Italian greyhound or Bichon Frise?
Discussion
Spending more time at home as semi-retired, wife has given up work. We live in large, modern 4 bed house with a fenced grass back garden.
Thinking of getting a dog, first-time owner. For company, long-walks and a view to a serious relationship (sic)
But i’m sensitive to “pet hair” (allergy) so looking at hypoallergenic dogs and these two struck me. Friend has a whippet that doesn’t seem to bother my nose either so maybe i’m not as allergic as I think.
Looking for ideas, thoughts and suggestions from the PH massive. This is not a decision we are taking lightly.
Thinking of getting a dog, first-time owner. For company, long-walks and a view to a serious relationship (sic)
But i’m sensitive to “pet hair” (allergy) so looking at hypoallergenic dogs and these two struck me. Friend has a whippet that doesn’t seem to bother my nose either so maybe i’m not as allergic as I think.
Looking for ideas, thoughts and suggestions from the PH massive. This is not a decision we are taking lightly.
Whippets are terrific first dogs. Gentle, loyal, intelligent, great fun and above all exceptionally clean. No real health issues either. Watching them run is one of life's great pleasures. Iggies (Italian Greyhounds) are a bit more iffy, there're quite highly strung, like having a permanent puppy (i.e. frequent wee breaks etc). Whippets look highly strung but the reality is they're just raring to go to sleep.
I'm quite badly allergic to breeds like labradors and alsatians but, if anything, since we've had whippets those allergies have in general improved. I can bury my face in the whippets' fur (they smell nice) without any allergic reaction whatsoever, and (I know opinions vary on this) they spend a huge amount of time actually in our bed, as well as on it. They malt only a little. They are excellent hunting dogs and consequently their only downside is their quite strong hunting instinct – once they see something they're like furry missiles and it can be impossible to get them back until they've either a. lost sight of the quarry, b. been out-run (rare) or c. run into something and injured themselves, or worse. So don't let them off until you know they're in a safe, secure area.
I'm quite badly allergic to breeds like labradors and alsatians but, if anything, since we've had whippets those allergies have in general improved. I can bury my face in the whippets' fur (they smell nice) without any allergic reaction whatsoever, and (I know opinions vary on this) they spend a huge amount of time actually in our bed, as well as on it. They malt only a little. They are excellent hunting dogs and consequently their only downside is their quite strong hunting instinct – once they see something they're like furry missiles and it can be impossible to get them back until they've either a. lost sight of the quarry, b. been out-run (rare) or c. run into something and injured themselves, or worse. So don't let them off until you know they're in a safe, secure area.
Got to be whippet /italian greyhound from me.
Nothing against Bichons they are a sweet breed but higher maintenance re coat, skin,eyes and can be quite a hyper breed, usually sweet natured though. Can be a vocal breed.
I have whippets and know a few Italians and can honestly say they are a great addition to the family, just look for home bred lines but I think whippet or mix x Italian would be better than pure italian. Little bit more robust!
Nothing against Bichons they are a sweet breed but higher maintenance re coat, skin,eyes and can be quite a hyper breed, usually sweet natured though. Can be a vocal breed.
I have whippets and know a few Italians and can honestly say they are a great addition to the family, just look for home bred lines but I think whippet or mix x Italian would be better than pure italian. Little bit more robust!
Lotobear said:
Lurcher - lovely, lovely dogs (but only with people)
Or a curly whippet (Bedlington)
A bedlington isn't a whippet they are a terrier, or mine certainly is....They are often crossed with whippet's to make the best rabbiting dog known to man.Or a curly whippet (Bedlington)
my good lady has a bichon and as nice as it is they are yappy little dogs that get separation anxiety easily.
Edited by 
boy on Thursday 16th May 14:53
boy on Thursday 16th May 14:53Want to see which dogs you get on with you could try volanteering as a host for Barking Mad
www.barkingmad.uk.com They organise holidays for dogs and look for people to enjoy the company of nice dogs without the full time commitment. You get the choice of dog and type and should you find you are alergic they will come collect them.
www.barkingmad.uk.com They organise holidays for dogs and look for people to enjoy the company of nice dogs without the full time commitment. You get the choice of dog and type and should you find you are alergic they will come collect them.
We have a Bichon.
She is so loving and friendly. But she can be a bit odd.
They are difficult to toilet train and like someone mentioned can get nervous and anxious.
She has to be cut every 7 weeks and had to be brushed and clean eyes every few days.
She doesn't have a nasty bone in her body. She loves people and other dogs and loves taking up your personal space!
We got her from a rehoming group on facebook. so if you go down the Bichon route will be happy to share the group with you
She is so loving and friendly. But she can be a bit odd.
They are difficult to toilet train and like someone mentioned can get nervous and anxious.
She has to be cut every 7 weeks and had to be brushed and clean eyes every few days.
She doesn't have a nasty bone in her body. She loves people and other dogs and loves taking up your personal space!
We got her from a rehoming group on facebook. so if you go down the Bichon route will be happy to share the group with you
Edited by Jordan210 on Friday 17th May 17:17
Another vote for the retired greyhound; they are the quietest, most gentle and placid dog you could ever have. They have a sweet, affectionate nature and take almost no maintenance. They have no secondary oily coat, so they hardly shed and don't smell when they are wet. They like a quiet walk and then a comfortable settee where they will spend the rest of the day on their backs with their four legs in the air, only waking for a biscuit or for dinner. I would have no other breed now; I'm on my third.
https://www.greyhoundtrust.org.uk/
https://www.greyhoundtrust.org.uk/
Beauford said:
Another vote for the retired greyhound; they are the quietest, most gentle and placid dog you could ever have. They have a sweet, affectionate nature and take almost no maintenance. They have no secondary oily coat, so they hardly shed and don't smell when they are wet. They like a quiet walk and then a comfortable settee where they will spend the rest of the day on their backs with their four legs in the air, only waking for a biscuit or for dinner. I would have no other breed now; I'm on my third.
https://www.greyhoundtrust.org.uk/
We had one for three years. Great great pets. https://www.greyhoundtrust.org.uk/
Less get up and go than a Whippet and yes they eat more and will required a bigger car, but they really are a great breed for people who want a low maintenance dog.
ObSceney said:
We have a Bichon. Great temperament, loves everyone but not a dog for long works. I struggle to mine out for two 20 minute walks a day.
To be honest our most recently acquired whippet is a bit like that too. Worse actually. Puts on the brakes after five minutes and can't be persuaded to run. Basically a lounge/bedroom ornament. Beautiful animal though.Yertis said:
ObSceney said:
We have a Bichon. Great temperament, loves everyone but not a dog for long works. I struggle to mine out for two 20 minute walks a day.
To be honest our most recently acquired whippet is a bit like that too. Worse actually. Puts on the brakes after five minutes and can't be persuaded to run. Basically a lounge/bedroom ornament. Beautiful animal though.bexVN said:
When young otherwise fit and healthy dogs behave like this it will usually be stress induced, for various reasons eg not socialised when young or had a fright and they become almost agoraphobic). I have seen dogs respond well to behaviour therapies and medications designed for these issues. Maybe worth looking into if you haven't already.
Thanks for that Bex, we don't know much about her background but it wasn't in anyway abusive, quite the opposite I think. Physically she seems a bit *tender* at the moment, so off to Langford in the morning for a check over.Gassing Station | All Creatures Great & Small | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff