Recommend me a good boat dog?

[SimonD]

Thanks for the suggestions so far!

I'm thinking small is best, something that Freya can carry on her own getting on and off the boat and look after herself. I'm a little shocked at the prices of puppies on the internet. More research to do before committing to ownership.

I appreciate you're using the internet for research, but please don't be tempted to buy one from the internet. East European puppy farms are an abomination that can only be stamped out by people not buying dogs from them. Unfortunately, that means you're in for a big bill! Dogs are expensive and the only way round that is to visit a re-homing centre.

One expense you can avoid (to some extent) is vets bills. Direct Line do really good pet insurance at a very reasonable price. My lab's cover is about £15 a month and we've made two or three claims that have gone a long way to recovering the cost.

As to what breed, I think the temperament of the dog is as important as the breed. You need a dog that enjoys human company, is adaptable and not neurotic.

Good luck.

 

[xyachtdave]

I appreciate you're using the internet for research, but please don't be tempted to buy one from the internet. East European puppy farms are an abomination that can only be stamped out by people not buying dogs from them. Unfortunately, that means you're in for a big bill! Dogs are expensive and the only way round that is to visit a re-homing centre.

One expense you can avoid (to some extent) is vets bills. Direct Line do really good pet insurance at a very reasonable price. My lab's cover is about £15 a month and we've made two or three claims that have gone a long way to recovering the cost.

As to what breed, I think the temperament of the dog is as important as the breed. You need a dog that enjoys human company, is adaptable and not neurotic.

Good luck.

Yes it's certainly a bit of a minefield!

 

[photodog]

Go down to the RSPCA and meet a bunch of different dogs.. Then pick one which is friendly and not too big.

Something like a Jack Russell cross....

 

[prv]

has to be carried down again ( when he takes the precaution of holding my ear gently between his teeth in case I might let him slip)

Heh - I've always heard that collies are clever dogs

Pete

 

[chrisbitz]

Go down to the RSPCA and meet a bunch of different dogs.. Then pick one which is friendly and not too big.

This is the best idea by far. Animal rescue places allow you to look at a variety, and see their personality in advance, and they'll still have puppies available.

The hardest thing is avoiding the back street breeders that might be slightly cheaper, but don't neuter their dog, and breed it "to make a bit of extra money". They won't have been vet checked, and won't have been properly socialized with humans, and you certainly wont be told about any pre-existing conditions like the squits etc...

 

[Resolution]

Fredriff:
Anchored in a bay in Greece this summer we were entranced by a nearby German yacht who had an Alsation. Every few minutes it would launch itself off the bows with a wondrous big Splash! To get back on board, they had a passerelle fixed low down on their transom with the outer end lowered further still, until the last foot or so was well into the water, thus providing a ramp up which the dog could return. So simple but effective.

 

[xyachtdave]

Quick update on the dog and a thanks to all who contributed!

Salty our Miniature Schnauzer arrived last weekend. We spent last weekend at home but decided she needs to get used to the boat ASAP so have brought her down today.

So far so good but to be fair we're only tied up in our winter marina.

Anyone know if salt water washes dog wee off of teak decks ok?!

 

[stav]

Quick update on the dog and a thanks to all who contributed!

Salty our Miniature Schnauzer arrived last weekend. We spent last weekend at home but decided she needs to get used to the boat ASAP so have brought her down today.

So far so good but to be fair we're only tied up in our winter marina.

Anyone know if salt water washes dog wee off of teak decks ok?!

Welcome to the world of sharing your life with a dog!!! She looks really cute, a Schnauzer was in the running before we bought our show cocker who seems to tolerate the boat but loves being with people so accepts it. Haven't been out in anything rough yet though.

 

[xyachtdave]

Welcome to the world of sharing your life with a dog!!! She looks really cute, a Schnauzer was in the running before we bought our show cocker who seems to tolerate the boat but loves being with people so accepts it. Haven't been out in anything rough yet though.

Cheers!

We've got the perfect excuse for fair weather sailing now....'obviously the boat and I can handle hurricane strength wind but I have to consider the comfort of the dog,'

 

[Monique]

You have yourself a lovely puppy.... I hope you will train her properly because they are like children who never grow up.

This one looks mischievous for sure...