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Original poster

I think we might get a dog. Is there ANY alternative to a labrador?

212 replies

Enid · 21/01/2007 20:03

I'd prefer something smaller

but it has to be 100% kidproof, clever and active, preferably with no hair at all or low shedding...

OP posts:
popsycal · 21/01/2007 20:04

border collie?
not sure what they are like generally but DH's parents have one and he is fantastic with our boys. trust him 100% and he has to put up with some real grief from themtoo

hercules1 · 21/01/2007 20:04

Cocker spaniel.

popsycal · 21/01/2007 20:05

ah
but the hair
but he cant be that bad as i am allergc to dog hair but not too bad with him

Original poster
Enid · 21/01/2007 20:06

have heard they are a bit highly strung, can't be doing with that

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CountessDracula · 21/01/2007 20:07

labradoodle?

Earlybird · 21/01/2007 20:07

I've wondered if the larger poodles would be good with kids. YOu wouldn't have to get one of those overly manicured poodle cuts...

Or you could get a labradoodle - they're poodles mixed with lab, and are suggested for people with allergies because they don't shed.

RocketScience · 21/01/2007 20:08

As a child we always had Westies, and I really want us to get one.

You do have to be careful with them though, some poor specimens around from dodgy breeders.

but all the ones we've ever had, have been such characters, so cute and such a convenient size. Not so small they seem scrawny or rat like, nice and solid, but you can pick them up and they can sit on your knee while you watch the TV.

Oh I can't wait for the cat to die so we can get one

turquoise · 21/01/2007 20:09

Cockerpoo or labradoodle? Best of both, and sorts the hair problem.
Or what about a standard schnauser, or even better - a schnoodle.

margo1974 · 21/01/2007 20:09

get a dog whose hair is the same shade as the carpet (hard if you've got green carpets!

we have a cocker/field spaniel, puts up with hell from dd1.

smart enough to know when she can nick food from dd1

ScummyMummy · 21/01/2007 20:10

jack russell? lurcher?

PrincessPeaHead · 21/01/2007 20:10

we have two standard poodles.
before you guffaw, they are 110% kidproof, don't shed A SINGLE HAIR, are completely hypoallergenic, are extremely clever, run like the wind but don't need much exercise (bit like eg greyhounds in that respect) and are duck retrievers ie working country dogs (very important to know that if you own poodles in the country!!)

downsides - you do have to take them to be clipped every 6-8 weeks. upside of that is they are never smelly because they have a regular shampoo and set.

we clip them the same length (ie short) all over with a pompom tail for entertainment.

cod has met them - they are really very nice!

DarrellRivers · 21/01/2007 20:12

We have a minature schnauzer, we had her before children adn she's coped well with the change.
She's small but very spirited
I have heard that standard schnauzers are a little grumpier than minatures but have never seen any hard evidence to prove this

JustUsTwo · 21/01/2007 20:12

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

RocketScience · 21/01/2007 20:12

Dh would like us to get a rescue Greyhound. I don't really like 'skinny' dogs, but they are meant to be very good with kids and as they need a home, I might be persuaded.
Considered that?

Original poster
Enid · 21/01/2007 20:13

labradoodle?

wtf?

I could never never people that I had a dog called a 'labradoodle'

are they a real dog?

I really like Finnish Lapphunds but fo course they are totally rare and hard to get hold of

oh and they shed

pph poodles sound nice - cant see dh going for it though

OP posts:
Original poster
Enid · 21/01/2007 20:13

I definitely want a puppy

OP posts:
Original poster
Enid · 21/01/2007 20:14

I mean, if we get a dog at all I want to get a puppy

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DarrellRivers · 21/01/2007 20:14

labradoodles sound ridiculous but they are gorgeous and are a lovely mix between 2 fab breeds , poodle adn labrador so hopefully no shedding

fortyplus · 21/01/2007 20:15

Google Graham Norton images and you will see him with a photo of his labradoodle - it's GORGEOUS

cupcakes · 21/01/2007 20:15

we have a lab - twice a year (so it would seem) he sheds hair like mad. It's very annoying - I have to hoover twice a day!
And he whacks the children in the face when he wags his tail.
And he is a demon to walk.

But other than that he's great.

PrincessPeaHead · 21/01/2007 20:15

if you want something smaller then I know some nice wire haired dachshunds who don't seem to shed much

I know lots of jack russells - wouldn't trust ANY of them with children and their hair must be the worst of all - short, white, and stiff so they STICK in everything and you can't get them out!

working cocker spaniels are OK but SO difficult to get healthy ones, almost impossible I'd say unless you really know what you are doing and who you are talking to (and even then it is sheer luck). I'd stay well away. american cockers even worse, all keel over after years of hideous vets bills (I exaggerate, but not much)

I LOVE whippets if you want a dog that is really more like a cat...

or what about rescuing a greyhound? that's what I'd do if I wasn't allergic to anything with proper hair. they are LOVELY. but not if you have any sheep being farmed within a couple of miles. or a lurcher, but ditto re the sheep.

JustUsTwo · 21/01/2007 20:15

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

turquoise · 21/01/2007 20:16

Schnoodle

Aero · 21/01/2007 20:16

My brother has a Wheaten Terrier . They don't shed and are rather lovely.

fortyplus · 21/01/2007 20:17

Friends have had several rescue greyhounds - they are totally soppy with kids and the laziest dogs you'll ever meet! Contrary to what you'd think they don't need half as much exercise as a Labrador.