Is there a breed or mutt or whatever type dog that is low-maintenance? I really want to get my cocker spaniel pup a playmate, but I've decided I do NOT want another cocker, lol, I have to get him groomed too often. I'd rather a dog that is 1) NOT a companion dog, as in does not need to be around humans 24/7. Our trainer told me that's what my dog is in contrast to the other dog in the class, a German Shepherd who was a "work dog" (I think) and did not require that much one-on-one attention, 2) does not require a lot of grooming, low hair growth, the exact OPPOSITE of my puppy! lol, and 3) not a big dog, to avoid having to spend so much on all that food.

I was thinking along the lines of a terrior or a terrior mixed with something else. They seemed to be low-maintenance and relatively indepedent, though I could be wrong. So does anyone have any suggestions of a dog that would fit the above criteria? Basically, I just want a playmate for my dog so the two can entertain each other and enrich each other's life as opposed to looking to me and the humans around me for sole entertaintment...tis getting to be a bit much.

Thanks for any suggestions...

Terriers are GREAT dogs, but are generally high energy...meaning they need a LOT of exercise. Just go to your local shelter and see what they have and tell them what you're looking for, there are TONS of dogs available, and the perfect one is just waiting for you to come pick him/her up.

Do not get a terrier. They are wonderful dogs but are smart and stubborn. Consequently, they need attention and training. Also, many terriers do not shed, but need grooming. Maybe a cat would be a good friend for your dog. There is really no such thing as a low maintenance dog...they are pack animals and require attention, petting, space, grooming...
Good luck!

quote:

There is really no such thing as a low maintenance dog...they are pack animals and require attention, petting, space, grooming...

That's very true. Terriers in particular require a lot of attention and training. They are wonderful dogs but need a lot of supervision and attention and time, and there are very few that have low-maintenance coats.

My experience has been that if you think one dog requires more of you than you want to give, do not get a second dog, as it will not be fair to the dogs or to you.

If you have only one dog, her world revolves around you and you have the obligation to return the favor.

If you have two dogs and do not pay a lot of attention to their training, grooming, exercise, affection, etc., they will quickly develop into a bonded pair that loves to tear up things, find trouble, and create a world for themselves without you.

And at that point you have two dogs that are difficult to live with. And that will only get worse unless you begin to spend time with them, exercise them, groom them, show them affection, etc.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Ringo's Tree House,

I would also advise not to get a terrier. I have two Jack Russell terriers and as far as grooming I'd have to say they are pretty easy. I have one smooth coat and one broken coat....a good brush and nail trim are about it as far as grooming..however they are very high energy dogs as are most terriers and they demand alot of your time. They are bossy, they are rude and they are incredibly smart, they are also very loyal and very loving. I love my jacks but it's also a daily thing to let them know that I'm still the boss! Also terriers, especially Jacks will make their own trouble if they cannot find it. While I agree 2 dogs will keep each other company and entertain each other they are twice as much work and in no way lets you out of your obligations. JMHO.

Maintenance free dog breed? That is like a maintenance free child or husband...lol.

They do make the electronic battery operated toy dogs. A friend's dog keeps entertained by chasing and barking at the operating Roomba vacuum.

Maybe a younger kitten (dog socialized) could be a possible option?

I wonder too if it is such a good idea in that a lot of times you just do not know if the dog(s) would get along well.

It may be worse to have two dogs who snip and growl at each other.

German Shepards shed a LOT. They also bark a lot.
I used to dog sit and I took care of different dogs.

I remember I was sweeping the house 2-3 times a day and I was always getting hair.

I know someone that breeds Cocker Spaniels (in Sweden) and my parents had a friend that had one.
They do not always get along with other dogs.

I have a Cairn terrier and a Chihuahua. The Chi really doesn't need "maintenace" because he doesn't shed and rarely gets dirty. He plays with the other dog but likes my attention when I sit down. Then he's in my lap or by my side. He also sleeps under the cover with me.
He does get cold in the winter so has to wear a sweater.

The Cairn doesn't shed but she's a puppy and chews up and on everything she can find. She's also high energy and needs lots of exercise. Thankfully the Chi provides most of that. They're both sweet and I love them dearly.

Maintenance free, maybe stuffed?

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I agree with the other posters--dogs are social animals and all breeds or mixes will require attention from you. Oh, and btw, German shepherds do indeed require one on one. They are among the most intelligent breeds and they bond closely with their people. I should know--I was raised by one.

I have raised many different breeds of dogs and several stray cats of unknown breed, and I never meet one that did not require my attention. I did have a some goldfish that were low mantnence. that might be what you need.

Okay, then the terriror's out. I guess I'll just to have to do as someone said and go to the shelter and ask. If they say there's no such thing as a "low maintenance" dog, then maybe I'll have to think along the lines of maybe not being a pet owner anymore. I love little Roscoe to death, but perhaps my life is not conducive to having him. He is waaaay more hyper than I ever could have imagined a cocker spaniel would be. I miss him when I'm away from him, but I'm thinking maybe he needs a really young owner or an older owner who has every waking moment to entertain him. Wow, it pains me to write that. Oh well, just a thought. Thanks yall for your suggestions. I'll keep you posted...

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I don't mean to be rude, but if you want a low maintenance dog, go to a toy store and get a stuffed one. Other than that, there is no such thing. I think you may be right to think that you might not be ready to take care of a pet. Your dog needs love and attention. For your dog's sake, find him a home that can give him that.

I agree, there's no such thing as a low or no maintenance pet. Not even goldfish! We have a fish tank and a rat terrier and both take time, money, and attention.

Have you talked to your vet or trainer about why your spaniel seems to be so needy. Have no idea if the dog really is too needy or it he/she is just more than you bargained for. Would be wonderful if it was a behavior issue of some sort - on your part or the dogs - that could be resolved. For instance, if my dog doesn't get at least a 20 minute walk every morning he's a pill all day. That 20 minutes in the AM keeps me sane and the dog happy until late afternoon.

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This is why research should be done before getting a pet. If you had researched spaniels, you would have known that for the first few years they are hyper and high energy. But as they move on to their adult years, they do calm down alot. But they do need contant grooming, because if grooming is not done, their hair will clump together. Spaniels do make great family pets. They love to "chase" little kids around, which helps burn up some of their energy.

And I don't think its fair to this dog if you give him up and get another. Pets are not disposable.

Doozie, my dog has a million toys, lol. I understand he needs love and attention and I try to give him that to the best of my ability. And by all accounts, I've done a great job in that arena. Just yesterday, the vet was saying to him when he was getting the worm checkup, "you're[spoiled] rotten, I can tell your mommy loves you sooo much. Look at your beautiful haircut. You look so healthy." I get that all the time. ReneeJohnson, you're right, people should do research before making a purchase like a pet, but frankly, I didn't purhcase him, he was a birthday gift. Not saying I didn't want a dog, indeed I did, but again, I didn't know this type of dog would be so much work. I envisioned a dog I could keep outside and play with occassionally, not one who has to be inside, who always wants to play, and who always wants more, more more (food, affection, you name it, lol). So that's why my original queston was what TYPE of dog is not like this, so that maybe they could balance each other. But the responses have shown me, that maybe that's just wishful thinking. Oh well...

P.S. Below is little Roscoe during a recent visit to my grandmother's house...

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Palmgen, I don't mean to judge you. I'm sorry. A lot of time we jump into something without doing the research and this is what it looks like you have done. When you add any pet to the household, it takes work. It's not fair to any animal to just put him in the backyard and play with him occasionally. That is a lonely life. You wouldn't do that with a child, and you shouldn't do that with a dog. He is a beautiful dog, by the way. I hope you figure out what you want to do - and what is the best situation for you and your furbaby. Good luck. I've attached a pic of one of my furbabies, Beemer. BTW, he is very high maintenance! LOL

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Have you thought about obedience training? It can work wonders in both helping to calm the dog down and giving you the ability to get the dog to understand when you want it to do something. It could be that the dog is looking for you to be the alpha dog (after all they are pack animals) and you are not stepping up and doing that, so therefore it is acting out. I also have a Jack Russell and he is 10 years old but even as a younger dog was not super hyper because he was trained and he knew I was boss, by the same token my sister has a Jack that is only 1 1/2 years younger than mine, by the same parents and is totally crazy, hyper and does not listen to anyone, she never did any kind of training with him so he thinks he is alpha dog and is just unbearble to be around. Try the training and see if it doesn't make a huge differnece. Good luck!

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lol ok I will not go off the deep end here. I have 10 dogs because someone did not want to have a high maintanence dog. Try 10 shelties who need exercise, grooming and with 10 of them....lots of food, love and toys, not to mention my time. I guess it is people like me who stay in rescue because of things like this

I agree, no terrier or any mixed breed with terrier. The sweetest, calmest dogs I've ever had have been older hounds. Our humane society has had 2 I would love to have one is a Red Bone Hound mix, and 1 Blue Tick. They are so cute, short haired, even tempered. I have 2 that are part terrier & they are a terror.

PalmGen, your boy is a cutie.

I have a cocker girl and she also is very active, needs a lot of attention, and rarely slows down until she's so tired she conks out asleep.

It is true not all dogs are that hyper, but it's very unlikely having another one would balance your boy out.

If your vet says you are spoiling Roscoe, that's a good thing, so good for you and good for him. I hope you can work it out so the two of you are happy with each other.

I know some of us have been a little hard on you here, but I don't believe any of us mean it in a personal way. Like Sheltie Collector said she has 10 dogs because people decided the dog was more than they could handle, I have six rescues, and have rescued others that have now passed on from age or that I've found other homes for.

So please don't let us discourage you about Roscoe, he looks like a wonderful friend and companion, and it's clear you're doing your best. Again, I hope you can work out.

PalmGen, I think you are being very brave and honest to acknowledge that your furbaby may be too much for you. A lot of people would simply blame the dog and then ditch him. It's clear that you love Roscoe and that he has bonded to you, as well, which is why he wants and needs to spend so much time with you.

Have you considered hiring a walker to give him some additional exercise? Arranging occasional "doggy play dates" in a dog park or other safe environment with other pups so that he can run and play, also burning off some of that energy? Obedience training is also a great suggestion that other posters have made.

If you can't work things out for him and you, then I hope you can find a better home for him. Good luck.

PalmGen ~
I think you are wise to ask the question.

Maybe a rescue animal would solve 2 problems,
1. you would be providing a home to an animal that needs one
2. you can find a breed or mix that is already potty trained ( now that's maintenance!) and over the chewing, etc. Maybe a non-shedding
small breed. I know Beemer above is high maintenance ( from the post) but my doxie is very low maintenance. He sleeps alot, jumps in my lap when I sit, enjoys short walks, likes to be outside only when I am outside...

you will know when you meet him/her

Pick me, what I meant by high maintenance for Beemer is that he is very much a "diva" (divo?) He demands a lot of attention to play with him, snuggle and pay attention to him. I have three dachshunds and he is the most "needy". The other two are like yours, it sounds like. I have probably made him what he is today.

Doxies are so lovable

I've never owned a dog that has been low or no maintenance. They have all been like my children, needing lots of time and attention. I have found that when I have been very busy, my dogs acted out more. When my dogs had regular schedules that they could count on, they were more secure and didn't get into as much mischief like getting into the trash, eating crayons, hiding Christmas gifts, etc. I did find, however, that as my dogs aged they became less needy until they were seniors, then they needed lots of time again.