My mom is starting to think about another dog, as hers is 18 and although she has had a long and healthy life I think she knows the end is near.
So while not wanting to minimize the end of Caramels life she is starting to think and plan what she might like to do next.

She wants to adopt an older dog or pup, something between 1 and three years old, which I think is a perfect choice as frankly they are not cut out for the work and patience a puppy entails.

I am helping her look and evaluate different breeds, but when it comes to dogs the bigger the better IMO, and they really want a medium to smaller size dog. Say 25-60 lbs most likely.

When thinking smaller dogs Corgis would be at the top of my list as the ones I have known have always been awesome little dogs.

There are also Westies, American Eskimos, I think a standard poodle would be perfect for them even though it wouldn't be small, whippets and greyhounds.

Any thoughts on other possible breeds?
My mom really needs a managable easily trainable dog who will be a good friend and able to go to the lake with them without too much hassle.

Her thoughts were to just go to the pound, but I recommended breed specific rescue instead because they would be able to be paired up with a dog that will match their specific needs more closely. And since my dad is not tolerant of dog destruction an older somewhat already trained will be best for them.

A miniature poodle may work for them. They are taller than the corgi. The toy or teacup may be too small for them. My miniature poodle was named Asta, very good traveler and was very smart. Grooming can be an issue though.

I have a Cardigan Corgi, and they are great little dogs.

I think a miniature poodle may be too small, and not quite what she is looking for, that and my dad may well veto a poodle, he would also veto a chi or yorkie or similar.

What energy level is appropriate for them?

This may be far more critical a yardstick than most. I would recommend to almost anyone considering which breed they want to look at for a companion dog that they make the first divisions according to exercise requirement, unless the new owner is completely open to both extremes (go-go-go and couch potato). Most people are not at all that flexible. And no need to be, when there is every level available.

There are big individual differences within a breed, but still -- a JRT or Border Terrier is going to be much different from a Pug or a CKC Spaniel.

 Quote: Jennifer Lee

And since my dad is not tolerant of dog destruction an older somewhat already trained will be best for them.

This too speaks to exercise requirement, perhaps more than level of previous training. For example, a high-energy dog with little outlet is a prime candidate for environmental and even, worst case, self-destruction.

I think it's great that they are putting lots of thought into making the best match possible.

A rescued greyhound might be a good choice but again you didn't say anyting about energy level. Greyhounds are true couch potatoes, the rescues I know of don't even bother to get up when someone comes over. Also they are socialized with crowds and other dogs (though will need to be housebroken). However they have good enough energy to take nice long walks or go to the beach when desired. The downside: they are usually quite large dogs. Upside: the very short fur needs no maintenance, doesn't track mud and they don't usually have a doggy smell.

Why don't they go to a rescue? Many all-breed rescues (normally, mixed breeds) use foster homes that accurately evaluate the dog and will even do a dog/home match. Worst case scenario they will take the dog back if it isn't a good fit. It doesn't have to be a purebred rescue. Most of the dogs turned in at our rescue are between 6 and 18 months of age, but can be anything from young puppy to senior, so your parents could have their pick of age, gender, size and activity level, without being constrained to a certain breed.

While a specific breed isn't a requirement, I think it is a good starting point to consider the dogs needs, even with a mix depending on what it is a mix of.

I recommended a rescue greyhound as well, they aren't too big, and would happily snuggle up. I think she needs to spend some time with them to get over their unusual appearance.

I would say moderate to low exercise, my hounds would be perfect for them, a good romp in the yard has been all they have ever needed as long they get enough attention indoors as well.
She adored the time she had with Nico a month of so ago and I know she would really enjoy the companionship of a slightly older but still young and healthy dog.

No Border Collies, Huskies, or JRT for them, which was my concern when recommending a corgi

I wholeheartly recommend a older english or american cocker spaniel. I've had one my entire life and while they are not the action oriented Einsteins of the dog world. They are good dogs who genuinely adore their owners. My home has not been complete without the blonde wonder sleeping on my recliner.

Another nice choice is a mini schnauzer, a havanese, a cardigan corgi ( I wouldn't suggest a pem.), and finally my next choice of middle size dog the clumber spaniel. I love clumbers.

what is the difference between the cardigan and pembroke corgis, other than their tail?

those little Havanese are cute..like a little cotton ball!!

I forgot about Cocker Spaniels, my neighbors had one that would fall to pieces every time it saw my mom or someone said her name.

I love those clumber spaniels as well, its a face only a mother could love LOL! I bet they drool though.

Cardigans are heavier, bigger, and generally a bit less energetic than pems. They also have a tail and come in alot more colors then pems.

My next mid size dog will be a clumber because I am wanting a slower upper game bird dog for pheasent hunting more applicable to my height (I'm only 5') and stride length. Right now I always feel kinda rushed to keep up with how into hunting my lab gets. I guess I prefer more of a stroll. Most of them I've met are dry mouthed.

Edited by Melissa Thom (12/02/2008 08:44 PM)
Edit reason: grammar