Dogs

[Samuraisan]

We will be retiring in the near future and downsizing . Finally I will be able to fulfil a dream and get a little dog. Any recommendations ? I know nothing about them, can't stand yappy ones , as in the yorkie next door, and the rescue dogs here look so ugly.

[pastafreak]

But you don't have to buy...so many rescues...

[Islay]

Very few pet shops sell puppies now but I would never buy one as you could be supporting the puppy farm trade!
try a lab cross as they come in varying sizes and you may get a smaller lab like a labradoodle - not shedding slightly curly hair but with all the good manners of a lab.
Good luck and keep up updated

[ladybirder]

Poor "ugly" rescue dogs. I hope they get someone to love them.

[Samuraisan]

I will, but it will be a while yet.

[mazie]

Awww. Please don't discount a rescue dog, they so deserve a loving home. Good luck with your search

[anneasquith]

Go for a rescue dog, but if you are concerned about " looks" go to a breeder and pay £100's

[DarceyK123]

If you're that bothered about looks are you sure you want a dog for the right reasons?

[shoota]

I help these people - they are always looking for new homes for spaniels of allsorts.
(My faves are cockers though...)

[shoota]

Erm.... Oooops.....

http://spanielaid.co.uk/

[Buenchico]

You seem to have forgotten something, Shoota!

[Buenchico]

Oops!

Too late!

[Buenchico]

I think spaniels are wonderful too. They seemed to go out of fashion for decades and (unlike in my childhood) I rarely seemed to see them. However they seem to have been making a comeback in recent years.

[shoota]

Premature interjection Chris.... :-)

[Buenchico]

I believe that they can cure it nowadays . . . ;-)

[shoota]

I have three asleep at my feet. (Cockers that is.)

Least until the thunder starts....

[lankeela]

Not just aimed at Samuraisan but why not go for one of our vulnerable native breeds? These are breeds that are in danger of dying out because there are less than 300 of them being registered each year and in some cases a lot less than that. My own breed Lancashire Heelers had only 90 registered last year. There are several spaniels breeds, also terriers and a few pastoral breeds plus some gundogs and hounds. Rather than a Cocker or Springer why not choose a Field Spaniel or a Sussex? Instead of an Irish (Red) Setter why not an Irish Red and White (only 30 odd registered last year!). Norwich Terriers, Smooth Fox Terriers. Smooth Collie instead of a Border. People just haven't heard of some of the breeds which is a great shame as they could soon be extinct yet there are dogs to suit all homes among them.

[Islay]

Are Welsh terriers still endangered Lankleela?

[jambutty]

'ugly' rescue dogs, wonder what you look like? Stupid comment!

[horselady]

Lol at Shoota's comment. I'm looking after my son's Cocker spaniel while he's away. I was joined in bed last night in the middle of the storm by a very scared little furball, strictly against house rules but I won't tell.

[NoMercy]

I have a rescue dog and she's absolutely beautiful.