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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

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Original poster

Good family dog that is NOT a G Retriever

99 replies

GandalfsHat · 08/02/2013 16:52

I'm sure this has been done to death but:

We're looking for a family dog, one to 'grow up' with the boys, 2 DS's, 1.5 and 3.5 years of age.

DH and his family has always had Golden Retrievers, always, at one point had 3! It is the only dog he will consider as a family dog, he absolutely loves them.

I grew up with 'pavement specials', mongrels with the most fantastic personalities, great fun to be around, but I suppose you can't be sure of the temperament of a mixed-breed dog, not as much as you can be sure of the temperament of any dog until they reach adulthood, but hopefully you kwim.

So, please recommend me a breed that is a good family dog. I have considered and ruled out spaniels and beagles. I'm quite interested in a Weimereiner... love love love Ridgebacks but they might be a bit on the big side.

Have considered a rescue GR, but I don't always want to have just one breed of dog for the rest of my life...

Live in the country, have enclosed outdoor space, ok for dog to sleep indoors. Can take the dog on good walks but cannot spend hours walking each day.

Any advice/recommendation appreciated.

OP posts:

pixi2 · 08/02/2013 18:56

We have an old English mastiff (huge and dumb). I want a red setter and dh wants a dog de Bordeaux. I'm the one that feeds and walks and trains the dogs so guess who isn't backing down.

LtEveDallas · 08/02/2013 18:58

A mutt all the way.

You cannot guess at the temperament of any dog. A labrador is no more likely to be snappy than a Jack Russell and vice versa. A staffie has a rotten rep to the general public, but owners will tell you how soppy they are. My Rottie looked terrifying and was very barky, but the barking was from being badly treated as a pup and she was scared to death of my neighbours ferrets!

We've got a Mutt, she's mainly collie/springer but there is something else in there that we've not confirmed . She's growly and nervy, but also loving and cuddly. She hates getting up in the mornings, but goes crackers if she doesn't get a great walk at lunchtime. She prefers tuna to dog food and her best mate at the moment is our house bunny! She sleeps with DD and kicks her out of bed on a regular basis.

Whatever you decide, please please please go to a rescue not a breeder. Thousands of dogs from unborn to their last years need homes. Don't line a breeders pocket at the expense of another dog.

Startail · 08/02/2013 19:00

DDs friend has a lovely grey hound who's been halfway round the world and back.

The nicest dog I've ever met was a G retriever/ lab cross.

Several black and chocolate labs round here. Some lovely, some less so.

Weimaraners are loopy. Neighbours is bouncy and the one I knew as a child was totally nuts. Might have helped if he'd been trained and kept in his garden. He loved jumping up and looked most disgusted when you weren't scared. Truth was he was utterly soppy.

kirstys23 · 08/02/2013 19:04

I agree with what other have said about Staffies. Rescue centres are full of them and it is such a shame because they make THE BEST family dogs. Our staffie is 13, and lives with me and my partner. Even though he wasn't brought up with kids around whenever our neice is at the house (she is 2) he is so protective towards her. He'll follow her about the house and make sure she is safe, he never lies down when she is in. Even when she is being a bit annoying, - not patting him gently enough etc, he never gets snappy or agrressive. Staffies are a product of their upbringing, so get one, shower him with love and he will pay you back with years of loyalty :)

Giddypants · 08/02/2013 19:06

I have a mongrel, lucked out a bit, got him before DC arrived, luckily he is fantastic with him, DS has drawn and pained on him before! DS is physically disabled so the dog could just walk away, but chose not to!

If I was to get another dog, I'd consider a Tibetan terrier

redpanda13 · 08/02/2013 21:12

I have a Boston Terrier. Scared of nothing. Very similar to a Staffy in temperament but without the bad reputation. Loves humans of all ages, other dogs, horses and cats. More robust than a lot of the tiny breeds.
He can also keep up with a very active Lab/Collie cross. He also does a bit of agility training.

redpanda13 · 08/02/2013 21:13

When I said "bad reputation" about Staffies I meant other people's perceptions. I have yet to meet one who was not in your face friendly!

PetiteRaleuse · 08/02/2013 21:24

I have pics of my goldie on my profile. He is amazing with DD1 and already tries to slobber over baby DD2 :)

FernandoIsFaster · 08/02/2013 21:35

Agree with cavalier king charles. Ours are amazing with our toddler, don't need tons of exercise but still able to come out for a run with me when the mood takes me. Also not too big, and perfect cuddling size.

confusedabouther · 08/02/2013 21:46

tibetan terriers are amazing dogs, natural clowns who are full of fun. they need a lot of grooming or clip them out. they blow their coats aged between 18-24 months ish when they will get very very matted and could change colour. the biggest downside is that they are extremely stubborn and wont do anything for you if they dont want to. our dog is the most intelligent dog i have ever met, he is so easy to train and hes going to be a cracking agility dog, but if he doesnt feel like doing sonethi.g he wont do it. they also get very attached to you and can have bad seperation anxiety. i also wouldnt trust either of ours with young children, the dog is too boisterous (hes 2) and our older bitch is very quiet and doesnt like the noise and chaos that young children bring.

BestIsWest · 08/02/2013 21:51

We went from a GR (lovely girl but a bit aloof) to a Mini Schnauzer and for my money he is by far the better family dog. He truly wants nothing more than our company. Wherever we are, he is there too, in the middle of it all. He will take as much or as little exercise as we can throw at him. He's great with kids, puts up with all kinds of nonsense. He doesn't moult ,doesn't fight with other dogs. Love him!

DeepRedBetty · 08/02/2013 21:55

Staffies... every one I've ever met will either bounce on you or lick you. Usually both. Happy souls!

Original poster

GandalfsHat · 09/02/2013 09:04

Thank you so much for all the responses! So much to consider and now to start reading and researching!

OP posts:

SillyTilly123 · 09/02/2013 10:07

We got a lab/springer cross. She's only 5 month atm and it was a Bit of luck as they are my 2 fave dogs so fell in love when I saw her. I'm hoping she has the 'loopiness' of a springer but won't need quite as much exercise due to the lab. Although she does have 3 walks a day already!

PuppyMummy · 09/02/2013 17:36

Another vote for cocker spaniels here. We have a show&working type cocker she is lovely, loves cuddles, happy on long walks or just snuggled on sofa. I have also done agility with her.
She is good with kids despite not being brought up with them, very gentle and patient!

paddythepooch · 09/02/2013 18:32

Our lurcher is just fab. Glorious temperament and doesn't need much exercise. But as others have said, it's the temperament that matters rather than breed. Young Dcs are lots of work so I would avoid a type that needs too much exercise.

UterusUterusGhali · 10/02/2013 02:00

Staffie.

Rescue. Staffie.

Perfect size, temperament.

They smile ffs!

Please don't go down the Labradoodle/Cockapoo route. (See the 5683 related freds)

Seriously, they are perfect, and your DH will not feel emasculate dwalking it. (Actually a consideration chez Ghali .

UterusUterusGhali · 10/02/2013 02:21

Also Staffies are short haired. Makes such a difference.

I DO have a MN Staffie (MN made me do it ) but it was a bloody good shout. They are sadly quite common in rescue centres. Not because they are problematic, but because they attract the wrong owners who dump 'em when they realise they are big bags o'love.

kirstys23 · 10/02/2013 11:17

So funny that everybody is mentioning the fact that staffies smile. I thought it was just ours that did that!

almostanotherday · 10/02/2013 21:47

Mine smiles too makes me laugh

almostanotherday · 10/02/2013 21:55

And ours is so good with our DC and protective of me if DH is working late or I'm out walking her after dark, she stays by my side during evening walks and will stop in front of my legs if she smells something and lets me walk on once its "safe" and when DH is working late she lies on the bed or floor next to me but always facing the door so if anyone comes in they have to deal with me first.
We have even taught her tricks like hide and seek I'm so glad someone else got rid of her, could not wish for a better staffy.

Baffledandbewildered · 10/02/2013 23:29

Irish setters the best family dogs ever. They love children are very friendly and beautiful :)

TheSecondComing · 10/02/2013 23:34

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

LadyTurmoil · 10/02/2013 23:41

Do you mean Murt from www.blackretrieverx.co.uk/Black_Retriever_X_Rescue/Dogs_for_rehoming.html He does look lovely

SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius · 10/02/2013 23:43

Brown Labrador. They are like living teddy bears, and love being cuddled.

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