing. Nor as any other valley bull I have ever met.

I have a Doberman, whom I adore. He is not a perfect dog. He has issues. The Valley Bulldog though? Perfection. Oh, and ZERO health problems. She is almost 7 and we have never had an issue. No skin issues, joint issues or breathing issues.

[Houndhill]

[QUOTE=Dewey;8843933]
OP, I am still confused about “dry-coated” even after your explanation.

I will recommend a miniature poodle for you in spite of not understanding what you are looking for in a dog’s coat. [/QUOTE]

There was no explanation that I recall.

Only a statement that others, OP’s friends, knew exactly what she meant.

OP, I beg of you, if you cannot articulate what a “dry coat” is, can you give us a list of breeds that according to this classification scheme, have a “dry coat” and another list of breeds which do NOT have a dry coat, and then, perhaps we will be able to figure this out?

Honestly, I am only trying to figure this out, in order to help you.

[Houndhill]

[QUOTE=AMWookey;8844050]
If you are in Canada, which end? High or low?

I have what is called a Valley Bulldog. Originated between 50-75 years ago, in the Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia. Started as a cross between a boxer/bulldog. I have owned two, my mom has one, and I have friends with them as well. Kind of like a Victorian, but smaller. My girl is 50 lbs of muscle, but small because she is muscular (sits on my lap for car rides, is the small spoon when she isn’t sleeping between your legs).

She is quite literally, as is most of them I have met, the perfect dog. Low prey drive (doesn’t kill chickens, cats, squirrels or even frogs - just hangs out and tries to play), happy on a farm, happy outside watching you work. Honestly anything she can do that is with her person is perfect. She gets along with every dog I have ever introduced her to, as do the others I know. They are just laid back, easy going dogs. Think the best of the bulldog and the best of the boxer. Loves to go for walks, great recall, but can go a couple days without one and doesn’t tear up your house if life gets busy (hubby and I are both military). She goes everywhere with us, and she has never once shown aggression to a human being. Not over food, toys, surprise, fear - nothing. Nor as any other valley bull I have ever met.

I have a Doberman, whom I adore. He is not a perfect dog. He has issues. The Valley Bulldog though? Perfection. Oh, and ZERO health problems. She is almost 7 and we have never had an issue. No skin issues, joint issues or breathing issues.[/QUOTE]

They sound like very nice dogs.

But, do we know whether OP would consider they have a “dry coat”?

And, in respect to body type, they could hardly be further from sighthound type.

It depends upon whether temperament or type is more important to OP.

As far as “Dry” vs “other, nondry” coats, I am very happy and eager to be enlightened!

[babecakes]

Birds’ feathers are either power or oil based for preening. The powder based birds smell sweeter, like cockatiels. I totally understand the dry coat analogy.

[Houndhill]

[QUOTE=babecakes;8844823]
Birds’ feathers are either power or oil based for preening. The powder based birds smell sweeter, like cockatiels. I totally understand the dry coat analogy.[/QUOTE]

I have no earthly idea how this applies to dogs.

Can you give examples of dog breeds that are “powder based” vs “oil based”? How does this compare with " dry coated dog breed" vs not?

I do keep ring doves, and do not even understand whether they are “powder based” vs “oil based”…

Let alone dog breeds.

And does OP’s “dry coated” category correspond to “powder based” birds???

You have gotten me even more confused!

[AMWookey]

[QUOTE=Houndhill;8844741]
They sound like very nice dogs.

But, do we know whether OP would consider they have a “dry coat”?

And, in respect to body type, they could hardly be further from sighthound type.

It depends upon whether temperament or type is more important to OP.

As far as “Dry” vs “other, nondry” coats, I am very happy and eager to be enlightened![/QUOTE]

That is my bad. I read all but the last few lines, thought all the requirements were covered in the middle paragraph. Then I saw someone recommend a beagle!

[Houndhill]

[QUOTE=AMWookey;8844844]
That is my bad. I read all but the last few lines, thought all the requirements were covered in the middle paragraph. Then I saw someone recommend a beagle![/QUOTE]

I know!

Who knows how wet or dry coated a beagle might be, according to OP.

But a beagle is not sighthound type, except in that it is more independent than some…

[GucciJumper]

[QUOTE=cnm161;8825711]
So I know this is usually when everyone chimes in with their favorite breed and ignores some of your criteria.

Which is why I’m going to recommend a Sheltie. Super trainable, enough energy to be out and about with their people but great couch potatoes indoors, manageable coat (mine gets a quick brush once a week and a deeper pin brushing every 2 weeks to a month). Mine leaves cats alone. Also is very cute.[/QUOTE]

Going to have to agree with this. I will always have to own a sheltie. They have huge personalities and make great family dogs. My current sheltie is a huge cuddle bug. He even gets mad when my husband and I don’t make room for him between us. :lol:

He was very easy to train and always wants to please. He never met a child in his first two years and was automatically great with them. You can’t beat a mini lassie.

[Foxtrot_s]

To straighten out a common opinion of greyhounds - some, do indeed have a high prey drive and are not safe around cats, squirrels, etc., but ours did not look at the cats because they had been tested for high prey drive before they came.

My dog was so clingy she would not leave my side, and was even safe to take off leash on trails. She was the sweetest, most loving dog ever. Great running companion.

[Houndhill]

[QUOTE=Foxtrot’s;8847950]
To straighten out a common opinion of greyhounds - some, do indeed have a high prey drive and are not safe around cats, squirrels, etc., but ours did not look at the cats because they had been tested for high prey drive before they came.

My dog was so clingy she would not leave my side, and was even safe to take off leash on trails. She was the sweetest, most loving dog ever. Great running companion.[/QUOTE]

Yes, your opinion is accurate in my opinion!

I have known many greyhounds ( both track and AKC), borzoi, saluki, Irish Wolfhounds, Afghans and whippets who were completely safe with cats. Many more are completely safe with their own cats, indoors, but will chase, and in some cases, catch and kill, cats unfamiliar to them, or their own cats who are outdoors and run.

But if they have not been raised with cats, they may well react to the fast moving visually receding stimulus, and chase/catch/kill.

Track greyhounds vary widely, in how likely they are to kill cats. Generally they were not raised with cats, however they can learn that cats are valued household members.

If I wanted a greyhound or any sighthound or in fact any dog at all that was safe with my household cats, I would choose one who had been raised with cats, preferentially, or had been fostered and tested extensively with situations with running cats, so as to get one as reliable as Foxtrots.

Our rescue greyhound was very reliable with our household indoor cats, and the one time we encountered an unfamiliar cat outdoors, I was able to call him off the cat. I have many times cared for greyhounds at our place belonging to a friend of mine, who raises AKC greyhounds and has cats, and they were great with our cats.

With any dog, sighthound or not, your chances of success are increased if the puppies have been raised with cats, which have been treated as family members.

[Preposterous_Ponies]

Get a spaniel. I’m partial to the English Springer version because they are, well, perfect dogs. Happy go lucky, trainable, adore their family and just about everyone else, don’t shed all that much, always up for an adventure but also just as willing to spend the day in bed usually. Bench (show) type is calmer than the field type, but comes with more hair (which most people just shave off every 8 weeks or so). And the ears!!! Nothing in the world is more fun to pet. Most are excellent with cats, especially when introduced young. My Spinger lets the rabbits eat treats off her paws. As long as you don’t own birds you would probably be okay.

Cockers and Brittnays are lovely too. Cavaliers are wonderful little dogs as well, but a bit small for my tastes.

[StGermain]

Houndhill - I had an Afghan hound that was totally non-prey. Loved the family cat, both indoors and out. Would honestly let squirrels come to his food dish adn eat from it while he laid beside it. His name was “Siddhartha”, names after the Buddha, and it was very apt. Not that he didn’t love to run and chase! He just didn’t run after other animals.

StG