There are no known causes of this disease. Epilepsy: This disease of the brain causes seizures in dogs.Excessive thirst and weight loss are two early symptoms. Diabetes mellitus: This is a common chronic, but manageable disease found in younger and older dogs that have an abnormal response to insulin.As many as 25 percent of dachshunds have intervertebral disc disease, which can result in their spinal discs deteriorating and being susceptible to bulging when they have back strain or injury.

Intervertebral disc disease: You'll need to take care to protect your dachshund's back.

Which dog to get is such a personal choice, I would let them do the choosing.Ī medium sized mix dog from shelters could be a good compromise.Ī friend went to our shelter and picked up this adolescent, that we think was part pit bull, part ACD and you know, that made a wonderful dog for the family for many years. I would let your father get the dog he wants, then he has to train it, so it is the dog he wanted and so it stays off his wife’s hair. I think that, no matter what dog they get, they are going to have to adjust to it, for one or another reason.Īt least rat terriers are short haired and rather clean dogs, that would be good if the house cleaner is not so happy with a dog.Ĭhasing cats is about training, but yes, some breeds will be harder to train. In the 1950’s and 60’s, the farmer here had one of the feist, shorter legged type and he was a wonderful companion for him. She rarely barks and then it is a low grumble warning that she hears something, not many continuous barks. She goes with me and after doing her stuff for ten minutes, gets back on the four wheeler and naps until I am ready to go back to the house and there she, again, naps the day away. She is also a five minute hyper dog, then settles and really sleeps most of the day. My dog was the runt of the litter and so is smaller than her parents. They tend to be quieter than Jack Russels, that are rat terriers on crack when it comes to being hyper, although some of those are also more normal in the vigorous department. There are feist, the old Roosevelt short legged ones, most others are normal length leg. There are small ones, mid sized ones, Decker or larger ones. I’m having a really hard time seeing a dog like this working with my parents situation. And it sounds like my suspicions were on track. I’m excited to see that people have had experiences with these dogs. We had one when I was young, and lets just say my mom and the dog did NOT get along. To give you an idea, my cousins breed Pit Bulls and I know exactly how they would respond if they found out my Dad got a poodle :rolleyes. I know Poodles are sporty and great dogs but my Dad would never go for it. My only apprehension with them is that they cannot be off leash and I worry about them chasing my parents cats (the cats are indoor/outdoor). Anyway, I really don’t think he’s done his research on this dog.Ī Greyhound is a great idea. My Dad can be rather stubborn when it comes to things like this :lol. She just wants to be prepared so that she can keep the discussion as productive as possible. Its a topic that keeps being brought up between them and I think my Mom is finally ready to start talking it out. I have stayed out of it for a while but my mom has asked me to help her gather some info. Mostly they’re looking for a easy dog that they can enjoy in their retirement that will keep them active and be a companion for my Dad. No large breeds or droolers (My brother has a Great Dane and a Mastiff and my Mom says, NEVER!). A dog that can be trusted with cats, and has energy but does not require a marathon run everyday.

He’s always had Dobermans and Labs and while my Mom would love a Schnauzer, he’s more into the sporting type dogs.

Requirements: A breed that will not call into question my Dads masculinity, lol. Am I right? Does anyone have any experiences with this type of dog?Īlso does anyone have any good suggestions of other breeds for my parents? My parents are active, they go to the gym and walk to the park every day, and my Dad would like a dog that will motivate him to exercise more. I’m concerned that a Feist is going to have all those qualities. She doesn’t want a dog that is going to be difficult to house train, super high energy, chase cats, or bark excessively. We always had dogs growing up and while she loved our dogs and would not mind having one again, she is not eager to deal with the mess and hassle of a dog. Apparently they are squirrel hunters and are similar to rat terriers? I had never heard of them until he mentioned them. My Dad is now itching for a dog and is completely enamored with the Feist dog. They have two cats and have been a cat family for about 5 years since our last Lab passed away. He is now primarily a stay-at-home husband and spends most of his days painting the house while my Mom is at work (Teacher).

Dog breed info feist