My feed
Premium

Please
or
to access all these features

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

The doghouse

Which dog breed for us?

28 replies

TeddyIsaHe · 15/08/2020 10:26

I’m a seasoned spaniel owner, and want a second dog for the house. There’s Dd and I, dd is 3.5, but I’m not looking at getting a pup until middle of next year.

Happy to adopt or choose a pup, but I can’t figure out a breed. I think I want something less bonkers than a spaniel, small-medium sized, not too yappy. We’re out all the time so high energy levels not a problem, although wouldn’t mind something that is a bit lazy this time around!

I’m leaning towards another WCS, but current one is mad as a box of frogs and drives me crackers sometimes!

OP posts:
Report
moosemama · 15/08/2020 10:38

If you like spaniels, but would like a bit of a change this time, what about a Brittany Spaniel or a Kooikerhondje? I’ve only known one Kooikerhondje, but he was an absolute sweetheart.

Report
TheSandgroper · 15/08/2020 10:49

My border terrier barks at strangers but knows my mates cars so doesn’t bark at them. She is active in the morning and evening but sleeps school hours and nights. She is happy to be trained and loves her walks until it gets too hot (we’re in Perth so in summer she is pleased with the aircon). She is an excellent traveller in the car. We live a very routine life which suits her well so she is no trouble.

Report
PrayingandHoping · 15/08/2020 10:53

How about a clumber spaniel? Not manic but still love an active life

Report
KnobChops · 15/08/2020 13:32

Cavalier King Charles? Or a Whippet?

Report
FastFood · 15/08/2020 13:52

@TheSandgroper

My border terrier barks at strangers but knows my mates cars so doesn’t bark at them. She is active in the morning and evening but sleeps school hours and nights. She is happy to be trained and loves her walks until it gets too hot (we’re in Perth so in summer she is pleased with the aircon). She is an excellent traveller in the car. We live a very routine life which suits her well so she is no trouble.

It's funny but all the BTs I've met were somewhat "perfect".
Energetic but obedient, cuddly but not clingy, smallish but robust etc...
Definitely a breed I would consider for me!
Report
devildeepbluesea · 15/08/2020 13:54

I came on to suggest border terrier. Or a JRT from larger sized parents. My Jacks were very big for the breed.

Report
vanillandhoney · 15/08/2020 13:58

Novia Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever.
Border Terrier.
Sprocker spaniel.
Miniature poodle.

Report
tabulahrasa · 15/08/2020 14:01

Staffy...

Will keep up with a spaniel no bother, but not as manic, properly bred ones are much smaller than people think staffies are, not yappy...

Report
TheSandgroper · 15/08/2020 14:19
Report
boomchikawowwow · 15/08/2020 14:24

A whippet!
They're lazy but like to burn off energy. If mine doesn't get a walk he's not fussed as long as he has something comfy to lay on

Report
TeddyIsaHe · 15/08/2020 22:12

Ooh great suggestions! I love staffies, but I’d want to rehome rather than get a pup and doubt I’d get clearance with a 4 year old!

I’m very tempted by Border Terriers! Just been reading about them and they sound ideal. Just slightly worried about their tendency to not get along with other dogs, does this improve with decent early socialisation?

OP posts:
Report
Feralkidsatthecampsite · 15/08/2020 22:16

Ime you can't go wrong with a Lurcher!
Ours are 7 +10 and are bff's with my ds5.
A typical bedtime in our house!!

Which dog breed for us?
Report
Jenasaurus · 15/08/2020 22:17

@boomchikawowwow

A whippet!
They're lazy but like to burn off energy. If mine doesn't get a walk he's not fussed as long as he has something comfy to lay on

I agree, this is Wilbur my sons Whippet, he is bigger now (7 months) but a good mix, he likes a walk but is friendly, rarely barks and likes to laze arount too
Which dog breed for us?
Report
Jenasaurus · 15/08/2020 22:17

sorry photo didnt load

Which dog breed for us?
Report
Feralkidsatthecampsite · 15/08/2020 22:19

Omg he is adorable!!
Halo

Report
minnieok · 15/08/2020 22:37

Collies are able to do whatever you want exercise wise and are super lazy when not "working". Mine sleeps 22 hours a day I swear. Mine rarely barks, unless it's the fox trying to get the chickens again!

Report
TeddyIsaHe · 15/08/2020 23:42

I have always had a soft spot for pointy hounds, whippets are beautiful. Are they good with preschoolers?

OP posts:
Report
TeddyIsaHe · 15/08/2020 23:43

I’m such a dunce when it comes to other breeds! I know spaniels and labs like the back of my hand, but only ever had gundogs, choosing something else is a bit of a minefield.

OP posts:
Report
McQueensMuse · 15/08/2020 23:46

I can second a clumber spaniel. Brilliant family dogs.

Report
iVampire · 15/08/2020 23:48

If you want something like a border terrier but friendlier, and don’t mind a bit smaller, try a Norfolk or a Norwich terrier.

Report
Ohjustboreoff · 16/08/2020 00:02

I have always had Labs but DH hates the hair so we did a bit of research and discovered the Spanish Water Dog. Ours is amazing, high energy went out but a right lazy bones at home. Bit of a Velcro dog but not yappy and medium sized. Used for herding and gundogs. Best bit is they don't shed and are hypoallergenic, I'm smitten and won't be going back to the labs even though I love them.

Report
russetred · 16/08/2020 00:16

We've got a Kooikerhondje, part of the reason we got her is because we love spaniels but everyone said they were all mad so we looked for a non-mad spaniel and discovered the Kooiker! They're not for the inexperienced dog owner as they require thoughtful handling and lots of early socialisation and training but ours is a lovely dog. They can be active (agility etc) but also chilled out, they're not overly noisy and ours loves a cuddle.

Report

Don’t want to miss threads like this?

Weekly

Sign up to our weekly round up and get all the best threads sent straight to your inbox!

Log in to update your newsletter preferences.

You've subscribed!

MaddeningtheUnhelpful · 16/08/2020 00:34

I have a cavalier cross cocker. She's perfect. Lazy and cuddly like a cav but can walk for miles and miles and she's really playful.
Having said that, have a look at Sussex Spaniels. Sounds like that breed could be a brilliant fit x

Report
Sertchgi123 · 16/08/2020 00:43

Miniature poodle.

Report
k1233 · 16/08/2020 00:55

Terriers are different personalities to spaniels. I'm a terrier person Grin There's a reason they get called terrors.

I've currently got a west highland white terrier (westie) and a cocker spaniel. The cocker was a rehome from work and is a nice enough dog but doesn't have the cheekiness that terriers have (IME). She probably would have been different if I had her from a pup - she didn't know how to play when I got her, which is pretty sad. I was her 4th home before she was 3yo.

Tollers (nova Scotia duck tolling retrievers) are lovely dogs but love chasing balls etc

A friend has tollers and got a Lagotto. That might be an option for you. Slightly smaller weight wise but quite tall.

Report
Please create an account

To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.