A What Dog thread.....

[bearman68]

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:

• 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

I was wondering about a collie (Welsh Border would be OK), but are there any other obvious choices?
Oh, and my parents have a Lab, so not one of those.

[bearman68]

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........

[bearman68]

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.
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]

I'd worry about the 'terrier' bit of Bedlington to be honest. As a breed, I guess they will be preprogrammed to chase small furry things.
I like the idea of a labradoodle - the lab bit sounds homely and trainable.

Rescue dog because there's a whole pile of pain in the world, and this is possible a way of making it a little less. (And I agree there's risk there).

Local pet rescue has 2 labradoodles looking for homes, as well as a spaniel cross. Going to pop down and have a look in the next few days.

[bearman68]

Just an update - the local dog rescue has (forced me to) fill in various forms.They are coming for a home visit next week or so to decide if I and the family are responsible pet owners. Once they suss us out that will be the end of it, but they may be mistaken enough to let us have a look at some of their 'stock'
I think I'm going to wing it a bit,and see what takes my fancy, and what will be suitable.

Clearly, I'm going to end up with a Jack Russell crossed with a spaniel or collie or something. It will be all yapping sharp teeth 24 hrs a day, and I'll end up with no doors or furniture. Ho Hum. (and some day I will learn not to post stuff after beer - it never ends well).

Reluctant with a German Shepard - a mate had one, and it bit me twice, so I was never keen on it. (so all GS are clearly going to bite)