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Original poster

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

217 replies

choufleur · 03/01/2010 19:31

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.

OP posts:
myhandslooksoold · 04/01/2010 20:09

Yes this is correct- not all are non shedding. The ones that are guaranteed are more expensive unfortunately.
More info on labradoodles is available here

Bella32 · 04/01/2010 20:10

Yup, some very traumatic labradoodle threads on here recently from people who were told the dog wouldn't shed.

You know you really want a labrador, dontcha?

myhandslooksoold · 04/01/2010 20:12

Forgot to say we have friends who suffer really really bad pet allergies and they have visited our house, had loads of puppy love and no allergic reaction at all.

dreamingofsun · 04/01/2010 20:23

cockers are so happy and get so excited just to be with you. even when i accidentally run over her ear with my work stool. she never growls and ours chases cats - no cat poo in our garden

Earlybird · 04/01/2010 20:47

I have heard that you need to have a third generation labradoodle before they could be guaranteed not to shed. Before that, it's a bit hit and miss.

Bella32 · 04/01/2010 20:53

Earlybird - you risk setting off that corny F1 labradoodle in a racing car joke again . Not entirely sure that is true anyway - the Labradoodle Trust have info on their website re shedding, iirc.

Merrylegs · 04/01/2010 20:54
elastamum · 04/01/2010 20:59

I have 3 labradoodles, all 2nd or 3rd gen. whilst they dont shed like a lab, obviously they lose hair like anyone would and they need grooming regularly to keep their coats in good condition. They are loving, very smart and fabulous with kids. BUT, they hate being left alone because they want to be part of the family and they need lots of exercise. So please dont get one if you are going to be out all day. Doodle no3 was given to me by the breeder at 10 months as she had been returned by a family that couldnt cope. She was very thin, frantic for attention and very destructive and has only just calmed down after 3 months with the us and my other 2 dogs. I love them but I dont recommend them to everyone. If you want a smaller dog how about a border terrier. My vet friend reccomends then as a family dog for a busy family.

ClaudiaSchiffer · 04/01/2010 21:07

Beagle beagle beagle

We have one who, admittedly he was pretty nuts as a pup - drove me crazy but I had a newborn and a 2 yr old too. But now - aged 3 - is totally gorgeous, loyal, very sweet with the kids etc. A lovely family dawg (and I generally hate dogs).

MammKernow · 04/01/2010 21:10

Ooooh, i love german pointers, prob our next dog! If you don't like small, then i'd agree that most HPR breeds are fab (and mostly short haired). Very clever dogs (which can be good or bad), easily trained. Think making a choice is always difficult, as breeds may have a 'generic' profile, but (bit like people i guess) they can be completely different to what you expect.

e.g. We have a weimaraner. Usually not recommended for first time owners (which we are), supposedly dominant (he isn't), meant to be very active (guess he is sometimes but hates the rain and cold). He was a destructive puppy to start with but did calm down. He has always been protective of dd (he was 3 when dd arrived), very unaggressive with other people and dogs, and very playful.

Also doesn't smell or shed much, and tolerates our two cats (altho did retrieve one of them when he was a puppy , but claws in nose soon stopped that nonsense - he was hurt, cat wasn't). I'd recommend one any day, but they can be hard work (ours isn't tho) and they are soooo handsome (imo)...

controlfestivefreaky · 04/01/2010 21:35

oooh sparkly, another bedlington owner here... are they just he best? we love love love ours.

gagamama · 04/01/2010 21:45

I'd say there's no pet worth having other than a labrador. On a bad day, I'd say there's no other friend worth having either.

Thing with labs though is they're prone to genetic health problems (hips, etc, like any pure breed dog I guess). I would certainly recommend looking into adopting either a failed or a retired Guide Dog. Beautifully bred and trained animals.

lucyellensmumagain · 04/01/2010 21:57

border terrier

jeanjeannie · 04/01/2010 22:32

Good to see at least one thumbs up for a bog-standard, non-fancy beagle as that's what we've got our heart set on.

lucyellensmumagain · 04/01/2010 22:59

oh, i like beagles too however, they do require a lot of exercise they are a coursing dog and like to run - but then you say your MIL has a springer so they should get on fine ;)

SeaGreen · 04/01/2010 23:03

Labbies! the best. They're SO gentle, and have the energy to keep up with a kid. YOu do need something like this though because the undercoat shedding is the only problem.

Poppity · 04/01/2010 23:10

whippet
whippet
whippet
whippet
whippet
whippet
whippet
whippet

Earlybird · 04/01/2010 23:19

If you're thinking of a labrador, don't get a chocolate lab. They are loving and friendly, but ime, are truly dumb dogs.

Don't know why that is not the case with Black or Yellow labs.

ScottishBoris · 04/01/2010 23:19

poppity - I concurr!

Scowl · 04/01/2010 23:21

moi aussi!

although my husband works with dogs and swears by flatcoat retriever or jack russell

kittya · 04/01/2010 23:24

My sister has a young collie and he is adorable, she has three girls under 8 and he is their brother!! very intelligent, very lively but sensible. He needs good walks but, whats the point in having a dog if you dont do walking? Growing up we always had staffies and I would still recommend, despite their chavvy image. They are very loving if raised properly.

luckyblackcat · 04/01/2010 23:37

minature labradoodle?

I presume the offspring of a minature poodle and a lab?

kid · 04/01/2010 23:41

I've had a Yorkie (champion size) who was just perfect with DC. He lived to the ripe old age of 14 1/2

I currently have a springer/spaniel puppy who is adorable. He gets on great with DC and is very affectionate with everyone!

Ronaldinhio · 04/01/2010 23:42

daschund

or that boy/wolf fella from New Moon

whooosh · 04/01/2010 23:46

Second the dachsund vote. We got our latest when DD was 2.5 as she needed to understand how you have to be carfeul with their backs.
He is a delightful,non snappy/yappy dog who is utterly devoted to DD (now 4.5).He has a dogflap,loves a long walk but doesn't pine for one if her doesn't get one.
For us he is the perfect hound-and he is a "hound",not terrier-very different mentalities....