a work collauge is lokking for an older dogs. Doesn't have time for dedicate to a puppy. but has two mature cats ( 12ish).  trying to find a breed to suit. they've hasd terriers as a family before the cats,  they'd like something fairly active, long walks. around the area etc
Any suggestions

fiona

http://www.oldies.org.uk/

Have to say that it makes me sad how anyone could just give up an older dog like that They've been part of the family for years..

Appreciate owners die etc, but those who actually make a deliberate decision to give up an older dog - shame on you!!

I'll second that.

I would doubt that this is a 'breed' thing, more like environment than genes, although some breeds are more likely to chase cats, like hounds, terriers and huskies...so why not visit the rescue centres and ask for a 'cat tolerant' dog??? Not all dogs act as expected, a friend rescued a really frail greyhound and was careful to keep it secure from her cats, only to find one sleeping in the kennel with the greyhound, who despite being a retired (and very abused) racer was perfectly fine with cats.  Fair enough greyhounds don't like long walks, but just an illustration of how not to assume all dogs act as their breeding may suggest.

I think it's great that people will take on an older dog, who's probably bemused at being abandoned   How can people do it? Well apart from dying there's no way I'm parting with my guys and if that happens there's money for them to be cared for....

i would think it would be more difficult finding an older dog who would be happy to live with cats unless they have been socialised with them. Saying that, my 4year old german shepherd loves our two 8 month old kitties.

Bringing anything but a pup into a home with cats is always a risk even if the dog is used to cats. A bit difficult to understand if a family does not have time for a puppy how they will have time for a active adult. If you consider the time required for an adult dog to be exercised it would not be so very different to that needed to bring up and train a puppy.

A lot of people don't want to be bothered with the housetraining Very time consuming, and the fact that you can never fully relax.....

My dogs are used to my cat, but will quite happily chase any other cat given the chance, which they aren't.

Years ago I had a lab X collie who stayed with my Mum when i left home . When she was about 8 years old she would occasionally come to stay at my new house and we had a tom cat by then . She was very laid back and never once chased any cat .
When she came to stay she would be lazing in her bean-bag and when the cat decided he wanted to sleep in the dog's bean-bag he would sit in front of the dog and stare at her until the dog got up and let him in !!!

My suggestion would be a lab , but i think it depends upon the dog's individual temperament .  And don't forget to make sure that the cats have somewhere safe to escape to .