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Original poster

Recommendations for a suitable breed of dog

46 replies

BaconAndAvocado · 11/11/2019 14:00

We're considering getting a dog, only had cats in the past.

We are 2 adults and 2 DCs aged 11 and 13.

DH would love an Alsatian, I'd prefer a smaller dog but not tony like a sausage dog or toy dog.

Prefer a calmer dog.......any recommendations?

OP posts:

Original poster

BaconAndAvocado · 12/11/2019 19:12

tabularasa after Christmas I will be working from home so,will have the time to spend with them.

Thank you everyone. I've got a lot of research and thinking to do. We all have, as a family.

We won't be getting a German Shepherd, that was my husband's preferred breed but not mine.

Chatting earlier this evening we seem to be erring towards the idea of a Labrador or retriever. Any thoughts?

Another question for all you canine connoisseurs......... Does training a dog properly have the biggest effect on their behaviour/personality or are they just born with a particular disposition e.g. Very lively, very calm?

OP posts:

KatyaK · 12/11/2019 19:16

Labs/retrievers are lovely dogs but definitely need more than 1 walk a day!

Wolfiefan · 12/11/2019 19:23

You won’t be able to work from home with a new pup!! And is that situation likely to change? Could you afford daycare or a dog walker if you needed it?
Labs shed. A lot. Are you prepared for the hairy, muddy mess?

tabulahrasa · 12/11/2019 21:58

You’ll struggle to work with a puppy there, puppies are like having a toddler there, except nappies don’t even cost and their teeth are a lot sharper... it’s not like having an adult dog about.

“Does training a dog properly have the biggest effect on their behaviour/personality or are they just born with a particular disposition e.g. Very lively, very calm?“

It’s both really

tabulahrasa · 12/11/2019 21:59

Don’t exist, not don’t even cost btw

Wolfiefan · 12/11/2019 22:05

Toddlers don’t chew through the wall when you leave them unattended so you can have a wee.
And yet I’m planning on doing it all again.

Ginghamricecakes · 12/11/2019 22:17

If you want a small-ish, and calm dog that still enjoys excercise but is equally happy to snuggle up and go to sleep...I would recommend and bichonXcaviler king Charles ('designer' cross name is a cavachon) They are brilliant dogs, so well natured, not too small, playful yet calm and also brilliant with children. Couldn't recommend them highly enough.

I know some people hate cross-breed dogs, which I don't understand, I've found that they have fewer health issues generally.
I've had different breeds of dogs previously, and been involved in showing pedigree dogs ( boxers, pointers, shit-zu....), but I've never come across a small dog breed as loving as the cavachon. Beautiful little fluff balls

Have a look on the Facebook page, cavachons UK

notsosummerwinterholiday · 12/11/2019 22:28

Labs are beautiful dollops of dogs but I wouldn't have one as a first pet. They can take a long time to 'mature', are quite needy and can be quite destructive. That being said they are incredibly food motivated and can be trained effectively that way. They need a lot of mental stimulation to prevent destruction and quite frankly they are messy as hell. Their hair is insidious, you will find it long after they are gone. You will wear a lot of grey to hide it, and you will find yourself defluffing the washing machine a lot. Beautiful, wonderful, family dogs though - just be aware of the bad points.

I will be looking at greyhound next.... for all the lovely reasons people state above.

Fatshedra · 12/11/2019 22:35

Schnauzer miniature or otherwise.
Don't bark much, don't caste much. Nicenature.

tabulahrasa · 12/11/2019 22:50

“Toddlers don’t chew through the wall when you leave them unattended so you can have a wee.”

Pretty sure mine would have if they’d had the right teeth to be fair, lol

RatherBeRiding · 13/11/2019 12:22

Just be aware that puppies are hard work if neither of you have ever had dogs before. My DD and her OH have just acquired a rescue puppy but both of them have come from dog-owning backgrounds and were prepared to sleep on the sofa the first few nights, put in the long hours of house-training, being up 3-4 times a night etc etc. They have also already got DPup signed up for puppy classes.

I am a passionate advocate of re-homing retired greyhounds, and wanted to let you know that, for a large breed, they are relatively long lived - often to their early teens. They are also often retired very young - current girl was 2.5 when we got her, our last Grey was only 3. A lot retire early due to injury and others just don't 'get' racing and so are rehomed very quickly when it is apparent they are no use for the racing industry.

So you get the benefit of a young dog with a long life ahead, but don't have to put in the puppy training and the socialising etc.

Original poster

BaconAndAvocado · 18/11/2019 16:06

Thanks everyone, that's given me loads to think about.

Feeling very excited.........

OP posts:

SansaClegane · 18/11/2019 16:19

I think Greyhounds would be a good fit, as many have suggested, but I get the impression you're not that keen on them. I would advise you to look into rescues again, maybe not rescue centres but breed specific ones once you have a clearer idea. They don't tend to be that strict on rehoming with children, and might suggest a dog whose personality will fit you (plus you might get one that's already trained a bit).
Don't go for anything too energetic (Lab) or too highly strung (GSD, Border Collie) if you don't want to walk or occupy the dog that much!
We have a (rescue) Brittany who is the perfect dog for us; that said she's probably atypical for her breed as she's not crazy energetic but prefers to lounge on her sofa

ArielRosenberg · 13/12/2019 11:10

I recommend breed Greyhound

ArielRosenberg · 14/12/2019 19:41

My dog can't swim. I am afraid that she will not drown. If someone used to teach your dog to swim, please write me your recommendations.

ArielRosenberg · 14/12/2019 19:43

I'm afraid that drowning.

LolaSmiles · 14/12/2019 19:51

I'd recommend against a Labrador if you're thinking one walk a day as you entry expectations. Labs and lab crosses often require several long walks a day, plus play and mental stimulation.

Personally, I think you're underestimating what goes into dog ownership. You sound like you have the loving qualities to own a dog, but haven't quite thought through the practicalities (eg. An energetic puppy won't work well if you're thinking one walk a day and you can work from home)

ArielRosenberg · 14/12/2019 20:22

I found this:topanimalreview.com/articles/the-best-dog-life-jackets-2018-ensure-your-pet-s-safe-swimming.html do you think this is a good option?

ArielRosenberg · 16/12/2019 09:41

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

Dogno1 · 16/12/2019 09:50

Staffy - chunky, cuddly, snoozy, people person, friendly, adaptable, intelligent but biddable. Lots in rescues (unfortunately!). They're lovely stolic little puddings that 'want' to be good dogs.

ArielRosenberg · 23/12/2019 12:53

Yes. You are right, this is good for a dog that is learning to swim.

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