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What's the best dog breed for me?
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I want a large dog(not a giant breed). I want a friendly waggy dog good with kids and cats. I'd rather not have a food-obsessed dog again like a retriever or lab although I think theyre cute. I'm good at exercising the dog but not keen on long, long walks every day. I don't work but I'm out most mornings until about 11am. I have a large house and garden and live in the country with loads of footpaths nearby. Perhaps you know of the perfect breed for me as I'm ready for a new puppy. Any ideas or do think you've got the perfect dog.?
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Think about a retired racing greyhound, or maybe a racing reject. They're housetrained, quiet, affectionate and docile and will usually stand any amount of attention. They don't eat a huge amount (not even as much as a tin per day, with mixer), and are happy to spend long periods of time sprawled across the settee. Since they're no longer in training, they'll be happy with twenty minutes, twice a day. Most are OK with cats, or can be trained out of chasing them (mine used to adore our cat).
On the down side, they aren't the most intelligent of animals, so forget any obedience training (although they walk well on the lead). They often have foul breath too, due to improper diets as pups. They're also rather good at making nice, muddy race tracks as they fly around the lawn, flinging mud onto the windows as they take the corners at full opposite lock. But given their mega-sweet natures, you can forgive them this.
As a start, try looking up the Dogs Trust - they have lots of info on the breed.
On the down side, they aren't the most intelligent of animals, so forget any obedience training (although they walk well on the lead). They often have foul breath too, due to improper diets as pups. They're also rather good at making nice, muddy race tracks as they fly around the lawn, flinging mud onto the windows as they take the corners at full opposite lock. But given their mega-sweet natures, you can forgive them this.
As a start, try looking up the Dogs Trust - they have lots of info on the breed.
What about a spaniel (clumber or Irish Water are reasonably large).
Husky are quite large and active, not aggressive. They do need exercise though.
If you go for a Greyhound or lurcher make sure they are known to be good with cats if that is important to you (also make sure they will not chase and kill rabbits if you are in the countryside, I am sure your kids will not appreciate it!).
If you go for a collie don't get one from a farm or one bred for working, make sure you see the mother at least and see what her temperament is like.
You would also have to make sure that any dog you get will not chase sheep or livestock as farmers have the right to shoot any dog near livestock.
Are you set on getting a puppy?
Husky are quite large and active, not aggressive. They do need exercise though.
If you go for a Greyhound or lurcher make sure they are known to be good with cats if that is important to you (also make sure they will not chase and kill rabbits if you are in the countryside, I am sure your kids will not appreciate it!).
If you go for a collie don't get one from a farm or one bred for working, make sure you see the mother at least and see what her temperament is like.
You would also have to make sure that any dog you get will not chase sheep or livestock as farmers have the right to shoot any dog near livestock.
Are you set on getting a puppy?
There are so many breeds that would suit you:
Irish Water Spaniel 20-23 inches tall initially aloof has an endearing sense of humour, a stable disposition and an affectionate temperament. Comes from crossing poodles, spaniels and bloodhounds. Rich dark liver coat with tight crisp ringlets.
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever 18-20 inches. Kind, confident and intelligent breed. 'Dance' to lure birds to the gun.
English Pointer 24-27 inches. Kind and even disposition.
Any of the setters sound like they would also suit you.
Like I say there are so many breeds out there all the above are worth checking out, most enjoy exercise and being in the country, but probably don't need hours and hours walking. Most spaniel breeds do 20 times the walk you do charging about after scents!!!
Beware, most pet owners think their own dog is the best in the world!!!
Good luck with your search!!!
Irish Water Spaniel 20-23 inches tall initially aloof has an endearing sense of humour, a stable disposition and an affectionate temperament. Comes from crossing poodles, spaniels and bloodhounds. Rich dark liver coat with tight crisp ringlets.
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever 18-20 inches. Kind, confident and intelligent breed. 'Dance' to lure birds to the gun.
English Pointer 24-27 inches. Kind and even disposition.
Any of the setters sound like they would also suit you.
Like I say there are so many breeds out there all the above are worth checking out, most enjoy exercise and being in the country, but probably don't need hours and hours walking. Most spaniel breeds do 20 times the walk you do charging about after scents!!!
Beware, most pet owners think their own dog is the best in the world!!!
Good luck with your search!!!
In my opinion there is no better breed than a well bred, well reared, well trained German Shepherd Dog.
I really think you should try to go to Discover Dogs, there are over 180 breeds on show with people who are happy to tell you all about their favourite breed - the good, the bad and the downright ugly!
If I were you I would write down a list of priorities and requirements, such as size, coat - are you prepared to groom, (or pay to have groomed/clipped), or would you prefer a short coated breed, feeding requirements, exercise needs and then do a crosscheck with breeds you like the look of.
You have to take into account things like trainability (most hound breeds are notoriously difficult to train and won't come back if you let them off). Gundogs often have thick coats and as you have found out like their food! Terriers are usually a bit feisty although some are less so. The pastoral breeds (collies, herding breeds) need to have something to occupy them. Working breeds are usually very biddable and easily trained if you know what you are doing, but can be a nightmare in the wrong hands. Utility breeds cover a multitude of sins, they range from lap dogs to large guarding breeds like the Akita.
Toy breeds - well I don't think they meet your requirement for a large dog (only in their heads!).
What about a Smooth Collie - the same as a 'Lassie' (Rough Collie) but without the thick luxurious coat. They are clean and easy to train, and come in three attractive colours - sable and white, tricolour (black, tan and white) and blue merle (silver blue splashed and marbled with black).
The Pointers (although gundogs) are fairly easy to manage, the short coated English Pointer, or the German Shorthaired or Wirehaired variety.
I could go on about the different breeds, but only you know what you like the look of. There is even a smaller, short coated version of the
I really think you should try to go to Discover Dogs, there are over 180 breeds on show with people who are happy to tell you all about their favourite breed - the good, the bad and the downright ugly!
If I were you I would write down a list of priorities and requirements, such as size, coat - are you prepared to groom, (or pay to have groomed/clipped), or would you prefer a short coated breed, feeding requirements, exercise needs and then do a crosscheck with breeds you like the look of.
You have to take into account things like trainability (most hound breeds are notoriously difficult to train and won't come back if you let them off). Gundogs often have thick coats and as you have found out like their food! Terriers are usually a bit feisty although some are less so. The pastoral breeds (collies, herding breeds) need to have something to occupy them. Working breeds are usually very biddable and easily trained if you know what you are doing, but can be a nightmare in the wrong hands. Utility breeds cover a multitude of sins, they range from lap dogs to large guarding breeds like the Akita.
Toy breeds - well I don't think they meet your requirement for a large dog (only in their heads!).
What about a Smooth Collie - the same as a 'Lassie' (Rough Collie) but without the thick luxurious coat. They are clean and easy to train, and come in three attractive colours - sable and white, tricolour (black, tan and white) and blue merle (silver blue splashed and marbled with black).
The Pointers (although gundogs) are fairly easy to manage, the short coated English Pointer, or the German Shorthaired or Wirehaired variety.
I could go on about the different breeds, but only you know what you like the look of. There is even a smaller, short coated version of the
Oh a Boxer any day, absolutely fantastic with anything apart from that is, other dogs, and only out walking not in the home. This isn't an absolute given, but ours became unfriendly to other dogs in the park once we had kids, and then he wouldn't actually hurt a dog, just pin them up against the fence and make a noise that sounded like he was hurting them! He was a great house dog, fantastic with kids, hamsters, cats, hedgehogs, birds, and a loyal and fun dog.
