I want a dog, can't decide on breed

[Beaverfeaver]

Hav grown up around mongrels and Dalmatians from a very young age and since moving out miss the companionship and joy the dogs have bought me.

We already have a cat, but are outdoorsy people who often go for long walks and holidays are usually walking holidays and feel that there is a doggy out there missing out!

Anyway, DH has vetoed Dalmatians.
He specifically wants a large breed dog and like a Weimeranas and Hungarian Viszlas.

I have always had a soft spot for Great Danes and beagles, however have done lots of research into the breeds and don't think they would be right for us.

How did you decide on a breed?

[Lorialet]

I vote for the Vizsla. I have one and she's gorgeous ~ lovely temperament, both with people and other dogs and cats. She's one next week and she does need a fair bit of exercise (we walk about 6 miles a day now). I had wanted one for years before we got her so did loads of research on the breed and the more I read, the more I fell in love with them. Especially their "velcro" tendencies :)

[dibsmum]

Please rescue a dog, the rescue centres are so full they're putting lovely healthy dogs to sleep especially staffies. they're amazing, loving dogs. Another breed that may suit you is a trailhound. Please Google trailhound welfare, they're big gentle dogs often overlooked.

[Beaverfeaver]

Why do the rescue centres get so many staffies in?

People keep saying how wonderful they are and the RSPCA even has a campaign to big them up, but then why are thy the most rehomed breed by far?

[dibsmum]

It's because staffies are over bred by grotty people who want them as status dogs and then can't be arsed to look after them. They also think they will be aggressive but they're so soft and docile and just want to be cuddled. People realise this and just abandon them so the rescues are full of them. I would definitely have another staff, ours is an angel and adores my baby.

[Twattybollocks]

Rescues are over run with staffs because for a few reasons, firstly because they are massively overbred. Second because the press have painted them as child eating monsters and sadly many people still believe this. Thirdly, as puppies and young dogs they tend to be very bouncy, excitable and strong. Most do settle down into lovely dogs, but the odd few remain a bit barmy for life. Unfortunately by the time the dog calms down its usually been rehomed as the owners can't be bothered to deal with the problem.
Seriously, if ever you want a big dog personality in a neat little package then staffs are great. They have huge character, love to have fun, love to exercise and also love to be couch potatoes. They are short coated so don't shed too much, don't need loads of exercise, and are generally superb with kids as they aren't a timid breed and like to play games.

[IAmNotAMindReader]

You could try a failed guide or assistance dog. They have a much higher training standard than most and only a 75% pass rate. You could end up with a wonderful highly trained pet. They also look for homes for retired dogs aged 9 and over.

[puffinnuffin]

Letseatgrandma- Cavaliers are lovely dogs. I am fostering one at the moment and he is a dear little dog. He is wonderful with children, very friendly and laid back. He loves walks but doesn't seem to want to walk really far (he sometimes jumps in my toddlers push chair!), but can have the odd bonkers moment if a cat is about.
The only downside is that he is very hairy and sheds quite a bit of fur. He hates the rain and refuses to go out in it. Cavaliers can have terrible health problems, so pet insurance is a must. However they have such beautiful natures and full of character and love. You can get rescue Cavaliers too.

[Abigail9580]

Completely agree with puffinuffin-if you get a cavy you need insurance. They nearly always develop heart conditions. I'm a vet nurse and have seen all types of breeds etc and to honest it's how you train then not the breed which makes them into lovely dogs. Heinz 57 however tend to be less highly strung and generally have less health complications.
There are usually rescue centres for all pedigree breeds and the people that run them are really knowledgable and can answer any questions you have. But personally I would recommend any dog from a home breeder, who has just had pups because they love their dog not for the money. Xx

[tabulahrasa]

TBH I wouldn't worry much about what breeds might suit you if you're looking at an older dog...if you're getting a puppy you're weighing up breed traits and picking a breed and hoping that the puppy has those traits. With an older dog, you know what it's like already, you don't need to guess how much exercise it's likely to need or whether it's easily trained, (or any number of other things that might mater to you) you can just see what that dog is like.

[saintmerryweather]

do many people breed because they love their dog? id have thought thatscthe last thing you would do, considering the risks of whelping. if i were to buy a puppy i would look through dog papers (our dogs for eg, printed weekly) to find the names of the kennels who seemed to be doing the best at the shows then contact a few of them to find out when their next litters were planned, what the sire and dam are and check their stats on mate select and kc health checks. if i liked what i found i.would go on.the breeders waitlist. i most certainly wouldnt buy from a home breeder who bred their dog because they love it! Have you thought about a working cocker or a working lab op? Theyre quite different to their show counterparts

[GrimmaTheNome]

But personally I would recommend any dog from a home breeder, who has just had pups because they love their dog not for the money

that seems odd advice from a vet nurse. Would a home breeder have done the appropriate breed-specific health screening? Maybe if you personally know the breeder and both the sire and the dam it'd be OK but people too often fall foul of what they take to be a 'home' breeder who is really a backyard breeder or front for a puppy farm totally in it for the money, or just clueless and thinks it would be 'nice' to have pups.

[Lafaminute]

We wanted a westhighland white, a fox terrier or a beagle. We went to the dog show in Earls Court and ended up with an adorable Golden Retriever. Talking to the breeders at the dog show and meeting the dogs gave us some much-needed perspective. She is now 12 years old and I can still remember the advice given on each breed. When our girl leaves us I'd be tempted to go back to the show again (if it still exists) as our priorities have changed and we don't think we'd ever want our GR replaced as such.

[dibsmum]

Please adopt a rescue. The dog will be genuinely grateful to you forever.

[Marne]

Another vote for a staffie or staff cross here, there seem to be a lot of staffxlurchers up for rehoming (here anyway). I have a staff, she's ment to be pure staff but i'm sure she has a bit of lurcher or even dalmation in her, she loves walking, is happy to walk miles but also happy to sleep all day (so very flexable), short hair so they dont get as smelly and they love a cuddle (mines glued to my daughter as i type).

Also love pointers, spaniels and dalmations.

[saintmerryweather]

I think Lafaminute is talking about Discover Dogs, that would be a good place to go. Or Crufts is on in March, they have a discover dogs section where you can meet the dogs and owners / breeders and ask them about the breeds you're interested in

[dibsmum]

a staffie lurcher cross would be my ideal dog, we currently have a staffie cross and a lurcher. they're both fab!

[mistlethrush]

Dibsmum - plenty of bull lurchers around - some are big daft softies

[dibsmum]

sounds fab! We're ok with the 2 dogs, a cat and a baby for now but I will definitely look out for one of those when we look for another dog.