Breed suggestions for co-worker

[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.

[Ginger's Mom]

Thank you again for all of the responses. They are looking for an adult dog rather than a puppy because of the fact that they both work all day. He took home all of the print-outs, and he and his wife then went on the shelter site together. They could not agree on any dog that really grabbed them both from the photos, but they have decided to go the the shelter to see the dogs in person on Saturday.

I did give them a the nearest Toller I could find (she is about 3 hours away), and initially he sounded interested. But I think they are going to look locally first. Certainly can't blame them for that. Oh well, I tried.

[Sighthounds4me]

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.

Um, really? Cuz the Greys I have owned never "just kinda stood there." My fosters either (and I've had 10). They are very dog-like (because they are DOGS), and want to play rather often. Even my old guy Gunnar, whom I adopted at 9 years old! And my 8 year old girl plays constantly, and rarely sits still.

There can be a lot of varience in Greyhound activity levels. Some are more inclined to be lazy, some aren't. Yes, in comparision to a breed like a Border Collie, Greys' activity levels are very low. But it does not sound like this family is in the "market" for a dog with the energy level of a BC.

As for finding a Greyhound puppy, good luck. Very unlikely to find a puppy, since most are bred for racing, and go directly into racing programs. Those that are bred from AKC stock usually have a waiting list a mile long, since most breeders breed rarely.

And Greyhounds do not need to be trained to be "dog-like." They are dogs, and know how to be dogs.