[EliRose]

Hi all!

I have a nearly 13 year old cockapoo, and while she still looks and acts great, has started to slow down some. My family is starting to think about adopting another dog to help fill the void when she passes. We have a 5 year old Heinz 57 eskie/collie/beagle/Pekingese (for real) who is high anxiety and clingy but super sweet, and three super obnoxious cats. Our next dog really needs to be able handle these critters pretty solidly, and can't just tolerate the cats. Our cats aren't super dog savvy because our current two are so darn friendly and cuddly with them, so they DON'T really understand that upsetting a dog = danger. We really don't want a puppy and would much prefer to adopt.

We're looking for a small/medium sized dog that's relatively low energy. We have a larged, fenced backyard with a pool that is NOT fenced, but our dogs are supervised 100% of the time when they're outside, and leashed outside of the yard. We have a large house that all but one cat have the run of.

What I was thinking is maybe something like a Bichon, Maltese, Yorkie, or another spaniel? Or a mix of one of those breeds? Maybe another Beagle/beagle mix or a Basset?

Anyway, thanks in advance!

 

[EliRose]

Whoops, I guess this should be in New Additions? Is there anyway to get this post moved?

 

[traciek88]

Honestly I think you should go for a middle aged dog that's used to a lot of others. Go to your local shelter and ask if they have any dogs that fit this. If you want really specific "gets along with our dogs and cats" in a new pet you need to look at individuals because there's no guarantee a dog of any breed will totally fit that.

 

[spotsonofbun]

I was going to suggest a puppy from the bichon family, similar to your cocker mix. With most dogs, except really high drive hunters like my sisters beagle, there usually isn´t a problem when other animals are correctly introduced during the socialisation stage. Takes careful managing in the beginning though.

It´s a good idea getting a middle aged though, good for you. Puppies are overrated. Breed wont matter so much other than staying away from the really high prey drive dogs. A general mutt, adult, whose known to be ok with cats and other dogs is a good find. I would look into rescues, possibly those who foster.

Breed specific rescues maybe if there are good ones nearby. The whole bichon family, a lab mix (maybe mixed with something smaller) maybe. Breed wont matter much, it´s the individual personality that will matter here.

 

[Redwood]

I'm gonna suggest looking at local fosters instead of shelters. A fostered dog will already usually be in a multipet household and should be able to adjust to your own a little better than one right out of a kennel.