Rough collie or dalmatian - views please!

[Cloudtree]

Right we might be taking the plunge and getting a puppy. This is the first time we've had a dog although DH always had dogs growing up.

I have two DSs 14 and 12. Two cats who have been with us for 8 years since they were kittens. 5 free ranging chickens...(I'm aware this could be an issue)

House is large and we have 5 acres of garden/woodland. I am a little concerned since it effectively isn't fenced off at the bottom of the wood. It has a post and wire fence only in that area, but it only backs onto unused woodland belonging to an absent neighbour.

I must admit I like my house to look nice and am a bit worried about it getting trashed. I am home a lot though since I work from home so hopefully that minimises the chance of a puppy going bonkers/getting bored and ruining the place.

Any thoughts on which might be a better fit for us. I like rough collies. DS2 favours a border collie although we have explained that they are generally happier when they are working. DH wants a husky which is obviously out of the question given the other animals. DS1 doesn't really mind.

I have spotted a beautiful dalmatian puppy and a litter of rough collies..

No need for hyperbole.

No one is saying don’t bother doing any research, just log on to Pets4home and fill your boots with cavadalcolliepoos.

People are simply saying that there are some positive exceptions to the general rule and it’s a case of being forewarned and educated.

Sheltie's are wonderful family dogs - so between a Dalmatian and a rough collie, I would definitely go for the collie. Enjoy whichever one you choose

Exactly. Use your common sense. Search Google using questions like 'how to spot a puppy farm?' and expect certain things of anyone selling puppies - do they check you out, do they seem to be liked and trusted by their dogs, and so on.

Update, I'm in discussion with a recommended breeder. Beautiful little rough collie puppy seems to have my name on him.. Arranging a visit for this week.

Sounds perfect, be sure to post a pic if you give him a forever home 😍😍😍 very excited for you and your family.

So exciting!

At the risk of being slaughtered for not knowing this already, can anyone give me a run down on essential kit I would need to buy?

A crate!

can anyone give me a run down on essential kit I would need to buy?

• Definitely a crate. No bedding in it, they only chew it or piss and shit on it.
• Grooming set, a rough collie is going to need a professional groom every 6 weeks or so though I would have thought.
• a nail grinder NOT nail clippers! and a toothbrush and paste.
• tuggy toy, chewy toy and a ball

And definitely no puppy pads or newspaper!
Just put the puppy outside after waking, after eating, after heavy play, every 30 minutes and just before bed.

Plus food and water bowls. Puppy collar and lead - ask breeder for advice.

Find a vet to do vaccinations, microchipping etc.

Something for dog to stand on when you're grooming him - he will need brushing daily and you don't want to be bending over/crawling on the floor. We used to do our sheltie on a garden bench type seat outside.

Puppy food and treats - best to at least start off on what the breeder's giving him to avoid upset tummies/pickiness.

Water bowl, food bowl, towel or drying coat, lead, collar with your contact details (I use slide-on brass tags, they don't get lost the way dangling ones do).

If you're not going to bed your dog on old towels etc, get in plenty of newspaper. I've never used a crate - we just make the kitchen safe and use a plastic bed.

Make a vet appointment for the first vaccs. Maybe find a breed page on FB.

Prepare to be knackered for a few weeks, but also prepare for a lot of fun.

X-post.

Oh - and a large supply of poop bags!

Insurance

Are you sure you've done enough research if you're asking what to buy?

Are the puppies endorsed? Have you seen certificates of the parents' hip and eye scores?

You'll need plenty of money set aside for the inevitable behaviourist.

the inevitable behaviourist.

Every first-time dog owner has to start somewhere. At least OP is asking for advice.

Small tip; tissues in car on collection helps, some puppies get motion sickness and anxious leaving their family for the first time, so being prepared helps ...... depending on how far you are going to collect. A lot of breeders give handy hints and tips, and puppy packs on collection, often a lifetime of support, and sometimes assurances they would prefer the dog to be returned to them personally if things do not work out .... then you know you have a good breeder. 😁

Pretty sure supermassive doesn't want us to get a puppy .

I have done research, I was simply wondering if there was anything I didn't have on the list or any good tips FGS.

plenty of money for the inevitable behaviourist

Nice.

I know someone with 2 dalmatians and 2 greyhounds and she says the latter are the easiest.Dalmatians are generally nutters (her words not mine!)

We've definitely decided on a Rough Collie now. The DC have been watching lassies all afternoon!

*lassie

I can't wait to see the update with the new puppy!

If you are not experienced with dogs I would say don't get a collie. They are bright and strong willed and need correct training and handling. Try a rescue greyhound or lurcher. Very gentle creatures and easy to manage.

If you are not experienced with dogs I would say don't get a collie

1. Rough/smooth collie is totally different to border collie.
   Roughs/smooths are known for their easy going, calm, placid, gentle temperaments.
   They are not working dogs and have very little, if any work ability left.

2. OP has already decided on a gorgeous rough puppy