Oppo-pinions - fur face edition

"HoustonRunner" (houstonrunner) 10/17/2018 at 12:05 • Filed to: None

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Chewie art car for your time.

Let’s start with this - I’m not a pet person. I don’t hate them, just don’t love them. But I have 4 kids, and the middle daughter wants a dog dearly. She has also been really great in school this year so far, and has noticeably changed some of her not great behaviors, clearly in an effort to show she can be responsible for a pet.

So we a almost definitely getting a dog. Here is where the opinions are welcome. My requirements / wants for a dog:

-Very low shedding. I detest pet hair in my house.

-Small to medium size. I don’t want a big dog tearing up my house.

-Needs to be house trained already. We are already starting to look at pets available at shelters nearby. I’m not getting a puppy. I’ve house trained 4 kids, not doing it again.

-Needs to be ok at home alone for about 8 hours a day (ok if the dog is good and will roam the house, or will be in a crate) . My wife and I both work, so the pet will be at home for long periods every week day.

-Low or no barking.

I think that is it . What are you thoughts Oppo?

Right now we are leaning towards some sort of terrier mix. My daughter wants a Corgi or a Yorkie, because they are cute.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > HoustonRunner 10/17/2018 at 12:28

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Seems any small dog I’ve ever seen are heard long before I actually see them. They seem terrible about yapping to announce their presence.

We have a “terrier” mix, he’s been an amazing dog, but he sheds like crazy. We vacuum daily to keep it under control, but he’s getting old as well (14) , so he definitely sheds worse with age.

That being said, pretty much any dog will shed, especially with season changes, so if you detest pet hair, you should probably not get a dog.

ShrimpHappens, née WJalopy > HoustonRunner 10/17/2018 at 12:28

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In general, the smaller the dog, the more hard-headed they will be. A terrier mix, though small, will likely also be high-energy.

farscythe - makin da cawfee! > HoustonRunner 10/17/2018 at 12:29

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corgi or a jack russel would be my choice... if your going for small and short haired

smart doggos them very trainable

Sovande > HoustonRunner 10/17/2018 at 12:31

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Seems like an impossible list! I wish you the best of luck. For a non-shedding dog you are going to be looking at actual money. Get a Portuguese Water Dog and you will have everything you want (except it will be a puppy).

My advice?  Don’t get a dog, they are more trouble than kids.

vicali > HoustonRunner 10/17/2018 at 12:37

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We have a lab, she wa s our practice kid before the real 2 kids ..

She doesn’t bark, is mediun (~ 65lbs) size, and hangs out in her room with her open crate while we are at work. She does shed, oh boy.. but makes up for it with wiggles and otherwise being adorable..

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > HoustonRunner 10/17/2018 at 12:43

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Get a cat, name it spot. Apologize to daughter, she will fall in love with cat in a few days and won’t need dog. IMO cats are way easier than dogs as long as you don ’t have allergies. I have a 75 lb husky. Fuck that dog is a lot of work but I love him.

diplodicus > HoustonRunner 10/17/2018 at 12:44

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Terriers are typically high energy. If you can find an english bulldog or a french bulldog those might meet your requirements better. Short hair=less shedding. Both breeds don’t require a ton of exercise . English bulldogs have all sorts of health issues though, don’t know about the frenchies. Both are also expensive when getting from a breeder.

nermal > HoustonRunner 10/17/2018 at 12:44

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Research the energy levels of the type of dog you are looking at, and make sure you can commit the time needed to exercise them.

For example, a Husky is a great dog as long as you can exercise them a few hours a day, yet an atrocious one if you leave it in the house all the time with nothing to do.

Also, d on’t lock a dog in a crate all day, it’s cruel.

nermal > farscythe - makin da cawfee! 10/17/2018 at 12:45

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Jack Russels are little shits that will destroy everything and escape anything you lock them up in. They look cute though.

Chuckles > HoustonRunner 10/17/2018 at 12:45

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People are usually quick to point out that small dogs tend to be very vocal, but there are exceptions to every rule. Case in point, our Pekingese mix, Olive. Only barks at the doorbell but otherwise never makes a noise. She’s happy to nap in bed all day when we’re out. She sheds a bit bu t not as much as you’d expect.

Do you mind if I share your post to Groupthink? There are lots of animal lovers over there who might be able to help.

farscythe - makin da cawfee! > nermal 10/17/2018 at 12:47

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lol... smart doggos

tbh i think that goes for nearly all small doggos

i wouldnt get anything smaller than a sheppard personally

Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo > HoustonRunner 10/17/2018 at 12:49

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In my opinion, you are unlikely to be happy with a terrier. They’re high energy ratting dogs that will be bored sitting at home all day, go insane, and chew up your shit. Maybe I’m wrong, but this is my experience.

Based on criteria I’d go with a Poodle? Probably a standard, but you could make a case for a mini. We grew up with them and they’re pretty chill, though ours loved to bark if given a reason, they don’t shed, although they do need hair cuts, and are trainable. The standard is probably a little larger than you’d like, but would be able to cope with 4 kids better than a smaller, more fragile mini. They’re good dogs.

Good alternative would be a golden retriever, though you’re going to run into hair.

Working dogs (huskies, terriers, hunting dogs, etc) are going to need to be worked/ entertained or they’re going to develop negative behaviors like crewing, barking, pacing, biting, peeing, or self destruction. Don’t get me wrong, they’re excellent dogs (all dogs are good dogs), but not low maintenance.

As for the no-barking, we trained ours not to do it... somehow. I say that, Dog A didn’t bark when we got him, so we encouraged him not to start. Dog B did, but learned from Dog A and us yelling at him any time he barked inappropriately. (He is allowed to bark at people or dogs that are in the yard, but beyond that he gets yelled at.)

I would, of course, recommend a shelter dog and probably a mix. Many will have some mental problems to work through, but they’re great dogs and the less you do to support breeders and puppy mills the better.

Chuckles > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo 10/17/2018 at 12:54

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Spot on response. There are other small dogs that are a lot less hyper than a terrier. Something like a Japanese Chin or Pekingese, bred to sit on a fluffy pillow next to royalty all day. Of course I'm slightly biased by Olive, our Pekingese mix that I found wandering outside in the rain.

facw > HoustonRunner 10/17/2018 at 13:00

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My family has always had Bostons:

They would meet your requirements. They are small (normally 13-25 pounds), don’t shed much (short coat is very low maintenance), smart, not generally big barkers (though that of course varies from dog to dog), and normally quite friendly and good with kids. They are fast and agile when they are playing, but they are not high energy dogs by nature, they will have no problem chilling around the house during the day. They of course are also cute and distinctive looking. There are some downsides, they are somewhat prone to eye problems, knee issues, and breathing issues typical of short nosed dogs (you can take them on walks no issue, but this is not a dog you can take hiking in the Houston heat). As noted they are smart, but also quite willful, so while housebreaking is not an issue, they can be tricky to train in general. And, especially if fed a low quality diet, they can be quite farty.

If you are interested, Houston has a very active rescue group (I’ve adopted one dog from them and fostered another):

https://www.facebook.com/BostonTerrierRescue/

https://www.houstonbostonrescue.org/

Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz) > HoustonRunner 10/17/2018 at 13:07

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Corgi’s are adorable, my cousin has one. He’s a good boy but he barks a fair bit. Not sure if that’s just a him thing, or Corgi thing. Yorkie, just no.

Terriers are pretty high energy so not sure if that sounds like it’d work for you. Although, our two Boston Terriers (before we worked from home) were always fine during the day but we’d definitely have to play quite a bit to get their energy out.

Chins are pretty low energy, smart dogs from what I’ve seen, but I believe they shed a bit.

For your best bet - I’d say look at local rescues to see what they have in a size/energy level you’re comfortable with. Rescue pets, especially dogs, are almost always very appreciative of their rescuers and make for great pets.

E90M3 > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo 10/17/2018 at 13:13

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I’ve heard that poodles get bored easily and that can cause them to destroy things. That said, my parents have had a labradoodle for 12 years and she’s been a really good dog. Hasn’t really been low maintenance though, I assume a poodle would be along the same lines. 

HoustonRunner > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo 10/17/2018 at 13:15

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Thanks.  I realize that I will have to compromise on one or more fronts, but the dog will need to be alone all day.

HoustonRunner > farscythe - makin da cawfee! 10/17/2018 at 13:16

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The one that was recommended by filtering breeds on AKC website was Boston Terrier. 

HoustonRunner > nermal 10/17/2018 at 13:17

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I don’t want to put a dog in a crate all day either.  My plan would be to let it roam the downstairs while we are at work, assuming it doesn’t destroy the house.

HoustonRunner > facw 10/17/2018 at 13:18

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Thanks, this is definitely a direction we are looking.

Chuckles > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 10/17/2018 at 13:18

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Cats require way less effort than dogs. Just give them food, water, a litter box, and some place soft and warm to sleep. 

Wacko > HoustonRunner 10/17/2018 at 13:19

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What you need is a cat.

Unless you want to keep a dog in a cage for 8 hours a day.

HoustonRunner > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 10/17/2018 at 13:19

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When I said I don’t hate pets, I meant dogs. Cats aren’t even a consideration.

HoustonRunner > Sovande 10/17/2018 at 13:20

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Which is why I have held out for so long.  But my daughter is really showing great strides in her responsibility, so I feel like giving it a chance.  We will likely foster at least once before we commit.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > HoustonRunner 10/17/2018 at 13:21

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get a big dog. they’ re are more doc ile and typically better with kids. I grew up with an Irish Wolf hound/ Great Pyre n e es mix and she was the best dog you could ask for.

this is really just my obviously biased opinion .

Chuckles > diplodicus 10/17/2018 at 13:21

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English Bulldogs are awesome, but like you said are expensive and have lots of health issues. And have fun wiping their butt after they poop because of their stubby little tail getting in the way. 

HoustonRunner > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 10/17/2018 at 13:22

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Definitely going to have to compromise in one direction (or more).  Size may be it.

diplodicus > Chuckles 10/17/2018 at 13:24

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Haha there’s an english bulldog at the dog park I go to that the owner has to chase down to wipe his ass every time he shits.

The chunkieset little bulldog I’ve ever seen no neck at all.

Chuckles > diplodicus 10/17/2018 at 13:27

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My sister has a bulldog. He’s great and I love him, but I don’t love wiping his but t. He’s also already needed eyelid surgery because he had too much skin around his eyes and it was scratching his corneas.

farscythe - makin da cawfee! > HoustonRunner 10/17/2018 at 13:28

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never had one of those so cant help you there

little doggos are full of energy tho.. bare that in mind

My bird IS the word > HoustonRunner 10/17/2018 at 13:33

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food for thought: retired racing greyhound. (mostly because that’s what I want) very calm demenor, low shedding, usually 2-3 years old, inexpensive, and kennel trained (very easily housebroken). might be out of your size demands, but I think it might be what you are looking for.

HoustonRunner > My bird IS the word 10/17/2018 at 13:38

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Thanks. A little big, but mostly haven’t considered because we have neighbors with two of them, and there is something about them I just don’t care for (the dogs, not the neighbors).

functionoverfashion > HoustonRunner 10/17/2018 at 13:47

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We have two golden doodles, they don’t shed, they’re great with the kids (ages 4 and 6), they’re each about 40lbs. Fun dogs that love to swim, hike, chase the ball, etc but don’t mind being home 8 hours at a time either.

The older one is now 9 and very calm, she was 3 when we had our first kid and she was great even then. Our younger one is just 1 year old, also got her as a puppy and she’s still pretty excitable but calms down quickly (as when people come over to the house, for example). They only bark when they see a car or people in our yard, or the occasional false alarm.

Downside, we do have to have them groomed every 8 weeks or so. Both were easy to housetrain if you can commit some time early on. Or find one that was returned to a breeder for whatever reason (some people just find that they can’t handle a dog and many breeders will take them back - this is how my in-laws got theirs.

Roundbadge > My bird IS the word 10/17/2018 at 13:48

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My neighbors have also had several racing greyhounds, and they’ve been cool dogs. This seems like a great suggestion.

Roundbadge > HoustonRunner 10/17/2018 at 13:53

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You should probably stay away from beagles, as a first-time owner. They can be difficult, and if let off their leash they follow their nose until they’re lost.

That said, beagles are awesome dogs.  We’re on our second, and I don’t regret it for a moment.

Chuckles > Roundbadge 10/17/2018 at 14:12

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In my town, someone surrendered about 65 beagles to the local shelter. It was on the news. Thankfully hundreds of people have made donations and inquired about adoption.

Roundbadge > Chuckles 10/17/2018 at 14:19

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This sounds awfully familiar. Like, gf saying, “We should probably try to adopt one...” familiar.

We have one. I’m good with one.

TheRealBicycleBuck > HoustonRunner 10/17/2018 at 14:23

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Poodles and poodle mixes tend to be low shedding, can be high energy, may be a bit barky, but are known for being smart. I’m not a poodle guy.

A   shelter dog might fit the bill, but there are no guarantees they are house trained. We tried to save a dachshund because my wife LOVES dachshunds, but the goofy thing did his business in the house. We even tried crating him. He did his business in the crate. In short, there was a reason he was at the shelter.

We have two dogs, one big, one little, both hairy.

We have them shaved every spring to help reduce the shedding, but there’s always hair to clean up.

Having two dogs helps with s eparation anxiety, but I’m not sure I’d recommend taking on two dogs if you aren’t used to having a dog around.

I wouldn’t shy away from getting a larger dog. Ours is an excellent watch dog. The best thing is that she only barks when someone is coming onto our property. She’s intimidating as hell and very protective, especially of kids. But if we tell her to sit and introduce the new person to her. She’s best buddies with them forever. The only thing we really have to watch out for is her tail. She can clear a coffee table with a single wag.

If you do get a big dog, be sure to teach it to have a soft mouth. We can play rough with our dog - tug of war with a rope, roughhousing - but I never have to worry about her biting a member of the family. It’s best to start that training when they are young.  https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/issues/13_6/features/Bite-Inhibition_16232-1.html

Chuckles > Roundbadge 10/17/2018 at 14:33

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We rent, and currently have a dog and 3 cats. We're at our limit. 

Future Heap Owner > HoustonRunner 10/17/2018 at 15:17

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Oh no, don’t get a Boston Terrier. Or any squashed-face dog. They have trouble breathing that will cause serious health problems later in their life, and you will be forced to decide between spending thousands of dollars to keep them alive or explaining to your daughter why you’re putting her best friend down.

Future Heap Owner > HoustonRunner 10/17/2018 at 15:19

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In general, don’t get any inbreed dog (a.k.a. “a p urebreed”). They all develop serious health & quality of life problems as they age,  because inbreeding. Mutts are generally much healthier, and a mutt from a shelter is a life saved.

Future Heap Owner > HoustonRunner 10/17/2018 at 15:30

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Honestly? Because you have a lot of requirements, seem to have low tolerance for noise or mess, don’t seem to want to put in the work to train out bad behavior, and are gonna have an empty house most of the day... I’d say don’t get a dog.

If that’s not feasible, I think size is the direction you should compromise on. Larger dogs tend to be less vocal and certain breeds don’t require much  stimulation & exercise to tire them out. A medium-sized (30-50 lbs) short-haired or “no shedding” kind of dog sounds like your best bet.

Stay away from working dog breeds anything bred for herding or hunting, like shepherds, terriers, pointers. Those will get bored and start destroying things for fun if left alone all day, and caging them all day will both make them sad and lead them to require tons of exercise and stimulation in the evening or they’ll be total annoying jerks.

HoustonRunner > Future Heap Owner 10/17/2018 at 21:40

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Good point, others have suggested the same on the larger dog size.  Also, I know I listed a lot of restrictions, but I do love that little girl and that makes up for a lot.