RIght so no to brown lab - what breed do we get then?

[MadameCastafiore]

On account of hair shedding!

Right so any suggestions - want something that is not huge, something that can be trained, something that doesn't shed too much hair. We have room for a dog and a big garden and fields to go walking in so would prefer something that in DHs words 'Doesn't make me look like a complete faggot!' (So yorkies are out!)

bichon frise dont shed hair apparently but need clipping regulary

i gather the breed labradoodle (cross between lab and poodle) is the one for not shedding hair and also for wheezy types. No experience of them personally but thats what i heard.

would recommend an english springer. A mans dog! We have 2. they are not that sheddy with the fur, and would love the kind of home you are looking for as they need space and lots exercise.

Ps. you do have to have a bit of a crew loose to have one though as other springer owners would tell you!

crew? sorry screw

That would go in the Faggot cateogory for DH me thinks cheesie!

@ "faggot"

Charming

Airedale?

yes you are right mutt - but those worried eyes make them so loveable and when alert and listening to you (happened the once!) they put their noses straight up in the air all nobley !

labradoodle

Springer. They love walking in fields and look suitably manly.

Not sure about training though. Mine is a bit hit and miss on that score. They are nuts, but in a nice way.

Spaniels are sooooooooooooooo not manly !

Jack Russell ?

Get a Staffordshire Bull terrier - lovely breed, brilliant around kids, don't shed tons of hair, all in all hardy little characters.

PBGV, are fab and really good with children and other dogs. picture here

Not manly. But they are hunting dogs. They look in their element standing next to tweedy men with guns.

Cockers, Sprockers, Cavalier KCs less manly imo(but very cute).

I don't have one but have spent many a hour walking them and working in show kennels with them. I have a curly coated retriever.

There is a list of non-shedding breeds here which maybe of use.

The wesite generally is full of useful information about dog breeds.

If this isn't something you are planning to do imediately, then I would strongly reccomend going to 'discover dogs' at crufts, as you will get to meet breeders and owners who can give you so much information.

Imo it is much better to get a puppy in the spring than the autumn, better weather for walking, no wet muddy pups running rampant in house, no lost pups on dark nights when walking etc.

Have fun, whatever breed you choose.

Sod the shedding - get a brown lab - they are fabulous.

We have a black lab cross (vet thinks it's a labradoodle) and don't have much problem with shed hair. She does drop hair but it's quite managable (although this may be because I'm comparing it to the pyrenean mountain dog I grew up with).
I don't think that Springers are very manly tbh (sorry).
We have a friend with some sort of rare basset which is lovely (but scenthounds have a tendancy to disappear chasing nice smells when off lead).

Badly socialised/trained staffies (any dog) are prone to fighting.

Are you sure you dh really wants a dog
It's a bit like asking for a child that doesn't cry or answer back, ever.

Dogs smell. They shed. They have shitty arses. You have to pick up their poo. When they have upset tummies you have to scrap runny poo from the floor. They chew. They bark. They are dogs basically.

Go to a rescue centre and get a crossbreed. They are much hardier than pedigree dogs and they come in all shapes and sizes and coat varieties. AND you'd be doing it a good turn.

i agree with platypussy .sod your dh if he uses words like 'faggot',get what you want.

what about an airedale? i have one hes lovely