Breed suggestions for co-worker

[Ginger's Mom]

No, he absolutely does not have to have a purebred. He came to me for suggestions because his main concerns were that they didn't want a repeat of the major damage that was done to the yard by the previous owners dog and his concern about it being left alone for 10 hours. And again he is not worried about digging, he is worried about major damage. I think the only specific thing he really wants is that it is a medium to large size adult dog. He was just looking for other suggestions as to what to look for. We have already spoken about not leaving the dog out alone without supervision as the best way of avoiding unwanted craters, uncontrolled barking and fence jumping, as well as being important to the safety of your dog. I think he is going to be a great dog owner. And he went home with four petfinder printouts to show his wife tonight.

[Jessika]

How much time can they spend on energy requirements?

[Ginger's Mom]

That is a good question, and I tried to find that out by asking what he planned to do with the dog when he got home from work. Was he willing to take him running, biking, etc., or did he just want a dog he could play ball in the yard with. The answer was the latter. I know that doesn't really answer your quesstion. But, having said that, let me ask you, what type would you recommend based on that information. I told him generally speaking I try to would stay away from any of the herding or terrier breeds.

[Sighthounds4me]

I'm thinking a sighthound might be worth looking into, especially Greyhounds. They are always available, and with an enclosed yard, could be a good fit.

They are definitely a larger breed, so would fit that requirement. They do not require a ton of exercise, but are usually happy to take walks with their owner when desired.

I would check out www.greyhoundpets.org/ for more info!

Good luck!

[Ginger's Mom]

I actually did think about mentioning greyhounds. And there is a very large active rescue group in this area. Maybe I will mention that. Thanks.

[Giselle]

Definite no to the Border Collie I'd actually love a BC, but their energy/mental requirements are just too high. I have waaay too much on my hands with Ivy alone =P

I think a Greyhound sounds like a good suggestion, too. It sounds like they're looking for a gentle giant type breed. Maybe an older golden retriever? Or an older Pittie? Or an older Shepherd?

[IRescue452]

Greyhounds kinda just stand there. They might be a little disappointing to a person who might want to play fetch, or play anything. I guess if you got a puppy you could teach it to be more like a dog, but rescue greyhounds are not very dog like. They are more like statues that need some care.

Autumn is definately almost as driven as a border collie, though not as intense. She loves to work. She's never competed in anything or been an actual working dog, but I've taught her since she was little all the commands to hunt and retrieve, herd, search, do agility, play frisbee, expert obedience stuff, and so on. She lives to learn and to "work". Her joints are bad so I don't let her exercise too much now, but she still needs a job. She brings in the paper and the mail. Just the other day I forgot to give her the mail when I was walking in, so she came up in front of me and stared at the mail in my hand until I gave it to her. Then she wagged her tail as fast as she could as she brought it the rest of the way inside.

I think a lab is a bad idea. 10 hours a day alone = house destroyed. Unless its an older dog of course. They've fallen into the "lets get a lab" trap because labs are so easy to come by and everybody has one.