Want a pet (a dog and a cat) what breed would be best?

[gog440]

I will admit to some bias, but get a greyhound, they like nothing better than to sleep all day, only needs a couple of short walks a day dont shed and are really affectionate when you do come home. And despite what some people say they can be cat friendly, just make sure they have been checked first.
Try this link
www.retiredgreyhounds.co.uk
and go and have a look at some they are such a lovely pet and you are giving an overlooked and sometimes mistreated dog a good home.
and a gratuitous pic to show their favourite activity

[jenpot]

Are Greyhounds not prone to seperation anxiety and hate being left alone for long periods of time? We were told up to four hours, max. Not at all practical for our lifestyle.

[isee]

gog440 said:

I will admit to some bias, but get a greyhound, they like nothing better than to sleep all day, only needs a couple of short walks a day dont shed and are really affectionate when you do come home. And despite what some people say they can be cat friendly, just make sure they have been checked first.
Try this link
www.retiredgreyhounds.co.uk
and go and have a look at some they are such a lovely pet and you are giving an overlooked and sometimes mistreated dog a good home.
and a gratuitous pic to show their favourite activity

I initially wanted a whippet as a pet, but one thing I forgot to mention (wich is wierd considering it was the biggest reason we needed a dog) is I am away at least 4 nights per month and seeing as my colleague got burgled recently (with the whole family being at home) in their new house, we wanted to get a dog that the Mrs would feel slightly more secure with. Was also thinking a staffie but afaik they have even more problems with separation... I guess an alarm will have to suffice.

[Georgiegirl]

Not trying to be controversial, but for the people who say 8 hours a day is cruel what about if its a rescue dog and the other option is being put down as so many are? Is it more cruel to have a dog in a loving home where admittedly it is not ideal to leave it for so long during the day, but it gets plenty of love and attention and care or for it to be put to sleep? As long as the dog is fairly placid and doesn't get stressed about being left of course. If we have to leave our boy for a long day then I put newspaper in the kitchen so he can do a wee as I can't imagine its good for their bladder to hold it, even if they are able to!

[j4ckos mate]

we got a cockapoo, its a half poodle and doesnt malt at all, its about 16" tall, but i understand that the size of the dog will depend on the size of the poodle, absolutely love it, everyones different but because this doesnt malt and its a cross breed (ie less chance of inbred problems) it suited us perfectly.

[bexVN]

^^ You do have a point and it depends greatly on the dog, a dog rescued from a kennels is not going to have any better a life in a home if left 8hrs a day and suffering separation anxiety in which case euthanasia may well be the kinder option.

However it can work. My parents took on an elderly toy poodle (via me, owners brought in for pts and vet refused) the only issue was 3 days a week he would be left for upto 8hrs. Luckily it has never been an issue, he is deaf and likes his sleep, he never barks (asked neighbours) never been destructive, never had an accident (one of the reasons given for wanting pts by old owners) and is often asleep when Mum gets home. He is a very happy little dog who has so far enjoyed an extra 2yrs of life that he wouldn't have had.

It all depends on breed, character and often age of dog involved. It would not be right to do this to a puppy or an excitable breed eg collie, gsd etc, you would have to employ dog walkers/ house sitters, lose your lunch break etc

[Georgiegirl]

I'm glad we agree

[gog440]

isee said:

gog440 said:

I will admit to some bias, but get a greyhound, they like nothing better than to sleep all day, only needs a couple of short walks a day dont shed and are really affectionate when you do come home. And despite what some people say they can be cat friendly, just make sure they have been checked first.
Try this link
www.retiredgreyhounds.co.uk
and go and have a look at some they are such a lovely pet and you are giving an overlooked and sometimes mistreated dog a good home.
and a gratuitous pic to show their favourite activity

I initially wanted a whippet as a pet, but one thing I forgot to mention (wich is wierd considering it was the biggest reason we needed a dog) is I am away at least 4 nights per month and seeing as my colleague got burgled recently (with the whole family being at home) in their new house, we wanted to get a dog that the Mrs would feel slightly more secure with. Was also thinking a staffie but afaik they have even more problems with separation... I guess an alarm will have to suffice.

Fair enough I dont think I could recommend a greyhound as any sort of guard dog unless the burglar is scared of being licked to death lol. If mine is anything to go by a burglar would be safe Eddie might lift his head off his bed to see who has walked in but wouldnt react otherwise