Quote Originally Posted by Giselle
How about a Greyhound? I know a lot of British Greyhounds They make wonderful pets. They require minimal grooming. They're not energetic in the house, but if you let them out, they'll run their butts off. This is why their nickname is the 45 mph couch potato. As well, many Greys live nicely with cats as long as you train them correctly.
I AGREE COMPLETLY! Sighthounds are more calm than other smaller breeds. I have even had Borzois in a 800 sq.foot apartment, and you would never know it. Even a hotel room for a month.. They are naturally quiet, and actually sighthounds are considered the " new senior persons dogs". The reason is they are healthy, quiet, easy to walk, and house couch pototoes. They are also not tail waggers, that would knock things over, and well aware of their size. You actually have to train them to jump up on you- no kidding! Even the long haired breeds the coat has little undercoat, so they never mat, and all it takes is a quick pin brush once a day or every two days. With little dander, they stay clean. They do not fawn over strangers, but friendly just reserved. That is such a nice trait when someone comes to the house- no wild moments at the door.. lol. Most people come to my house say as I open the door, with 4 standing there " I didnt even know you have dogs.." I put decals on the doors to let people know so they are not shocked to see 4 large dogs just standing there- slow tail wag back and forth side to side, but slow and quiet. They have few health problems. Good hearts, and hips are a given. They can be hypothyroid, with a blood test easy to determine, and sensitive to anethesia from the lack of body fat verses muscle. But I warn you- they are a pototoe chip breed. They are so easy to care for, you can not have just one. You need to watch them around small animals outside, need a fenced in yard, and their speed can get them far away fast, and should be kept either in a fenced yard, or leashed. They are lovely to walk, seldom pull ever. This is not breeds that are " trick dogs"- and usually learn what they want to. But very easy to manage, with total dignity pressence about themselves. I am not sure if you do dog racing there, but if so, the greyhound track rescue is a good place to start. They have a long life span so you need to consider they easily live to 15 years old.
** the Irish Wolfhound is the only one of the sighthounds with a short life span, and also more of a bull in the china cabinet when young.. lol. Lovely dogs, and I have a friend that has 3. There is a difference in the aloof part of the temperment. The Scottish usual life span is 12-14. ..**