Hello all,
I know there are multiple threads asking for advice on dog breeds (and i think i have read them all!), but i'm still left with some questions that i'd appreciate any advice/experiences on.
So we are family of four - children are 5 and 7. I have always wanted a dog for our family but only now i feel ready to make the commitment as i'll be the main care giver. I work three days week so we would need a dog walker for those days during working hours. We are quite "outdoorsy" as a family and like camping, hiking etc etc so are out in the wilds quite a bit and i'm not put off by walking a dog (I walk a great deal by myself now just for enjoyment :-)) We live in the suburbs but have large parks within walking distance for daily walks and often are in the countryside at weekends.
Breed wise, my husband doesn't like small dogs, so i'm ruling them out, he also isn't keen on dogs that shed or drool a lot but he does likes intelligent dogs with a bit of a presence (yep - he's the fussy one!).
Given that info, anyone got any ideas? Would consider a larger dog - the Great Swiss being one of them - but i'm a bit concerned about the picking up the poo situation, and also given their size I'd imagine they are not as easy to take out and about if need be to shops/cafes etc? Also when my kids are older - is it feasible to think they could walk a big dog or is that a no-no?
I guess another question would be is a medium sized dog much more practical on a day to day basis...?
Would really appreciate any ideas :-)
If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.
The doghouse
Another dog breed advice thread - sorry!
teatimetreat · 26/07/2019 14:48
Bearded collie?
We love ours, he's affectionate, energetic, intelligent and occasionally very silly.
Although everyone thinks he's a dulux (OES) dog. 
If you're thinking of a puppy, do think about what you will do those 3 days a week while s/he is young. They won't be able to keep up with a walker (and shouldn't do that level of exercise until they are older) and are likely to be too young/scared to leave alone for any length of time for several weeks/months. Day care might not take on a puppy because they require different care and different levels of care to adult dogs. Plus, as they age they will sexually mature before they are neutered/spayed (hopefully) yet many daycare places won't take an intact dog.
Other than that, think about what outdoorsy really means for you. Often people just mean they like doing outdoors things when they have free time and the weather is nice. Dogs need outdoors every single day (twice is better), regardless of weather or spare time etc. Worth thinking about and being honest, because if you pick a high octane breed because you are more active than most humans, that's not going to compare to a breed that is more active that most dog breeds.
The only real differences between small and large dogs iare:
- expense; food is much cheaper for a small dog than a big one
- storage and transportation; big dogs need big cars and may need help getting in and out of the car when they are young/old
- who can walk the dog; asking a child to walk a dog they cannot physically restrain in an emergency would be a no, for me. Even the best trained dogs can startle and you want someone with the strength to stop them running off, if that happens
- other people's reactions; expect to get funny looks if you take a large dog into John Lewis that you wouldn't get if you took a little one
I mention it because we have 2 JRTs and they are small but a whole lot of dog. The size is not an indicator of how much dog you get
Intelligent dogs are not necessary good (or bad). Intelligent means:
- require mental stimulation every day
- often learn naughty things quickly, such as how to open doors and let themseleves out [stares at Battendog!]
- learn negative associations quickly; e.g. one scare with a child can be enough to teach them that children cannot be trusted etc
Am definately not trying to put you off all this. Just trying to flag aspects of the wants you describe that may not have occured to you.
All breeds have good and bad traits. Do spend some time thinking about the bad ones you cannot live with because this could make the difference between a happy match and an unhappy one. For example, someone mentioned cockers. I love spaniels. I really do. Battendog is a springer. But some traits they tend to have that you may not want:
- they are chewers and they love using thier mouths to carry stuff. Expect to lose unattended shoes, toys etc when the dog is young and even when older, expect to mislay these items because they have been 'carried' off somewhere. This may or may not be a problem.
- they are bred for a job working with one person (normally) so tend to have one person in the family they bond with more closely than others
- for the same reason, they can get stressed or upset when away from that person
- the show strains can have a less easy-going/friendly personality in them...
- but the working strains can be nose-led on a walk so recall and lose lead walking can be buggers to train
- shed and require frequent grooming, clipping etc
- are mud magnets and all that fur brings the mud into your house and (if allowed) onto sofas etc.
- ears and mouths need extra care, especially in show strains where they are heavier set
All dogs are individuals so there will be loads of cokcers that don't fit this mould, but there should be more that do.
Other traits you might find unacceptable:
Barking - looks at many of the terrier types
Suspicious of strangers - looks at many of the guarding breeds
Too friendly to strangers (wants to greet everyone when on a walk) - looks at the companion breeds
Aloof and not especially affectionate - some of the utility breeds
Sorry, that's all a bit of an essay. Can you tell I cannot be bothered to get any work done
?
@missbattenburg All brilliant advice - a lot of it I've been thinking but good to have someone else say it. I love terriers, i grew up with a JR Sheltie cross and he had the best possible of both breeds and then some, but the OH just isn't into terriers [rolleyes]. He grew up with dogs and wants a dog but it is defiantly me leading the way with researching etc and i feel finding a dog to fit his requirements is becoming tricky...
We live in scotland so weather wise "there is no such thing as bad weather - just inappropriate clothing"...I'm genuinely happy outside rain, hail or shine. 
Intelligence wise i do get what hubby means though - you know how some dogs just have a spark about them, you can see it in their eyes they are smart? I like that, and think training wise we'd be quite on the ball in order to get the best from a dog like that.
@Mermaidoutofwater As has been the answer to alot of dog suggestions - my hubby not keen. My sister in law has a stunningly beautiful retriever but he is a bit dopey and i think my hubby has based his opinion on that.
Thanks all, your feedback is great!
@Whitney168 I've read about the smooth collies but never seen one in real life. Would love to see one as i do feel they fit the bill temperament wise...if i can convince my husband
(Feel i'm painting my husband in a bad light - but i have to be honest - he is fussy about lots of stuff...cars, houses....and dogs clearly)
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