-
No comment on breed etc, apart from make sure you do a really good check on background if buying a cockapoo or anything like that.
I would look into whether there are any local dog walking companies, for days when your mum doesn’t want to/can’t walk the dog.
-
Is your mum's mobility likely to improve? This seems key to the kind of dog she should get. Is she likely to be able to train a lively pup (whatever the breed) and teach it to walk calmly on a lead? Will she be strong enough to control it as it grows and goes through the "adolescent" stages (8-15 months...ish)? Will her health allow her to walk it twice a day every day? Will she be able to let it run off the lead but get to it quickly if she needs to? Does she have a secure garden, where it will be able to work off energy between walks? Sorry for so many questions.
Don't rule out small dogs as a rule. I've never had one, but my step daughter's Jack Russell cross is not at all snappy. Small might be better depending on her health and mobility. Would she consider an older, calmer rescue dog? A good rehoming centre should be able to advise on how any dog is around children, thinking of your young cousins. And having a recommended dog walker in reserve is a sensible suggestion.
If she wants to borrow a Staffy for a couple of months...
Edit: your second post crossed with this and answers a lot of it
-
cockapoo
MIL has one as an assistance dog - so they are smart and very trainable. The cock does mean that there is a hunting/predatory instinct, so sometimes it will disappear on walks. She is active and takes it on a lot of decent walks. Size wise it is an excellent size for older people - (and just generally) - for eg it fits in a car footwell easily, or in a mini-hatch's boot.
I'm allergic to dogs and despite the "wool" coat, it still triggers me. However, I think the sheading is a bit better. ymmv.
As for staffys, my hesitation would be the genes and temperament of any rescue ones. You don't say how old your cousins are, but again a rescue dog would cause me concern.
Personally I think the idea of a new dog with known lineage from a proper breeder is best. Both of you can train it. It will give her something to do, in particular if you find local training group.
-
@HatBeard I know almost nothing about dogs. However felt moved to post as my parents have a cockapoo and while great e.g. super loving verging on needy, doesn't shed, good with children, pretty obedient/trainable, it is very high energy and requires approaching 2 hrs exercise a day. Suspect it is a bit of a lottery, as with the size, as to how much cocker and how much poodle you get. I 'think' (might be a lie) cavapoo's are meant to need less exercise but have many of the same traits. Worth also noting the neediness can make it hard to leave them for may length of time, though probably not a major issue for your mum by the sound of it.
You are reading a single comment by @HatBeard and its replies.
Click here to read the full conversation.
Sam_w
Markyboy
hugo7
sidewinder
@HatBeard
My mum's been making noises about getting a dog to keep her company when I'm not about. She's been unwell for most of this year and had really poor mobility but I think she's able to handle a couple of very short walks a day to take a dog out when I'm not there and actually it's good incentive to keep her moving as I think too much inactivity doesn't help her health improve anyways.
based on all kinds of variables I think something like a mid-size cockapoo might be the ticket based on what I've read about demeanour/temperament, grooming, general needs etc. my 2 young cousins spend a lot of time at my mums and my general experience with really small dogs is they're too snappy/mental.
obviously before I go ahead with anything I'll be doing my full due diligence on what I need but while I'm building up a mental checklist any/all advice on getting a puppy after not having a dog since I was 8 is most welcome. from best place to start to things you might not think you'll need but definitely will.