What is the best dog for me?

Question:
 I don't have a dog, but some time this year I will be buying one, and naturally, I want to get the right one.
So, the dog needs to have a gentle nature, and is easy to train.
I'd prefer the dog to be Spaniel sized, not as small as a Terrier, but not as big as a Labrador.
I am out around 6 hours a day, so it needs to be a dog who can adjust to being alone for that time 4 days a week.
It can't need to much exercise, although of course I'll walk it in the morning, afternoon and evenings. I don't want one too energetic.
It needs to be ok with other pets, as I have a cat and a hamster, as well as various other small pets.
Oh, and it can't be that expensive. No pedigree dogs. ;)
What types of dogs fit that description?
Thanks all,
Kathryn x

Answer:
go to http://www.k9country.com/perl/dogBreed.pl and use this breed selector tool...its a pretty good tool, although after you use that, make sure that you research, research, and research some more :)

Answer:
If the dog isn't pedigreed then it's a mutt so it won't matter what breed we advise you to get. I'm not knocking mutts, just saying that you may not be certain of a mutt's parentage so it can be difficult to know just what you're getting.
Most small dogs do need a lot of exercise to be kept happy while some of the largest dogs prefer sedate exercise. You may want to reassess your size requirement.
I'd suggest looking at the Basset Hound though as they are smaller and more sedate. Another choice, given your cost restriction, may be to adopt an adult dog from a local shelter. At the shelter you can try out a dog, perhaps get one a bit older and less active and already housebroken. Most shelters will let you test drive a dog for a while to see if you're a good fit with each other. If you tell the shelter what you're looking for they can keep an eye out for the sort of dog you like and contact you when one comes along.
You may want to also look at the PBGV and Clumber Spaniels.
These may be good breeds for you. There are also a number of breed finder search engines on the internet. You tell it what you want in a dog and it shows you the choices:
http://animal.discovery.com/breedselector/dogselector.do
http://www.glowdog.com/bestdog/
http://us.iams.com/iams/en_US/jsp/IAMS_Page.jsp?pageID=DBS
Try them out. While none are perfect, they may help point you in the right direction.
Last, be careful where you get your dog. A puppy from a pet store is generally a bad buy because they're very poorly socialized, prematurely taken from the dam, and not being bred to be good pets. Plus it supports the puppymill industry. A good breeder will make sure the puppy you get is one that suits you. Good breeders breed not only for conformity but for temperament. They pre-screen for genetic defects and diseases, and they will do puppy apptitude testing to make sure you get puppy that's more of a 4 than a 2. Pet shops and backyard breeders won't do that. A good breeder is always a phone call away with help and advice, and should you become unable to care for your dog, will generally take the dog back.
You're looking for a companion to spend quite a few years with you, sharing your home with him, trusting him. The money it costs for a well-bred dog from a good breeder gets paid back easily in the quality of dog you get, the support you receive, usually better health, and a dog that suits what you're looking for in a dog. It's like choosing a spouse! In any litter of puppys one dog could be made for police and security work while another may be suited to assist the disabled; doesn't matter the breed, like people, dogs have individual personalities.
P.S. - I am not a breeder.

Answer:
id suggest either adopting a youngadult dog from a shelter if your looking for a none pedigreed medium sized breed, by adopting an adult you already know how big the dog will get and its personality.
NEVER buy mixed breeds (doodles/poos/ect) from "breeders" your paying for a very espensive mutt, best adopt.
if your looking for a purebreed but not as expensive, ALWAYS look for good breeders and ask them if they have any "pet" quality pups, they usually come on a spay/neuter contract, but are generally cheaper than buying a full registered show dog.
as for breeds, what about a cocker? you want spaniel sized, there great dogs, very sweet, smart and generally calm indoor dogs.
my family has had spaniels all my life and we couldnt have asked for sweeter dogs. i learnt to walk by hoisting myself up on ur first cockers ears and she didnt even bat an eye.
we currently have Charlie and English x American cocker mix and hes such a doll, hes sweet and lets the chis get away with anything, very smart, and indoors hes a real lazy boy, let him out in the garden and he loves to run and play but hes definatly not a hyper dog.
cockers tend to be a little calmer than springers and feild spaneils, ive never met a clumber spaniel but there shorter and stocker but im told still have alot of strong hunt instinct because they havent been extensivly bred away from feild lines.

Answer:
Hi, and thanks. i've completed the questionnaire and it came up with this:
http://www.k9country.com/perl/dogBreed.pl?q1=3&grooming=1%2C2&training=2%2C3&activity=2%2C3&shedding=1%2C2&exercise=1%2C2%2C3&coat=1%2C2%2C3%2C4&size=2%2C3&children=1%2C2%2C3&expert=1&state=10&submit=Continue&.cgifields=q1
Personally, I love Beagles, because they have a lovely nature and look gorgeous. How suitable are they for my needs?
I also like spaniels, such as Springer Spaniels. What about those?
Thanks again,
Kathryn x

Answer:
If the dog isn't pedigreed then it's a mutt so it won't matter what breed we advise you to get. I'm not knocking mutts, just saying that you may not be certain of a mutt's parentage so it can be difficult to know just what you're getting.
Most small dogs do need a lot of exercise to be kept happy while some of the largest dogs prefer sedate exercise. You may want to reassess your size requirement.
I'd suggest looking at the Basset Hound though as they are smaller and more sedate. Another choice, given your cost restriction, may be to adopt an adult dog from a local shelter. At the shelter you can try out a dog, perhaps get one a bit older and less active and already housebroken. Most shelters will let you test drive a dog for a while to see if you're a good fit with each other. If you tell the shelter what you're looking for they can keep an eye out for the sort of dog you like and contact you when one comes along.
You may want to also look at the PBGV and Clumber Spaniels.
These may be good breeds for you. There are also a number of breed finder search engines on the internet. You tell it what you want in a dog and it shows you the choices:
http://animal.discovery.com/breedselector/dogselector.do
http://www.glowdog.com/bestdog/
http://us.iams.com/iams/en_US/jsp/IAMS_Page.jsp?pageID=DBS
Try them out. While none are perfect, they may help point you in the right direction.
Last, be careful where you get your dog. A puppy from a pet store is generally a bad buy because they're very poorly socialized, prematurely taken from the dam, and not being bred to be good pets. Plus it supports the puppymill industry. A good breeder will make sure the puppy you get is one that suits you. Good breeders breed not only for conformity but for temperament. They pre-screen for genetic defects and diseases, and they will do puppy apptitude testing to make sure you get puppy that's more of a 4 than a 2. Pet shops and backyard breeders won't do that. A good breeder is always a phone call away with help and advice, and should you become unable to care for your dog, will generally take the dog back.
You're looking for a companion to spend quite a few years with you, sharing your home with him, trusting him. The money it costs for a well-bred dog from a good breeder gets paid back easily in the quality of dog you get, the support you receive, usually better health, and a dog that suits what you're looking for in a dog. It's like choosing a spouse! In any litter of puppys one dog could be made for police and security work while another may be suited to assist the disabled; doesn't matter the breed, like people, dogs have individual personalities.
P.S. - I am not a breeder.
Thank you very much. That has helped a lot. Beagles seem like they would be ok, which is certianly a good thing! :lol-sign:
id suggest either adopting a youngadult dog from a shelter if your looking for a none pedigreed medium sized breed, by adopting an adult you already know how big the dog will get and its personality.
NEVER buy mixed breeds (doodles/poos/ect) from "breeders" your paying for a very espensive mutt, best adopt.
if your looking for a purebreed but not as expensive, ALWAYS look for good breeders and ask them if they have any "pet" quality pups, they usually come on a spay/neuter contract, but are generally cheaper than buying a full registered show dog.
as for breeds, what about a cocker? you want spaniel sized, there great dogs, very sweet, smart and generally calm indoor dogs.
my family has had spaniels all my life and we couldnt have asked for sweeter dogs. i learnt to walk by hoisting myself up on ur first cockers ears and she didnt even bat an eye.
we currently have Charlie and English x American cocker mix and hes such a doll, hes sweet and lets the chis get away with anything, very smart, and indoors hes a real lazy boy, let him out in the garden and he loves to run and play but hes definatly not a hyper dog.
cockers tend to be a little calmer than springers and feild spaneils, ive never met a clumber spaniel but there shorter and stocker but im told still have alot of strong hunt instinct because they havent been extensivly bred away from feild lines.
Thank you very much.
No, I shall not buy a mixed breed dog, in my opinion, it's cruel and weird looking (sorry to those who own one!)
I will be buying the dog as a puppy, of course not too young though.
I won't just buy the first dog I see, I'll certainly have a good look round before buying.
Cocker Spaniels are cute, but a little fluffy for my liking. The Springers are similar but a little less fluffy. I don't mind if they're quite active, as long as it doesn't disturb my cat too much. Thank you. :)

Answer:
Hi Kathryn!
My concern with the results you received is that the breeds it shows as best for you need plenty of exercise. If you're prepared for that then yes, they could be great dogs for you. I highly suggest going to visit breeders of the breeds which interest you. Meet the dogs and spend a few hours with them to give you a good idea of what they're like and receive the benefit of talking with someone who will tell you straight up if they think the dog is right for you.

Answer:
Thank you. I don't mind giving them a fair amount of exercise, as long as it's not too much.
I only have the time for a 5 or 10 minute walk in the mornings on Monday to Friday, a 20 minute walk in the afternoon, and a 20 minute walk at might. They will get more at the weekend, as I do a fair bit of cycling, and it could come with me.
Thanks again,
Kathryn x :D

Answer:
This is good Kathryn, we're getting closer!
I'd suggest going through the finder again but reduce the amount of exercise which is presently set for High, Medium, Low, to Medium and Low. I'd hate to see you get a dog only to find he becomes destructive or neurotic from lack of exercise. See what happens when you do that.
Another suggestion is to change the training requirement so it's not set to High. As you answered that you'd be a novice handler I think it might work out best for you because when breed people or trainers say some breeds are tough to train, they mean it. Also, if you're working full-time you will not have the time to consistently work with a dog that is difficult to train.

Answer:
Yes some of the dogs on that test were a bit high energy (Australian Shepherd). Have you ever gone to www.petfinder.com I know you don't want a mix but you may find a purebred rescue dog there. Just wondering why you think it is cruel to get a mutt? and although some may not look like their mix, you would be surprised how similar some can:
http://search.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=7742317
http://search.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=7559874
http://search.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=7665471
http://search.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=7748788
http://search.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=7736119
http://search.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=7738630
and there are so many more! sorry if i seem to be pushing shelter pups too much i just wish they could all have homes and not be passed over because people don't think they are as good of dogs as purebreds. I know if we had chosen a purebred our dog would have been PTS when he was four months old.

Answer:
This is good Kathryn, we're getting closer!
I'd suggest going through the finder again but reduce the amount of exercise which is presently set for High, Medium, Low, to Medium and Low. I'd hate to see you get a dog only to find he becomes destructive or neurotic from lack of exercise. See what happens when you do that.
Another suggestion is to change the training requirement so it's not set to High. As you answered that you'd be a novice handler I think it might work out best for you because when breed people or trainers say some breeds are tough to train, they mean it. Also, if you're working full-time you will not have the time to consistently work with a dog that is difficult to train.
Thank you. I must have clicked the wrong button when I was putting in the exercise levels. I shall do the finder again and see what it comes up with. :)
Yes some of the dogs on that test were a bit high energy (Australian Shepherd). Have you ever gone to www.petfinder.com I know you don't want a mix but you may find a purebred rescue dog there. Just wondering why you think it is cruel to get a mutt? and although some may not look like their mix, you would be surprised how similar some can:
http://search.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=7742317
http://search.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=7559874
http://search.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=7665471
http://search.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=7748788
http://search.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=7736119
http://search.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=7738630
and there are so many more! sorry if i seem to be pushing shelter pups too much i just wish they could all have homes and not be passed over because people don't think they are as good of dogs as purebreds. I know if we had chosen a purebred our dog would have been PTS when he was four months old.
Thanks for all the links. Certainly some beautiful dogs there. :D
I won't be buying for a few months, but I may well buy from a shelter. ;)
Thanks again,
Kathryn

Answer:
Well, I've taken the test again.
Here is the result:
http://www.k9country.com/perl/dogBreed.pl?q1=3&grooming=1%2C2&training=2%2C3&activity=2%2C3&shedding=1%2C2&exercise=1%2C2&coat=1%2C2%2C3%2C4&size=2%2C3&children=1%2C2%2C3&expert=1&state=10&submit=Continue&.cgifields=q1

Answer:
If you still like the Beagles, you may want to look into adopting from shelters. There are loads of Beagles who need homes of all ages at pretty good majority of all the shelters around here, I know you are in another country, but they sure are a common breed around here. You can go in with your specifics of what you want in a Beagle and they can help you pick out the right one for you. Search for Beagles on petfinder.com that are close to you and narrow it down from there. Start visiting the one's near you.

Answer:
Search for Beagles on petfinder.com that are close to you and narrow it down from there. Start visiting the one's near you.
Petfinder does not serve the UK. I don't know of a comparable site that does. Beagles are not as popular in the UK, not even the top 20 UK breeds, but finding one shouldn't be difficult.
Here are some useful links for some of the breeds:
Considering A Beagle? (http://www.beagles-on-the-web.com/considering.html)
Beagle FAQ (http://clubs.akc.org/NBC/NBC_FAQs.html)
Field Spaniel FAQ (http://www.k9web.com/dog-faqs/breeds/fldspaniels.html)
Corgis! (http://www.corgis.com/)
More Corgis! (http://www.canismajor.com/dog/corgi.html)
Shiba Web (http://www.shibaweb.com/)

Answer:
I think with the amount of walking you say you wish to do, is not enough for most all of the dogs that came up on your quiz..Beagles aren't couch potatoes, tho there are exceptions to every rule..
the first dog that came to mind for you was a King Charles Cavalier.
My aussies would be bouncing off the walls (or chewing them apart) with that little exercise daily..most (if not all) of the herding breeds require alot of exercise .
All the beagles I've met sure require alot of exercise as well.
Good luck with your search,,checking out what's available in the shelters or thru a purebred rescue if that's the route you wish to go, is definately worth considering.
Diane

Answer:
The first dog that came to mind for you was a King Charles Cavalier.
I whole heartedly agree!
They seem to match your requirements!
~Tucker

Answer:
a cavalier would be a good choice its a smaller spaniel but still sturdy
as for cockers being "fluffy" ours goes in for a cocker cut every 8 weeks (he has the fethering on ears, underside and legs) if you dont want the upkeep of the coat have the cocker shaved down to a puppycut every couple months and itll be no upkeep.
American cockers are a curlier coat than the english cockers which have a beautiful coat! (and of course and english would be easier to find for you)
i think a springer would be a little too high energy.
i wouldnt suggest a beagle, there rather high energy for a little dog and can be somewhat hard to handle for a first time dog owner.
an older adult beagle rescue however might fit your bill perfectly
bassets are a fun breed, just keep a close check on ears and weight, can be stubborn, need a walk but dont need alot of excersize. might not be best choice for a jogging/cycling companion though
goldens and labs of course would work, but might be a bit big for your liking
A Schnauzer might work too, all the ones ive met have been great dogs and they come in 3 different sizes! coat needs a good comb and occasional trimming but nothing all that extensive in a puppy/pet cut.
good luck!

Answer:
Honestly, the Cavalier was the first breed that popped into my mind as well. Very sweet, loving dogs, not terribly active, though they can easily tend towards obesity if not given at least some exercise. They get along with just about everyone and everything though and love to be close to you. Pretty easy to train as well.
Beagles sound like a good match, though a few things to be warned off. NEVER trust a beagle off-leash. It might come back, it might not. They're awesome about tuning out everything else in the world when they find something interesting to scent. One of my "half-dogs" is a beagle mix and her selective hearing is amazing sometimes. They're fairly stubborn as well, though with firm but loving direction they do pretty well. They are chow hounds extrordinaire and will eat themselves to death if given the chance. I can count the number of "fit" beagles I've seen on one hand...95% are all pretty chubby. I work with dogs for a living, so I see a lot. They're great about seeming as if they're staaaarving, when you know perfectly well they've just been fed. Also tend to be pretty vocal pretty much all the time. If you rent or live near grouchy neighbors...a beagle may not be the best choice.
Not trying to talk you out of it, just giving you an idea of what you may expect when it comes to owning a beagle.

Answer:
Hi, and thanks. i've completed the questionnaire and it came up with this:
http://www.k9country.com/perl/dogBreed.pl?q1=3&grooming=1%2C2&training=2%2C3&activity=2%2C3&shedding=1%2C2&exercise=1%2C2%2C3&coat=1%2C2%2C3%2C4&size=2%2C3&children=1%2C2%2C3&expert=1&state=10&submit=Continue&.cgifields=q1
Personally, I love Beagles, because they have a lovely nature and look gorgeous. How suitable are they for my needs?
I also like spaniels, such as Springer Spaniels. What about those?
Thanks again,
Kathryn x
a beagle needs a good amount of exercise. They are also not 100% trust worthy with cats/small animals because they were bred to be hunting dogs. Springer spaniel need even more exercise and are even more untrust worthy with other animal, again, because they were bred to hunt.

Answer:
bassets are a fun breed, just keep a close check on ears and weight, can be stubborn, need a walk but dont need alot of excersize. might not be best choice for a jogging/cycling companion though
I wouldn't go with a basset for her living arrangement. They are a hunting breed, not for someone with small pets. Also she said she wanted a dog that was easy to train, again not a basset.

Answer:
something like that. try a shelter. an adult dog already has its personality sorted out

Answer:
Thank you all so much! I will read through all of your comments properly, and will note all of them down. I'm not a huge fan of King Charles Cavaliers (gosh I'm picky!)
I understand that I would know exactly what I was getting if I were buying an adult dog, but wouldn't it be better rearing them from a fairly young age alongside other animals, so they get used to them..? I just want a puppy! Haha. ;)
So Beagles are quite lively. How much exercise would I need to give them every day? I have a large park a 5 minute walking distance away, where he could go for walks every day, if that helps at all.
Thank you very much. Your commments and suggestions very much appreciated. :)

Answer:
For whatever breed you decide you could try the breed rescues there's a list here
http://www.dogpages.org.uk/breeds.htm
Also please remember there are puppies in rescue as well and just because they are mutts they still deserve a loving home.
You could also put your request on the homes offered page here
http://www.dogpages.org.uk/forums/index.php
and see what is available and suitable for your circumstances.

Answer:
I understand that I would know exactly what I was getting if I were buying an adult dog, but wouldn't it be better rearing them from a fairly young age alongside other animals, so they get used to them..? I just want a puppy! Haha. ;)
So some would think...all of my dogs have been over a year when I got them and have worked out just fine. I introduced a kitten in to my home for a few months awhile back, and he and my Aussie did just fine together. I've never owned a cat around this particular dog before. Right now I have the Aussie and my foster Lab sleeping at my feet. The Lab is around 2 1/2-3 years old...they get along famously.
It has more to do with proper introductions and supervision than just raising them together from a young age. That can make it easier sometimes, or you can unintentionally run into some huge problems.
If you want a puppy, get a puppy, but be mindful that all puppies, and especially Beagles have a lot more energy than their older counterparts. It sounds like you don't have a whole lot of time during the week for exercising, which would make an older dog a better choice in my opinion. And by older, I just mean over a year. There's still PLENTY of puppy left by that point, but they're usually out of the worst of the "Destructo-Dog" phase.

Answer:
For whatever breed you decide you could try the breed rescues there's a list here
http://www.dogpages.org.uk/breeds.htm
Also please remember there are puppies in rescue as well and just because they are mutts they still deserve a loving home.
You could also put your request on the homes offered page here
http://www.dogpages.org.uk/forums/index.php
and see what is available and suitable for your circumstances.
Thanks for the links. Very much appreciated. ;)
So some would think...all of my dogs have been over a year when I got them and have worked out just fine. I introduced a kitten in to my home for a few months awhile back, and he and my Aussie did just fine together. I've never owned a cat around this particular dog before. Right now I have the Aussie and my foster Lab sleeping at my feet. The Lab is around 2 1/2-3 years old...they get along famously.
It has more to do with proper introductions and supervision than just raising them together from a young age. That can make it easier sometimes, or you can unintentionally run into some huge problems.
If you want a puppy, get a puppy, but be mindful that all puppies, and especially Beagles have a lot more energy than their older counterparts. It sounds like you don't have a whole lot of time during the week for exercising, which would make an older dog a better choice in my opinion. And by older, I just mean over a year. There's still PLENTY of puppy left by that point, but they're usually out of the worst of the "Destructo-Dog" phase.
Yes, I understand what you're saying.
I want a puppy so I could bond with it from a young age. I certainly wouldn't mind an adult dog, I just want the best for the dog and my other pets. :)
I'll just have to live with an energetic dog . In my opinion, it's better than a really lazy one!
I am only looking at Beagles simply because they look cute and seem to be the right size, which are the basic things I want, but I am open to any other suggestions. If I could, i'd buy a big Labrador, but it wouldn't be fair on the cat, and I couldn't exercise it as much as it would need unfortunately. :(
Thank you all for your suggestions! :D

Answer:
So Beagles are quite lively. How much exercise would I need to give them every day? I have a large park a 5 minute walking distance away, where he could go for walks every day, if that helps at all.
Thank you very much. Your commments and suggestions very much appreciated. :)
They aren't good with small pets. Like I said. Even if you decided to walk them all the exercise they needed you'd also have to get rid of your small animals.

Answer:
Ok. It wouldn't get used to my hamster? If not, I'm not getting a Beagle. No way am I taking any of my pets back to the shop. :)
What dogs are good with small pets?
Thanks.

Answer:
Thanks for the links. Very much appreciated. ;)
I just want the best for the dog and my other pets.
than look researching into other breeds
I'll just have to live with an energetic dog ..I am only looking at Beagles simply because they look cute and seem to be the right size,
Don't settle for a energentic dog if you know you will not be able to exercise it enough and it don't get along with you other pets. This isn't fair to the dog, your other pets, or you. Get a breed that fits your lifestyle, not just one that looks cute and the size you want. Those two traits are the LEAST important of any trait you would consider when determining if a dog will fit your lifestyle. Remember, the dog must fit into *your* lifestyle not the other way around.
but I am open to any other suggestions. If I could, i'd buy a big Labrador, but it wouldn't be fair on the cat, and I couldn't exercise it as much as it would need unfortunately. :(
the exact same thing is true of the beagle. How many pounds do you want this dog to be when its an adult? Would you consider any toy breed?

Answer:
Ok. It wouldn't get used to my hamster? If not, I'm not getting a Beagle. No way am I taking any of my pets back to the shop..
Like I said, they're a *hunting breed*. You do the math.

Answer:
Here's some breeds that would work for you.
Tibetan spaniel
Papillon
Toy or miniature Poodle
Maltese
Bichon Frise
Long-haired Chihuahua
English toy spaniel
Japanese chin
Shih Tzu
Clumber spaniel
Lhasa Apso
Out of all of these the lhasa needs the least amount of exercise. In fact you don't even needs to take them outside everyday if you don't want to. You can litter train them. The tibetan is related to the shih tzu and lhasa. All very low exercise requirements. I would say the clumber needs the most of this list. The clumber is also iffy with other pets. Use caution when selecting a clumber. Don't buy from someone who hunts when. Get one from someone who shows them.

Answer:
Letme go find larger breeds that will fit your life style. I'll be back

Answer:
than look researching into other breeds
Don't settle for a energentic dog if you know you will not be able to exercise it enough and it don't get along with you other pets. This isn't fair to the dog, your other pets, or you. Get a breed that fits your lifestyle, not just one that looks cute and the size you want. Those two traits are the LEAST important of any trait you would consider when determining if a dog will fit your lifestyle. Remember, the dog must fit into *your* lifestyle not the other way around.
the exact same thing is true of the beagle. How many pounds do you want this dog to be when its an adult? Would you consider any toy breed?
I certainly will not buy an unsuitable dog, I understand that.
I am just saying a good starting point is the looks of the dog, no point buying a dog you don't like the look of, and the size. Then I can move onto other things like temperament etc.
Beagles obviously are not suitable, so I won't buy one. It is as simple as that. ;)

Answer:
Letme go find larger breeds that will fit your life style. I'll be back
Thanks. You've been very helpful. :)
I'm not a huge fan of toy breeds, as they seem rather, well, small. :lol-sign:

Answer:
Well, I've taken the test again.
Here is the result:
http://www.k9country.com/perl/dogBreed.pl?q1=3&grooming=1%2C2&training=2%2C3&activity=2%2C3&shedding=1%2C2&exercise=1%2C2&coat=1%2C2%2C3%2C4&size=2%2C3&children=1%2C2%2C3&expert=1&state=10&submit=Continue&.cgifields=q1
Bearded Collies are on this list and although you didn't mention wanting one, I wanted to be sure to mention that the grooming requirement isn't the only issue with this breed. I adore Beardies and have owned one purebred and one mix, and they are energetic from babyhood to death (there is not the energy drop-off that many breeds experience, like the way Labs go from 110mph as adolescents to being rather calm as seniors; beardies go full tilt all their life.) Beardie bounce is not a good fit for someone who would prefer a dog with low exercise needs. They're beautiful, and they are very wonderful, gentle dogs, and a lovely size, but although their temperament is not wired like the Borders and Aussies, they need a great deal of physical and mental exercise to be happy.
Small breeds have drawbacks, but they are very easy to exercise. I can wear out my sister's Yorkie without breaking a sweat, whereas I have to spend serious time walking the beardie mix to get her tired.
Getting a puppy is not, in my experience, crucial to bonding with a dog, and I wouldn't worry about that too much. If you want a puppy, that's fine, but I believe that the idea that you can bond better with a pup is more myth than reality. Adults dogs are a lot more satisfying in the first year you own them; puppies are, naturally, more focused on the world around them and their own experiences than on being your dog/partner/etc., and that can be a bit alienating when you're waiting for them to grow into a companion and friend.

Answer:
Thanks very much. I'll look into the Bearded Collies. I'd prefer a dog who is energetic enough not to get worn down with occasional long cycles (up to 20 miles, although not as much if they can't cope with that) and although I'm not a huge runner, I'd run with him/her if they need it. ;)
Thanks,
Kathryn x
P.S. I also really like Border Collies. I will research them of course, they may well be unsuitable, I'm just picking out dogs to look up at the moment. It will not be for some months that I actually go and buy the dog. :D

Answer:
Well from a quick Google search, it looks like Collies are far too energetic and need plenty exercise. Oh well, a Border Collie is not for me. It is a process of ilimination really. ;)

Answer:
Boston terrier—some are more independent than others
Löwchen
Shetland Sheepdog---use caution. Liking to herd your cat.
Bearded Collie –some can be harder to train than other. Some get along better with other pets than others. Consult the breeder about what’s best for your lifestyle
Chinese Crested
Affenpinscher---use caution when selecting this breed with other animals. Tell the breeder you are looking for a affin that’s good with your pets.
Havanese
Pug
Pomeranian—causion, some may not be good with other pets.

Answer:
Hmmm.
The smaller breeds might be a good choice. They won't go 20 miles but that doesn't mean you couldn't go a few miles with them along side and then let them ride with you the rest of the way. There are dog carriers you can tow behind your bike or, for very small dogs and puppies, attach to the frame. Most of the small dogs are packed with energy but aren't long distance runners/walkers. Sight hounds might be a reasonable choice as they're usually quite happy lounging about the house yet are quite comfortable going long distance though you couldn't take any dog 20 miles on blacktop because of what it would do to their pads. If you ride on dirt or grass, then it's definitely doable. Some sighthounds are OK with smaller animals too. While greyhounds are amazingly fast, they're sprinters and tire quickly. As Wikipedia says, ""Forty-five mile per hour couch potatoes." What they can do is lope along beside you quite happily at a moderate pace for longer periods.
In truth, I wouldn't trust any dog to be ok with a small rodent running free. If you take your hamster out of his cage, leave the dogs and cats shut in another room.
Whether the dog runs into the hamster or the hamster runs into the dog, it always turns out badly for the hamster.
Greyhounds may seem larger than your requirements, but again, the large dogs are usually the most docile indoors and don't need gobs of exercise. Wolfhounds can have problems with long distances so I wouldn't consider them and Afghans can be hard to housetrain plus have a reputation for being a bit aloof and very unreliable off leash. I would never take a sighthound offleash in an unenclosed area. You know, a whippet may not be a bad choice, particularly if you have access to an enclosed area for exercise. My brother had one who got along with everybody and loved being near everyone all the time. She was fine with walks but enjoyed running when the opportunities came along. They don't have the housebreaking issues other sighthounds have and they have a sweet disposition. If raised with cats and other small animals, or have lived with them in previous homes, there shouldn't be any problem.
Any dog will be a trade-off but given the need for a docile home dog that doesn't need much exercise but enjoys it when available, is fairly small but not too small or cutesy, doesn't shed much, is friendly to other people, has a reputation for good health, and not a trouble to neighbors, a whippet may just fit you very well. Check out this article on Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whippet).
and
National Whippet Association (http://www.nationalwhippetassoc.uk.com/page.html).
When James got his I was like, huh? I didn't think a sighthound would be a dog dog but she was so affectionate, so fun to be with, that I just lost my heart. Madison was a joy to be with and taught my puppy some very good manners. They may look unconventional but they are loving dogs who will curl-up in your lap but also love to run around. Unlike the terriers and others they're couch potatoes in the house, reserving their energy for going outside. They even use them as therapy dogs because of their pleasant disposition.

Answer:
Hmmm.
The smaller breeds might be a good choice. They won't go 20 miles but that doesn't mean you couldn't go a few miles with them along side and then let them ride with you the rest of the way. There are dog carriers you can tow behind your bike or, for very small dogs and puppies, attach to the frame. Most of the small dogs are packed with energy but aren't long distance runners/walkers. Sight hounds might be a reasonable choice as they're usually quite happy lounging about the house yet are quite comfortable going long distance though you couldn't take any dog 20 miles on blacktop because of what it would do to their pads. If you ride on dirt or grass, then it's definitely doable. Some sighthounds are OK with smaller animals too. While greyhounds are amazingly fast, they're sprinters and tire quickly. As Wikipedia says, ""Forty-five mile per hour couch potatoes." What they can do is lope along beside you quite happily at a moderate pace for longer periods.
In truth, I wouldn't trust any dog to be ok with a small rodent running free. If you take your hamster out of his cage, leave the dogs and cats shut in another room.
Whether the dog runs into the hamster or the hamster runs into the dog, it always turns out badly for the hamster.
Greyhounds may seem larger than your requirements, but again, the large dogs are usually the most docile indoors and don't need gobs of exercise. Wolfhounds can have problems with long distances so I wouldn't consider them and Afghans can be hard to housetrain plus have a reputation for being a bit aloof and very unreliable off leash. I would never take a sighthound offleash in an unenclosed area. You know, a whippet may not be a bad choice, particularly if you have access to an enclosed area for exercise. My brother had one who got along with everybody and loved being near everyone all the time. She was fine with walks but enjoyed running when the opportunities came along. They don't have the housebreaking issues other sighthounds have and they have a sweet disposition. If raised with cats and other small animals, or have lived with them in previous homes, there shouldn't be any problem.
Any dog will be a trade-off but given the need for a docile home dog that doesn't need much exercise but enjoys it when available, is fairly small but not too small or cutesy, doesn't shed much, is friendly to other people, has a reputation for good health, and not a trouble to neighbors, a whippet may just fit you very well. Check out this article on Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whippet).
and
National Whippet Association (http://www.nationalwhippetassoc.uk.com/page.html).
When James got his I was like, huh? I didn't think a sighthound would be a dog dog but she was so affectionate, so fun to be with, that I just lost my heart. Madison was a joy to be with and taught my puppy some very good manners. They may look unconventional but they are loving dogs who will curl-up in your lap but also love to run around. Unlike the terriers and others they're couch potatoes in the house, reserving their energy for going outside. They even use them as therapy dogs because of their pleasant disposition.
Thanks very much. The hamster is only out of his cage for a short period every day, but even then he is in his plastic ball. The rest of the time he's secrue in his cage.
I am not too fond of small sort of lapdogs, I'd like it to be fairly big, but I want a dog I can handle. I'm not particularly strong, and I'd feel awful if he was too strong for me, and he decided to run off. :rolleyes:
Greyhounds and sighthounds always look so thin, even when they are not, but of course I'll look into them.
My garden is tiny, so they won't get much, if any, exercise in there. It will be a poop/pee area most probably more than enything else! lol :lol-sign:
Thanks very much,
kathryn x

Answer:
Have you ever been to www.dogbreedinfo.com ? If you click on purebreds then you can get a look at their temperament, grooming, exercise needs, and all that sort of stuff. There are pictures at the bottom. If you click "find the perfect dog" there are many categories you can look at so check that out.
I also think that you should never trust any dog around a hamster because chances are he will attack it, or even step on it. If it's in a ball then you may not have to worry. My dog never bothered my gerbils when they were in their balls but my friends husky mix attacked her hamster's ball. Keep an eye on the hamster whenever he is out and teach the dog a command like "leave it" so when he goes up to the ball you can just say "leave it" and he will look to you instead of the ball.
The size of the dog has little to do with how it does around your cats. Many of the small breeds (terriers) are very likely to go after a cat while a Newfoundland or Bernese mountain dog would do great with a cat. It depends on what the breed was bred to do in the past. many hunting and herding dogs will have a high prey drive, but not all will. Some that do are Huskeys, Shiba inus, Vizslas, Whippets (and other sight hounds), Yorkies, almost all terriers and there are many others. Like i said check out that site i told you about and look at "find the perfect dog" and there will be one part that says non-canine pets if you click that then you will see what would be good with cats.
If you get from a shelter they will most likely be able to tell you if the dog likes cats or not because they test for that. Good luck! and remember to do lots of research on the breeds you like so you can give the dog a forever home with lots of love and without pain and frustration (for you and the dog ).

Answer:
Thanks very much for the link. ;)
I'll definately train the dog to "leave" the hamster if he gets a little too interested, regardless of breed. ;)