What Dog for my mum?
Discussion
Help please fellas.
My mum has been dogsitting a King Charles for last 5 months and fell in love with it. Now it has gone back to its owners and I want to get a replacement. Much as I loved the thing for being cute, obedient, well trained and sensible I felt it lacked a bit of character - it was almost too well behaved, and, if I'm being mean, a bit timid and boring - i.e wont chase a ball, shrinks away from other dogs on walks.
So - if I am to splash out and buy her a friend - whats a good mix of something sensible enough for an older lady on her own to be able to manage but that has a a bit of a spark about it - but isnt going to tear the house to shreds, raid the bins, s
t on the carpet, and race of to chase rabbits on walks?
I should add she has big garden, lives in countryside, it will get walked plenty (and given lots of exercise by me when I pop by. Just want something manageable and characterful but not a big nutty hound like my mates Beagle.
All opinons welcomed...
cheers
My mum has been dogsitting a King Charles for last 5 months and fell in love with it. Now it has gone back to its owners and I want to get a replacement. Much as I loved the thing for being cute, obedient, well trained and sensible I felt it lacked a bit of character - it was almost too well behaved, and, if I'm being mean, a bit timid and boring - i.e wont chase a ball, shrinks away from other dogs on walks.
So - if I am to splash out and buy her a friend - whats a good mix of something sensible enough for an older lady on her own to be able to manage but that has a a bit of a spark about it - but isnt going to tear the house to shreds, raid the bins, s
t on the carpet, and race of to chase rabbits on walks?I should add she has big garden, lives in countryside, it will get walked plenty (and given lots of exercise by me when I pop by. Just want something manageable and characterful but not a big nutty hound like my mates Beagle.
All opinons welcomed...
cheers
Maybe "you" thought the dog lacked a bit of character and get up and go...... But, the dog is for your mum, and as you say she fell in love with it.......there's your answer...
Get her a King Charles
FWIW my 74 year old MIL has a King Charles., and its character sounds very much like yours description above.....but it suits the MIL's needs perfectly.... Not to mental, easy to manage, and good company...
Get her a King Charles
FWIW my 74 year old MIL has a King Charles., and its character sounds very much like yours description above.....but it suits the MIL's needs perfectly.... Not to mental, easy to manage, and good company...
Lunablack said:
Maybe "you" thought the dog lacked a bit of character and get up and go...... But, the dog is for your mum, and as you say she fell in love with it.......there's your answer...
Get her a King Charles
FWIW my 74 year old MIL has a King Charles., and its character sounds very much like yours description above.....but it suits the MIL's needs perfectly.... Not to mental, easy to manage, and good company...
this is probably an entirely sensible and /endthread argument - but id like to feel there is something with the managabilty and good behaviour of a KC that is slightly bigger and a bit more funGet her a King Charles
FWIW my 74 year old MIL has a King Charles., and its character sounds very much like yours description above.....but it suits the MIL's needs perfectly.... Not to mental, easy to manage, and good company...
Springer rather than Cocker spaniel. Ours is the most affectionate thing you could meet. They aren't all mad and if a springer has company all day long it'll be the happiest dog around.
Ours will spent most of the day sitting on my 78 year old dad's lap given the chance, she's currently got him up and walking around the garden as she's convinced him that she can't possibly go for a pee unless he goes with her - it's good exercise for him! She very rarely barks but she tells him when there is someone at the door and is great company for him.
With any pup you need to avoid over walking them in the early days, the rule of thumb is 5 minutes of exercise per day for each month of their age. You can't wear a dog like a springer out by just walking it, they need company and mental stimulation not just hours of walking.
On a slightly more serious note, don't forget that given your mum's age, there is the prospect that you will need to be able to take the dog on, at least on a partial basis.
Ours will spent most of the day sitting on my 78 year old dad's lap given the chance, she's currently got him up and walking around the garden as she's convinced him that she can't possibly go for a pee unless he goes with her - it's good exercise for him! She very rarely barks but she tells him when there is someone at the door and is great company for him.
With any pup you need to avoid over walking them in the early days, the rule of thumb is 5 minutes of exercise per day for each month of their age. You can't wear a dog like a springer out by just walking it, they need company and mental stimulation not just hours of walking.
On a slightly more serious note, don't forget that given your mum's age, there is the prospect that you will need to be able to take the dog on, at least on a partial basis.
Before even reading the first line of your post just from the title I said to myself King Charles maybe biased but they are great dogs and as said previous it is for your mum.
My mum hates dogs but but since owning a cavalier she loves him to pieces they are great dog especially for your mum
My mum hates dogs but but since owning a cavalier she loves him to pieces they are great dog especially for your mum
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