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The doghouse

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

Original poster

Whats the best dog for us? So many criteria!

129 replies

timmygeorgeannedickjulien · 13/08/2013 19:40

Don't wish to ramble on, so as brief as poss, here's our set of criteria:
*we have a small house and garden
*I am based at home with 2 children, both under 8
*The kids want a dog they can play with, throw a ball for etc, but also one they can cuddle

  • I want a dog that isn't going to require stupid amounts of exercise, x2 30 min walks per day would suit, with much longer walks at the w/end *my DH wants a 'manly' dog, whatever the hell that means *I would prefer a medium sized dog, no bigger *I want a dog that can be trained for obedience relatively easily, I cant have one that's going to pull me around on the lead trying to chase all the neighbourhood cats *we all love dogs, I just want to choose the right one, its our first family dog, although Ive grown up with lots of rescue dogs

Which dog?!

OP posts:
Original poster
timmygeorgeannedickjulien · 13/08/2013 21:17

My heart tells me to get a rescue puppy, but I just wonder if my criteria list means Id be better off buying and know exactly what Im getting? Mostly I want a dog with a good temperament.

OP posts:
everlong · 13/08/2013 21:18

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
timmygeorgeannedickjulien · 13/08/2013 21:19

I will have to look up some of these dogs.............

OP posts:
Original poster
timmygeorgeannedickjulien · 13/08/2013 21:19

everlong, would you get a cocker again though?

OP posts:
Original poster
timmygeorgeannedickjulien · 13/08/2013 21:22

Would a lab be out of the question with my criteria?

OP posts:
fanoftheinvisibleman · 13/08/2013 21:25

I think my Border Terrier would be bouncing off the ceiling on 2 x 30 minutes. I could probably get away with it for a rarity but he sits down if he realises we are heading home at anything under an hour. It may not be the same with an older one though.

TwistAndShout · 13/08/2013 21:29

Tibetan terrier. My 6 year old tibetan terrier is asleep on my feet and I'd say she ticks all your boxes.

bronya · 13/08/2013 21:32

I wouldn't choose a cocker with children. Have known two that snapped and one that bit. Different parentage both times.

Choose a size you like, then get it from a family home, where mum can be seen being fab with kids and the puppies are raised around them. I have a terrier - worst possible idea with a baby you'd think, yet her parents were amazing family pets and so is she.

Floralnomad · 13/08/2013 21:34

I agree about Tibetan Terriers ,I know a couple and they are lovely and not at all like terriers.

BigW · 13/08/2013 21:36

Just looked up Tibetan terrier. Yep. That's the one for me. Grin

TwistAndShout · 13/08/2013 21:43

They really are lovely! Quite bouncy as puppies but learn fast and mine is great with children. She loves a walk but is also happy to sleep on the sofa on a rainy day. She is beautiful too!

AliceinSlumberland · 13/08/2013 21:47

I was going to suggest a cavalier, if you go down the puppy route you can get a breeder who MRI scans which rules out the worst of the health problems. But I would also say the a schnauzer would suit nicely, there are three different sizes and both the miniature and the middle size one would suit you. I havn't found them to be too barky, they tend to grumble a fair bit. They also don't shed, which is a positive, but do have to be clipped every 6 weeks or so at the groomers.

I would say there are much better dogs that would suit over a lab, labs exercise needs are actually much closer to a springer than you'd think. That's why you see so many fat ones!

Saffyz · 13/08/2013 21:47

If you're considering a labrador, how about a golden retriever? Maybe not as small as you were thinking but lovely dogs.

MelanieCheeks · 13/08/2013 21:50

I'd second the cocker spaniel!

Very affectionate and smart, but don't need oodles of exercise.

ThursdayLast · 13/08/2013 21:52

Here's my vote for a staffy!
Ours loves long walks, doesn't enjoy being out in the pissing down rain!
Is an absolute angel with our v boisterous nieces and currently ignores our 4mo.
So affectionate, but definitely manly looking I reckon.
A more loyal dog you will struggle to find.
Our staf isn't too noisy either, sometimes jumps up at people when they first walk in, but as he awaits a go command even when his bowl is full to the brim of chappie, I think hats more our fault than his!

BoreOfWhabylon · 13/08/2013 21:55

Another voting for Tibetan terrier! Met two in the pub tonight and they were lovely and so good.

They are not really terriers either, they were just given that name.

AliceinSlumberland · 13/08/2013 21:57

Oh and please note if you do consider a cocker there are two types, show types and working types. The working types needs lots and lots of exercise so go for the show type:)

curlew · 13/08/2013 21:59

Our border is 4. She doesn't usually have formal walks, unless somebody fancies one. But she dashes around while we do horses, trots along with us, plays out.....just joins in with our lives, really.

fanoftheinvisibleman · 13/08/2013 22:06

It's possibly different for us then Curlew in a semi with a small garden. He needs 2 or 3 miles at least.

Awks · 13/08/2013 22:20

We had a cocker for 13 years and he more or less fit your criteria. Just got another cocker pup on Saturday an so far apart from the crapping he is brilliant.

curlew · 13/08/2013 22:27

Blush sorry. I forget everyone doesn't live in the back of beyond. Ignore me..........

Yawner247 · 13/08/2013 22:37

Third vote for a show type cocker....amazing family pet ours is just beautiful and he loves cuddles and snuggling up to you. Loves a good game of fetch or football....I wouldn't say he's needy but he is very loyal very easy to train and have the most beautiful eyelashes!! My husband didn't want a Girly dog and he was satisfied a cocker was manly enough! Smile

mrsravelstein · 14/08/2013 07:55

our schnauzer isn't barky at all, she'll woof at other dogs when we're out but doesn't bark at home.

tibetan terriers are lovely but based on the local ones i know, they need an AWFUL lot of maintenance, and if they go through a muddy puddle it's a major job to get them clean again...

curlew · 14/08/2013 08:03

We have miniature schnauzers in our family. They are horrible! But that might be the fault of the humans involved...........

JumpingJackSprat · 14/08/2013 08:04

My mum has tibetans and they can be very wilful, there has to be something in it for them! Very intelligent and easy to train though and theyre pretty calm in the house. lots of grooming unless you keep them cut short.

how about a miniature poodle? Im not sure of their exercise requirements but i think they tick all the rest of your boxes. they dont look too girly if you dont keep them in show clip either.