Getting A Dog

[454697819]

Dear . org

I have been desperate for a dog for some time, and now I live in the country I really want one even more I love walking and would love to have one with me.

As a child we had a dog and loved her to bits, due to circumstances beyond my control my mum had to re home her and although I had my own house I was not in a position to take her over.

we really would like a Beagle but I don't think I can justify buying pedigree as there is a Beagle welfare who re home Beagles who have had to be given up however most of these seem to be boy swho are difficult because they haven't been trained properly and become to much (except for the one which had the family rabbit)

Now I am in two trains of thought, as a pet is a very long term commitment, would you rather pay for the dog you want as a pup, train it from the beginning, let it grow up with you, or should I accept that an older dog is just as loving although possibly more difficult to continue training but rescue on in need of a home?

Our first dog was a nightmare because we had missed the first few weeks training period and was difficult for 3 years because of it, so this makes me want the pup, however the other part of me cant justify £600 when there are some which need homes, even if they wont be exactly what we want.?

to add into the mix we are thinking of starting a human family in or around 2012, and don't know what should come first... Baby or dog, is it easier to add the mayhem of a dog into the mix of a young (ish) child or to add a baby into a family with a dog...

looking for serious advice from either angle really,

Many thanks oh vast and experienced org,

[TazDaz]

we really would like a Beagle but I don't think I can justify buying pedigree as there is a Beagle welfare who re home Beagles who have had to be given up however most of these seem to be boy swho are difficult because they haven't been trained properly and become to much (except for the one which had the family rabbit)



It's never really too late for training, it's just a bit harder when they are past the puppy stage and bad owners don't seem to persevere with it.

Get a rescue puppy if you want a young one. Quite a lot of the animal shelters have puppys which have been born in there, as it's not uncommon for a pregnant dog to be given up once the owners find out.

[sinbad]

Well I know I would never want to support puppy farming/breeding by handing over a large sum of money for any puppy, from anywhere that wants to make money from it.

"Rescue" and homeless dogs are of course a mixed bag, some only really suited to people that have a lot of time or that simply want to give older dogs somewhere to live, but there are also lots of great young dogs that find their way into the shelters.

To me it's a no brainer, but then I just don't "get" the whole pedigree breed thing. After a year, if it's lovable, happy and great fun would you care what it looked like? Similarly would you be any happier knowing your aggressive and destructive dog was a "pure breed"?

[Jabba]

I have been desperate for a dog for some time......

Oh, the fun that some will have with that....... ;-)

Get a mutt from the local dogs' home. Will have been checked, vetted and probably chipped. You'll have your choice of possibly hundreds and there will be one that suits your needs.

Remember though, if you want a loyal and trustworthy pet, let the dog choose you, not the other way round :thumbsup:

[dizzyblonde]

Life with dogs is never easy, if it be rescue or from pup.

Honey came from the RSPCA, she was about 18 months to two yrs when we got her.
She has always been an on off kinda girl, shes great with people and children, I used to take her to nursery when Dylan was small and she used to be regularly surrounded by two year olds and never once flinched.
She is great with our cats, and so so with Bob the dog. Shes exceptionally dominant, something we have never successfully cured. Shes not so great with other dogs and would like to eat all other cats not in our clan. The problem with her is she has always had problems with one of her eyes, its got a cataract on it, and over the years its progressively turned her blind in one eye, now the other is going too.
As I said shes always been dominant, she likes to show what is hers, and will quite happily go nuts and fight over things she knows aren't hers, or go on the attack if another animal out of her line of sight, sniffs her butt or scares her.

I now have to watch her closely in her old age unfortunately, much as we love her to pieces as she is a sweetheart to all humans. When the little one comes along we have to seriously consider what to do with her, as we can't risk a blind girl snapping at our new baby if she mistakes it being another animal

Bob on the other hand, is crossed with a staff, my parents seem to think hes one day going to turn. We've had him since pup (I rescued him off the street at 12 weeks old) I have had a hand in his good nature, and unlike Honey doesn't have hidden past issues from a previous existance. Hes way too soft with anything and anybody, very dopey even if he is huge. Hes more likely to sit and lick the baby all day!

Its a very difficult thing to think about when you have a little one on the way when you have pets. Especially when they have been an established part of the family for years. Cats are so much easier when it comes to babies, they just hide ;-)

Just giving you something to mull over as I am in a funny and sad positon at the moment with an old girl who has been family for 8 years, who has been there when my son was growing up, but is very different now our little one is on the way

[ophic]

To me it's a no brainer, but then I just don't "get" the whole pedigree breed thing.
Pedigree dogs have a lot of genetic diseases and conditions bred out. It doesn't mean they won't get them, but they tend to be healthier.

However there is also the problem of overbreeding which has the opposite effect, in order to produce just a few "desirable" features. The bulldog is a good example of this.

Large dogs, for example, are prone to a lot of conditions, and pedigree dogs are usually bred from stock which hasn't suffered as much, in the hope of producing long lived healthy dogs, free of defects. Mongrels are often healthy as they're the offspring of 2 pedigree dogs of different breeds, or came from pedigrees less than 2 generations ago - but if it goes on for too many generations, all kinds of problems occur.

[maviczap]

Difficult adding a baby to dogs territory, depending on the breed. Plus babies take up all your time & energy.

We had a Greyhound when our first was born, but we had to find a home for her, as it was impossible and unfair on her to juggle looking after baby and dog.

Depends on how you job impacts on your home life too. It can be done, but baby will always take priority.

I've resisted getting another dog since, even though my mum and dad always had a dog or 2.

Get a greyhound, lovely dogs and only need a 20mins walk in the morning and afternoon. Great with kids too.

Quite keen on squirrels and cats too

[petevtwin650]

I have been desperate for a dog for some time,

Fancy another Aprilia then, Numbers? :smt102

*runs and looks at the spot the Duke used to be*

[dizzyblonde]

However there is also the problem of overbreeding which has the opposite effect, in order to produce just a few "desirable" features. The bulldog is a good example of this.

.

Sadly, an unreputable chav who breeds Staffs as a backhanded way of topping up their benefit, end up supplying unsuspecting buyers with massive vet bills. This statement may sound mean and very harsh, but I see this every day around here. Bob the dog came from such a breeder, who did this very thing. Bob was thrown out on the street because as he started growing they realised he wasn't a full staff (god knows where he came from) and obviously no good as he couldn't provide an income.
The amount of times I wanted to slap the girl with boyfriend in tow, that did this to loads of poor dogs. But instead I took their dog off the street, told them where he was, and brought him up to be a stunner in front of their noses.

[fizzwheel]

Liz wanted a dog for ages. We got two puppies last year and I've really grown to love them. I dont tend to like dogs, I never really have done, but our dogs I really do like.

Ours are not kennel club registered, this has its benefits in that Liz paid £600 for both dogs, rather than £600 for each dog that Kennel Club registered ones were going for. The chap we bought them from works his Labs and wanted another dog to work, so he bred them and picked the one he wanted from the litter and sold the rest on. He gave us a spreadsheet that shows their blood line right back through 4 generations.

Now I'm no expert when it comes to dogs, But I would research the person you buy them from carefully.

I think that you also need to think carefully about what breed you get and how it would fit with your lifestyle in your house.

I dont know if I would have the patience to take a rescue puppy / dog that has behaviour issues on. Liz spent alot of time trianing ours from the first day we got them home, we've also been to puppy classes so I could learn what to do and how to train them. I liked it that we got puppies and I could see them grow and develop into the dogs they are now. I also like the fact that they do what I tell them to do when I tell them to. We get complimented regularly on how well behaved they are.

I think that you should get the dog that you want, but make sure its suitable for your lifestyle and that you are prepared to make sacrifices and compromises. If that means you get a puppy and bring it up / train it how you want it to be trained then whether its pedigree or not I dont think makes much difference, unless you want to show it IMHO.

[missyburd]

We got our Alsatian when he was about 3 years old, from a recuse place in Bradford. Turns out he'd only been in there a week before me ma fell in love with him, got kicked out from the police training squad, no doubt he didn't fill all their criteria.

He's an absolutely fabulous dog, had very bad dog aggression problems, we've lessened those but my mum doesn't discipline as I did so he's picked up bad habits again :rolleyes: Doesn't help I don't see him like I used to either. But the moment he came into the house 6 years ago, he fitted right in. Impeccable obedience, picked up our way of life superquick and made himself right at home. We were lucky I reckon.

I often regret not having had him from a pup, just because he would have been the most loyal animal you could wish for, with no dog aggression problems (or men with big sticks...). But no pet is perfect and at the end of the day a dog is a dog, a living entity who's behaviour you shouldn't even pretend to think you can predict, particularly with certain breeds.

As long as I had the time and the energy to dedicate much love and commitment to a puppy, I wouldn't hesitate. If you don't think you have, then a rescue may be the better option. They certainly don't all come with issues, some have simply had to be given up by previous owners for the very reason DB's considering. After a few weeks of adapting and settling in,you'll think they've been there all your life hehe.

Go to a few rescue places (after researching the breed you're after thoroughly) and see which one "picks you out" :-)

[cuffy]

If you want a specific type of breed then look for rescue style websites, pretty much every breed is covered.
We've just been accepted by the Siberian husky rehoming people and are currently waiting for the "right" dog to come along. We'd prefer a pup as it needs to be intergrated with the 2 cats we already have.
If breed isn't important to you then have a looksy HERE (http://dogrescues.org/ppar/doglistp.htm)
They have a very high turn over of dogs, alot of puppies are available but not usually updated to the site.
Good luck in your search!

[punyXpress]

Speedy Claire was looking to rehome someone's dog, I've bumped her thread up.
Not sure about beagles - they used to be used in cigarette smoking experiments years ago & I'm sure they were ' disposed of ' but what a horrendous life! Kept in cages, they would never have made house pets. What b'stewards some people are.

[kitkat]

We have a 10 year old dog (Spinonie mixed with terrier or something) he is fantastic with our little one. She crawls over him, sticks her fingers up his nose and runs him over with her pram. He has his sanctuary on the stairs where when the stair gate is shut she cant get to him.

A few years ago we got a 10 week old lab cross pup from rescue centre. It took an instant dislike to my son who was about 18 months old. It eventually attacked him (completely unprovoked). I had to take it back and I think it might have been put down.

Dogs are great, but dont rush into any decision. I would not buy pedigree and bitzers are so much nicer in temperament and last longer lol

[600+]

We've had our rescue cross staffy/pointer for 4 years now. He was about 2 when we got him and although not trained as I would like I did train him within months.

I never saw the reason to pay through the nose for a dog since I only want it as a pet and not for shows or as a working dog.

As long as you like the looks, character and it's of a breed that can follow your lifestyle then that would be ticking all the boxes for me.

Best of luck and do let us know what you get :)

[yorkie_chris]

I would not buy pedigree and bitzers are so much nicer in temperament and last longer lol

That's a broad brush statement if ever I saw one!

[appollo1]

see my sig - german shepherd rescue

lots of dogs needing loving homes and not just in scotland. We have contacts all over the UK

[Luckypants]

Speedy Claire was looking to rehome someone's dog, I've bumped her thread up.

Smudge was re-homed this weekend. :D

[Mej]

i love GS, i would like to get one when the oppurtunity of getting a dog arises, out of interest what are they like to live with?

[BanditPat]

First dog I had was a rescue dog lovely and we never had any problems with her the second and third were bought the second was destructive and at the time we didn't have enough time for the puppy the third one is lovely not a pedigree. I used to volunteer in the rescue kennels and most of the dogs in there were lovely there was a few that were a bit snappy but on the most part 95% of them would have made great family pets and a fair few of them were from people who couldn't afford to or didn't have the time to look after them. If i was looking for my own dog the first place I would go is the rescue shelters. Look there first, if there's nothing suitable there then you can always look at getting a pup then?

[ophic]

i love GS, i would like to get one when the oppurtunity of getting a dog arises, out of interest what are they like to live with?
Temperament & personality varies. You can get the most intelligent, loyal friend you ever had, or you can get a nutter. Ours was the former, fortunately, as he was huge! Little toddlers loved him, they didn't see "big scary dog with sharp teeth", they just saw "big furry teddy bear", and he was great with them. Great guard dog too though - alert, territorial, and most importantly, restrained - although ours was professionally trained.

Then we got a mastiff. A bit bigger, and an awful lot dumber :D

[timwilky]

Alex

What you want a dog for when you have a kitten?


Seriously now. What is your lifestyle?
Are you both working? = no dog
Are you even contemplating the possibility of a sprog? = no dog
Do you like weekends away? = no dog.

I relented with the wife/family of getting Jasper 6 years ago as I was working from home. Great for 5.5 years now we are all working full time and poor sod is now alone for 9 hours a day. No wonder he goes mad when I walk in the door. He used to get a walk at lunchtime that has gone. His couple of mile first thing in the morning is now 1/2 a mile, no wonder both him/me are putting on a bit more than is good for us.

Edit, just reread your OP and see the though of a sprog has been mentioned. Dogs can be great with kids and stand a whole lot of abuse without complaining. Jasper is great with my grandkids, they throw him about, pull his ears/tail , poke him etc and when he has had enough off he goes to hide on my knee for protection. Would I trust him. No way, simply because if they start making a fuss of me. He wants to get between us. He is jealous.

[454697819]

Alex

What you want a dog for when you have a kitten?


Seriously now. What is your lifestyle?
Are you both working? = no dog
Are you even contemplating the possibility of a sprog? = no dog
Do you like weekends away? = no dog.

I relented with the wife/family of getting Jasper 6 years ago as I was working from home. Great for 5.5 years now we are all working full time and poor sod is now alone for 9 hours a day. No wonder he goes mad when I walk in the door. He used to get a walk at lunchtime that has gone. His couple of mile first thing in the morning is now 1/2 a mile, no wonder both him/me are putting on a bit more than is good for us.

Edit, just reread your OP and see the though of a sprog has been mentioned. Dogs can be great with kids and stand a whole lot of abuse without complaining. Jasper is great with my grandkids, they throw him about, pull his ears/tail , poke him etc and when he has had enough off he goes to hide on my knee for protection. Would I trust him. No way, simply because if they start making a fuss of me. He wants to get between us. He is jealous.


Yes we both work, but either Catherine or I can go home at lunch to attend, .
Why cant you have a sprog and a dog? plenty of ppl do?
We dont have weekends away, no where a dog couldn't come with us, we are only talking a beagle which is small ish anyway.

[timwilky]

Hi Alex

The reason I say no dog if thinking of sprogs is simply that dogs establish their pack order, when a kid arrives they are not capable of establishing pack order like a puppy, therefore a dog assumes dominance until such time as proper order is resumed.

There is therefore the danger with a young baby that the dog feels it is being unfairly treated and needs to establish itself. unfortunately a baby will come second.

I am not sayhing it will happen, it can. Like I said in my post, I would not trust my own dog. Yes I leave him in the same room as my grandkids. But only for short times such as nipping into the kitchen and the doors are open so I can hear what is going on.

As for weekends away. Fine if visiting friends/family where a dog is welcome. But hotels can be a different issue. You then need to find friends willing to have the dog or kennels that would treat it as you would.

It took me one hell of a long time to agree to a dog in our house. Because I grew up with dogs, I knew the demand on my time/resource they would create. I also knew I had a responsibility to give the dog all it needs

[454697819]

Hi Alex

The reason I say no dog if thinking of sprogs is simply that dogs establish their pack order, when a kid arrives they are not capable of establishing pack order like a puppy, therefore a dog assumes dominance until such time as proper order is resumed.

There is therefore the danger with a young baby that the dog feels it is being unfairly treated and needs to establish itself. unfortunately a baby will come second.

I am not sayhing it will happen, it can. Like I said in my post, I would not trust my own dog. Yes I leave him in the same room as my grandkids. But only for short times such as nipping into the kitchen and the doors are open so I can hear what is going on.

As for weekends away. Fine if visiting friends/family where a dog is welcome. But hotels can be a different issue. You then need to find friends willing to have the dog or kennels that would treat it as you would.

It took me one hell of a long time to agree to a dog in our house. Because I grew up with dogs, I knew the demand on my time/resource they would create. I also knew I had a responsibility to give the dog all it needs

Fair comments there tim, food for thought.

Cheers

Alex

[ophic]

Wise words Tim.

but if you get a really little dog, you can get tank bags especially designed for them :D
https://www.thepawsmahal.com/dogs/motorcycle/universal_sport_bag_motorcycle_pet_carrier.shtml

[PoRk ChOp]

Yes we both work, but either Catherine or I can go home at lunch to attend, .

Some people will say thats cruel, you shouldn't works if you have dogs blah blah blah. I think it's fine so long as you spend quality time while at home with your dog, I dont mean sat on your **** with the dog on your lap watching TV. I mean quality time interacting with the dog and building up that special bond.

Both myself and Mrs Chop work full time, I work office hours and she's a nurse on shifts, I arrange appointments around her shifts so if she's in work I can go home at lunch and spend 30 mins with the dogs. It works for us, but I love my dogs enough to do that. It's a pain in the **** sometimes, but it's worth it.

Why cant you have a sprog and a dog? plenty of ppl do?

Again I think it's fine to have both. Dogs adjust and 'live in the now' they dont dwell on the past as in 'life was great before that arrived', they dont rationalise and they dont think like humans. Just be sensible and dont leave a dog in room with a toddler unsupervised, when the sprog comes along try and not forget about the dog, common sense wins every time.


We dont have weekends away, no where a dog couldn't come with us, we are only talking a beagle which is small ish anyway.

Dogs aint as tying as people make out, you just adjust your life slightly. If I want to spend a morning on the bike, I get up mega early and take them out for a good long off lead walk, put them in their crates and go out.

If we go away we just look for dog freindly accomodation, Holiday Inn's allow dogs at certain hotels, it's not hard.

You just need to make it work for you, do your research on your breed, make sure if your getting a pup that you get it from a good breeder NOT a puppy farm, make sure it's health screened for genetic problem, again if you do your research then you will know what these problems are.

If your getting a rescue then let the dog pick you.

I have 3 dogs now (Springer, Collie and a Chi) and would swap my kids for a fourth one in a shot (another Collie), I honestly find 3 dogs far easier than one dog, I'm not suggesting for a minute you getting a few dogs ;)

You could always do what I do and take one to work with you... My ickle dog being a paperweight...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v216/smashy41/P2091720.jpg

I do have a very understanding boss though :cool:

Good luck and dont let people put you off if thats what you really want. Remember though, it's going to be roughly a 15 year commitment!

Edit: Sorry for the long post lol

[454697819]

Further useful posts mr Chop,

allot of my rationale in that post too.

[Bluewolf]

.

[missyburd]

i love GS, i would like to get one when the oppurtunity of getting a dog arises, out of interest what are they like to live with?
Too intelligent for their/our own good hehe.

Numbers, you talk about getting a beagle as they're "smallish anyway". Don't matter what size they are, they all have "big spiky teeth" ;)

[454697819]

Too intelligent for their/our own good hehe.

Numbers, you talk about getting a beagle as they're "smallish anyway". Don't matter what size they are, they all have "big spiky teeth" ;)

Indeedy, its more about people suggesting other breeds, we have our heart set on a beagle ideally but it will wait for the right dog.

:-)

[missyburd]

Indeedy, its more about people suggesting other breeds, we have our heart set on a beagle ideally but it will wait for the right dog.

:-)
What about a Puggle (pug beagle x)? :rolleyes:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/66/BraxtonPuggle-edit1.jpg/220px-BraxtonPuggle-edit1.jpg

I'm sure people only cross breeds so they can use daft names. Saw a lady the other day with 2 "Cockapoos" (cocker spaniel and toy/miniature poodle), stupid culture.

[ophic]

What about a Puggle (pug beagle x)? :rolleyes:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/66/BraxtonPuggle-edit1.jpg/220px-BraxtonPuggle-edit1.jpg


Aww that's just like a mini mastiff! Scale it up to 80kg, remove the brains, and you've got Kaiser :cool:

[PoRk ChOp]

I'm sure people only cross breeds so they can use daft names. Saw a lady the other day with 2 "Cockapoos" (cocker spaniel and toy/miniature poodle), stupid culture.

Indeed and some dip ****s will pay upwards of 2k for them, why? Because it's a designer 'breed':rant:

[fizzwheel]

Indeedy, its more about people suggesting other breeds, we have our heart set on a beagle ideally but it will wait for the right dog.

:-)

Whatever you get you need to research it properly and make sure it fits within your lifestyle / homelife.

Also if you are getting one dog, two isnt alot more hassle / work that way they are company for each other if you do go out / have to leave them.

Also if you get two puppies they play, bite, chew each other rather than your possesions or you !

I was very resistant to getting a dog, but Liz did her homework thoroughly and shes done an excellent job of training them, looking after them and apart from the odd incident, well TBH they arent any trouble at all. I think for me its really helped that we got them when I was ready for them, so I'm more prepared now to make compromises etc. If we had got them before I was ready I think I'd be quite annoyed with them, not want them in the house or do play or do stuff with them and that from what I've read on the Labrador forum is when the trouble can start.

[PoRk ChOp]

Indeedy, its more about people suggesting other breeds, we have our heart set on a beagle ideally but it will wait for the right dog.

:-)

Have you looked to see what breeds are good with children?

Believe it or not, Springers are fantastic around yound children. Set the ground rules and bounderies from the get go and you will have a great dog that will make you laugh your socks off at least 10 times a day.

If you dont want a really bouncy one stay away from working lines and stick to show lines, two totally different looking dogs aswell.

Springers from show lines tend to be very very laid back. They are THE cutest pups in the world too

Stay away from working lines (of any breed) unless you know what your doing.

I only know of one person with a Beagle and they refuse to let it off lead as it just ****s off as soon as it gets a scent.

[dizzyblonde]

Springers are very hard work, and are working dogs. I had one and at five months old gave it back to the breeder as it was certainly not a family intended pet. This was before we got Honey. Wether a Springer is from a show line or not, they are no way laid back. Ultimately they are shown as 'working breeds'

As for Beagles, do your homework on those too. They are a dominant breed and can be a handful, they are a Hound. Once they get a smell for something they want they will totally and completely ignore you and beggar orf in persuit of whatever got their attention!! Their stubborness makes them difficult to train.
Had a hound myself, Bassett Hound, totally different breed(even though people think they look similar), but still a hound type and some charactoristics are similar in the way of stubborness, and are I suppose a working type also. However I'd trust a Beagle over a Bassett with children as they are a slightly less dominant breed.

I would suggest looking into rescue. I got my Bassett from Bassett rescue, and found when searching there is a Rescue for practically every type of breed in this country somewhere, they even have an Afghan Hound rescue!

[Jabba]

I'm sure people only cross breeds so they can use daft names.

Google "Labradoodle".........

Fantastic dogs, great with kids, one of the most intelligent dogs around and don't drop hairs :thumbsup:

Failing that, we had a poodle when we were kids. Not one of those nasty little "yapping rat" ones, but a bigger, somewhere between minature and standard. Best doggie ever, very gentle, great pet.

[454697819]

thanks for the advice guys and gals, I have researched the beagle breed very well, but agin each dog is veryu different, Ill see what happens.

[Biker Biggles]

What about a Puggle (pug beagle x)? :rolleyes:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/66/BraxtonPuggle-edit1.jpg/220px-BraxtonPuggle-edit1.jpg

I'm sure people only cross breeds so they can use daft names. Saw a lady the other day with 2 "Cockapoos" (cocker spaniel and toy/miniature poodle), stupid culture.

Guilty:D
Ive got Springer Cockers (Sprockers)and obviously one has to be called "Sprocket":D

[PoRk ChOp]

Sorry Dizzy but your wrong! I've lived with Springers for 36 years. A show ESS is totally different to a working one. Temprement, drive, looks, everything.

I would never have one from working lines and any good breeder wouldn't let one go as a family pet, thats why sooooo many get rehomed. Working Springers are wired to the moon, highly driven and just want to work non stop. I would never recommend one to anyone looking for a Spaniel, I'm guessing that's what you ended up with.

Show Springers are very laid back in comparison to these. They still need a good long walk just the same as most large breed dogs.

I'm don't mean this post to seem rude but I really do know what I'm talking about with this breed.

Ask me a question about a Lab and all I can tell you is they come in black brown and yellow :)

[ThEGr33k]

Bit late to the convo but id always go grayhound, there are loads around cos of the racing, they are just lovely, almost all of them have great temperaments, give them a bit of a walk and let them have a run and they are happy. :D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9_sXqLgFHc&feature=response_watch

[454697819]

Bit late to the convo but id always go grayhound, there are loads around cos of the racing, they are just lovely, almost all of them have great temperaments, give them a bit of a walk and let them have a run and they are happy. :D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9_sXqLgFHc&feature=response_watch

this was th eother breed we were looking at as we love them but our house is too small for a big ol greyhound, although after I have extended who knows?

[missyburd]

Google "Labradoodle".........

Fantastic dogs, great with kids, one of the most intelligent dogs around and don't drop hairs :thumbsup:


Got a friend with one, beautifully natured and mad as a hatter, couldn't fault it. I didn't mean it to sound like I'm dead set against mixing and matching breeds, after all, the dog breeds we have today are only around due to humans selecting for the best breed qualities. We're clearly still not happy even with the hundreds available today :rolleyes:


Failing that, we had a poodle when we were kids. Not one of those nasty little "yapping rat" ones, but a bigger, somewhere between minature and standard. Best doggie ever, very gentle, great pet.
I've lived with 3 standards, absolutely bonkers breed. Like most highly intelligent breeds they have tons and tons of energy, you really have to know what they're about before owning one. (or 3 :-) )

Bit late to the convo but id always go grayhound, there are loads around cos of the racing, they are just lovely, almost all of them have great temperaments, give them a bit of a walk and let them have a run and they are happy. :D

If it's greyhounds you're after, there's always this place over our way http://www.tiagreyhounds.org.uk/



Numbers, just found this, might be worth a try :-)

http://www.the-kennel-club.org.uk/services/public/breeds/find/Default.aspx

There's loads of helpful advice on there, and tips about finding a rescue dog. HTH

[dizzyblonde]

I'm don't mean this post to seem rude but I really do know what I'm talking about with this breed.




Don't find you rude at all! You are obviously well into the breed and have vast experience:D Yes, I got a bad un, well not bad, just really no family pet. I wasn't doggy experienced at the time and didn't expect what I ended up with. I had little info, and expected a bit of work, but a family pet....oh how I was wrong:( Shame as the mother was an absolute peach, and she only lived over the road, which is why I wanted one of her pups.





If it's greyhounds you're after, there's always this place over our way http://www.tiagreyhounds.org.uk/





My sons god father has five greyhounds from Tia, Debs and her team are very knowledgeable, and are very tuned into both the dogs needs and future owner. They won't just put a dog in a good home, they know exactly what dog can go in which home, with each situation, even if you beg and plead for a particular dog, they won't home them with you unless the dog will definetly fit in with you.
Gary has had several foster dogs in amongst his own dogs, I am very very fond of greyhounds. In fact TBH if I didn't have cats they'd be the closest thing to them! In the way of, they eat, go for a stroll, sleep, sleep, move slightly, go for another stroll.....if you are lucky:rolleyes:
People see a great big long dog and think they won't fit in, yes they are bloddy clumsy, howl as if you have cut off their toe when you stand on it by accident, as they put it there, very timid at first( from Tia at least) but when you have coaxed them off their new bed(which they curl into like a tiny cat) they are really colourful gentle charactors.
With Bob being half sight hound, Gary gave me a lot of advice with him when he was growing up, as one of his dogs Kerry is a Staff X whippet, and is a whole different kettle of fish to the rest of the pack he has. Kerry also came from Tia, but unlike Bob was already adult, had been mistreated used for baiting or something and was unpredictable.....so much different to this dopey sod here!


Tia really is a great place to approach for rescue. Can't believe I didn't think about it myself.

[madcockney]

Several people have mentioned Greyhounds here and I would endorse everything they say. I have always had dogs, except for almost the last five years. I have had various mongrels, cockers, lab, etc, and then my last one that came into my life by accident and was with me for well over 13 years. That was a 9 month old approx Greyhound, loose on the streets of a Flintshire town. I had never thought of having a greyhound but he was the most memorable dog I have ever had. He was fast, bloody fast. On one occasion he chased across the park after this moped on a road , caught up with it and then overtook it! Ended halfway up a tree on another occasion chasing a squirrel. They used to play Sunday League football and there was I walking past and he sees this ball at the feet of a player midfield. Before I knew what had happened he had shot across the pitch and taken the ball away to the far side. I think that I would have been hung, drawn and quartered if the players weren't laughing so much.

Had to watch him near food; he'd steal anything. Passed a girl one day sitting on a seat with a sandwich in her hand just about to eat it, though as we passed she suddenly only had half a sandwich. Had to be careful anywhere where traders put food out, especially of the meaty and cheesey kind as he would have it and did on more than one occasions.

Greyhounds can walk for miles, but don't need to. Very economic to feed, and very loving. Mine used to go out for walks in the middle of winter without a coat and never noticed it. Very good with children was mine, and the elderly. The local primary school children used to ask to walk him. You do need to make them, Greyhounds not the children, know who's boss though.

I used to take him everywhere with me. I make no secret of the fact that I cried when he died and still miss him to this day. Would I have another; certainly. Would he be the same as Mr Brindle, never, but hopefully would still be entertaining.

There a plenty of Greyhound rescue organisations on the Web, including the Retired Greyhound Trust, who seem to have a local association virtually everywhere. Most if not all have a web presence.