[Closed] Dog Advice

Jack Russell - I'm not a fan myself, can be nasty and always running off. There have been 4 in our family and all have been the same.

Get yourself a Border Terrier - proper dog in a little body!

I grew up with boxers as a kid, and my MiL has had 3 (and just had a new puppy) - I'd not have one again. Great big slobbery things and not very bright! Prone to disease and short life span too.

I would second the idea of a Border Terrier, brilliant dogs if you can get used to the terrier traits.
Have you thought of rehoming a dog, at least you can get an idea of how the dog is unlike with a puppy.

That's a great point actually, I quite like the look of Border Terriers, so can you explain the 'terrier traits'?

What's the pro's what's the cons?

Border terrier owner here too. Great with kids, but ours can not be let off the lead as she will chase anything. In the house though, superb.

Watch for spikes disease which can effect some dogs. Ours is epileptic, but this is controlled with drugs.

Linky http://www.borderterrier-cecs.com/

Terrier traits - stubborn, but can be trained. Loyal, tough and fiesty. Ours loves other dogs but hates cats, rabbits squirrels, birds, sheep......anything it can chase.
In the house, sits and loves attention, great with kids and other people.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samoyed_(dog)

Why do you want a small dog?

Lifestyle wise a dog is a dog, and I've always found small dogs to have small-dog-syndrome. Well mainly the ones I've been around or known

I've got a black lab, he's now 5 and my kids are just 3 and almost 2. He is absolutely fantastic with them, I genuinely couldn't ask for a more family friendly pet, he's a genuine part of the family and he's really patient with the kids. His only problem is he's the greediest sod in the world, not that dissimilar to me really, he's truly part of our family. Labs are popular for a reason

Plenty of good family dogs, we had a black lab and she was/is fabulous. Spaniels are good too, border terriers lovely but perhaps a bit busy with a young family. Have a look and see if you can find a "discover dogs" event near you, you get to see dogs/owners and speak to them about pros/cons of various breeds.

Never owned one but from 10 odd years of walking our dog & so causal observance, my view is on jack russells is that they all seemingly have major short dog syndrome. No other dog is as likely to lunge and snap at other dogs as a JR, and so never be let off the lead. I have no doubt there lovely dogs otherwise, and some are models of friendliness but I'm no fan.
Get a springer!

We have a JR and she is a lot easier than our Heinz terrier was at the same age. Both are nice dogs.
Last week I saw the nicest, calmest Border ever and he was only 3; but I have come across some nasty ones.
Assess the parents as 9 out of 10 times the pups turn out similar.
Like people some dogs are nice and some less so; this is just inbuilt from there genes (IMO).
Having said all that, the chances are you will be more likely to find a nice Border than a nice JR (IMO).

'I seem them as a tie which means a loss of freedom and I'm not sure I like the thought of not being able to walk round the garden now for fear of an unfound turd lying in wait.'

You don't sound like the kind of person who gets dogs, more like the kind who gets a dog. Would make more sense if I could use italics. But then I am judging from a single post on the internet.

We have a whippet and a lurcher. Whippets are lovely-natured small-ish dogs. They are gentle with children, adults and other dogs alike, are great fun and don't need as much walking as you'd think. They are happy spending hours on end lounging around sunning themselves in the garden or curled up on the sofa. Ours is amazing with our young children. Another benefit is she hardly sheds and doesn't stink out the joint either.

Just don't ask about our lurcher

I grew up with a number of differing breeds from labs, heinz57 and great danes. I now currently have two Westies and I know when we lose either of them we will get another. They have been the best dogs I have owned and are great both in and out of the house. Although a bit small for a trail dog.

Our lurcher is pretty like your whippet. With lurchers you just need to be a bit careful of how they are bred... best dogs ever imo. Wouldnt touch a pedigree dog, too inbred.

sm - Member

I grew up with a number of differing breeds from labs, heinz57 and great danes. I now currently have two Westies and I know when we lose either of them we will get another. They have been the best dogs I have owned and are great both in and out of the house. Although a bit small for a trail dog.

We have had 3 westies. The first one was a bit strange and hated children! The other two were great, sisters from the same litter but totally different characters. Jess was put down about 5 weeks ago (aged 15) and was the friendliest dog I have ever met, her tail never stopped wagging. Her sister is a typical terrier but also loving and have never had a problem from her.

They have been very expensive though (as most pedigrees can be). They have suffered from most of the breed specific disorders. Had them insured when they were younger but the cost became high (especially for two) when they hit 10 years old.

In true STW stile I'll recommend what i've got, lab/springer cross. A recent survey said 97% of all people think they are the bestestest dog ever and 62% said it would win in a fight with a bear or a shark cos it's that cool.

Think smaller/thinner Lab with awesome spider-man powers and you'll have a rough idea what it's like having our dog, fact!

Deal with it

[img][url= https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5585/15277226285_eb6fbca330_c.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5585/15277226285_eb6fbca330_c.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/pgZM8c ]image[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/people/126516346@N08/ ]sandwicheater1[/url], on Flickr[/img]

Riding buddy

[img][url= https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5592/15090673707_28f42b15e4_c.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5592/15090673707_28f42b15e4_c.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/oZvDxr ]image[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/people/126516346@N08/ ]sandwicheater1[/url], on Flickr[/img]

Cheers for the responses all, it's much appreciated.

I do love dogs, I guess I'm out of the habit..

I've put the email to my missus about black labs and border terriers 🙂

With Jack Russells it is all about the parents and the training. My wife's JR was a brilliant dog who quite happily would go out with my wife riding. She was a happy yard dog, never attacked another dog and just was all round brilliant. She never yapped in all the time we had her. We sadly lost her in Feb after 14 amazing years.

Her daughter (my dog) was a really nice dog, very friendly and puppy-like all her life. She was a bit more yappy at strangers coming to the house which I am guessing came from the dad. We were devastated to lose her 3 months after we lost her mother.

Both dogs were fine around children. I think it is a fair comment to say really good JR's are tricky to find.

We've had all sorts of dogs in the family and currently have Hungarian Wirehaired Vizslas. They are ace for us, but all dogs will have some traits that you may not like.

Having a dog is great, can't imagine being without one ever now. So go for it, but choose carefully.

My only advice would be, if you are going for a recognised breed, to find out what a dog was bred for in the first place. Don't just go on what looks cute (although that is important 8) )

It's a generalisation but sight hounds will want to chase stuff they see, spaniels etc. will want to scurry round hunting for wildlife to flush out, terriers will be very focussed on finding creatures to catch etc etc. If you can't live with these characteristics then find another breed.

I seem to meet lots of folk who seem surprised that their lovely pet has these awful traits, that they can't cope with, yet they are just doing what they were bred for.

Good luck and get some pics on here as soon as you get the new addition.

GSP here. 2 and a half now. Great with the kids, 4, 8 and 10. Great trail dog and getting better - nine miles last night up and down with myself and one other rider, will be getting introduced to bigger groups soon. Well behaved, though barks very menacingly at the door when someone knocks. Nice with other dogs. We don't have a massive house or garden and he kind of just fits in.

Regularly empties the bin though in search of anything he can eat. Exercise wise he kind of fits on with us, sometimes just a half hour a day or a run around in a field. Other times hours and hours and miles and miles.

I like him.

I have a cockapoo, one part of considering it was wanting a dog who didn't shed and was hypoallergenic (mild asthma and some minor allergies), partly because they were super cute puppies and partly reading how the breed was supposedly intelligent, loyal, easy to train, good natured.

Ours is definitely like that, really good natured friendly dog who is annoyingly clever (he learned how to switch off my old xbox 360 with his nose and would turn it off for me when he wanted out!) and really affectionate (will walk along the top of the sofa for example, lie down behind my head then rest his head over my shoulder and snooze).

A friend of mine has a Jack Russell, who they found pretty difficult until he was about 3 and settled down a bit.

GSP here. 2 and a half now. Great with the kids, 4, 8 and 10. Great trail dog and getting better - nine miles last night up and down with myself and one other rider, will be getting introduced to bigger groups soon. Well behaved, though barks very menacingly at the door when someone knocks. Nice with other dogs

Lovely dogs, but I don't thnk I'd recommend to someone who (appears to) wants an easy dog to look after. GSPs are scrounging bastards! Brilliant trail dog though. And the way they bark like they will take your hand off but then greet you like a long lost friend is brilliant.

We have a Lakeland terrier, she is 9 and rather aloof and can be unfriendly. She yaps a bit and doesnt really like attention. She also doesnt like going out!

We have a 1 yr old Cocker spaniel. He is the opposite in every way and an absolute joy to have around. He loves exercise and people. He is a handful but in a boisterous way.

I will never have a terrier again (I have had a couple) but I would have another Cocker. Everything we wanted in a dog.

Another Border Terrier owner here with owner of previous BT. They are great little dogs and well socialised/trained as any other dog they are great. Just to also say the short lifespan/problems with many big dogs puts me off owning them. It was hard enough when our last BT when at 16yrs old.

Too many posts without photos. What's wrong with your people. Dog thread and only my cool dog photos to show. For shame, for shame!

*skip to the end*

Either one of these.

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The cocker is probably the better bet for ease of looking after/training etc.

Lurcher owner here. Ours is Bedlington Terrier, Whippet and probably a few other things chucked in. We've not had any issues other than the usual MOT and servicing. They do tend to be a bit hardier than pure breds. The mix in a lurcher is vital. Ours loves a kip, but can also be out with me in the hills all day, but has the stubbornness of the Bedlington in her.

Border Terriers are also ace IMO, and a great size. It depends on your lifestyle. You don't fit the dog in among work, family and hobbies, the dog becomes part of the family as you'll know already.

Pic, oh go on then!

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Really surprised to hear about the difficult experience with the boxer, as they are usually soppy.

My advice is go to a good rescue centre with a list of specific criteria and stick to it. We wanted a young, female dog that is good with kids and other dogs as we have lots of visitors. After a few visits to the home (Battersea), we were offered a large crossbreed (not what we expected) that met our criteria and decided to take her. They were spot on with their assessment of her character and she has been great.

They are very honest in their assessments of dogs as they want a good match. As your experience shows, there can be a lot of variation in character within a breed.

as I kid every one in our family had labs ranging from proper trained gun dogs to pets and they were ace with kids and were never ruffled. I always wanted a lab.

However about 12 months ago I ended up with a 8yo paterdale terrier and shes ace, loyal placid with people, travels well. But she can be stubborn, nowty with other dogs though shes getting better. I wouldn't swap her for the world.

If I was getting another (or should I say when) I am just going to go the rescue centre. As the way I look at it they need a hand and you don't get a guarantee of what temperament any dogs going to have.

Got to be a spaniel. Can be a bit 'energetic' but love people and and are immense fun to have around. Potential down side is a very few Springers are subject to 'rage' which is pretty much untreatable - having said that I grew up around working Springers and never actually saw one with the condition.

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My sister-in-law has Jack Russell and it always acts like it is on speed, but she isn't much on dog training.
We have 2 Labradoodles and I would have another in a minute. Intelligent, friendly with everyone and they readily tolerate our son's young kids.
Until the labradoodles, I had German Shepherds for almost 20 years. Absolutely great dogs as well, but can be a bit more of a handful unless really trained well.

Misses his dog
Feels sad
Some cracking pics there folks

I've just bought myself an Irish Terrier. Bugger than most other terrier breeds but still the same mentality. Get her home in 3 weeks, can't wait! That's not much use but I'm like a kid at Christmas!

The last dog I had was a collie x lab. Amazing dog, very gentle, extremely intelligent and a never ending energy supply. Miss her still. Before that, a lurcher that I saved as a stray. Very good dog, but this one had a few issues with other men in the house. All due to the mistreatment in the past I'm certain, but you'd never relax with a friend about the place!

2nd allot of the Lurcher comments above.
One of ours is Beddlington/whippet mix the other has more deerhound. Lovely dogs, great in the house, sleep allot, steal food compulsively. Smaller one is feistier, both will take off after small running things, (more to play with than eat, but lurcher play is fairly rough to the uninformed observer) but have good recall and you need to be on the ball / careful about where/when you let them off.
Spending lots and lots of time with them training when they're young is essential, especially with rescue lurchers. Lovely gentle beasts.
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You want a collie-corgi cross. Wonderful nature. Runs all day, great with kids. Maybe a bit hard to find.

Meet charley, he's a rescue.

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Seriously get a lurcher if only for the look on the collie owners face when they throw a ball and the lurcher has bought it back, dropped it and run off after a rabbit before their dog has moved 10m!!!

They are gentle and docile in the house fast and full of life outside. The perfect dog.

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Happy Bedlington owners here.

Stanley is four and is great family hound - loves hooning around the countryside with me / kids or equally content just knocking around the house with the family. For a terrier they're remarkably relaxed, compared to the brother-in-laws border/Jack russell cross he's so laid back as to be horizontal.

As per OP we bought him as our two girls (now 8 and 9) where both very nervous around dogs. Now he and the kids both are pretty much inseparable when at home. Leaving aside his new-found love of rolling in fox shit and then coming for cuddles, he's even won my wife around as she was v.sceptical when we first got him. The fact he's non-shedding helps as both she and our youngest were / are allergic to dogs, though I suspect having shared a house with one for four odd years will have eased this somewhat.

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It's getting to the point where we might be looking at a second dog. I'd love a whippet...

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The most adorable pain in the arse you could ever meet.

Here's our 3yo daughter Rosa with our 5yo whippet Lila, they are best buds and she is the perfect family dog.

As mentioned earlier in the thread, we have a lurcher too, and while he's brilliant with the kids and lovely in the house, off the leash he is a nightmare. Despite intense training throughout the 4 years of his life so far he has such a strong prey drive that he just can't be trusted off the leash unfortunately.

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Cheers all, lots of love for the Lurcher being shown, not really sure about those, but I can see the appeal..

We had a long chat about hounds last night, a neighbour of my Mum has a BT so we popped round to see him, I was completely won over, the kids seemed to like him but the Missus was still not sure, she's currently looking on the 'Net for BT Russell crosses though, so all is not lost 🙂

I've no advice to give apart from try a rescue centre, go have a look and take one for a walk. Here's Molly
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As mentioned earlier in the thread, we have a lurcher too, and while he's brilliant with the kids and lovely in the house, off the leash he is a nightmare. Despite intense training throughout the 4 years of his life so far he has such a strong prey drive that he just can't be trusted off the leash unfortunately.

Ours is great off the lead, brilliant recall etc but if she see's something to chase its getting chased. On the plus side the chases dont last long and she comes back, have had terriers in the past that would be gone for hours!

Pics eh? 🙂

My mate's lurcher rescue is a fab dog, so lovely natured. Part staffie, apparently.
Got on rather well with my GSP too -
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Little bit of lovin went on
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Probably like teaching your grandmother to suck eggs but first bit of obvious advice is you never leave any dog alone unsupervised with young children. It only takes on poke in the wrong place to provoke a snap from the mildest mannered of pooches.
Whilst not wishing to stir up a backlash from any breed owner I'd steer clear of some of the smaller terrier breeds like Jack Russels; lovely as they and real characters they can be a bit of a handful and a bit grumpy and snappy.
If you want a family dog then I'm heavily biased in favour of Staffordshire Bull Terriers. Whilst they get a bad rep from the ill informed pit bull angle and the thugs and chavs that sometimes own them to look hard, Staffies are really soft and loyal and if you check with the Kennel Club are one of the few breeds recommended with children and are nicknamed 'the nanny dog'. Our two kids are now 10 and 8 and have grown up with our Staffie bitch who was only 5 months old when our first was born. Never had any bother at all.
Ours will go for walks but she's never been far, even living on a farm, so she'd make a lousy trail dog as she just cant be bothered and spends most of her time whilst we are out asleep, usually on our bed!
My bias for Staffies aside, maybe you should consider a Spaniel, like a Cocker. Not too big, bags of energy to run with you but a bugger to keep pulling stuck stuff out of their coat/ears. I have two friends with Spaniels and they are great. I've also got a mate with Weimeraner and he will bound alongside us quite happily too.
Maybe not the best trail dog but if you want a pet that is not too small, not too big, not too demanding but that will love you to bits get a Staffie.

I wouldn't get a Staffie, (no offence zaskar) they are mostly now badly and irresponsibly bred. The image of ownership has been ruined by chavs and wannabe hard men. Just the looks you will get off people when walking one should be enough to put you off.
It's unfortunate they used to be a really good breed and I'm sure there are still a few good ones out there but it really would be a lottery.

Just get a Labrador they are a great beginners dog. Easy to train, lovely temperament and completely safe in every way.

I wouldn't get a Staffie, (no offence zaskar) they are mostly now badly and irresponsibly bred. The image of ownership has been ruined by chavs and wannabe hard men. Just the looks you will get off people when walking one should be enough to put you off.
It's unfortunate they used to be a really good breed and I'm sure there are still a few good ones out there but it really would be a lottery.

FWIW, we have a Boxer X spaniel and apart from the spaniel trait of crawling up his own arse when he gets a telling-off, he's a legend. Great with kids, great with pretty much everyone tbh. Sleeps all day if he's got nothing better to do, runs for two hours solid with the bikes given the chance. Short coat, doesn't smell, sheds a little when seasons change but nothing major. Gets a bit territorial over sticks/toys occasionally but only with other dogs (not people) and only because he's still entire.

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I'll echo the people who've suggested a rescue dog - you can get puppies so their training is all down to you - as there are far too many unscrupulous breeders out there and too many lovely dogs in rescues looking for a great home.

Trouble is idiotdogbrain it isn't utter rubbish what I said. The breeds reputation has been tarnished and they have been badly and irresponsibly bred.

My opinion by the way has been based on the fact that out of the many, many staffies I have come across only a couple have been what I would call sound and even those couldn't be trusted with other dogs.
Take off your rise tinted spectacles mate they are a liability.

Oh and by the way, last month my friends springer spaniel was attacked and nearly killed by, yes you've guessed it, 2 staffies owned by a 'responsible' owner. One dog locked on and the owner could only get it off by repeatedly punching it.
The spaniel only survived because it was so young and fit.

Double post

You want a Cocker Spaniel/Tibetan Terrier cross from the Dogs Trust.

- Benny. Can't post it as a URL or image, for some reason, must be FB formatting.

Best dog ever. Lovely affectionate nature, not too big, not too small, natural comedian.

We have a GSP/WHP cross, absolutely daft as a brush but a great trail dog and awesome with the kids 8)

[url= https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5558/15101714369_cedb79a4b8_c.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5558/15101714369_cedb79a4b8_c.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/p1uexF ]Bruar[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/people/15994085@N08/ ]GavinBelton[/url], on Flickr

Here he is with his mate Hamish (friends dog)

[url= https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8551/8712113302_6001aeb396_c.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8551/8712113302_6001aeb396_c.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/egRRL3 ]Eilean Shona 2013-178[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/people/15994085@N08/ ]GavinBelton[/url], on Flickr

You want a Cocker Spaniel/Tibetan Terrier cross from the Dogs Trust.

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We have a Patterdale and she is the sweetest dog ever
I didn't want a small dog but it made sense for our daughter. I am so happy that we got her 🙂
They are not recognised breeds so they are very healthy and resilient to health problems
They are not mad like sight hounds so injuries are not likely
We feed her James Wellbeloved food and it costs £18 per month (2 bags) + a couple of biscuits a day
They are a lot calmer than Jack Russels

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We used to have a whippet/lurcher who we adored but looking back she was high maintenance and highly strung in comparison to the patterdale

I'd disagree with mitsumonkey too, though obviously you have reasons for your opinion. The dogs homes are full of staffies, because they aren't the 'tough/ferocious' dog most irresponsible owners are expecting/hoping for, and so abandon them. Friends (cat ppl through and through) have gotten involved with staffie rescue because they found one abandoned, tied to a tree in the rain, took her to the dogs home and were told in no uncertain term what would happen to her, because so many are abandoned. They now have two staffies, Spud there 2nd is the stuff (image) of nightmares, he's huge, really really big & so soft it's funny. Yet they have a house full of cats and new(ish) born child, and a happier home you couldn't find.
Not my cup of tea, not due to their rep though.

George (Spinger/lap cross apparently, but I think he was springer/foxhound), no longer with us, hugely missed:
[url= https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5064/5579323204_1c8915c268.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5064/5579323204_1c8915c268.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/9v2upE ]Pensive George[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/people/15253377@N00/ ]z1ppy2[/url], on Flickr

[i]We have a GSP/WHP cross, absolutely daft as a brush but a great trail dog and awesome with the kids
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Gorgeous dog!!

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Picture of the thread! I've just spent a few minutes mopping up my tea...

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😆

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Love dogs and have grown up with them; I'd love one but our lifestyle doesn't suit (out at work lots etc).

My grandparents always had labs and they were lovely. My aunt has one now; a black one called Pepper who is a big, soppy puppy. She's really easy going and is great with kids and loves cuddles.

As a kid we had a border collie called Tip who was fantastic and used to follow my sister and I everywhere. Also had a springer called Meg who was fab (but used to get very excited to see you and pee all over the floor). My parents also bred English Bull terriers which I hated and hate to this day...stupid animals.

We also had a Vizsla in the family who I adhired but he was hard work; hated being left alone. On his own he would destroy the place...with company, good as gold. Gorgeous dogs though and will be top of the list when the time comes and we can get a pooch.

I love these threads, ive wanted a dog since i was a kid but never allowed one!

still can't convince the wife, latest excuse "the house isn't big enough, wait till we move" - total b*llox, yes small 2 bed semi but a huge conservatory on the back.

i work shifts now so her excuses are dropping off..

i am 98.9% this close ( ) to just bringing one home!

im set on a whippet

Boarder/Yorkshire Terrier cross here, he's a rescue and is unnecessarily submissive sometimes. However, he is great with our 10 month old and has been since we got him 6 months back. He does "mouth" but has an absolute awareness of his bite and I trust him fully with the wee man. However, I've also got a Rhodesian Ridgeback and I've never owned or even known a dog with such an immaculate temperament. Turbo has been 10years in the making and I've sworn I'll never have a dog other than a Ridgeback ever again, yet I know they'll never be another like him. Unrealistically high expectations I know, so do I steer clear of the breed to avoid utter disappointment?........

Ratdog is learning and in 9 years I'm confident he'll be every bit (almost ;0)) as good as Turbo!

Bottom line is; it's what you put in. There's plenty of professional advice out there. Get a pup and see it with the parents, on a number of occasions. Follow your gut, but don't underestimate the work involved.

Good luck!

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Bruar would approve, he loves being the centre of attention 😆

seconded on the Patterdale, simply the best little doggie to have! ours is two and a half and still looks like a 6 month old black Labrador (and who doesn't love them puppies Eh) Lol
calm in the house, easily trained and a real livewire outside Especially with a ball or stick, ours runs for miles and miles with me out on the bike and never seems to tire, they have None of the 'pedigree' health traits so no constant trips to the vets (unless your unlucky) small and easy to handle.
we are taking our Patterdale TO patterdale to a meetup of doggies and owners tomorrow at 11am, I cannae wait 8)
http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/11432414/

🙂

Another black lab owner here.
Pros:
Very gentle (full pedigree with soft pallet)
Extremely trainable, well behaved
Trail dog training was a doddle
Can trust him with everything except cats, which he hates, and for some reason the tosser across the road who he loves barking at.

Cons:
He needs a decent lomg walk every day
He will eat anything (but will not steal it, he just lets you know he wants it with a paw or head on your leg)
He poos for Scotland!

I love this dog to bits and he always exceeds my expectations. We choose him as we have kids and didn't want any issues. We could not be happier with his behaviour and how he has fitted it BUT he is a big commitment (but worth it!).

How many dogs does it take to change a lightbulb?
Golden Retriever:
The sun is shining, the day is young, we've got our whole lives ahead of us, and you're inside worrying about a stupid burned out bulb?

Border Collie:
The Border Collie realised the bulb wasn't the problem, and is in the basement re-setting the breaker.

Dachshund:
You know I can't reach that stupid lamp!

Rottweiler:
Make me.

Jack Russell Terrier:
I'll just pop it in while I'm bouncing off the walls and furniture.

Mastiff:
Mastiffs are NOT afraid of the dark.

Poodle:
I'll just blow in the Border Collie's ear and he'll do it. By the time he finishes rewiring the house, my nails will be dry.

Greyhound:(or Lurcher!!)
It isn't moving. Who cares?

German Shepard:
Alright, everyone stop where you are! Who busted the light? I SAID, "STOP WHERE YOU ARE!!!"

Cat:
Dogs do not change light bulbs. People change light bulbs. So the question is: How long will it be before I can expect light?

Just make sure the dog isn't too big...

Border/ Jack Russell cross here. Great animal. So very well tempered with young kids. Chills with the cats. Good off the lead. Loves big fat green cowpats, runs down the beaches, chasing balls, being a great friend for the family and a useless guard dog, but she's great !!
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Some Jack Russell pics;
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A brilliant little dog. Abandoned as a pup with serious injuries. Lived rough for a couple of months on a Welsh hill farm until, with lambing coming up, the farmer managed to catch her and take her to a dog rescue.
We've had her since then (8 years now), when my daughter was 6,and she's been the most stubborn,frustrating, ill behaved dog I've ever had. She lies around in bed until it suits her,won't go for a walk unless it involves hunting,and if she's kept on a lead when I'm in a hurry, she'll drag her heels to suit her own pace. She doesn't do the JR bouncing off the walls thing- it's a waste of energy- but will happily spend all day hunting for, and catching, rats. She'll try anything though,from (unfortunately) hedgehogs to adders.
She loves kids, especially little blonde boys (so some previous history there maybe?) and is [i]fiercely[/i] protective of her friends and family.
She's an old fashioned type of girl...

A recent addition to our family, Kiwi my daughter's Weimaraner. Staying with us for a while. I'd researched a bit before she arrived, and was dreading it to be honest. But she's fantastic, now firmly part of the family and if/when she goes we'll definitely get another or similar. Only concern so far is she can be over-enthusiastic when meeting people for the 1st time (rushes up to them), so need to be a bit careful when out. Can't imagine not having her around now.

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I know its not a breed for everyone, but love my Cocker, hes a fun loving, happy nutter, hard work sometimes but not a dog you'd ever forget, just about to go and clean the inside of the patio door windows, as hes been licking it for all he's worth due to there being a daddy long legs on the outside! 🙂
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Another black lab owner here and we couldn't have a more gentle dog. It is brilliant around our young baby. We live near the beach so it does get the exercise it needs. She will do anything to get the ball....which causes problems when it sinks and she treads water for fifteen minutes looking for it. She also managed to bring ashore a dead conger eel....which my wife thought was a very large snake 😯

Am sure there are exceptions but generally I think labs make brilliant pets.

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Lab/springer cross here. Awesome in almost every way - and that way is that she barks at stuff she doesn't understand, like kids that all of a sudden just jump to the side and shout something (because they are kids and unpredictable). Parents don't like that. However she has literally never barked at our two year old - seemed to understand she was one of the pack, and if ever she is prodded or pulled, she just takes herself away.

Would I get another - absolutely - but I do find it quite tiring on walks having to be observant for things she might bark at so that I can distract before gets spooked (another example is fat beardy men wearing hats).