If I were to....
- Thread starter Megansmom
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OntarioSheltie
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There are always exceptions to the rules, but I've found that Ginny and Sadie usually play the best with other herding breeds. What about a corgi or corgi mix? They're cute, smallish herding dogs.
Megan may be different, but I've noticed that Buffy tends to gravitate toward dogs that are her size or smaller. Her best friends are beagles, cockapoos, other Shelties, and various types of mutts. If a dog is too high energy or huge she is more cautious (although she got along famously with Kirby the Lab-poodle mix when they stayed together for a few days).
The thing is, it depends on the type of dog. I think you'll probably want a Lab or Golden, right? Then get that breed if that's the personality that fits you. If Megan's anything like Buffy she'll let the other dog know when it's getting out of hand. I think ideally you will want Megan to meet the new dog when you do, or perhaps do a trial to begin with to make sure the personalities will work out. Just like some Shelties are barky, some are skittish, some are lazy, and some are easygoing, other breeds are across the spectrum too. I think focus on a breed that works for your family and then look for an individual dog that works for Megan.
The thing is, it depends on the type of dog. I think you'll probably want a Lab or Golden, right? Then get that breed if that's the personality that fits you. If Megan's anything like Buffy she'll let the other dog know when it's getting out of hand. I think ideally you will want Megan to meet the new dog when you do, or perhaps do a trial to begin with to make sure the personalities will work out. Just like some Shelties are barky, some are skittish, some are lazy, and some are easygoing, other breeds are across the spectrum too. I think focus on a breed that works for your family and then look for an individual dog that works for Megan.
I posted on the other thread, but am moving my reply here!
Megan would do well around a Papillon. And they can have strong or sweet personalities. Pierre is a strong personality and current Alpha of our pack. (Abbie is getting used to this slowly.) However, I've known other Paps to be much more mild. Also - and I know you will love this - they are great snugglers. They are happiest if on your lap or near humans.
Also, they are high energy without being annoyingly so. Pierre doesn't require any special exercise to keep him happy and fit. He also has an off switch. If you are done playing and want to nap, read, whatever, he's there and a willing participate. He is also not as dainty as he looks and can hold his own against Duncan (who will play rough with him) and Abbie (who is very gentle with him, which we are thankful for). He is lightweight and portable. He is about 7.5 lbs right now, but can range up to 8.5 if he is not very active or if he puts on some muscle. He requires only his feet to be trimmed for grooming. No undercoat, either. If you brush Pierre about once a week, the shedding is next to nothing. They do sort of blow their coat twice a year.
The only negatives are that they are stubborn (but not stupid). Read: hard to potty train. It was probably because Pierre was my first dog. Training was actually easier once I learned how to train.
Anyway, I think a Papillon would be perfect for you and Megan. Pierre may act high maintenance but he's actually our lowest maintenance dog.
Megan would do well around a Papillon. And they can have strong or sweet personalities. Pierre is a strong personality and current Alpha of our pack. (Abbie is getting used to this slowly.) However, I've known other Paps to be much more mild. Also - and I know you will love this - they are great snugglers. They are happiest if on your lap or near humans.
Also, they are high energy without being annoyingly so. Pierre doesn't require any special exercise to keep him happy and fit. He also has an off switch. If you are done playing and want to nap, read, whatever, he's there and a willing participate. He is also not as dainty as he looks and can hold his own against Duncan (who will play rough with him) and Abbie (who is very gentle with him, which we are thankful for). He is lightweight and portable. He is about 7.5 lbs right now, but can range up to 8.5 if he is not very active or if he puts on some muscle. He requires only his feet to be trimmed for grooming. No undercoat, either. If you brush Pierre about once a week, the shedding is next to nothing. They do sort of blow their coat twice a year.
The only negatives are that they are stubborn (but not stupid). Read: hard to potty train. It was probably because Pierre was my first dog. Training was actually easier once I learned how to train.
Anyway, I think a Papillon would be perfect for you and Megan. Pierre may act high maintenance but he's actually our lowest maintenance dog.
Caro
Moderator
With rescue dogs mine do tend to prefer herding breeds -up to large border collie size, or small dogs of most descriptions. The herding breeds are less likely to be in their face, plus most of the rescue ones here tend to be in rescue because they were too high energy or farmer litter dumps and less likely to be in for aggression. Small dogs tend to be less threatening generally.
take4roll10
Moderator
Bailey is the same as Buffy. She likes dogs who are her size or smaller and who like to play chase. Bailey is a little nervous around bigger dogs. Especially ones who have a lot of energy and she does like to wrestle with other dogs.
If Megan is the same way, you'll be better off with a little herding dog. Corgi, poodle, another sheltie...
However, I think no matter what dog you choose, Megan will eventually adapt when she realizes this dog isn't going any where.
It took my mother's chihuahua (who hates all dogs) about a week to adapt to Bailey. They have had no issues since.
If Megan is the same way, you'll be better off with a little herding dog. Corgi, poodle, another sheltie...
However, I think no matter what dog you choose, Megan will eventually adapt when she realizes this dog isn't going any where.
It took my mother's chihuahua (who hates all dogs) about a week to adapt to Bailey. They have had no issues since.
I'm in 100% agreement with Lovely. I had a Papillon for 14 years and she was fabulous and did great with just about every dog she interacted with including our Sheltie. Also when Spencer was about a year old, I fostered a Papillon for about two months and they had a wonderful time playing, chasing each other and even snuggling up together. And you can pop them in the kitchen sink for a bath; they dry quickly; they are super easy to groom; and they always look cute - and they prance when they walk.
No other good choice.
When it comes right down to it, there is simply no other choice that would be as good as another sheltie. Yes, I understand that a compassionate adoption of a dog of another breed might sometimes be the right thing to do. However, no other breed will be as good with and for your current pup as another sheltie would be. Please consider a rescue. Kind regards, Will
When it comes right down to it, there is simply no other choice that would be as good as another sheltie. Yes, I understand that a compassionate adoption of a dog of another breed might sometimes be the right thing to do. However, no other breed will be as good with and for your current pup as another sheltie would be. Please consider a rescue. Kind regards, Will
danisgoat
Moderator
This is exactly my experience.
I have great experiences with herding and sporting dogs. But the terriers tend to chase down and grab my girls butts (hard). They get very nervous and hide.