What's the best dog breed for me?

[ganesh]

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.?

[hammerman]

What about a dalmation ?

[SC00BY]

Got to be a greyhound, or a lurcher (a greyhound cross) we have one. She needs a 20 min run once or twice a day. Other than that you can't get her off the sofa! or move her from in front of the fire!

[RATTER15]

For a dog to be safe for children it must be 100% around other dogs, the last thing any child needs is to see it's favourite dog mauling or being mauled by another dog, the child could also be badly injured whilst trying to protect or stop a dog fight,

[ganesh]

Yes they look nice,wonder why theyre not Food junkies like other retrievers. I wonder if the flat-coated black retrievers are as bad, I really love the look of them and I am used to Goldens. Ive posted a question them before and got mixed answers. Otherwise, they seem to be the perfect dog for me. Ive never actually seen a curly coat in the flesh.

[RHeathfield]

German Shepheard, they are great!!

[bednobs]

you need to get a youngish rescue dog, then they will be able to tell you what his personlity is like. we have just got a border cllie/ german shepherd cross who is just the right amount of waggy, daft, non-woofy, non-licky etc, dosent mind being left alone but likes about 2 hours of walks over theday. I would recommend him! however, we were only able to get this perfect combo because the rescue place knew what he was like

[mjandrews96]

why not go for setter s. Irish are mad, Gordons are active, friendly and can walk all day long. English are the quitest of the setters, very docile. I've had four Gordons none of them have ever looked for a fight, they got on well with our cats. but be prepared to decorate weekly as they have very "gobby/flobby" mouths and shake them all over the place but lovely personality and you won't see too many of them around. Good breeder used to be Maureen Justice in Hertfordshire..

[meltoadhall]

irish red setter, we have one now 10 months old and he is great with the 3 kids and the 3 cats, thye dont need long, long walks and love to run round and round the garden.
he is very friendly and is not particularly food obsessed.

[mw]

i take offence i have a border collie and a bearded collie and neither are biters at all. They are both lovely happy dogs. Also my border is from a farm and is very good with other animals and kids. I think in your situation a collie would be great with all the freedom.
They are intelligent faithful dogs and are very loving too.
In saying it a dog is what you make of it.
Why not go to a rescue centre and see what kinds of dogs they have and get some advice. Everyone has different opinions but you need to see the dogs before you pick one.
Dont pick one cause its cute , do a little research into breeds before you get one.

[Carakeel]

My neighbours have an elderly boxer. He was a lovely pup, but now the poor boy is intolerable. He barks for 12 hours on the go when she leaves him outside and this drives us round the bend! Unfortunately he is left alone a lot (Mum works and teenage sons really don't care) and I have had to have words with my neighbour about her lack of care for this poor dog. She has started leaving him indoors more, but he still barks all the time he is alone.
Lankeela is right, try to go to Discover Dogs (at Crufts). Be sure to research the suitable breeds before buying a pup. And when you have found your new friend, please please make the effort and take your pup to training classes, preferably clicker training. You won't regret it and will end up with a great companion.

[curiosity]

Our Boxer never barked unless there was a knock at the door, but I agree that I think Boxers get lonely, which is why they are so wonderful and excited to see you, after about an hour in another room! I see Ratters point about kids being around fighting dogs, but maybe I worded my post wrong, Chester (our boxer) never actually hurt dogs, but the noise he made quite understandably panicked the owner and he certainly would never hurt a human. Unlike my own Golden Retriever from teenage years who I loved, but had a few nips at people .

[curiosity]

Sorry Ratter, just realised that you were saying (regardless of whether it was your dog or not causing the problem in a dog fight) a child may try and get involved. My children never were allowed to take charge of a dog. I personally think this is something that needs supervising by an adult. Even if from a distance.

[druiaghtagh]

I have have x breed lab collie, beautiful, placid a bit scatty great witht he grandchildren, ditto a lurcher previuously.

[lankeela]

Sorry to keep on about it, but Discover Dogs is also held as a separate event from Crufts on November 11 and 12 at Earls Court in London. Much less crowded than Crufts, so more chance to chat to the people about their breeds, and lots of displays and competitions going on, as well as all the trade stands.

The Crufts Discover Dogs is held at NEC (Birmingham)over all four days in March. (8th - 11th in 2007)