Mid Size Dog advice
Discussion
basically its a what dog thread
my wife and I both loves dogs but live in a small inner city terrace house with no garden so could never own one
we are about to move out to the countryside to a new house with a good garden ( not huge) and already has a professional dog run installed in the back garden that links into the garage so the dog can shelter and get heat from the boiler during winter
my wifes 30 next month so thinking a puppy would be a great present
always planned to get a lab - but the gardens not huge, and I know my wife will want the dog in the house so a lab is a bit too big / energetic for my liking
also needs to be good with kids - we have a 3 month old
any suggestions?
my wife and I both loves dogs but live in a small inner city terrace house with no garden so could never own one
we are about to move out to the countryside to a new house with a good garden ( not huge) and already has a professional dog run installed in the back garden that links into the garage so the dog can shelter and get heat from the boiler during winter
my wifes 30 next month so thinking a puppy would be a great present
always planned to get a lab - but the gardens not huge, and I know my wife will want the dog in the house so a lab is a bit too big / energetic for my liking
also needs to be good with kids - we have a 3 month old
any suggestions?
325Ti said:
basically its a what dog thread
my wife and I both loves dogs but live in a small inner city terrace house with no garden so could never own one
we are about to move out to the countryside to a new house with a good garden ( not huge) and already has a professional dog run installed in the back garden that links into the garage so the dog can shelter and get heat from the boiler during winter
my wifes 30 next month so thinking a puppy would be a great present
always planned to get a lab - but the gardens not huge, and I know my wife will want the dog in the house so a lab is a bit too big / energetic for my liking
also needs to be good with kids - we have a 3 month old
any suggestions?
No one can tell you what dog will suit you and this thread will degenerate into people stating the case for their preferred breed.my wife and I both loves dogs but live in a small inner city terrace house with no garden so could never own one
we are about to move out to the countryside to a new house with a good garden ( not huge) and already has a professional dog run installed in the back garden that links into the garage so the dog can shelter and get heat from the boiler during winter
my wifes 30 next month so thinking a puppy would be a great present
always planned to get a lab - but the gardens not huge, and I know my wife will want the dog in the house so a lab is a bit too big / energetic for my liking
also needs to be good with kids - we have a 3 month old
any suggestions?
A starting point is to use one of, or perhaps all of, the many "dog breed selector" type websites. For example: http://animal.discovery.com/breed-selector/dog-bre...
Outside of that, go to some game fairs or dog show and you will see a huge range of different breeds. You'll quickly pick out dogs that appeal and a few brief conversations will tell you what you need to know about the upsides of each breed. Be aware though that most breed enthusiasts will be very pro their own dogs, so you'll need to dig deep to uncover any shortcomings of the breed.
For what it's worth our current dog is the upshot of visiting country fairs. We thought we knew what we wanted but discovered a slightly different variant that better suited us.
Have a good look around the net, then go here:
http://www.discoverdogs.org.uk/
You will get to actually see and play with every breed and talk to real owners who will speak the truth about their breeds.
http://www.discoverdogs.org.uk/
You will get to actually see and play with every breed and talk to real owners who will speak the truth about their breeds.
Size isn't everything OP [ as I keep telling the wife ] do some research on the characteristics of dogs, I own a Bullmastiff and its the most laidback dog I can think of, a much easier dog to deal with than many many smaller dogs of a more excitable nature, remember temperament is the key if you have limited space and little ones, that saying Labs are lovely dogs, whatever you get, get it trained.
As already said preferred breeds will be suggested and I will be no exception but I would strongly recommend looking into the whippet.
They can exercise well but they are not obsessed by it. They're a healthy breed, good with other dogs, great with kids (obviously with socialising) look for a breed line where parents are 14-15kg. They're not really guard dogs but have a decent bark when needed. They are food thieves which surprises a lot of people.
I was anything but a whippet fan until we took on our Jimmy (not planned) completely converted and will not consider another breed now.
Oh and ignore the advice that because they're a sight hound they should not be off a lead! With usual training they most definitely can. They're fine with cats as well as long as introduced from young pup. Jimmy lived with 4!
They can exercise well but they are not obsessed by it. They're a healthy breed, good with other dogs, great with kids (obviously with socialising) look for a breed line where parents are 14-15kg. They're not really guard dogs but have a decent bark when needed. They are food thieves which surprises a lot of people.
I was anything but a whippet fan until we took on our Jimmy (not planned) completely converted and will not consider another breed now.
Oh and ignore the advice that because they're a sight hound they should not be off a lead! With usual training they most definitely can. They're fine with cats as well as long as introduced from young pup. Jimmy lived with 4!
Edited by bexVN on Monday 26th August 11:00
Would you consider a rescue?
The right border collie could be suitable (although many would not be for your circumstances) - Lily's Border Collie Lifeline (Interest note - my fiance is an admin within this network).
If you have a preference for other breeds, any reputable rescue will ensure that you are matched with a dog suitable for your circumstances.
The right border collie could be suitable (although many would not be for your circumstances) - Lily's Border Collie Lifeline (Interest note - my fiance is an admin within this network).
If you have a preference for other breeds, any reputable rescue will ensure that you are matched with a dog suitable for your circumstances.
I think most people will agree that (inc those that own them!) Beagles are very very hard work, lots and lots of dedicated training for many many months. If you are absolutely certain you can dedicate to them than they can be a lovely dog.
Working Cocker Spaniels like their exercise and are high spirited but generally much more keen to please their owners when it comes to training, unlike the stubborn beagle who couldn't give a toss most of the time
Working Cocker Spaniels like their exercise and are high spirited but generally much more keen to please their owners when it comes to training, unlike the stubborn beagle who couldn't give a toss most of the time
I have a Cocker Spaniel from a show line, he is two now and I've had him from a puppy, I'd never had a dog before, but have found him easy to train, soft and gentle with everyone, including my four year old nephew. He likes about an hour of walking a day, and enjoys games in the garden.
thanks Tumbler
backs up my thoughts on the Cocker
looks like the Beagle is a no go
few suggestions for greyhounds - they are probably a lovely dog that would suit me - but just dont like them - always look too skinny to me
out for a walk today and my wife pointed out a Weimarner - lovely looking dog but just too big for us
backs up my thoughts on the Cocker
looks like the Beagle is a no go
few suggestions for greyhounds - they are probably a lovely dog that would suit me - but just dont like them - always look too skinny to me
out for a walk today and my wife pointed out a Weimarner - lovely looking dog but just too big for us
325Ti said:
thanks Tumbler
backs up my thoughts on the Cocker
looks like the Beagle is a no go
few suggestions for greyhounds - they are probably a lovely dog that would suit me - but just dont like them - always look too skinny to me
out for a walk today and my wife pointed out a Weimarner - lovely looking dog but just too big for us
Take a look at the Hungarian Vizsla then. Similar dog, a bit smaller. Both tend to be highly strung and fret when you go out without them though. Ditto the German Pointers, which are again similar.backs up my thoughts on the Cocker
looks like the Beagle is a no go
few suggestions for greyhounds - they are probably a lovely dog that would suit me - but just dont like them - always look too skinny to me
out for a walk today and my wife pointed out a Weimarner - lovely looking dog but just too big for us
Tumbler said:
I have a Cocker Spaniel from a show line, he is two now and I've had him from a puppy, I'd never had a dog before, but have found him easy to train, soft and gentle with everyone, including my four year old nephew. He likes about an hour of walking a day, and enjoys games in the garden.
I'm looking at a new dog to replace my Goldie that died a year ago now. The English Cocker looks like the favourite due to it's size (I will be somewhat older by the end of it's life and will need to lift it still) and the fact it is a gun dog so will train well. It will also be shown so a show line dog is on the agenda.OP, have a look at the discover dogs web site and then plan a visit for later this year. I can't see a problem promising the OH a puppy and then going along as a family to the show to choose a breed that suits you and your lifestyle a little later on.
stevenjhepburn said:
Would you consider a rescue?
The right border collie could be suitable (although many would not be for your circumstances)
I would be very cautious about getting a Collie, particularly one from working lines. Many of them can be hyperactive, obsessive and manic. They need huge amounts of exercise as an outlet for their physical energy and stimulating activities for their mental energy, eg obedience or dog sports such as Flyball.The right border collie could be suitable (although many would not be for your circumstances)
A Collie can be "too much dog" and can run rings round an inexperienced owner. More here :
http://www.bcrescue.org/bcwarning.html
I would normally not shout about Weims' after the posts suggesting people will just pipe up recommending their favorite breeds, but seeing as you mentioned them and I live in a 2up2down with one... Having said all that, a lot of it could be applied to many breeds.
Yes, they're big dogs but with enough exercise (applies to most dogs) all mine want's to do in the house is sleep and eat so the only effects of his size are how big a bed (or space on mine) he needs. I do have to walk around him if he's in the kitchen but I'd rather than trip over a smaller dog.
He's great with kids. I don't know why, but toddlers seem to be drawn to him and regularly just run up and hug him without warning; Makes me cringe when it happens but he just stands there (almost in a trance) and lets them... he was even bitten on the ear by one and just wagged his tail. Probably because he was born in a house that fostered kids from troubled families and was man handled by them from day one.
They're renowned for not being great off the lead (like lots of hunting breeds) but mine has been off since his first walk and knows it's his job to keep tabs on me... whatever else takes his interest. Walked him today with a Whippet and 2 Beagles all off the lead, it just takes training from the start. Keep a dog constantly on the lead then don't be suprised if they leg it when you finally let them off.
Training out the traits you don't want is essential if you want a dog that you can live with and training in the ones you want. Exercise (both body and mind) and the space at home isn't so important; An under-exercised dog will be bouncing off the walls no matter how big your house is (you mention house, garden and kennel size but not how much time you can spend walking).
Yes, they're big dogs but with enough exercise (applies to most dogs) all mine want's to do in the house is sleep and eat so the only effects of his size are how big a bed (or space on mine) he needs. I do have to walk around him if he's in the kitchen but I'd rather than trip over a smaller dog.
He's great with kids. I don't know why, but toddlers seem to be drawn to him and regularly just run up and hug him without warning; Makes me cringe when it happens but he just stands there (almost in a trance) and lets them... he was even bitten on the ear by one and just wagged his tail. Probably because he was born in a house that fostered kids from troubled families and was man handled by them from day one.
They're renowned for not being great off the lead (like lots of hunting breeds) but mine has been off since his first walk and knows it's his job to keep tabs on me... whatever else takes his interest. Walked him today with a Whippet and 2 Beagles all off the lead, it just takes training from the start. Keep a dog constantly on the lead then don't be suprised if they leg it when you finally let them off.
Training out the traits you don't want is essential if you want a dog that you can live with and training in the ones you want. Exercise (both body and mind) and the space at home isn't so important; An under-exercised dog will be bouncing off the walls no matter how big your house is (you mention house, garden and kennel size but not how much time you can spend walking).
Agree with above comments about Weimaraner.
We got one as a pup, until we lost her last year and they are great dogs as long as they are trained/disciplined when young.
They can be very headstrong and stubborn so is essential they know ground rules and boundaries as a pup-once they learn this they are arguably the most loving, loyal dog.
As long as mine got a reasonable run in the local park or field in the morning she would gladly lazy around all day, and for the relative size was an easy dog to keep.
Great with kids, big soft wimp to be honest but great guard dogs.
Short coats too so no casting long hair all over the house.
We got one as a pup, until we lost her last year and they are great dogs as long as they are trained/disciplined when young.
They can be very headstrong and stubborn so is essential they know ground rules and boundaries as a pup-once they learn this they are arguably the most loving, loyal dog.
As long as mine got a reasonable run in the local park or field in the morning she would gladly lazy around all day, and for the relative size was an easy dog to keep.
Great with kids, big soft wimp to be honest but great guard dogs.
Short coats too so no casting long hair all over the house.
Just a bit of advice on working cockers. On a shoot they flush and retrieve game. Their drive to hunt is very high and this is why they are used in this way. So if you get one and don't take its training seriously you will be chasing it around the countryside for miles while it follows scent. However, they are very biddable little dogs, great around people and kids and easy(ish) to train. Show ones look a bit more high maintance what with the masses of coat they have.
On and labs are pretty lazy, well ours is, around the house. Will need a fair bit of exercise but in general don't take up to much room. We used to live in a two up two down and the lab never felt like it was taking to much space up. Chocolate ones are best if some what bonkers
On and labs are pretty lazy, well ours is, around the house. Will need a fair bit of exercise but in general don't take up to much room. We used to live in a two up two down and the lab never felt like it was taking to much space up. Chocolate ones are best if some what bonkers
I am a fan of the whippet type - ours is a cross with a Saluki (a Persian greyhound) and we rescued her 7.5 years ago when she was 1.
I did a fair amount of recall work as well as general training so I can now walk her completely off lead and she will stop and sit at all roads, even if she is ahead of me. She plays with most dogs aside from Shepherds (as 1 nipped her a while back) and only needs 2 x 15 minute walks a day as well as a couple of toilet runs. She is absolutely great with all people and kids - we have 3 year old twins and she has been wonderful with them from birth and never complains if she gets stood on, tail pulled etc.
Only downside is the constant molting!
David
I did a fair amount of recall work as well as general training so I can now walk her completely off lead and she will stop and sit at all roads, even if she is ahead of me. She plays with most dogs aside from Shepherds (as 1 nipped her a while back) and only needs 2 x 15 minute walks a day as well as a couple of toilet runs. She is absolutely great with all people and kids - we have 3 year old twins and she has been wonderful with them from birth and never complains if she gets stood on, tail pulled etc.
Only downside is the constant molting!
David
Grey Ghost said:
I'm looking at a new dog to replace my Goldie that died a year ago now. The English Cocker looks like the favourite due to it's size (I will be somewhat older by the end of it's life and will need to lift it still) and the fact it is a gun dog so will train well. It will also be shown so a show line dog is on the agenda.
OP, have a look at the discover dogs web site and then plan a visit for later this year. I can't see a problem promising the OH a puppy and then going along as a family to the show to choose a breed that suits you and your lifestyle a little later on.
Working cockers & show cockers are totally different dogs. OP, have a look at the discover dogs web site and then plan a visit for later this year. I can't see a problem promising the OH a puppy and then going along as a family to the show to choose a breed that suits you and your lifestyle a little later on.
Please don't buy a spaniel or any active dog unless you can exercise & stimulate it properly. Get sick of seeing people drive to the fields where we live, walk into the 1st field & throw a ball for 15mins then the dog is back in the car & home.
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