Advice on First Dog

[NordicCrankShaft]

So the wife has been desperate for us to get a dog and we've been talking about it for a while. She's got her heart set on a Labradoodle or a Jack Russell. Now is the right time really for the commitment.

She's never had dogs but I grew up with them, we always had King Charles Spaniels and my grandparents at one point had 5 Springer Spaniels and had 14 in total until my grandfather wasn't fit enough to keep any dogs after the last one.

She's just started studying part time for a masters and works part time and my job consist of 80% outside work so the dog would hardly ever be alone.

I'm not keen on these fashion micro breeds or anything that's going to keel over and die from breathing difficulty after a bit of excercise. There are also no children as of yet but could be down the line if the wife behaves herself :P

So PHer's what sort of pooches should we be looking at as our first?

[bexVN]

http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/services/public/fi...

This could be useful to you .

The fact that your wife is thinking of a labradoodle (which is one of those fashionable breeds) and a jrt suggests this would be worth completing as they are quite different breeds and characteristics (and health issues)

Or just go for a whippet (sl bias by me!) actually retired greyhound is definitely worth looking into

[scrwright]

We went for a Lab as our firs, low maint hound, best dog ever. As someone said on here they are the VW Golf of the dog world

[Dand E Lion]

NordicCrankShaft said:

So the wife has been desperate for us to get a dog and we've been talking about it for a while. She's got her heart set on a Labradoodle or a Jack Russell. Now is the right time really for the commitment.

What exactly do you think a dog will bring to your lives? What can you bring to the life of a dog? You've mentioned a number of breeds, some of which have been owned by near relatives, which are completely different in characteristics...

[Fermit The Krog]

My plea is simply that whatever pooch you choose, please consider making it a rescue. It is shameful how many dogs are in peril needing re-homing. Dogs Trust and Blue Cross would be my first ports of call.

[Turn7]

Dand E Lion said:

What exactly do you think a dog will bring to your lives? What can you bring to the life of a dog?

Fermit The Krog said:

My plea is simply that whatever pooch you choose, please consider making it a rescue. It is shameful how many dogs are in peril needing re-homing. Dogs Trust and Blue Cross would be my first ports of call.

Both of these are important posts....

[Dand E Lion]

Turn7 said:

Both of these are important posts....

And this ^^^^ is the most important one... 75% of our dogs are from rescue, and 50% of our horses

[Greendubber]

We have a cavalier king charles and she's 14 months old now. Great dogs, lively enough but happy to curl up and go to sleep if you're not in the mood for playing.

Need to be aware of the breed related health issues but thats the case for most pedigree breeds. All you can do is reduce the risk by getting one with fully health tested parents etc.

[smn159]

We got a rescue Lab when in a similar position. They do need a fair bit of exercise and careful watching of their diet, but we couldn't be happier with our choice.

[TwistingMyMelon]

I have a Jack Russell (and a collie) , lovely dog but dont let the size trick you they are bloody hard dogs at times!! If you want something that has LOTS of character and you are willing to not let it walk over you, then they are great, but not for the faint hearted! They will out stamina anyone and mine is bloody stubborn bugger

On the plus side he doesn't smell like most dogs & no malting, you only need a small car/small bed/small food portions/small toys , bigger the dog: Bigger the bills. Also he hasnt needed much vets treatment and pretty sturdy breed and very tough.

I personally would only ever get rescue dogs, although I love mine , I'm never getting any more ever!!

[SteellFJ]

bexVN said:

http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/services/public/fi...

This could be useful to you .

The fact that your wife is thinking of a labradoodle (which is one of those fashionable breeds) and a jrt suggests this would be worth completing as they are quite different breeds and characteristics (and health issues)

Or just go for a whippet (sl bias by me!) actually retired greyhound is definitely worth looking into

Sorry to hijack.

Bex, would you recommend a Whippet as a first dog then? i've swayed this way as the OH has never had a dog and these seemed (to me) to be a good wee dog for first timers, I was originally looking at Staff/boxers/Labs but she wasn't to keen on something as strong or big as these.

We also have two kids (3 & 9) & a cat if that is something i should consider due to chase instincts etc.

Thanks

[smn159]

Our kitten used to sneak up on our Lab when he was asleep and jump on him until he'd chase her - then repeat when he gave up and went back to his basket. He was very protective and gentle with her though - wouldn't even try to get into his basket if she was in it, although she often got in it with him and slept next to him.

The Lab coming in, finding the cat in his basket and then coming up to me and complaining about it always made me laugh

[bexVN]

SteellFJ said:

bexVN said:

http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/services/public/fi...

This could be useful to you .

The fact that your wife is thinking of a labradoodle (which is one of those fashionable breeds) and a jrt suggests this would be worth completing as they are quite different breeds and characteristics (and health issues)

Or just go for a whippet (sl bias by me!) actually retired greyhound is definitely worth looking into

Sorry to hijack.

Bex, would you recommend a Whippet as a first dog then? i've swayed this way as the OH has never had a dog and these seemed (to me) to be a good wee dog for first timers, I was originally looking at Staff/boxers/Labs but she wasn't to keen on something as strong or big as these.

We also have two kids (3 & 9) & a cat if that is something i should consider due to chase instincts etc.

Thanks

I had 3 cats when I took on my first whippet (he was 5maths old) they put him in his place soon enough .

My current whippet has lives with our cat now, she allows him to get away with a bit but all good natured.

Jimmy was 6 when our son was born, he was just brilliant with him. Bryn joined our family when my boy was about 4 then we had our daughter later in the yr,Bryn has been fantastic with them both.

I really do believe whippets make great first time dogs especially with a family, they are fun, loving, flexible about exercise needs, good natured, playful but not as full on as many popular breeds. They are more robust than people realise however children should be taught boundaries and that they aren't quite as rough and tumble as a lab. They can be as greedy as a lab though!

I tend to prefer male whippets, females can be a bit more aloof (not always obviously)

My hubby was a first time dog owner when we had Jimmy and he feels Jimmy was a perfect dog for him.

I was not a whippet fan until we had Jimmy but now I couldn't imagine having any other breed even though I admire plenty .

Should add, they will get on your furniture, beds etc, don't want a dog on your sofa every evening don't get a whippet (or greyhound!)

Bryn nightly resting spot, curled up next to me, head resting on my leg

Edited by bexVN on Monday 8th February 12:34

[Pennyroyal Tea]

scrwright said:

We went for a Lab as our firs, low maint hound, best dog ever. As someone said on here they are the VW Golf of the dog world

I'd agree with this, although they too can get expensive as they age!

[smn159]

If you get a Lab, get a cat as well. Hugely entertaining

[Pennyroyal Tea]

Incidentally, our dog is a rescue Jack Russell (got her from Battersea) and for my wife (also a first time dog owner), she's perfect.

We got lucky with the JR: she's been mostly fantastic although can be a bit aggressive/dominant with strange dogs. The rest of the time she's as relaxed and loving as you could ever wish for.

When we arrived in the UAE, I 'surprised' my wife with a Beagle I'd rescued from Dubai. He was a beautiful looking dog and had an absolutely wonderful temperament at home with us around... but left on his own with our JR... well, lets just say that after some heft vets bills, two new sofas, a new bed and an eviction notice, we now just have our JR

Moral of the story: do your due diligence!

[SteellFJ]

bexVN said:

I had 3 cats when I took on my first whippet (he was 5maths old) they put him in his place soon enough .

My current whippet has lives with our cat now, she allows him to get away with a bit but all good natured.

Jimmy was 6 when our son was born, he was just brilliant with him. Bryn joined our family when my boy was about 4 then we had our daughter later in the yr,Bryn has been fantastic with them both.

I really do believe whippets make great first time dogs especially with a family, they are fun, loving, flexible about exercise needs, good natured, playful but not as full on as many popular breeds. They are more robust than people realise however children should be taught boundaries and that they aren't quite as rough and tumble as a lab. They can be as greedy as a lab though!

I tend to prefer male whippets, females can be a bit more aloof (not always obviously)

My hubby was a first time dog owner when we had Jimmy and he feels Jimmy was a perfect dog for him.

I was not a whippet fan until we had Jimmy but now I couldn't imagine having any other breed even though I admire plenty .

Should add, they will get on your furniture, beds etc, don't want a dog on your sofa every evening don't get a whippet (or greyhound!)

Bryn nightly resting spot, curled up next to me, head resting on my leg

Edited by bexVN on Monday 8th February 12:34

Thanks Bex, time to find a good breeder then

[bexVN]

SteellFJ said:

bexVN said:

I had 3 cats when I took on my first whippet (he was 5maths old) they put him in his place soon enough .

My current whippet has lives with our cat now, she allows him to get away with a bit but all good natured.

Jimmy was 6 when our son was born, he was just brilliant with him. Bryn joined our family when my boy was about 4 then we had our daughter later in the yr,Bryn has been fantastic with them both.

I really do believe whippets make great first time dogs especially with a family, they are fun, loving, flexible about exercise needs, good natured, playful but not as full on as many popular breeds. They are more robust than people realise however children should be taught boundaries and that they aren't quite as rough and tumble as a lab. They can be as greedy as a lab though!

I tend to prefer male whippets, females can be a bit more aloof (not always obviously)

My hubby was a first time dog owner when we had Jimmy and he feels Jimmy was a perfect dog for him.

I was not a whippet fan until we had Jimmy but now I couldn't imagine having any other breed even though I admire plenty .

Should add, they will get on your furniture, beds etc, don't want a dog on your sofa every evening don't get a whippet (or greyhound!)

Bryn nightly resting spot, curled up next to me, head resting on my leg

Edited by bexVN on Monday 8th February 12:34

Thanks Bex, time to find a good breeder then

I'm currently seeking a second through whippet rescues, difficult esp as we have children and a cat but pups come along occasionally so keep hoping .

Have a read up about the breed but I don't know anyone who has ever regretted having a whippet in their life!! (and contrary to what some sites say, whippets can be happily let off a lead if recall has been taught)

Our first was going to be a hard act to follow but Bryn has managed to achieve this brilliantly (whilst having his own quirks aswell )

Edited by bexVN on Monday 8th February 13:35

[moorx]

SteellFJ said:

Thanks Bex, time to find a good breeder then

Or breed rescue/rescue?

(Our two whippet brothers came from a rescue at 8 months old)

[bexVN]

moorx said:

SteellFJ said:

Thanks Bex, time to find a good breeder then

Or breed rescue/rescue?

(Our two whippet brothers came from a rescue at 8 months old)

I'm trying to get a rescue whippet!! Fingers crossed it will happen soon but not easy!