[QUOTE=IdahoRider;6958729]
A Papillon might spend an hour barking at the neighbor’s cat walking across your patio. The Scotty will try to eat the neighbor’s cat when it walks across your patio. The Corgi will chase the neighbor’s cat across the patio and over the fence, where it will run back and forth for an hour before giving up. And the French Bulldog will chase the neighbor’s cat off the patio, but will run out of breath before it makes it to the fence.[/QUOTE]
YES! This is perfect. 
We have two cocker spaniels and they are superb dogs. No problem with cats or other dogs. We can let them out to do their business and ten minutes or an hour later, they are at the door waiting to come back in. Very little barking, too. They won’t even get on the furniture.
Hmm - I’m not wild about the look of the Border Terrier. I do like Schnauzer’s (used to show some), but prefer the Giants to the Standards or Miniatures. The Giant is bigger than what we ideally want, though, and I’m not really sure we want a Terrier type temperament in a larger dog (and yes, I know they are in the Working Group). The Scottie sounds manageable, and I don’t like the Miniature Schnauzers enough to pick that over a Scottie.
Mr DY had Weimaraners while growing up and likes the “bird dog” temperament, but he thinks Cockers are in the “froo-froo” category. Also, I had a Cocker as a child - she was sweet, but dumb. I have also had various friends through the years that had Cockers - some were sharp and aggressive, some were sweet - but they also seemed somewhat dumb. Our neighbors have had two - both sweet, sweet dogs, but again - dumb. So I am not sure they are “smart enough” to handle much training. I do love the look of parti-cockers and black & tan cockers, though!
What about English Setters? I showed some “back in the day” and loved them. They were all house dogs and family pets as well as show dogs, but they were really sweet and easy - esp. the bitches. I know they are usually taller than we want, but I’ve known some ES bitches the past few years that are rather petite in size.
Also - has anyone here had any experience with Xolo’s? They rather sound like a sighthound in temperament - “calm, tranquil, aloof and attentive”. And they come in different sizes - Toy (10-14in), Miniature (14-18in), and Standard (18-23in). And yes, I understand they are basically a “hairless” breed and need to be protected from excess sun exposure.
I know it sounds like we are all over the map, but this is a major life decision and I don’t want to get something and keep thinking “But what I really wanted was a …” :lol:
Honestly I think that no one can really be much help until you have a narrowed focus. Like your original post, a scottish terrier, Irish Setter, and Xolo couldn’t be further extremes. If you made a list of 5 mandatory traits or abilities you want I can almost promise that all 3 dogs will not be on the same list. Dog breed quizzes are pretty useless. Look into the breed standards and meet with breeders in your area. With enough work almost any breed can work in 99% of situations but there are some breeds that are better suited for your lifestyle.
A part of needed to maintain a 2 mile walk with hills and a once in a while hike though the woods, what else do you want out of your dog?
The fact that your DH is saying no to “Frou Frou” dogs like the King Charles, Pap, and other ‘pocket sized’ dogs is a bit of a drag. King Charles’ are anything BUT a pocket pup! They are active, want to be with their people, fun little dogs. I think HE needs to spend some time reading about breed types before boo-hooing smaller dogs.
As for some suggestions, take a look at the Cairn Terrier, Boston Terrier, or perhaps the Clumber Spaniel.
I don’t think it’s bad to be considering all different breed types. The reality is that many of them have many things in common - even if they are not in the same AKC class.
If your dh likes a bird dog temperament, maybe an English Cocker would suit him better than an American Cocker? Or a Brittany - which is my breed - they are certainly smart, athletic, and trainable, and not very big. My breeder’s bitch weighs 30lbs and my dog weighs 40. They are an active breed, so you need to keep that in mind, but with normal exercise most of them make excellent pets. Here is my dd with my breeder’s bitch who we were dog-sitting for a while. (Teaching some excellent manners, as you can see).
https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/58870_10200477628574948_592723905_n.jpg
In comparison, Weimaraners are a much bigger breed, as are English Setters. I don’t know too many personally but suspect that the breeding will help determine the temperament.
have you thought about a Portuguese Water Dog? Def not froo-froo. They were bred to haul boats. Sue Aislby went from Giants to Porties.
Oh, I dunno, the older I get, the more I admire our Cocker Spaniels’ outlook on life! Kind of like they’ve retired to Florida and eat dinner at 4:30. :-).
I still vote mutt You can have any combo choice! Getting a young adult and having a day to see if they are a match is wonderful. Sometimes even though breeds have traits, you can get one that didnt read the rulebook.
[QUOTE=DownYonder;6961607]
I know it sounds like we are all over the map, but this is a major life decision and I don’t want to get something and keep thinking “But what I really wanted was a …” :lol:[/QUOTE]
I’m unclear on whether you are looking for an adult or a pup, but have you considered looking for a runt/cull from a breeder in one of the larger breeds you’d otherwise want? If you’ve found a breed that otherwise suits both of you except for being slightly too large, that might be an option.
OP, Hi! Our rescue has handled Xolo’s in the past (one toy, one medium and I’ve met a large one…) and I have to say from my perspective they are MUCH more like a terrier in attitude than they are a Crested. They are NOT a lapdog/toy breed personality at all. My personal favorites are Cairns and they reminded me of that type of dog the most. They chest push, stand over dominated like a terrier and had that same “I keel you” barkiness if another dog was passing by, especially if mom was holding the leash to back them up.
I’ve read all you have written here and the dogs you are looking at, you are getting lots of good advice but for what its worth, here are my thoughts:
I love English Setters, only issue I see is brushing. And don’t let them off leash outside fencing, obviously. Good choice, medium exercise, great inside, enjoy their humans.
Maybe a Cairn? Tend to be healthier overall than Scotties… similar look especially if you get a Scotty cut instead of hand stripping. A bit smaller, very protective and WILL pick a fight with the dog that beat them up last month of you let them so leash walking around strange dogs means be aware of who is close.
Poodle. OK hear me out! If you don’t do a froo froo cut then they don’t look froo. Great temperment, good with people, good with other dogs, tons of colors & sizes. Don’t shed. Brushing several times a week and grooming but you pick how often by whether you care if they always look ‘just so’. They have great minds too, they can be very very smart. Something to consider!
And, from personal experience… how about a Bloodhound? Mine is a couch potatoe extraordinaire. Wouldn’t DREAM of working hard enough to jump a fence, doesn’t bark regularly although a siren will unleash the BAROO in her. Easy to leash walk as her stride is made for people following. Watch for the yeasties with ears and wrinkles but I adore my gal.
Best wishes! And let us know what you decide!
PS. If you let your vet name your Xolo, don’t be surprised if he becomes “Harry” . <snicker>
SO TRUE!!! I was going to suggest Poodle but didn’t want to because of the froo-froo comment. I used to be one of those people who thought poodles were froo-froo dogs too. Then I met Whistle. She is literally the ultimate ranch/farm dog and yes, 100% standard poodle. She is probably one of the coolest dogs ever, and least “froo froo” dog I know. She does ranch work right alongside her owners, including helping to bring in ~300 horses from ~800 acres. Then she’ll jump on the couch at the end of the day. I actually fully intended on getting a poodle myself, but I fell in love with my lab mix before I made it to the Carolina Poodle Rescue. I did meet some of them at an adoption event though and they are lovely people - would definitely recommend working with them.
We have a SP and he’s a pretty cool dog. (we don’t do the poodle groom, we basically cut him all one length (short) with paws even shorter.)
But I’d still ask for more info about what you want to do/not do with a prospective pet. What are your living conditions? What is your activity level?
You sound like a cool couple, so I bet whatever dog you get will be cool too! My Dad had a Scotty years ago, and he was highly trainable and a handsome fellow. You really seem to be leaning that way, so I say “go for it!”
I have trouble with the idea that a sighthound person would like a terrier’s personality.
I’d suggest an Italian greyhound, myself. They aren’t as fragile as you seem to think- I’ve met ones that do agility, others that play wildly at dog parks, or go on long hikes over rough terrain.
or a miniature poodle. These dogs are precisely what most people want in a pet- tough, athletic, easy to train, needs only moderate exercise but happily accepts more, don’t shed, one of the healthiest, longest-lived breeds around. Clip them close and they aren’t “froo-froo” by any means.
Thanks again for all the comments and suggestions!
Thanks esp. for the info about Xolo’s. We’ve decided we don’t really want a “lap dog” type, so the fact that they are a bit like terriers is okay with us.
Re the sighthound vs terrier temperament - as stated, I showed dogs for many years. I personally had Afghan Hounds and Salukis (so the English Setter coat doesn’t faze me at all!), and the professional handler I worked for specialized in sighthounds, but we also had other breeds from different groups from time to time (including some working dogs, some herding dogs, and some terriers - even Staffs). I could manage the terrier temperament okay, as long as the dog wasn’t a holy terror all the time - LOL!
Re Poodles - a friend bred and showed Standards, and we had a blast with them. I have also had other friends through the years with Standards. Love 'em - they are totally cool dogs, happy, smart, athletic, very trainable, etc. Mr DY would absolutely think the Minis and Toys are frou-frou types, but an SP might be okay, esp. in a pet clip.
At any rate - we are going to hit some dog shows in the coming months and check things out. I am also going to start a low-key search for an older dog to adopt, so will be sending out feelers to various breed rescues. It will be interesting to see what we end up with (we will probably get two dogs - I think most dogs like to have a buddy to hang out with when their people aren’t available). 
I have an Augi… A Mini Aussie Shepard Corgi Mix. Red Merle, one blue eye, one half blue half brown eye. He was pottied trained in no time, SO easy to train. He doesn’t try to herd the horses. (He’s only 6 months in May)
The only time he is noisy is when he is out on the run and can’t run about to his pleasure. (When he is unsupervised he gets put on the run)
He only barks when someone is here or some mysterious noise catches his attention. He Loves to run around like a crazy little bunny, but when he is in the house he is all about sacking out on the couch or one of his any many beds and chewing on his bones.
He is a great car -rider and is the perfect companion for me and for the family. The boys bought baskets for their bikes and he happily rides in the baskets with the boys, Enjoys rides on the ATV and listens very well. He doesn’t chase anything and plays and sleeps with the cat.
He weighs about 15 pounds right now and I don’t think he will get much bigger. I absolutely adore corgis and I would love to have another.
What? All these dogs are low to the ground.
Which Corgi? Pembroke or Cardigan?
I’d put the Scottish Terrier last. They just don’t appeal to me at all, plus you’ll have all that coat to deal with. Ugh. Slobbery terrier beards. Bleah.
Corgis are adorable, and after having gotten to know some French Bulldogs I find them a lot of fun. Very lively and funny and great pets & companions. Health caveats of course, but I know there are good ones out there. Frenchies are pretty darn cool.
The Papillions are attractive but they are toy breeds. I’ve seen them in obedience and I have a friend who has a MACH Papillion and that dog is nice, but again, awfully tiny.
Italian Greyhounds? Oy. Research VERY carefully. They’re not exactly the outdoor type. As a friend of mine (a professional dog show handler) once said to me, “Their legs snap like pencils.”
[QUOTE=Anne FS;6965559]
I’d put the Scottish Terrier last. They just don’t appeal to me at all, plus you’ll have all that coat to deal with. Ugh. Slobbery terrier beards. Bleah.
Italian Greyhounds? Oy. Research VERY carefully. They’re not exactly the outdoor type. As a friend of mine (a professional dog show handler) once said to me, “Their legs snap like pencils.”[/QUOTE]
The beards are something to be aware of. I’d say it is personal preference, though, Anne. I’ve had 2 breeds, and both have had beards. I have to admit I just think dogs are more attractive with a beard.:lol: I love the look of Scotties, and a little extra beard washing doesn’t bother me BUT I definitely know people that are totally grossed out by a dog with a beard. I just think dogs with beards are so terribly cute, though. While I usually like a terrier temperament, I would also say that when you do go to shows, check out Cairn Terriers as well. They obviously look different than Scotties, but are somewhat similar and I do think they are a bit healthier as well.
I’ve known a very outdoorsy, nice Italian Greyhound, but I’ve also known many people with one that jumped off the couch and broke a leg. One couple I knew had an IG get away from them, and a man helped them catch the dog. Apparently he picked it up a bit roughly (because he was trying to catch him) and broke a leg that way as well. I can see what wendy is saying, but I also think they are pretty fragile.
Norwichs - awesome dogs!
By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. You may also receive promotional emails from The Chronicle of the Horse. You can opt out at any time.
For Customers
Company
Terms of Use
