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Any dog can be fantastic, but the key is training - a badly trained owner is a nightmare.
Our friends have two working cockers and they are great - need lots of exercise, but great with visitors, and other dogs (trained properly). And they respected the cat !
Meet Nala; she's a Lab/Collie/Lurcher and totally ace.
Also known as Doggy Dumbarse
The green tinge is from rolling on the freshly mowed damp lawn...
Would have to be a Border Collie but I am biased.
Up North at the moment touring in the van with her
Callie the Cocker (unless I've screwed up inserting the pic...)
Put the effort in and they're fantastic dogs! And probably a bit of a nightmare if you don't....
Maisie can do the pathetic sleeping position too.
I posted earlier on about my wee Terrier, but I do get the spaniel love. The other half's spaniels are cracking dogs. Needier than a terrier, but very loving.
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Get one that can drive - makes getting home from the pub easier.
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Esther is our current dog - 5 year old black lab that we rehomed 4 years ago. She really enjoys an active, outdoor life, but has a pretty strong prey drive for small furry things. No problem living here with boundless space to run around, but maybe not so good in a more urban environment.
In 2 weeks we get a new basset hound puppy - is introducing a whole new host of ‘fun’. Most of our garden is unfenced and backs onto a nature reserve - including a herd of red deer with a very protective matriarch who does a good line in kicking dogs - Thankfully, Esther now ignores them have run too close.
For the OP, I’d look at matching the dog to their lifestyle - no point getting a high-energy dog like a Springer if you can’t give it lots of exercise and stimulation.
Lol! We only have 5 breeds 🤣🤣
Collie, Labrador, Cocker (x3), Springer (x2), Jack Russel (x2).
Oh, that’s 9 not 8 🤣 We lost two old ones this year and gave two trained ones to a young couple (friends of ours), just starting out in a position where they need 8 dogs so it’s easy to lose track 🤣
They all have jobs though. Even if it’s being a trail dog, playing flyball, doing agility etc etc let alone traditional jobs like ours- there is definitely something special about the relationship between humans and dogs when the dog is helping you both as a team achieve something you can’t do by yourself.
Our collie is a kind of rescue and took a year to properly trust me (my wife saved her from a ‘famous’ Yorkshire sheep dog trialer so she was wary of men). Yet when we’re struggling to move our handful of sheep and we turf her out basically ’untrained’ it is awesome to see her figure out what we are trying to achieve and what she needs to do to help.
Or the terrier running in front of the buggy to tell me which traps have caught a squirrel 🤣
“SQUIRREL ⬅️ “ 🤣
Meet Ozzy a Lab/retriever/poodle cross . Soft as a tin of grease, loves children and was relatively easy to train with the aid of cheese! 
Charlie is a black lab springer X and coming up to 11 years old now . She recently moved to new Zealand with us to become a farm dog and spends most of her time asleep on the grass but will still chase a ball for hours if given the opportunity, she's got some arthritis so you have to protect her from herself these days . She's got a lovely nature and has been amazing with our 2 kids .
We've talked about getting another as I've been told a puppy can be good for an older dog but I remember what a mate of mine says .....dogs are great , puppies are rubbish 😁 Maybe not rubbish but you can forget how much work they are .
For the OP, I’d look at matching the dog to their lifestyle – no point getting a high-energy dog like a Springer if you can’t give it lots of exercise and stimulation.
This is 100% true.
We love our greyhound but in truth, they’re not a breed we originally looked at. But their sleepy/lazy nature and general low maintenance made us feel they were the right option and this has proved correct.
I know people with spaniels and collies and they’re amazing dogs but they need a lot of work to train them and make them happy. Only the OP will know if he has the time and inclination to do that
A lurcher is the correct answer. Calm, great temperament, will sleep 23 1/2 hours a day will walk further than you. Cheap to buy, cheap to run as hybrid vigour is very real. Ours is 14 now and still running about.
So I've checked all three pages for any follow up posts you've made and couldn't see anything that covers anything more than you want a 'dog' and want to be able to select the age of the dog.
Coat? Grooming requirements?
Size? You mention golden retriever so is that the sort of size you want or smaller/bigger?
Prey drive? All dogs can go a day without exercise.
Personality? Clever? Loyal? Loves everybody?
Do you want a pedigree? Or will a cross breed such as a cockerwomble do?
Oh and also where do you live, what size house/garden, what is the environment near your house in terms of stimulation?
what time do you have to devote for training? Do you want a dog that will excel at a particular sport?
A Shih Tzu/Yorkie cross.
Good as gold but an absolute gannit.
Doesn't shed hair, but needs sheering about 3 times a year.
Meet Barney, destroyer of frisbees....
We sort of inherited him after the father in law died three years ago. I'd never have chosen a staffordshire bull terrier but he's been fantastic, an absolute joy to be around. He's quite happy walking all day or just popping out for a couple of minutes and we can walk him anywhere off the lead.
He's quite partial to a trip out with Daddy too, although he's normally asleep with his head on my lap.
So I’ve checked all three pages for any follow up posts you’ve made and couldn’t see anything that covers anything more than you want a ‘dog’ and want to be able to select the age of the dog.
A very considered post golfchick. And if I read it right all the repliers are all recommending the actual dogs we own. I don't think my missis and daughter would be very pleased if I gave you our Henry! 😁
We've just had a german shepherd and now have a golden retriever x german shepherd. Both great dogs BUT what I'd suggest you need to really consider your house/garden, how much grooming and training you're prepared to do and how much walking you plan on doing. I'd suggest these factors drive your decision rather than I like x or y, it will make for a happier relationship for you and your dog.
Puppies are hard work and I personally prefer it when they are older but we're all different. Put the work in and you'll have a great canine company
OP
Just back after 5 days of dog minding.
I would recommend try before you buy 😆 🤣 😂
In fact(IMHO) I think (most) people considering a dog,should borrow one for week before commiting 😆
Good advice from @GolfChick there. If one requires a pedigree check if the breed has a rescue arm.
My favourites for this are:
Beagle Welfare (Warning get two as one can be hard work/thick as pooh.Also cuteness overload).
Dalmatian Welfare (Where we get ours from and all assessed in house, you'll need a bigger sofa).
Doberman Rescue (Big dogs but great with humans and small humans).
Sometimes it's all a drag for Bodie.
Border Collie from a farm. That's what I did! Fits my lifestyle and job though.
Just mental exercise being required!.......very funny.
OP: What dog do you recommend?
- A rescue - there are loads that need loving homes!!
Oh yeah another question, what experience do you have with dogs? Owned or been responsible for one before?
if the answer is none then please dear lord ignore the ‘border collie from a farm’ recommendation!
You’ll find some breeds are great for first time owners, labradors are born half trained, whereas others need experience to be able to ‘produce’ an acceptable dog.
The advice to borrow a dog is a good one but you may find you only get to experience those easy breeds. Borrowmydoggy is a good option in terms of borrowing but again you’ll only get the easy breeds, there’s no way I’d let anybody borrow my 15 month old vizsla that doesn’t have any experience.
@GolfChick your Vizsla wouldn't be impressed if you loaned it to all and sundry! Did someone say separation anxiety?
Nah he hasn't got any separation anxiety at all and is a fabulous creature with NO foibles at all because I've put 15 months of hard graft in and someone could undo that in a day!
Dogs are ace. If you have cats you definitely want one young enough that the cat can boss.
We have a cockapoo. She is amazing. Walks, there’s an optimal amount for each dog. If you get something that’s fast it can be tempting to over exercise. Until she was hit by a car I was doing 30 mins + 45 mins and then one or two longer walks/ runs/ rides per week.
Get insurance.
Lab/springer Cross. Great with children will do anything for a treat unless there is the option of a ball or a stick.
labradors are born half trained
And most die half-trained
Hard graft is where it's at, especially so with rescues where new rules need learning and old ones re-inforced or discouraged (usually at least a year for a good one, years for those with bad habits). Says he looking at a barely conscious dog that's waiting for the rain to abate before the park and ball get deployed.
Agree that you need to think about your lifestyle and what you will be doing with dog/how much work you want to put in.
I have cats so wanted dogs that were similar to a cat. I ended up with small dogs (the ones that everyone on these threads hate, such a thing as breedism?) because they don't take up much room in my small roomed cottage (small beds), they don't require walking every day and are just as happy to run around/mess about in garden for 15 minutes, very difficult to train but I didn't bother training them so not a problem and they are lovely dogs (possibly luck!) that even the vets are surprised at (given their breed, breedism again?)
They also happen to be the breed that is mine and my wife's favourite.
This is ABSOLUTELY the best thread on STW.
Now, can someone (or one of those Labs or Spaniels) train me on how to add some photos, as whilst I think I'm doing OK sabre-toothed-puppy taming, I can't for the life of me stick a pic of my dawgies up here.
And most die half-trained
...and double the size they should be!
Never mind that,is nobody else concerned that flicker drives with his eyes closed. 😲 😮
Thank goodness Barney was keeping lookout.
😆 🤣
This is Gryff - he's a guide dog puppy so he'll be with us until he's 14 months old before he goes off to do his final specialist training at big boy school. he's absolutely awesome! Would definitely recommend considering volunteering to be a puppy raiser
Hungarian Viszla - great dogs for riding with. He'll do 10 miles in a couple of hours and still be barking at me to go faster.
Downside: he needs a lot of exercise every day, not just ride days.
They need people around them too - he'll happily do a few hours on his own but I'd not want to leave him alone regularly or for long periods.
And most die half-trained
Still 50% better than almost every other dog.
This is Gryff – he’s a guide dog puppy so he’ll be with us until he’s 14 months old before he goes off to do his final specialist training at big boy school. he’s absolutely awesome! Would definitely recommend considering volunteering to be a puppy raiser
Hollie has just started at her new big school and is worn out 🤣.
It's a great option if you want a dog that only needs walking at weekends, but you also want to do more than just walk around the local park (and live near a center). Weekdays her needs are limited to a half hour playtime, feeding, toileting and the school run. Whereas at weekends she'll walk for as long as you'll let her as she's used to being in training all day.
More of a cat keeper me, but these are my sisters trip hazards.
Never mind that,is nobody else concerned that flicker drives with his eyes closed. 😲 😮
Thank goodness Barney was keeping lookout.
😆 🤣
I find it a much more relaxing way to travel....
Passengers aren't quite so keen I find though 😀
@TINAS are you doing the fostering either side of training? we ruled that out as an option for us as we're nowhere near a training centre but it does sound like a great option if you're close by. maybe you'll end up with Gryff - he's an absolute wee legend!
Again, a massive thanks as each page brings new learning for me. Particularly the time @golfchick has put in I feel I should answer:
Coat? Grooming requirements? VID: hadn't considered, lower effort in honesty but the house isn't a showhome so not a show sopper.
Size? You mention golden retriever so is that the sort of size you want or smaller/bigger? VID: realistically smaller than a golden for ease, so about 2 hands tall (lol, is that how you size a dog?!)
Prey drive? All dogs can go a day without exercise. VID: ideally not as I need the cats to accept it but I appreciate this also comes with training
Personality? Clever? Loyal? Loves everybody? VID: again honestly, dumb as a box of frogs probably rather than something that needs constant mental stipulation. Loyal certainly as my wife/child are gutted our cats couldn't give a flying frog about them. Yes, one we can trust with others so my wife feels happy integrating to playdates ideally (and of course with close supervision).
Do you want a pedigree? Or will a cross breed such as a cockerwomble do? VID: no preference but now got an itching for one of these cockerwomble flavours!
Oh and also where do you live, what size house/garden, what is the environment near your house in terms of stimulation? VID: large house in an acre of fenced garden ready to be destroyed! No roads about and it's in a big wood we're allowed access to so feel it's a perfect set up.
what time do you have to devote for training? Do you want a dog that will excel at a particular sport VID: in honesty, we have the time but will need to step up as we only have experience of a young child and appreciate dog ownership is another level. No desire for the dog to upstage my pursuit for mediocrity. In reality we're asking alot for a dog to integrate with existing cats and young children around so understand that it will be hard work.
borrow a dog? VID: We've done this in the past to help friends and enjoyed it, yet equally have been happy to give them back so appreciate it's not the perfect test.
Thanks again, so so helpful
Where is everyone getting all these crosses from? Are they generally rescues? My idle googling in the past indicated you don't really get reputable breeders doing crosses? I'd be happy to be shown wrong because there's a couple that I like the idea of
Coat? Grooming requirements? VID: hadn’t considered, lower effort in honesty but the house isn’t a showhome so not a show sopper.
Barney moults a fair bit in spring and being reasonably lazy when it comes to vacuuming it was noticeable. We bought Lulu, and she does a sterling job of keeping on top of it, far better job then we've ever done ourselves.
Barney's not too bothered about her doing the rounds now (she's out and about every day) occasionally there's a bit of grumbling but that was because she hit him up the arse a couple of times whilst he was asleep 😀
And for no other reason then I can, here's some more photos 🙂
What a great thread.
In true STW spirit of only recommending what you have, I’d recommend a Tibetan terrier (they’re not really terriers)
Great with kids and adults alike, small-ish, don’t shed fur everywhere, love company, no need for umpteen hours of activity a day, few little walks or rambles seem to do the trick.
This is wombat, well Willa is her official name.
And grown up
Any dog you get, no matter the breed can be quite different. Had two springers as kids, same parents but separate litters and they were both quite different.
We got a rescue about 18 months ago as WFH became the permanent way for me. He was originally from Romania and was about 8 months old when we got him. No idea what breed he is but best guess is some kind of collie/lab mixture.
Is lovely with us and close family, soft as anything, can be let off the lead and recall is good.
However is very territorial and protective. If someone unknown comes into the house he gets proper barky and starts growling, so he has to be popped into the kitchen.
Similarly we were at the beach last year and he was fine. But after a few hours he started growling at a family that had been near us all morning. My only guess is that we'd been there a long time so he figured it was our territory.
We're working on the above.
@TINAS are you doing the fostering either side of training? we ruled that out as an option for us as we’re nowhere near a training centre but it does sound like a great option if you’re close by. maybe you’ll end up with Gryff – he’s an absolute wee legend!
Haha, well currently Hollie is going backwards apparently so if she doesn't buck her ideas up she'll be stuck with us.
Yea, Burghfield (Reading) is only about 10 minutes drive from us, it takes longer to entice her in and out the car (the least of her problems I suppose, blind people aren't big drivers (apart from Flickr who already has a co-pilot).
@thisisnotaspoon Ah, I'm 20 mins away myself - I'll suggest we go this route to my wife as a way of trailling dog owenership. I think training dog fostering (rather than puppy raising) is more fitting to our skills or lack there of.
@VID for us, the guide dogs thing was a solution to wanting another dog when we lost our last Lab to old age, but not necessarily wanting to commit to another 14 years (kids are teenagers so life will be very different in 5 to 10 years) so doing this allowed us to have a puppy for 1 year at a time.
having done it, we've learnt a lot about training, we've got loads of support from the professionals and of course, all costs covered. another huge benefit is the ability to access places where dogs are usually not permitted.
you can also provide temporary care for puppies in training (when we go on holiday Gryff goes to another volunteer), wrap around cover like TINAS - lots of options to consider so worth chatting with them
I suggest the best advice is to make sure you pick a dog based on its behavior and characteristics fitting your family needs and lifestyle rather than other things like aesthetics. If going for pedigree I also suggest it is prudent to avoid breeds that have known health problems like hip dysplasia.
So if you're ideal dog is ~30kg with quite high energy and loves jumping into muddy puddles, sheds a lot and requires regular bathing /grooming etc then Golden Retriver is a good candidate for you. Personally, that is far too much hard work for me so I went for an 8kg mixed breed that does not shed, and is calm in the house - spends most of the day sleeping but also enjoys running around the park.
Well obviously the home location is perfect by the sounds of it with woods around. I think its worth noting that almost any dog will accept cats at home and children because you're going to raise it from a youngster and teach it boundaries around that animal/people. (I best put a caveat in that this wont just happen like magic and will obviously require work, you'll find a lot of people report that the prey drive around the home cat is none existent but once they go outside their property it will be a different story.)
Bear in mind if you do go for a cockerwomble you are NOT guaranteed a dog that doesn't shed or doesnt create allergies, you've no idea which traits and characteristic of which breed you're going to get. Breeders should (SHOULD) be testing for health issues that occur within both breeds and this can therefore be very costly which is why a lot dont bother. If you're going to go pedigree then you do need to think about the health associated with that breed, I like flat coat's are a smashing breed but due to the cancel in the lines I won't touch them. Cockerpoodle, thats a double gun dog the poodle was a water retriever originally and the cocker spaneil flushes the game so you have the possibility of the drive of both.
What struck me when you described what you wanted was a boxer actually. Or a staffie. Both very easy from a coat maintenance perspective, both VERY friendly, both willing enough to be trained but not stupidly smart or stubborn. The staffy slightly more loyal than the boxer, the boxer will love the very next person because they're shiny and new but won't stop them loving you. Both the right size really and both I would consider easy from a prey/cat perspective. You've not really said you want a dog who can come biking with you so again both would be suitable from that perspective, they could come but wouldn't really be the 100% option to go for. Both easy as first time dog owners as well.
Brill @ golfchick, thanks. I am ashamed to admit I spend more time on the golf course now than riding so you are right, it's not really something on the "need" list. I do love a boxer but my wife is not so sure about them. I think/hope I can move her off the golden retriever spot as I feel they aren't right for us but she had them as a kid and they have a special place in her heart so will go with it last resort.
This has been so helpful so thanks to all, also for the amazing photos - audible snorts at most of your mad derps
This is Gryff – he’s a guide dog puppy so he’ll be with us until he’s 14 months old before he goes off to do his final specialist training at big boy school. he’s absolutely awesome! Would definitely recommend considering volunteering to be a puppy raiser
We signed up last week! I've always wanted a dog, but work patterns and the ridiculous number of dogs locally put me off. We're within walking distance of the training centre and get to do something useful.
I think our existing cats are gorgeous but reject my wife/child completely
I reckon some sort of therapy or counselling would be a better bet than another pet to ignore your human family for!
Lurcher.
(Smooth-haired ones are much nicer to stroke, scruffy ones look cool but it's like stroking a bundle of pubes.)
Rosie is definitely scruffy but takes exception to being described as a bundle of pubes. She probably can't be arsed to do anything about it though.
If you really must have a dog get one from a rescue charity. Cats, just think about the wild bird population please.
the advice about dog sitters is valid, I have two grown up daughters with three dogs between them, they really get the hump when I decline to look after their pets. You may think the animal is adorable, it doesn’t mean anyone else does.
We do make a monthly contribution to Dogs Trust, who look after the dogs no one will give a home to.
Recommend what we have, Longdog! Pic taken after a dip in the sea.
Pre owned Saluki x Greyhound x Whippet, although we were lucky and got her directly from a lady who couldn't cope with her as a puppy.
Happy on long all day walkies, or 10mins zoomies and the rest of the day on the sofa. I'd agree with a lot of comments above though, quality mental stimulation is far more beneficial than a long walk each day. She is being trained up for agility, and a half hour training session where she needs to think and work things out tires her out much more than a 5 mile walk. You can see it in her face as well after a training session, she looks content and relaxed (as day as it sounds).
Quiet she is not however, the Saluki side of her is very vocal!
One that doesn't shit on the pavement or bark in residential areas. Thanks.
One that doesn’t shit on the pavement or bark in residential areas. Thanks.
Dogs and their owners can be a massive benefit to their environments....
If you want dumb as a box of frogs you definitely want a lurcher!! I am sure that if it grows up with cats it won't eat them!! Ours has a longer coat but is actually very soft despite looking rough. My mum has a whippet Belington which is super soft, it does need more brushing and the odd hair cut though.
14 years ago
All grown up, never quite grew into the ears though
Starting old age!
Still going strong at 14
Dogs and their owners can be a massive benefit to their environments….
They certainly can, our local town has less litter since Barney came to stay. You learn very quickly where all the bins are, I've seen several other dog owners doing a bit of litter picking whilst out for a stroll too.
Where is everyone getting all these crosses from? Are they generally rescues? My idle googling in the past indicated you don’t really get reputable breeders doing crosses? I’d be happy to be shown wrong because there’s a couple that I like the idea of
Mine came from a family home with kids. Went to the house to see the litter with parents. (the litters parents, not mine lol!)
They weren't breeders, just family pets with a litter.
Where is everyone getting all these crosses from? Are they generally rescues? My idle googling in the past indicated you don’t really get reputable breeders doing crosses
I would strongly argue that only reputable breeders do crosses. Pedigree dogs are not healthy because of the breeders!!
Given that a ‘pedigree’ is just a formalised family tree- I think that there’s an important distinction between pedigree working breeders and show breeders. Appearance is not contingent on good health but sound working ability (and a long life from your training investment) is usually impossible with genetic diseases and physical deformities etc.
That’s not to say there aren’t bad working breeders too but certainly on the shooting field or in the sheep dog world it becomes obvious quickly if someone is breeding rubbish.
Decide the qualities most important, then pick breed and size accordingly. We’re on our third pedigree show cocker. Who we don’t show. Good size, good temperament, lots of energy, not too much hair, small sh!ts to pick up. Other breeds are available. Cockerpoos are tightly popular, same size, lack of hair shedding. Personally, I wouldn’t go too big. My other favourite breed is a Hungarian Vizla. Bit larger and short hair. Dogs are an excellent source of good mental health. And they get you out for a walk. And occasionally a swim too!
Glad to se a Tibetan (Tsang Apso) being recommended. There are a number of Facebook pages where you can get loads of info and Wickki has the history. A lady called Julie Hindle has lots of good info including books on Amazon and videos on YouTube
Oh how disappointing, I thought we were getting puppy pictures!
edit - although I crossed posts with Trekster, so that's a good substitute. Very nice.
If I was ever to have another dog I would stick to what I know - old english sheepdog.
Easy going, placid, 2 or 3 walks a day including a mad 30 mins of just running around.
Drawback - grooming.
Fettlin - that's a fine looking dog you've got.
"walowizFull Member
What a great thread.
In true STW spirit of only recommending what you have, I’d recommend a Tibetan terrier (they’re not really terriers)" Lovely looking dogs walowiz, are you on any of the TT Facebook groups?
"Oh how disappointing, I thought we were getting puppy pictures!" Puppy pic just for you tthew, May `21
Oh well, if we're wanting puppy pics
Barney, a long time ago
@thisisnotaspoon and @petrieboy
Great to see some other guide dog volunteers on STW. We're currently raising the marvellous Mason who is 1/2 shepherd and 1/2 retriever but looks like an athletic black lab. Our first pup, Herbert, is in big dog school in central London.
It's been a great experience volunteering for guide dogs, like petrieboy we've both learned a lot and the support you get is fantastic.
I was in bits when they came to collect Herbert though, that was horrible but not enough to put us off raising another pup !
@frankconway. Great Frank, thanks, just looked up what "Fettlin" means d'oh
@sprootlet. Yes, very tempted but I think it would destroy my wife and little boy!
@Trekster yes, am on a few of the TT Facebook groups, the grooming one run by Julie Hindle I think for certain.
That pup pic you posted looks just like Wombat did when she was a pup ! They are a great breed. Wombat is our third. Your black and white pic, is that a photo or painting? Looks really good.
@funkmasterp do it, wombats are great.
Also some great advice and pics shared on this thread, thread does need more pics.
My parents have a saluki and she is gorgeous, white as snow, very playful and quite possibly the fastest dog I’ve ever seen and I say that having grown up with whippets & lurchers in the house. Whippets and lurches are lovely too, I could be sorely tempted to rescue another. We had a rescue whippet and lurcher who were both with us for many years, great times and fun.
Dogs are brilliant.
OP - wishing you the best with your choice of Dog. I’m sure you’ll be a responsible owner and clean up after it and won’ t let it jump at people like the majority nowadays.