My mom wants a dog...ideas? (update: think she found one)

[slleipnir]

I would disagree. You can raise a puppy up to a certain point, but if that puppy has a high prey drive, that puppy is going to grow into a high-prey-drive adult dog no matter what you raise it with. It may perhaps be more familiar with the cats and the rules of the household, but all bets are off if you place the dog and cat outside. IMO, no matter how impeccably one raises a puppy, it is still a shot in the dark.

I'd say you're far better off with a stable adult who either does or does not show interest in cats. Adult dogs are more reliable because their temperaments and drives have pretty much settled. All you need to do is find an adult who doesn't show interest in cats (and you'd be amazed by how many dogs just don't care about cats!). I say, don't go for breed. Go for the individual There are a LOT of greyhounds who live peacefully with cats. If ex-racers can do it, any breed can!

Yeah that's what I've been telling her...but for some reason she really wants a puppy.

Thanks for the input everyone

[Husky_mom]

in my experience I would say stay away from Huskies for the cat´s sake.... but as you can also see Glacier has Huskies and cats living together... although and she can confirm that, they have to be supervised.... and also as they may follow indoor rules...indoor cats being out are fair game...sad but true...

Huskies to have prey drive which can be subdued or very high.. but it can be triggered anytime... so I agree with Giselle... an older dog know to tolerate or even like company of cats is your mom´s best bet....

a pup might be what she wants and can be "trained" to live with cats peacefully.. but it will take time and effort and sometimes frustration... so she might consider that too...

[CathyBogart]

My mom's Wilbur is a miniature poodle mix...he does bark to alert when people come near the house and while him and Cupcake (My mom's cat) aren't exactly pals(More Cupcake's decision than his) he gets along with my sister's two cats beautifully.

Perhaps you could find a rescue or three near you that have websites and check them every few days for newcomers. Even if it's not a PUPPY puppy, maybe an older puppy (5-8 months) will suit. That way the potty training and some of the basics of manners are out of the way but there's still some growing up to do.

Edit: Craigslist can be a valuable resource too. A lot of rescues post there, and my sister in law found her puppy there from a woman who breeds English Shepherds but had a mismate between one of her bitches and the neighbor's Australian Cattle Dog. She wanted a high drive working dog and she found him!

[cassiesmom]

Winston is so handsome! My nephew's late bunny was named Winston and he had a mess of nicknames ... Winstie, Winny, Win-Win. i hope they will be very happy together!

[Husky_mom]

boy is he cute!!... what a serious lovely expression he has...awwww....

one thing though Salukis are sight hounds... so theres prey drive.... just keep a look at it....

donñt mean to discourage he sure sounds pretty good and if he does do good with cats it should be fine... just though about letting you know.. although you might have already know that, but sometimes even the simpliest thing slip our minds when excited......

[Suki Wingy]

oops, that's what happens when you try and read at 8:45 am after staying up all night on your computer!

[dreamparkingspace]

Did anyone mention a Beagle? They are good little watch dogs that don't shed too much. They are also more often than not friendly towards other pets in the house. Hector, my Beagle, was my very first dog of my own (though I had other dogs growing up, they just weren't primarily my responsibility like Hector is), and he worked out great for an amateur dog owner 'cause he is such easy maintenance. That was four years ago though and I consider myself a much more responsible and knowledgable dog owner know so I now can handle a breed like Shawnee (my German Shepherd/Border Collie mix) who needs more exercise, stimulation, and whatknot.