Which Dog?

[BIRD]

I have 2 cats, one is 3 years and the other is 10 years. I'm thinking about getting a puppy, either a whippet or jack russell. Could anybody give me some advice on which has the best temperament and would fit in with the cats?

[Ouisch]

I don't know about Jack Russells, but I've had greyhounds (which are similar to whippets), and they get along well with cats if you specifically ask for one that is "cat-safe."  (I'm presuming you're adopting a dog from a shelter or resue group, and not getting a puppy.)

[honkytonkman]

My friend's family has 3 cats � two are 7 years old and one is 15. The family have recently taken on a Jack Russell. To be blunt the Russell races around the house incessantly and thinks the cats are playful puppies too, whereas they actually want a quiet life. As you can guess the cats aren't too impressed. There is hope that the dog will calm down with age... but in the meantime the cats either have to hide which inhibits their previous freedom of the house, or they turn on the dog when they've had enough. Either way it's a constant squabble. I'd go for the whippet any day.

[zgma]

Both are bred to chase after and kill small furry animals... you may be safer with a herding or toy breed.

[smudge]

We've never owned a dog, but years ago a friend visited with his Jack Russell. We shut the dog in the kitchen/diner for a little while, whilst we chatted in the lounge. When we went back into the kitchen/diner, the whole room was literally covered in stuffing from a soft cuddly toy which had been in our baby daughter's pram. How the dog climbed into the high coach built pram, we shall never know, but thank God we had the sense not to have left our baby alone in there with this ferocious little dog, as the consequences could have been devastating or even fatal!

 

 

I know this has nothing to do with cats, but I thought I should share this with you, just in case you have small children too. 

[oshkosh]

Actually the whippets are related to the greyhounds (racing dog)and are similar to the russel in level of high activity. Get a pekinese. They are more cat-like. Better combination.

[amberlynn83]

 

Be careful, as you said you have a cat that is 10 years old.  If it has been living in your house for 10 years it will most likely be very protective of its territory.  If a new animal is introduced, it may protect itself, and its territory, and jack russels being the inquisitve breed they are may sniff around and get a smack in the face from your cat, and this may frighten the pup, or encourage it to defend itself.  Also jack russels were bred to chase rodents and kill them.  It may mistake one of your cats for one, i'd go for the whippet, or a herding/toy breed

 

[softballcute]

if i were u i wud get a labrador retriever they are very good with cats

[Kateiepants]

I'd say whippet, but Im biased. They won't yap, are very loyal, have no odour and no breed - specific health problems. Also they would fit in well with an old cat as it is more likely to stand its ground. (Whippets will generally only chase cats if they are running).

[BIRD]

Thanks Kateiepants, we did decide on a whippet and she is 9 months old and absolutely gorgeous. She is the perfect dog and has learnt that the cats are boss!! x