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The doghouse

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Original poster

Which would you chose?

33 replies

Userss88 · 16/07/2022 15:32

So long story short, I was all up for having a show Cocker spaniel, got in touch with some breeders, found someone I'm really really happy with.
After looking after one for a couple of weeks, I realised they arent really an easy dog as per say, she was adorable and I loved having her but she needed quite a bit of attention and one thing we did under estimate was her coat maintenance.
After reading more on here it seems they can be a bit hit and miss....

Our other choice would be a whippet, one of things that concern us a bit is that they are maybe a bit fragile for a family of 5? We have not spoken to or found a breeder so it would be back to square one but we are ok with that if it would mean that this dog would be more suitable for our family.

I feel like this has gone on for ages now though, we think we have settled on a breed then something happens or we read something and it puts us off.

We are not new to owning a dog but our other dog was a small cross breed (the easiest dog alive!!)

Thanks for you help and advice in advance x

OP posts:
Sprig1 · 17/07/2022 09:57

Userss88 · 17/07/2022 08:26

@Iheartmysmart thank you, I think everything you have said is very similar to the one we have looked after recently.

@Sprig1 thanks, do you have a whippet?

@EdithStourton I think your right, I dont want to say easy but I know that can make me sound like I wont put the effort in and I will but I think I need to be realistic about what I can cope with and what we are a family can offer a dog.

Would a whippet cope with a day out and about with kids and camping etc we would of course make sure it had the correct coats/jumpers etc if needed.

I don't have a whippet but know a lot and have had lots of lurchers. They are lovely family dogs.

EdithStourton · 17/07/2022 09:59

@Userss88 I know a whippet that went as a puppy to young family and it's worked out well. I know another that gadded about very happily in a camper van, so I can't see why camping would be a problem.

I've ever known one whippet who was a bit reactive to other dogs. All the others have been chilled and delightful.

whippetwhippet · 17/07/2022 09:59

*heaviest = healthiest

Most whippets aren't that heavy Grin

Hotenoughtoburnasausage · 17/07/2022 10:02

We have Lurchers. Fantastic family ddogs ime!!

Original poster
Userss88 · 17/07/2022 10:16

Thank you everyone, whippets do sound really appealing.
Obviously we know that the puppy stages of any breed can be hard going but I'm concerned about them as an adult dog too.
We do not mind dogs on the sofas or laid with us, actually love it!

OP posts:
Original poster
Userss88 · 17/07/2022 10:19

@whippetwhippet was the recall hard to train?

OP posts:
whippetwhippet · 17/07/2022 10:26

Not especially, I come from an obedience background so used the basics from the start with all of the pups. They all had pretty good recalls when they went to their new homes.

Lots of enthusiasm and praise, initially sitting or squatting so you seem more approachable, stupid noises or squeaky toys to make you more interesting than anything else. Making it fun and doing it all around the house randomly, so it becomes second nature to the dog.

I tend not to use food, where possible, as you never know when you might be in a situation where you've ran out or don't have any to hand and I have them off lead (in a safe place) as early as possible when on walks - because I everything is new and a bit scary so they're more likely to stick with you for protection.

samsam123 · 17/07/2022 12:18

DONT GO TO A BREEDER do you realise how many dogs are in rescue needing a home.

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