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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:
preggerspoppet · 21/01/2007 20:49

so god knows!

CODNoMore · 21/01/2007 20:50

do you have ot get up int he mronign to let ths stinky dog OUT

brimfull · 21/01/2007 20:50

do as my friend does and take dogs in for people when they go on holiday.SHe makes money and satisfies her need for dogs withouth the committment.

ShinyHappyPeopleHoldingHands · 21/01/2007 20:50

Oh God I clicked the bat! I haven't done that in years.. I can spot it a mile off.. usually...

Was my bassett hound comment not worthy of a response? Mum's is lovely.. they are so comical and such a funny shape.. when she shakes her head, the movement wafts down her improbably long body like a mexican wave.. .. her ears are like great sheets of thick fabric and her feet are HUGE compared to her little short legs! When she is standing in grass, even short grass, she looks as if she is laying on her belly!

pointydog · 21/01/2007 20:51

cavalier KCs are really not bright

schnauzers take too long to say and type

SmileysPeople · 21/01/2007 20:51

I have the opposite problem, my DH won't let us have a dog as he says he would be the one who ended up doing evrything for it, and he's probaly right. I do make futile promises that I'll look after it but he knows me too well.

Maybe I'm doing something right.....

CODNoMore · 21/01/2007 20:51

now bassests are stylish

,scrolls down to look>

pointydog · 21/01/2007 20:52

there - I've flicked through this thread and there's no question. It would have to be a border collie. Practically perfect in every way

ShinyHappyPeopleHoldingHands · 21/01/2007 20:52

Oh sorry PointyDog you commented... yes I know they look depressed but it's an illusion.. they have the most fantastic sense of humour, honestly!

DD call Nanny's dog "the Boneo dog"

JustUsTwo · 21/01/2007 20:52

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

PrincessPeaHead · 21/01/2007 20:52

ok dealing with cod's points -

smellin gof dog - well we don't really have this because of the aforementioned shampooing regime. except when they roll in cowpats or fox shit. then they don't smell like dogs, they smell like shit

holidays - well this would be a pain in the arse. if we had to put the dogs in kennels or something everytime we went away for the night it would be a seriously expensive bore. and a pain in the arse. luckily we have built in dog-care (don't ask) so we haven't had to do this.

rains - well yes, they get very muddy. it helps a lot if you have a boot room or porch or somewhere you can leave them to dry off and de-mud.

wake you up to pee. ours are happy until aboput 7.30 which is the longest lie in we have had in the last 4 years anyway... I think for anyone with 3 kids and doing school runs etc this is a bit of a non-point...

CODNoMore · 21/01/2007 20:53

where?

WanderingTrolley · 21/01/2007 20:53

Try fostering dogs first.

Or rent one.

CODNoMore · 21/01/2007 20:53

ah we haev now got to 8am in the holidays! lolol

pointydog · 21/01/2007 20:53

agree the big problem is the husband. I know one who did feck all too and the woman ended up paying a dog walking service. Ridickilous.

Original poster
Enid · 21/01/2007 20:54

holidays are a problem

but we have a very doggy friend who I am sure would have the dog to stay

we have a boot room

I dont like hair everywhere

OP posts:
ShinyHappyPeopleHoldingHands · 21/01/2007 20:54

Ah.. bassetts do smell.. but it's a nice doggy smell, like pie crust.., not rank like some dogs.

PrincessPeaHead · 21/01/2007 20:54

we are still on 6-6.15 thanks to insomniac ds1. grrrrrr

CODNoMore · 21/01/2007 20:54

no to dog
no to dog
no to dog

lol

LucyJu · 21/01/2007 20:55

A mongrel. Or a rescue dog. Or both.
We had one a few years ago, and he was the best dog ever. Cannot understand why people buy dogs when there are so many abandoned dogs needing a home. Any reputable animal rescue centre would be able to recommend which of their dogs are suitable to go to a home with children.
BTW, if you go for an older dog, rather than a puppy, s/he should (hopefully) already be housetrained. I don't like the thought of an animal pssing or sh*ting on my nice new carpets - but maybe that's just me !

pointydog · 21/01/2007 20:55

"the mum was the whippet...."

these jack russells are real jumping jacks. Nippy on their feet too

alipiggie · 21/01/2007 20:55

I've a lab-cross and boy does she shed hairs everywhere. She's a wonderful natured old girl mind you. But if you want no shedding have to go along with the suggestions here of Standard Poodles - wonderful animals or Labradoodles. No shedding and gorgeous dogs.

CODNoMore · 21/01/2007 20:55

aha let me tell you abto that
ill email you

OH adn ENid make dh take a walk every day rain or shine to simulate dog ownership

ShinyHappyPeopleHoldingHands · 21/01/2007 20:55

My mum walks other people's dogs.. she is always very busy and has, at time, has to operate a sort of 'waiting list'! LOADS of people with dogs they haven't got time to walk, or careers they don't fit with having a dog

PrincessPeaHead · 21/01/2007 20:56

if you give your dogs to doggy friend, then be prepared to take doggy friend's dogs in return.

won't your ILs take him/her? or at least do the odd nights (when it is impossible to get a kennel space, they all want minimum 3 nights or full weeks in the sumemr apparently)