Spanish water dogs

[earthworm]

Well, after years of thinking about it DH and I have finally decided to get a dog. Although we are both novices we have done quite a bit of research and have spoken to friends and neighbours who have dogs, and also done a bit of dog sitting, so I think we are as ready as we will ever be.

We have chosen this breed for various reasons, but have never actually met one in real life - decision made after reading books and doing online questionnaires etc.

I have spoken to a breeder today and am planning on visiting soon, but does anyone have any experience of this breed?

I presume you have done your reseach and want one for some kind of high energy activity?

I'm sure you have already read this. They sound like seriously hard work and a total nightmare for a novice owner tbh especially if you have/are planning to have kids.

What makes you want one? (if you don't mind me asking?).

OMG, high energy and guarding and a tricky coat!

I was a novice dog owner, a SAHM, with school age children. I got a Brittany Spaniel. He is bonkers, but loves everyone and everything, hardly ever barks and rarely needs more than a cursory brush. There is no way I would have coped with all those 'ishoos'.

I'm sure they are lovely dogs, but I'd think very very hard. Meet more than one breeder, try to meet some 'normal' owners too - breeders always love their dogs and often don't see the downsides. Find out how many get rehomed or returned the breeder :(

Yes, I think I must've read everything about them by now...there's quite a good book by Christina Desarnaud that was really informative too.

We do have quite an outdoorsy lifestyle, and want an active dog, but one that is the right size, trainable, low shedding etc. We also live near water too, which would suit the breed.

We already have children, aged 10 and 13, but it would be primarily my dog as I am home all day.

I just wondered whether anyone had any personal experience really, before we take the plunge.

That's good advice notrightnow, I must talk to more breeders and ask the right questions, thanks.

I'm not trying to put you off; as you say, ask the right questions. It sounds as though you know what you are letting yourself in for though.

I have to say that I have had two children, done international moves, held down challenging jobs etc, but training a dog was the hardest, most frustrating thing I have ever done in my life! It's a bit like babies - no book can communicate how hard it is.