What dog breed would be right for us?

[MrsCocoabean]

After years of thought and research, we are looking to get a dog next summer. We would start with a puppy ( so we can socialise it with our ducks, rabbits, hens, etc) but not sure re what breed to get.

We live the countryside with a biggish house and garden, and would be able to let it off leash for about 40 minutes in the morning, and take it for a 1 hour + walk in the evenings. The dc are all very dog savvy (aged 13, 15 and 19). I like the sound of a gundog breed (maybe a lab), but oh would prefer something a bit smaller than a lab and less smelly, but nothing too small.

Any suggestions?

we have a border collie, and (i'm biased) but he is the perfect dog. we have 4 dc, (15,11 and 3 year old twins) and he is great with them all, loves playing but doesn't bark. he is also fab around our cat. x

Less smelly? Dog smell is the best bit

Have you had a look into Pointers or Setters? They are bigger than Labs but may suit you ... They have longer legs =less mud = less smelly () = perfect dog.

I have a border collie and think one would probably fit quite well.

I am sure raised from puppyhood mine would have been fine with small animals.
As it is, mine is not great with small animals, or big ones like horses.
She is very movement stimulated and will fixate and chase.

She used to herd our chickens when we had them (just herded, never bit them).

Unless you know what you are doing a collie is a bad mix with what you suggest. I am the owner of 6 and love them to bits and they are the best dog ever but the long haired ones will bring every bit of undergrowth into your house on their tail, they will herd the livestock, possible roll in duck and hen poo daily. They will need way more brain work than and hour and 40 min exercise a day to be happy.

This - most collies will do this.....
She is very movement stimulated and will fixate and chase. She used to herd our chickens when we had them (just herded, never bit them) but the chickens will be herded for hours and hours unless a collie is entertained in other ways.

Standard schnauzer? Smaller than a labrador, don't shed much, extremely good natured and good with children, originally bred as farm dogs/herding dogs. Also pretty clever.

Have you looked at a cross breed? We have a mini labradoodle (Mum was medium sized labradoodle, dad medium sized poodle) he's 9 months but seems to have the traits of a Labrador (stupid, mouthy, retriever and Fantastic with everything and everyone) but the coat of a poodle (doesn't malt) there are many other crosses that may suit.

The thing is with crosses of that type Ipchill is that you have no idea what traits of either breed you might end up with.

Another dog might have all the opposite traits and moult like mad.

You could get all the best qualities of both breeds or all the worst, there's no way of knowing until the dog starts to form it's personality.

If OP's DH doesn't want a lab a cross of that type is probably not the best idea.

We have a Spanish water dog. They are classed as a gun dog. We had a lab who sadly died and wanted another medium sized dog but a bit small than a lab.

SWD are slightly smaller than labs but non shedding. They get shaved once or twice a year depending on your preference.

He is a lovely dog, lots of energy like a lab. They need socialised well as can be wary of strangers.

I'm surprised to hear someone saying setters are less smelly than labs. We have a setter, lovely dog but she stinks and sheds.

Don’t discount a poodle! Incredibly athletic and elegant. Comes in three sizes. You don’t need to do the crazy hair. Ours will happily walk for hours or much less on a busier day. Here’s ours.

Thanks for your replies

Do the Poodles/ SWD need regular grooming?

Also, has anyone had any experience with Cocker Spaniels (working type)? I know they are very energetic, but was wondering what they are like as family pets.

SWD need no grooming.
They just get clipped either once or twice a year, totally depends on your preference. No doggy smell either.

We have had a spaniel (springer) in the past. However her energy levels far exceeded our families. She could literally go all day and had almost zero recall. Not a breed I personally would get again.

We got our SWD as we regularly hill walk and do 10 plus miles so wanted a dog that had lots of stamina but wasn’t too hyper iyswim.

Our lab was a fantastic family dog and would deco recommend the breed. It is nice however not to have to hoover every day and being that little bit smaller has been a bonus on the sofa too!

I have a working cocker spaniel. He is now 2 years old.

He likes to chase squirrels, gets very excited around rabbit holes and he 'hates' geese so I wouldn't trust him around your animals .

He is a typical hunter and if I didn't entertain him with a ball he would pick up and scent and be off. As a family dog he is lovely though but needs just as much mental exercise than physical.