Which breed is for me?

[SunflowerT]

Hi everyone

I don't own a dog yet but I am currently deciding on what breed would suit me but getting nowhere as I love all dogs but I know I'm not right for all dogs and hoping you could all help put me on the right path before I go to crafts in a few weeks time to discover dogs.

I have never owned a dog myself however I have a little experience as I look after my sister's Golden retriever all day 4 times a week while she's at work. And Bruno has given me a good idea of what I want and what I can offer a dog.

My living situation is I live alone and I am lucky to work from home now after working in a pre school for yeats and can spend as much time as I like with my new puppy.

• From looking after Bruno I know I can't handle a large dog as walking him was fine until he looses himself when he sees a squirrel and I learned I'm not as strong as I thought I held on to him but he was way stronger than I'd like to deal with. So I would like a small breed.

• I know this will be more down to individual but I know some breeds are more vocal than others , I'd like a breed who is known to be more quiet when it comes to barking and only barks for a reason and soon stops. I suffer from hyperacusis (pain in my ears with loud noises) Bruno I'm fine with because he rarely barks but Goldens tend to not be a happy breed so I'm looking for a quieter breed.

• I need a breed where there is no same sex aggression since look after Bruno who is intact as my sister shows him , my sisters neighbour has an Alaskan Malamute who hates Bruno and poor Bruno just wants to be friends but he hates all males not just Bruno.

• I'm pretty active and enjoy walking Bruno except when he sees a squirrel as I mentioned above other than that he's extremely well trained and I enjoy our walks especially when my sister is with us at the weekend and she's holding him. It would be nice to have my own dog on our weekend country walks who I can 100% hold on to. So I could definitely do at least 2hrs of country walking a day when I'm working at home and more at weekends.

• I don't need a superstar when it comes to training unlike my sister who loves doing training with Bruno and he's the star in his class listening to my sister every time I just want a dog I can teach good doggy manners too and who knows what's allowed and not allowed but I don't need a highly trainable superstar dog like Bruno.

• I don't plan on having any kids and no other pets besides Bruno of course

• shedding doesn't bother me neither does grooming as a friend is a groomer and is happy to show me how to look after the coat of which ever breed I buy and I'm happy to spend hours grooming if that's what the dog needs as getting the right breed is more important than coat or shedding to me.

• I also don't want a working breed who needs a job as all I can provide is brain toys and stimulation play ect at home. I have no interest in agility for example.

I hope this helps you ask below if there's anything you need to know?

Yes I have a medium sized house and a large fenced garden I knew I'd forget something.

I'm biased because they are my fave, my girl is a dream, but how about a staffie? They're such lovely dogs, they can be strong on lead but they're much smaller than a retriever and they're very food motivated which IMO makes training easy. They tend to love company, food and going anywhere with their person. The ones I have experience with are not big barkers either.

Breed doesn’t impact same sex aggression - same sex aggression just a thing. It’s entirely possible to manage it - or get lucky and it not be an issue - but it’s down to luck more than anything.

Staffie, as PP mentioned, would be a good shout. A good, well-bred, Staffie is a beautiful dog.

Goldens tend to not be a happy breed
I think that might be a typo? Goldies are typically one of the happiest breeds - unless they are mistreated. The little twats are too happy if you ask me.

Yes a typo I hate autocorrect it changed crufts to crafts and I didn't know how to edit. I meant not yappy

Lassie. Gentle and intelligent. Don’t pull.

@SunflowerT I thought so! They’re not happy, but they can have a mouth on them - mine are howlers.

But still stand by a Staffie. They have a bad rep, but they are lovely and impossibly loyal unlike turdy Goldies who will just go to whoever has the chicken

It's the only thing my sister dislikes about them apart from there love of everyone they are perfect for her she's trained Bruno to stay by her side when strangers are near and he asks her before going up to strangers or other dogs ( by ask I mean if he sees a stranger or another dog he looks back to her before saying hello if she says no he stays by her side). No amount of chicken will tempt him if she tells him to stay by her side they have a very special bond as he only listen to her on that no one else. But she's spent a lot of time and effort on his training.

I'm making a list of breeds that everyone recommends and I'll meet them at crufts in a few weeks and then report back on who I chose. Staffie is on the list along with cavalier.

You could consider a collie. Maybe not a full border collie but a collie mix or maybe rough collie.
They don't bark much and aren't aggressive usually, and would love 2h long walks!

Also a staffie or staffie mix, or a cocker spaniel could work.

Spanish Podencos. Adopt from Spain and rescue them from the terrible life so many of them have. A wonderful breed.

Border terrier, big dog personality in a little dog.

The little twats are too happy if you ask me.

That's harsh! 😆😆

Would you consider a beagle? They are really good natured. Unfortunately when they are young, they can be very energetic and stubborn and a lot of owners give up on them and hand them into rescues. However they just need a bit of patience and persistence and the easiest dogs once they get through adolescence.

I wouldn't get a Cavalier if you plan on going on long walks, nowadays they are often being bred to suffer (flat faces) and have trouble breathing properly. But temperament wise, they are lovely family dogs.
I'd recommend a Schnauzer (the standard ones are great companion dogs, friendly and adaptable) or a Bearded Collie. Personally, I love Brittany Spaniels, but they're still rare in the UK.

I have a beagle too first time dog owner and they are just the best have helped me so much

Absolutely not a border collie.

Do not underestimate the stubbornness of a beagle.

A staffy neutered bitch would be a dream.

I like border terriers.

My cavi has two walks a day and is off lead for one every day and for a solid hour doesn’t stop running! We do wood walks 2x - month with a group never less than 8k

Rough collies can be barky, otherwise they would meet your requirements. Nowhere near as strong as a golden.
I think gundogs might be less barky, because if what they’re bred for - others might have more experience, but maybe a show cocker spaniel?
if smaller again, maybe a havanese?

It's great that yours is healthy, it really is. Nevertheless, they are one of the unhealthiest dog breeds in the world, together with pugs and french bulldos. They were deemed to be suffering so greatly from health problems that the breeding of Cavaliers in Norway is considered animal abuse and banned altogether. One healthy individual does not fix the entire breed.

This is my third cavi
1st died 15 years
2nd 16 years

and so many similar ona the cavi facebook groups I’m on 🤷

A staffie. You definitely need a staffie in your life!

Lazy, cuddly, food mad (will do cartwheels for cheese!), love walks - long or short and also happy to stay indoors if it's raining. Very hardy and healthy, loyal, friendly, loves all people, great with children. Easy to train.

Yep, you need a staffie!

Oh, and don't adopt from abroad.

Google brucellosis canis on the gov.uk website.

Not many vets will register imported dogs. You'll also encounter problems getting them insured. My friend recently got caught out and didn't know any of this. If the dog is found to have B. Canis they will have to be pts.

Lots of dogs in the UK need rehoming!

Definitely a spaniel!! Our springer is a sweetheart - no barking - tonnes of cuddles - loves his walks but sleeps during day.