Advice on breed

[Caplin]

Hi all,

My husband and I have both had springer spaniels in the past. We have avoided a dog due to work etc as we know the effort required.

But I now have a job where I work from home all the time. We finally feel we have the time to devote to training/walking/being home. We have two kids, 10 and 8, and 2 cats (so greyhounds etc are out). We are pretty active, we love long walks/runs/cycles.

We aren’t rushing but would love thoughts on a good breed. We naturally are drawn to springers because we know them, my mum has a springer and 2 cats. But we are very open to other breeds.

My friend has two miniature schnauzers, which we have borrowed, they have lovely temperaments and there is an excellent breeder close by.

Other breeds we have considered are beagles, Weimaraner, and in a weak moment a sausage dog, but need something that can do big walks. Whispers ... seriously considered a labradoodle after meeting a neighbour’s and it was so gentle and lovely, Ubuntu I know that can bring out the rage in some people.

I have been checking Dogs Trust, but none of them are suitable for homes with kids.

I am very wary of puppy farmers, especially right now, so we can take our time.

So, would love to know your recommendations.

For your family I think spaniel Labrador or one of the working group dogs as you are going to be very active. No point in recommending the breed I love the most but here's a picture anyway!

I have had staffies most of my life and all have been the most gentle loving animals. They were bought up with my children and grandchildren and my dogs worshipped the children followed them everywhere. They have a bad reputation because of the owners. Staffies are gentle creatures and whoosy. They have to be treated gently because they are whoosy. But they are treated the worst of all breeds by evil people. But they can be stubborn and they play endlessly! Mine all lived to be between 14-18 years and most importantly f them were just huge lapdogs! Not one of my staffies ever ruined anything when left. Not even the children's toys. Their own toys on the other hand was a constant battle to replace and I ended up raiding local charity shops as no toy was indestructible. When I went to work all laid on my bed and were there 8 hours later or by the door. Never messed in house or destroyed a thing. But as I said lots will not believe me when I say how gentle and wonderful a dog a staffie can be so no point in recommending one because if bad press.

Staffies used to be called “Nanny” dogs because they are so nice tempered.

@Sostenueto I totally agree about Staffies. They are lovely lovely dogs. I have walked many as part of my job. I think I they are wonderful with people and their reputation such a shame. They are soft as butter, and giddy in a charming way.

I often feel they are 'people' dogs rather than 'dog' dogs as they seem to enjoy human company more than dog company- certainly compared to a typical lab or retriever. I prefer not to walk them in a group. Given my own way I'd happily walk solo Staffies all day and night with many kisses along the way!

I'm jealous you're getting a dog! I have a cockapoo, I adore her but I truly love all dogs. I would probably stick with a doodle because of the shedding but I know wheaten terriers don't shed either. Had a lab growing up and he didn't really either. Good luck and happy choosing! Nb I've declared when my daughter moves out, I'm getting an Irish Wolfhound, I love them too.

Staffies were never called nanny dogs. It was made up in the 1970s.

I like staffies but I have come across a few with dog aggression and mil had one who wasn’t at all child friendly so they aren’t all ‘soppy, soft as butter nanny dogs’ though I agree the bad reputation is largely undeserved.

On the whole I do agree they are lovely dogs though a bit too ‘china in a bull’ for me.
Very bouncy and filled with zest for life I find.

Hahah ‘bull in a China shop’ I meant there!
😂
Was trying to type and talk to DH at the same time.
Multi tasking is not my thing

We have a Dalmatian. He is the most loving, intelligent, friendly, loving dog. He loves a big walk and can go for days, but contrary to all the worst case scenarios you see he's ok with 2 middling or one big walk in a day as long as he has company otherwise. He does constantly shed fur but that's not something I'm too fussed about.

I said loving twice. But look how lovely he is.

Ah it always makes me smile seeing Dalmatians, i have American Cocker Spaniels (Lady from Lady and the Tramp) and i always feel im in a real life Disney film haha!

I dont notice mine shedding at all but i do take them to the groomers every 5 weeks, i notice the cats shedding more tbh!

I have a beagle and while he's fantastic now he's older he was hard work as a puppy/teenager.

Not so much in terms of basic training (he was toilet trained very quickly and is excellent with his commands) but they are hounds and their brains aren't wired in the same way as labradors or spaniels. Lots of people will say they're stubborn but you just need the right motivators really - they're scent driven and generally have no interest in toys or fetching things. Mine will go and find something if I hide it but he gets bored of fetch within about two minutes

They're excellent with children and while they love to run and can walk for miles, they're equally happy with an hours walk a day and will spend the rest of the time upside down on your sofa! Mine is two now and loves his blankets, going to the beach and having as many cuddles as possible!

We also have two cats and he's good with them, though when he gets too excited he will chase, but our cats just give him a quick smack on the nose and he soon backs off.

There are a couple of negatives - firstly, the noise - some are silent but they are hounds and have been bred for years to bark (well, bay) to get their owners attention when they find a scent. It is really noisy and while you can train a quiet command, you can't really stop their instinct to bay and chase if they spot a squirrel or deer.

Secondly, the recall. Mine is pretty good (I'm a dog walker and he's off lead when go out) but, saying that, if he caught a scent I would stand no chance of getting him back. If you live somewhere with an enclosed field or beach then you'd be okay but otherwise you do need to get recall trained from day one. Let him off-lead from your first walk and constantly reinforce it.

This guy.

We have one and he's adorable, very sweet natured but does need exercise!

@karcheer I know what you mean. We regularly get squeals of "oh look, it's Pongo" when we're out. From kids and adults alike.

He's a lovely dog as are his siblings.

Whatever breed you go for OP just make sure you do your research on what heath issues and relevant tests to check for for your breed. In dalmatians, for example, they're prone to deafness. All litters should be baer heading tested before leaving home and your breeder should have those results.

So many gorgeous dogs on here

We had a beagle. She was gorgeous - so friendly, really great with our DS, rarely barked. She loved cuddles and was so gentle BUT she was also a shit! Terrible recall, would eat ANYTHING - chocolate, mince pies, marzipan, chicken carcasses - and learned to open the bin so we had to be really careful. She also got very fat, not helped by long term steroids! She could climb onto tables and seemed to grow an extra 6" if it meant reaching something she shouldn't!
If I was going to get a dog, I'd get another one despite all the naughtiness!!

@Blueuggboots

We had a beagle. She was gorgeous - so friendly, really great with our DS, rarely barked. She loved cuddles and was so gentle BUT she was also a shit! Terrible recall, would eat ANYTHING - chocolate, mince pies, marzipan, chicken carcasses - and learned to open the bin so we had to be really careful. She also got very fat, not helped by long term steroids! She could climb onto tables and seemed to grow an extra 6" if it meant reaching something she shouldn't! If I was going to get a dog, I'd get another one despite all the naughtiness!!

Our bin lives in a cupboard with child locks on it to keep it from my beagle

Thanks all! So many different ideas.

Quite taken with the Wheaten Terrier, so much so I have contacted some breeders through KC. No idea how long the wait is, it let’s see!!

Can’t believe the price has shot up by £800 during lockdown though!!!

Have you looked at the Clumber spaniel?
I'm a recent convert.

If you like dachshunds, what about a corgi? Plenty of people hike with them even if running and cycling might be a bit much for their stumpy legs. They’re a herding breed so plenty of stamina and relatively easy to train. Much, much less delicate than dachshunds but still have that shape to them. Plus ears for days!

I'be always had springers. Then the tail dock ban came in in Scotland and my dad (understandably) refuses to work an undocked spaniel.

He got the offer of an older lab pup - one that had been reserved but ultimately the family hadn't been able to take her, so she was about 16 weeks by the time we got her.

Best move ever. She's easily been one of the best working dogs he's ever had (to the point he was offered a lot of money for her when he was beating with her early on in her career). We ended up breeding her and keeping two of the pups and they are almost as good.

They are both amazing with my toddler (probably something to do with all the excess food 😂).
In all honesty, while I still love spaniels, I'd get a lab again.

Golden retriever or golden Labradors there's a reason why there the most popular breeds ever there such good family pets and golden retrievers are super gentle.Yes there big and a bit smelly but I would never get a different breed now.

Sprointer! (Springer Spaniel crossed with German Short-haired Pointer). They are fabulous. Trust me.

We had a Jack russell/poodle cross 16 years ago, long before they were fashionable. He was utterly gorgeous. Placid, affectionate, would walk for miles but also happy to doze all day. Miss him loads.