A What Dog thread.....
Discussion
Hi all.
Mrs Bear has decided the household needs a dog. This is fine with me, and of course the kids are delighted.
Essentially I work from home, so I have an image in my mind of the friendly non boisterous dog settling down in the workshop to keep me company, help me with tricky problems, and generally be companionable. Mrs would like to take the dog for walks / runs (she's a pretty decent runner), and would like it not to be too hairy (moulting all the time).
We considered a greyhound. A visit by the rescue centre has pretty much ruled that out, as it's a sight hound, and we have low fences and a rural area. Too much worry to try an keep an eye on it. It's also unlikely to be happy in the workshop, as we have a few cats, homed in the workshop. A greyhound is also unlikely to be able to go on longer walks.
So, list of requirements are:
Oh, and my parents have a Lab, so not one of those.
Mrs Bear has decided the household needs a dog. This is fine with me, and of course the kids are delighted.
Essentially I work from home, so I have an image in my mind of the friendly non boisterous dog settling down in the workshop to keep me company, help me with tricky problems, and generally be companionable. Mrs would like to take the dog for walks / runs (she's a pretty decent runner), and would like it not to be too hairy (moulting all the time).
We considered a greyhound. A visit by the rescue centre has pretty much ruled that out, as it's a sight hound, and we have low fences and a rural area. Too much worry to try an keep an eye on it. It's also unlikely to be happy in the workshop, as we have a few cats, homed in the workshop. A greyhound is also unlikely to be able to go on longer walks.
So, list of requirements are:
- Short hared, and not likely to smell when wet.
- Able to go on long walks / distance runs.
- Will respond to voice commands, inc returning when called.
- Good with kids.
- Sociable without always requiring human contact (want to be able to leave it for an afternoon without worry) (Rules terriers out I think)
- Not manically programmed to chase things.
- Reasonably small.
- Would need to be a rescue dog
Oh, and my parents have a Lab, so not one of those.
Yeah, as a long-time sighthound owner, sadly a greyhound probably wouldn't be suitable. A lurcher might be a possibility, but it would be down to the individual dog as to whether it would meet your requirements.
I was going to suggest a lab, but you don't want one. Collies often aren't short haired and moult a lot (although you can get smooth coated). Pointers probably wouldn't meet your recall requirements.
Other possibilities:
Weimaraner (possibly via breed rescue)
Vizsla (ditto)
Trailhound (www.trailhoundwelfare.org.uk)
German or Belgian shepherd
Or (providing you can find a cat-friendly one) a staffy? Plenty of them in rescue centres.
Otherwise, a good old-fashioned crossbreed.....
I was going to suggest a lab, but you don't want one. Collies often aren't short haired and moult a lot (although you can get smooth coated). Pointers probably wouldn't meet your recall requirements.
Other possibilities:
Weimaraner (possibly via breed rescue)
Vizsla (ditto)
Trailhound (www.trailhoundwelfare.org.uk)
German or Belgian shepherd
Or (providing you can find a cat-friendly one) a staffy? Plenty of them in rescue centres.
Otherwise, a good old-fashioned crossbreed.....
I have a Viszla so probably biased but can offer relevant advice on those.
We had a few requirements when getting a dog (I grew up with Ridgebacks but those were deemed too big for us now)
So we wanted not smelly nor moult too much
Good with kids - ours were 5 and 7 at the time
Intelligent and trainable
Medium sized - (I'll come back to that)
So - checking off your list
Non smelly etc - check!
Able to go on long walks - err very check! Monty will go out all day if he can!!
Voice commands - absolutely, very trainable, wants to please and enjoys learning stuff but some people find it difficult. More an owner problem than dog though
Kids - absolutely, needed to be taught his position in the household and he is fab with all kids - Viszlas love the attention
Sociable - see above, if there's 2 things Monty loves it's being in the fields and people. He will want fuss as much as he can get it though so sometimes he has to be told to leave people alone - but he will.
As for being left - we leave Monty for about 4 hours max without anyone - wouldn't do much more. We cage trained him early which helped him get used to it and now he's fine (he's 2 1/2 by the way).
Chasing things - it's training - he's always interested in things and will chase stuff in the fields but he's not programmed to chase. He's often out in the front garden with me which is open to the road and won't go out there unless he's told he can, even when dogs, horses etc all go past.
Size - well Viszlas are listed as medium but it is rather random (although likely breeding specific). b
hes are much smaller, Monty is really quite large, but not really broad, he's leggy though.
Rescue - absolutely, unfortunately there's plenty available, people struggle with the physical exercise needs and also the mental ones - they need stimulation or they will burn off their energy by going a bit bonkers.
Not sure where you are in the country but you're welcome to come and meet Monty if you'd like - we're in North Herts.
We had a few requirements when getting a dog (I grew up with Ridgebacks but those were deemed too big for us now)
So we wanted not smelly nor moult too much
Good with kids - ours were 5 and 7 at the time
Intelligent and trainable
Medium sized - (I'll come back to that)
So - checking off your list
Non smelly etc - check!
Able to go on long walks - err very check! Monty will go out all day if he can!!
Voice commands - absolutely, very trainable, wants to please and enjoys learning stuff but some people find it difficult. More an owner problem than dog though
Kids - absolutely, needed to be taught his position in the household and he is fab with all kids - Viszlas love the attention
Sociable - see above, if there's 2 things Monty loves it's being in the fields and people. He will want fuss as much as he can get it though so sometimes he has to be told to leave people alone - but he will.
As for being left - we leave Monty for about 4 hours max without anyone - wouldn't do much more. We cage trained him early which helped him get used to it and now he's fine (he's 2 1/2 by the way).
Chasing things - it's training - he's always interested in things and will chase stuff in the fields but he's not programmed to chase. He's often out in the front garden with me which is open to the road and won't go out there unless he's told he can, even when dogs, horses etc all go past.
Size - well Viszlas are listed as medium but it is rather random (although likely breeding specific). b
hes are much smaller, Monty is really quite large, but not really broad, he's leggy though.Rescue - absolutely, unfortunately there's plenty available, people struggle with the physical exercise needs and also the mental ones - they need stimulation or they will burn off their energy by going a bit bonkers.
Not sure where you are in the country but you're welcome to come and meet Monty if you'd like - we're in North Herts.
Hi all. Thanks for the fantastic advice and suggestions. I had not thought of a Viszla (why would I I've never heard of one before), but that sounds pretty good, although I do wonder if we are able to exercise it enough. It would never have more than 3 or 4 hours a day, mostly 1 hour, and sometimes nothing. Though we do live on a smallholding, so perhaps it would self exercise a bit?
I had thought of a spaniel - about 1 hour a day needed according to the Kennel Club, and I know they are sociable creatures, so will check out the 2 breeds mentioned.
I'm going to end up with a loveable mongrel in the end - I can feel it coming........
I had thought of a spaniel - about 1 hour a day needed according to the Kennel Club, and I know they are sociable creatures, so will check out the 2 breeds mentioned.
I'm going to end up with a loveable mongrel in the end - I can feel it coming........
I'd suggest a Labradoodle - Very smart dogs and they don't drop hair
Family picked up a labradoodle puppy 2 weeks ago (photo's at 12 weeks old when new) - He's now 14 weeks old and a cross between a golden lab and miniature poodle so will grow to ~20-24" tall - (standard/toy poodle can make them bigger/smaller).
He is a very smart, chilled out puppy and brilliant with everybody (he loves licking feet though?!?!) He was house trained (barring v. a single overnight wetting) within 3 days at 12 weeks old, already sits on command and fetches balls without issue - teaching him to walk to heel now.
Family picked up a labradoodle puppy 2 weeks ago (photo's at 12 weeks old when new) - He's now 14 weeks old and a cross between a golden lab and miniature poodle so will grow to ~20-24" tall - (standard/toy poodle can make them bigger/smaller).
He is a very smart, chilled out puppy and brilliant with everybody (he loves licking feet though?!?!) He was house trained (barring v. a single overnight wetting) within 3 days at 12 weeks old, already sits on command and fetches balls without issue - teaching him to walk to heel now.
bearman68 said:
Hi all. Thanks for the fantastic advice and suggestions. I had not thought of a Viszla (why would I I've never heard of one before), but that sounds pretty good, although I do wonder if we are able to exercise it enough. It would never have more than 3 or 4 hours a day, mostly 1 hour, and sometimes nothing. Though we do live on a smallholding, so perhaps it would self exercise a bit?
I had thought of a spaniel - about 1 hour a day needed according to the Kennel Club, and I know they are sociable creatures, so will check out the 2 breeds mentioned.
I'm going to end up with a loveable mongrel in the end - I can feel it coming........
The Kennel Club jest, most spaniels need more than an hour of good exercise and stimulation. Especially in their younger yearsI had thought of a spaniel - about 1 hour a day needed according to the Kennel Club, and I know they are sociable creatures, so will check out the 2 breeds mentioned.
I'm going to end up with a loveable mongrel in the end - I can feel it coming........
bearman68 said:
* Short hared, and not likely to smell when wet.
* Sociable without always requiring human contact (want to be able to leave it for an afternoon without worry) (Rules terriers out I think)
* Not manically programmed to chase things.
If you mean a Border Collie, then the highlighted lines are not compatible. Border Collies (as with many other working breeds) can be a pain in the ass if kept as a family pet.- Able to go on long walks / distance runs.
- Will respond to voice commands, inc returning when called.
* Sociable without always requiring human contact (want to be able to leave it for an afternoon without worry) (Rules terriers out I think)
* Not manically programmed to chase things.
- Reasonably small.
- Would need to be a rescue dog
Of course each dog has its own personality and you may get lucky, but the chances are lower than average.
Border Collies need constant human contact and activities to do. If you let them get bored they will make their own entertainment which often involves demolishing your house.
I've known several Border Collies who are aggressive towards children despite having no bad experiences with them. Probably to do with the herding instinct and children behaving unpredictably.
They don't necessarily chase everything, but they do get obsessed. When they spot something they want, 100% of their attention goes to that thing, it's the most important thing in the world and they will get it or die trying.
Also, when you say they'll get long walks/distance runs, is that like a daily/weekly/monthly thing? A border collie won't be happy with one or two long distance runs per week. It'll probably want one a day as well as a couple of shorter walks.
Given your list of needs, I'd probably be looking for a Labradoodle. But if you're going for a rescue dog, try to be flexible about the breed. Find one that:
- doesn't look bored out of its mind in the kennels.
- doesn't hop up and down or wet itself with excitement at getting to meet new people.
- has a decent body shape that looks like it could do distance runs (no flat nose breeds/sloped backs/short legs/too old). Also if you're planning lots of exercise, no deep wide chests as you'll have to wait loads of time around each meal to prevent gastric torsion.
Prior training isn't important with a rescue dog. Even if they can't sit, don't worry. Training basic commands is easy, fun and a good bonding experience. And you can teach an old dog new tricks
R E S T E C P said:
Also, when you say they'll get long walks/distance runs, is that like a daily/weekly/monthly thing? A border collie won't be happy with one or two long distance runs per week. It'll probably want one a day as well as a couple of shorter walks.
If you watch the sort of normal working days collies can put in, places like the Lake District, it is utterly staggering. To an extent, this is also true of other working breeds like Spaniels; people get them as pets, totally underestimating what enormous stamina they possess.Digga said:
f you watch the sort of normal working days collies can put in, places like the Lake District, it is utterly staggering. To an extent, this is also true of other working breeds like Spaniels; people get them as pets, totally underestimating what enormous stamina they possess.
I resemble that remark 
To be fair... We thought we knew what we were signing up for!
We already had a Lab who came from working lines and had endless energy, and got loads of daily exercise. We live in the countryside, lots of walks, lots of runs, lots of games, lots of time in the garden....
As it turns out, the Lab is a potato in comparison to the Collie.
I have succeeded in tiring out the Collie on a couple of occasions. Ball launcher in the park until he literally flopped down in a heap of black and white fluff and refused to move....
... until 5 minutes later when we got home and it was all forgotten. He was asking to go out again, wanted to play more, kept pushing his slobbery tennis ball into my face, kept beating up his brother out of frustration/boredom...
Collies are amazing dogs though, and it's obvious why people want them as pets. The eye contact, the way they respond to commands - it's unreal!
We had a Staffie/Doberman cross. When he was younger - about 5 or 6 - we climbed An Tealach with him. The route we did was a proper 3,000ft climb from sea level, on the go with just a brief stop to eat a couple of butties at the summit, from just after 9am until 4pm. He slept in the car on the way back to the cottage, flat out, with the Labrador of the friend we'd climbed with.
And then at around 5:30pm - normal home from work time - he was asking for his before dinner walk.
And then at around 5:30pm - normal home from work time - he was asking for his before dinner walk.
R E S T E C P said:
If you mean a Border Collie, then the highlighted lines are not compatible. Border Collies (as with many other working breeds) can be a pain in the ass if kept as a family pet.
Of course each dog has its own personality and you may get lucky, but the chances are lower than average.
Border Collies need constant human contact and activities to do. If you let them get bored they will make their own entertainment which often involves demolishing your house.
I've known several Border Collies who are aggressive towards children despite having no bad experiences with them. Probably to do with the herding instinct and children behaving unpredictably.
They don't necessarily chase everything, but they do get obsessed. When they spot something they want, 100% of their attention goes to that thing, it's the most important thing in the world and they will get it or die trying.
Also, when you say they'll get long walks/distance runs, is that like a daily/weekly/monthly thing? A border collie won't be happy with one or two long distance runs per week. It'll probably want one a day as well as a couple of shorter walks.
Given your list of needs, I'd probably be looking for a Labradoodle. But if you're going for a rescue dog, try to be flexible about the breed. Find one that:
- doesn't look bored out of its mind in the kennels.
- doesn't hop up and down or wet itself with excitement at getting to meet new people.
- has a decent body shape that looks like it could do distance runs (no flat nose breeds/sloped backs/short legs/too old). Also if you're planning lots of exercise, no deep wide chests as you'll have to wait loads of time around each meal to prevent gastric torsion.
Prior training isn't important with a rescue dog. Even if they can't sit, don't worry. Training basic commands is easy, fun and a good bonding experience. And you can teach an old dog new tricks
Mmm - I'm from farming stock and was brought up with Border Collies (you know:- the black and white ones) Never really thought about it then, but I loved the dogs, and thought they were the best dog in the world ever. We had one that would jump unlike anything you've ever seen, and would jump into your arms. You had to be careful, or he would bowl you over. Never saw a bad one though.Of course each dog has its own personality and you may get lucky, but the chances are lower than average.
Border Collies need constant human contact and activities to do. If you let them get bored they will make their own entertainment which often involves demolishing your house.
I've known several Border Collies who are aggressive towards children despite having no bad experiences with them. Probably to do with the herding instinct and children behaving unpredictably.
They don't necessarily chase everything, but they do get obsessed. When they spot something they want, 100% of their attention goes to that thing, it's the most important thing in the world and they will get it or die trying.
Also, when you say they'll get long walks/distance runs, is that like a daily/weekly/monthly thing? A border collie won't be happy with one or two long distance runs per week. It'll probably want one a day as well as a couple of shorter walks.
Given your list of needs, I'd probably be looking for a Labradoodle. But if you're going for a rescue dog, try to be flexible about the breed. Find one that:
- doesn't look bored out of its mind in the kennels.
- doesn't hop up and down or wet itself with excitement at getting to meet new people.
- has a decent body shape that looks like it could do distance runs (no flat nose breeds/sloped backs/short legs/too old). Also if you're planning lots of exercise, no deep wide chests as you'll have to wait loads of time around each meal to prevent gastric torsion.
Prior training isn't important with a rescue dog. Even if they can't sit, don't worry. Training basic commands is easy, fun and a good bonding experience. And you can teach an old dog new tricks
Distance runs would be about 40 - 50 miles a week between the 2 of us - not really huge, but enough to keep a fit dog very fit. But we don't always run, and it would be nice to not have to, especially if injured or tired.
I like your advice about the kennels thing - that looks a very valuable pointer, and much appreciated. Thanks
bearman68 said:
So, list of requirements are:
not spaniel- Short hared, and not likely to smell when wet.
bearman68 said:
- Able to go on long walks / distance runs.
- Will respond to voice commands, inc returning when called.
- Good with kids.
- Sociable without always requiring human contact (want to be able to leave it for an afternoon without worry) (Rules terriers out I think)
- Not manically programmed to chase things.
- Reasonably small.
bearman68 said:
- Would need to be a rescue dog
t dogs. Sounds like you have quite a sensible attitude why take a chance with a dog that has been bred badly and brought up wrongbearman68 said:
I was wondering about a collie (Welsh Border would be OK)
Collies are serious hard work and that't coming from a spaniel manbearman68 said:
Oh, and my parents have a Lab, so not one of those.
Agree - Labs are boring
What's not to like?
oddman said:
bearman68 said:
- Would need to be a rescue dog
t dogs. Sounds like you have quite a sensible attitude why take a chance with a dog that has been bred badly and brought up wrongBut on the other hand, you can't really gauge the personality that an 8 week old puppy will have when it's mature.
At least with an adult rescue dog you can get an idea of their behaviours (and if anything nasty appears after taking them home, you can hand them back).
Also puppies can't do vigorous exercise for a year, and they are hard work. Months of finding "presents" left for you around the house and stopping them trying to kill themselves or destroy everything you own. It's not even rewarding.
Adult dogs are part of your family. They want you to be happy as much as you want them to be happy. Puppies are just selfish.
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