go on then everyone ... what sort of dog is best?

[choufleur]

We're thinking about getting a dog (well puppy, want something DS (4 by the time we get a dog) can grow up with) in the spring/summer.

DH and I both work, although DH does shifts and when i'll be out all day dog will go to my parents (they have a springer spaniel).

I like spaniels, but they're a bit too bouncy for me and i'd rather a short hair dog. DH like collies, but they need far too much entertaining i think, so any suggestions for good breeds to get. We also have two cats and i don't want a little jappy dog.

Standard poodles are brill - nothing like their smaller cousins.

But who could resist this?

Poodles don't actually come with pom poms, shaved faces or shaved feet as standard - these are just optional extras inflicted on them by owners who want a laugh!

I clip our Standard to about 3/4 inch all over every 6 ish weeks, and his fur is about 2 inches long again when he is next due for clipping. I just trim his fur around his eyes and mouth in between clips, otherwise he would look like an Old English Sheepdog peering out from under his fringe.

Absolutely brill dog though, couldn't ask for a better family pet.

You need what we have - a speagle (springer x beagle) - looks and behaves like a short haired springer. Again, problem solved.

working springers are not long haired though

there is a tufty bit on the tip of the tail if (legally) docked, otherwise quite full and feathery, and feathers on legs and beautiful curly ears

rest of body is short-haired

they bear little/no resemblance to the ones you see at Crufts, are practically a separate species

deputY

they are beautiful, I agree (cannot agree they are MORE so than workers!)

do think their faces always look a bit sad though

oh speagles look lovely. i love all the silly names for mixed breed dogs.

look: working springer

show springer

I have an HPR, one mentioned on MI's list, it is the cutest thing ever but NUTS and I was brought up with Afghan Hounds so am used to crazy dogs.

I would never ever recommend them to anybody!

cute as cute though

We have a Blue Roan Cocker.
His name is Albert and he is gorgeous. he is a total nut ball and will just lay and lay all day long. the kids adore him as he just never gets tired.

I swear he has ADHD.

He is a cross between a working and a show cocker so he has semi long curly hair, we get him trimmed during the summer and we are lucky that he loves getting groomed so we dont have too much of an issue with notty coats.

I have a cocker spaniel/poodle cross. She's very well behaved and good with the kids (aged 3 and 6). The best bit is that she doesn't moult.

I will be boring and predictably recommend a labrador - which is what I have

He is lovely - quiet around the house (never chews or does anything bad at home), rarely barks, short haired, friendly to everyone and every dog. On the downside - he can be very excitable when we out and about, which is both hilarious and sometimes a pain. He also sheds hair continually.

I would say no to a pointer - even though i love them cos they are v. high maintenance! The ones I know that don't work are utterly insane... but maybe I have been unluckly with the ones I've met?

My parents have a collie and I would say no to them too (although I love her) cos they need a proper job IMO..

I adore springers - but they are also quite nuts... and seem to like to roll in stuff (my cousin has one and we had one growing up)?! Which my lab doesn't...

Or get a nice rescue doggie if the rescue will allow it.

I love my Cooper who is a Springer Spaniel. He is friendly to everyone and he adores children. He is always very gentle and extremely obedient. He does have boundless energy but that has never bothered me as much as it would some. I think he is the perfect family dog.

everlong - my lab (18 months) has never destroyed anything, or chewed anything he shouldn't.

The key (for me) was supplying lots of toys (and rotating them daily so they always have novelty value), sufficient exercise and making sure shoes etc were kept out of reach at first.

It's not just labs who chew - they just have bigger jaws than average and can do more damage. Any dog has the potential to destroy things if the situation isn't managed properly.

I'm gong to echo Whippet (of course )

They are small but not yappy, they don't shed very much and they are quiet and peaceful in the house. Outside they are really active fun dogs that children can enjoy racing about and playing with. They are very meak, humble and biddable and are less inclined to 'take advantage' of a child (i.e. take food out of their hands etc). If they don't want to play they will just take themselves off somewhere quiet. As others have said, they will be more than grateful NOT to go for a walk if it is raining!

The only thing I have found with whippets is they feel the cold. They do like a coat in winter to go on walks and maybe even a housecoat at night if your house is cold. Also although they look very cute and innocent, they are sight-hounds at heart and will chase rabbits and squirrels etc. We have never had a problem with them chasing cats though.

Oh and BEWARE they are horribly collectable and very few people seem to be able to stop at one!

rescue - greyhound rescue even better - -greyhounds make lovely companions and love their sleep. don't need that much exercise.

alot of people are saying labs too, but they are gundogs and like lots of walking. hence most pet ones being v.fat.

Short haired dachshunds are very low maintainance. And although even a standard isn't big, they aren't yappy - they BARK !

The ones we've had have been wonderfully adaptable; if its not a good walking day they will happily exercise by running round the house or garden and then snooze anywhere warm. Fabulous lapdogs. But, being bred as hunting dogs, they can walk for miles and climb mountains too.

Whippet or greyhound maybe.

We have a Bedlington terrier and she is great- a bit mad (in a good way), loves children, doesn't moult, small but still recognisably 'dog' IYKWIM (we don't have the show cut or pouff her fur up) and her fur is ok for people with allergies (my DP). She is full of beans but with regular exercise is fine.

Really it comes down to routines and socialisation IMO. We don't have kids (yet- TTC) but made sure she met babies/young children when she was still a puppy and she loves them. We taught her NO very quickly and tell children she meets to say it loudly if they don't like her enthusiasm (she's very friendly) and she responds to them, even my friend's 3 yo.

Bedlies are addictive though... want another but waiting to see how quickly I get pg! I grew up with labradors but now Bedlies are my fave...

and she can be a proper lapdog as well as feeling it her duty to guard the house (but woofs properly, no yapping)