Dog Breed Recommendations

[LisaLQ]

Lurchers and longdogs are two different things. A lurcher is a cross between one (or more) sighthounds and at least one working breed (collie, etc). A longdog is the result of a cross between two or more sighthounds.

And lurcher pups are completely opposite to lurcher dogs. I wouldn't wish one on anyone, I was tempted to keep one of Sky's pups when she joined us, but the cuteness was far outweighed by the absolute mayhem, destruction and hyperactivity we had to live with for 10 weeks. It's the same with greyhound pups, anything under a year is very very very (times by infinity) hard work, when I worked at the race kennels - there was a 9 month ***** who would literally pogo jump the whole time she was out, easily clearing a 7ft fence, even when it was raised, we still saw her little head popping up. You have to have plenty of time and patience to raise a lurcher or greyhound pup - they're very cheeky and hard to train initially. I've been tempted so many times to add one to the family, but I keep bringing back the memories of raising 13 of the little gits, and that puts me back into line

 

[KathyM]

I think taking on an ex service dog, or any other working breed (springers, border collies, etc) would be a pretty tough demand on a new dog owner to be honest. These dogs require a lot of input, far more than an inexperienced, and many experienced, homes can offer.

What I would recommend is getting a list of what you want out of a dog (eg. cat friendly, medium sized, or what-have-you) - whatever you think you would need a dog to be. Then write a list of what you can offer - your work times, how much exercise time you can give, whether or not you're prepared to do training classes, etc.

Then take along your checklist to a good rescue. A good rescue will match a family with a dog and vice versa. They will have assessed the dog and be able to ensure as much as possible that you get a good match. It's entirely possible their match will be a breed/cross you wouldn't have thought of, but choosing on temperament and requirements is far better than choosing on looks, and often better than choosing on breed (as many dogs don't fit the breed description temperament wise). It's often better to have this discussion with a rescue before going and looking at the actual dogs, because if you're owt like me, you'll want to take them all, and your first pick will turn out to be the least suited *lol*.

And yes, lurcher and greyhound puppies are notorious for their energy levels and exercise needs - anyone who's worked with them knows how hard work they are in their juvenile state! I once met a wonderful grey pup that could clear a 7ft door quite easily. Kangahounds! Greyhounds tend to get more sedate in adulthood and don't need anywhere near as much exercise as some think (they sometimes turn couch potato), but lurchers often retain more of their energy, but nowhere near to the extent of the pups.

Seeing as you have cats though, I'd prolly steer clear of sighthounds as a first dog, having had them myself, unless you found a catsafe rescue (thoroughly cat-tested), which are few and far between. I've managed to cat-train two ex racers here, ne a long term racer and another was a young ***** who had failed trials. The big long term racer lad was incredibly difficult to cat-train, but the young ***** was quite easy, given her "failure to launch".

As for Akitas and other large "hard work" breeds, I wouldn't think that would be wise as a first doglet either. Akitas are known to be stubborn and aloof, much like my Bullmastiff. They're big, and very strong. All these qualities are very appealing to me, but if I was looking for my first dog, I'd start with something a bit easier. Large breeds, working breeds, guarding breeds, etc, are prolly asking a bit much for a first time owner.

So I can't recommend a breed for you, because for me, picking a dog is more than that (as it will be to you). I would get that list started and start looking for a decent rescue. The Refuge is a great place to start: www.therefuge.org.uk

Good luck!

 

[fenwoman]

Lurchers and longdogs are two different things. A lurcher is a cross between one (or more) sighthounds and at least one working breed (collie, etc). A longdog is the result of a cross between two or more sighthounds.

And lurcher pups are completely opposite to lurcher dogs. I wouldn't wish one on anyone, I was tempted to keep one of Sky's pups when she joined us, but the cuteness was far outweighed by the absolute mayhem, destruction and hyperactivity we had to live with for 10 weeks. It's the same with greyhound pups, anything under a year is very very very (times by infinity) hard work, when I worked at the race kennels - there was a 9 month ***** who would literally pogo jump the whole time she was out, easily clearing a 7ft fence, even when it was raised, we still saw her little head popping up. You have to have plenty of time and patience to raise a lurcher or greyhound pup - they're very cheeky and hard to train initially. I've been tempted so many times to add one to the family, but I keep bringing back the memories of raising 13 of the little gits, and that puts me back into line

I have to say that your experiences with lurchers has been very very different to mine over the last 20 years. I never found them hard, opr particularly boisterous or hyper. In all the years of either owning or fostering for a rescue, I have never found them anything that laid back and naturally obedient. I usually foster whole litters away from the risk of parvo in kennels, often while they are only a week or so old, complete with the dam.It gives them a better start being rearing in a home environment with other animals so they are easier to rehome .
I have never had a hyper or destructive lurcher here in all that time and every single one walked beside me right from the start naturally and never pulled on the lead. I'm afraid you have done what I have been accused of. Denigrated a whole breed (yes I know they aren't a breed as such). It's like me saying that all pitbulls are dangerous or all bull terriers will kill cats.
I must have fostered around 20 litters in my time and never had a hyper, or hard to train lurcher pup.

 

[Ripley]

Just putting it out here... Belgian Sheepdogs. I got mine when he was four, and he'd been shown as a puppy (hated it) and then been in a kennel as one of ten or more other dogs for the next three years. We really had no idea what to expect with his behaviour at our place - we already had a dog, and horses, and a cat. I did know the dog because I'd been working for his breeder for about a year prior to bringing Shauni home. Anyway, he has turned out to be just an amazing dog. A wee bit neurotic, but part of that is all his time spent in a kennel, and part of that is probably breed trait. Shauni is so cuddly, if I sit down on the floor he'll come and flop himself right ontop of me for pets. But, because he's too stupid to play fetch, when I play with him, I rough-house with him and he's okay. The minute I hold my arms out, he dives into them for scratches, and that's the end of our play. He's friendly with other dogs, and is very well behaved amongst the horses. They are kind of a high energy dog, but we live on an acreage so he gets to run around, though he can be found most often flaked out somewhere snoozing away the day. His breeder used a couple of hers to herd a flock of sheep, when she had the sheep - they were awesome at it. Agility and other activities like that are good too (though, it really depends on the personality of the dog). These guys are a smart breed, and figure out commands and what not to do, what to do, really quickly - or so I've found. These dogs are really quite hairy, so be prepared for intense grooming. I'm lazy, so my dog only gets completely brushed out a couple times a year (in spring/fall when he's shedding). Being a herding dog, Shauni is always paying attention to where I am, and doesn't run away just for the fun of it (or after bags, haha) so he's really easy to have off-leash since he loves being with 'his' people.

Now all that said, from my personal experience, you have to be really careful about which dog you get in particular with this breed. His breeder had about thirteen when I started working there... And their personalities and behaviours were so different! I ended up with one of the relaxed ones. She had a couple that were really, really high energy (dragging you around, you dare not let them escape because the poor cats are gonna get chased, barking, jumping up on everything, etc), one that was a nasty thing (absolutely hated that dog), and then, like my dog, there were some that were just tooooooo sweet! Bloodlines play a big roll with this breed, so be careful.

Uhm, okay, I just rambled on a lot there! I'll let'cha go now.

 

[KathyM]

Denigrated a whole breed (yes I know they aren't a breed as such). It's like me saying that all pitbulls are dangerous or all bull terriers will kill cats.

I don't mean to be rude (and I'm sorry Miss W for putting this on your thread), but Lisa has done no such thing. She has commented on her personal and extensive eperience with her lurchers and her work with greyhounds. You however made comments about breeds based only on misrepresentation and mass hysteria. There is a vast difference between the responsible acknowledgement of known breed traits and the sensationalist and frankly inexperienced and ignorant views you made on the other thread. Lurchers and greyhounds being boingy and a bit bonkers as puppies is a well known and well experienced phenomena. I've not met any greyhound rescuers that would say otherwise about puppy greyhounds and lurchers, and it wouldn't be putting the breed down by making sure potential owners were aware of that.

Lisa loves lurchers. I personally love bull breeds, especially Boxers, Staffies and Bullmastiffs (having experience with them). I recognise the qualities and potential hurdles associated with the breeds I have owned and have experience with. However, there is a vast difference between acknowledging those traits through experience and learning, and labelling all dogs of a couple of breeds you obviously have little or no experience with as "dangerous".

I'm not going to go into this any more with you on this thread as it's not fair to Miss W. If however, you'd like to take this side of the discussion to the appropriate thread and answer the questions that I put to you there, I'd much appreciate it.

 

[LisaLQ]

I raised 13 lurcher pups. I have worked with greyhound pups. I have run a greyhound and lurcher forum with over 700 members for several years, in which time scores of dogs and pups have been rehomed through there, and in 9 times out of 10 cases, lurcher pup owners that post on the boards will happily tell how their lurcher pups make them pull their hair out. Love them to death, wouldn't say anything against them - but they're buggers. I'm certainly not the only one to have had that experience, by several hundred LOL!

Sheesh, fancy suggesting I've got something against lurchers.....

 

[kcalbat]

HELLO!

Dogs...my passion! can i add my opinion!?

My name is Kelli and I am a dog groomer. I deal with every breed imaginable!

From what i get is you want a larger dog with moderate exercise requirements.

I think any sporting or herding dogs are really active and have extremely high exercise requirements typical to these breed. (NOT MEANING that all dogs of these type are like that...there are individuals with different temperaments but in general!) They would probably need a good outlet for their energy like swimming or agility to direct their energy otherwise they may become distructive and hard to train.

Greyhounds, from what i understand, do well inside the home but do REQUIRE a good deal of exercise and plenty of room to stretchout their legs daily. I LOVE Akitas they are great guard dogs and are very calm for their intimidating size but you really have to be careful about what breeder you get them from they tend to be temperamental, dominant, and stubborn. ALSO...they have a longer double coat that literally BLOWS twice a year. A TON of shedding....they require a daily brushout to reduce shedding and keep the coat in good condition.

Whippets and Italian greyhounds tend to have frail legs and would not do well with rough handling and wrestlin with people or bigger dogs.

I would NOT suggest huskies or malamutes. These are very independant breeds that shed mightily, have difficulties in training (very independant), and need to be exercised well.

I was originally was going to suggest the Lab because they are great all around dogs but tend to be very active when young and even though they are short coated they DO have a double coat that sheds ALOT. You would be SHOCKED at how many people have me shave their labs because of this! Goldens have WONDERFUL temperaments but once again plenty of brushing.

You know...if you live in the UK ..mistake me if im wrong but the Staffordshire Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terriers are banned right? To tell you the truth, from what you describe, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is perfect to the T. They do not shed excessively like labs do. They reach a max height of 16 inches at shoulders and about 35 lbs. With this size they do well in ANY size home. They require very moderate exercise and are not excessively active but are very READY to wrestle and play...they are very much clowns! And even though they are medium sized they are VERY sturdy and very hardy and can withstand hard play! And when all is said and done they are just happy to cuddle on the couch and snooze away...these dogs are not made to be outside dogs. They absolutely deteriorate when left alone outside chained or kenneled. They have a NEED to be with their owners as they are extremely people oriented.

When it comes to temperament, according to the American Temperament Society, the Staffy Bull ranks higher than the Golden Retriever. (Staffy 84.7% passed, the Golden 83.7%, the AmStaff 83.3%, Lab 91%, Bull Terrier 100%, ...just some for example) The Staffy is actually nicknamed the "nanny dog" because of their special tolerance and patience with children. This breed, along with all bully breeds, have a very high pain tolerance so they can withstand alot of wrestling and can withstand yanking and tugging that small children can inflict without even reacting (this is good when getting routine shots as well!! haha...my two dont even feel it...they LOVE going to the vet!!!!!). And this breed, unlike their American counterpart, is more tolerant of other dogs, but regardless need to be monitered around others.

With these dogs, more so in the AMstaffy than the staffy bull terrier, there is the responsibility of socializing your dog WELL and always monitering him around other dogs as they DO have the instinct and capability to fight (they usually dont start the fight but are ALWAYS willing and capable of finishing a fight..they will not back down, courage is a known and desirable trait) HOWEVER....for over 70 years dedicated breeders have been breeding only the most stable temperamented dogs (given there are also those who breed unethically for unstable temperamented dogs). ALSO...a very important note if you have concerns. Since the beginning of bull baiting and dog fighting one EXTREMELY important trait a "fighter" dog must possess is the ability to distinguish bewteen who is the enemy and who is a handler in the heat of a fight. This was because when it was time to withdraw the fighting dogs the owner MUST have been able to grab their dog and pry him off the other dog WITHOUT the dog lashing and biting the person in the heat of the battle. NO OTHER BREED can claim this trait....(you ever try and break up a dog fight between two other breeds...its a dangerous situation and you are highly likely to get bit the the confusion of it all) This is why bully breed are extremely people oriented and very loyal! One problem though is they make good watchdogs but not guard dogs...they will probably let a robber inside your home, serve him tea and cake, and then show him where your money stash is...hehehe! but never rely on any dog to be an alarm system..that is jeapardizing your dogs life!

As with any breed and more importanly these breed you would need to watch what breeders you get them from. Make sure they show or work their dog(to prove breed quality) and do genetic and temperament testing prior to breeding. It will be worth the extra money and you will save alot of heartache if you go with second best.

buuuuttt...i imagine you cannot get this breed but i believe the Bull Terrier is very similar aside from funny lookin! A moderate dog all around. The bull terrier is the clown of dog breeds.....think cories!!! The bull terrier doesnt have the fighting history of the amstaff and staffy so are very tolerant of dogs.

I would NOT suggest any of these "designer" dogs because most breeders are only in it for the money and do not do the proper genetic testing that they should. If you want a mix breed there are plenty inside shelters that are equal in health and temperament. Besides no reputable breeder will sell a genetically and temperamentally sound dog to a person with the intention of breeding designers dogs so breeding stock is of very poor quality for most of these dogs. Now i agree that ALL dogs make wonderful pets...but there is no need to support unethical breeding when you can save a life from a shelter to get the same quality dog! Also...some designer breeds such as the "labradoodle" claim no shed but very few % do come out non shedding. In fact the original breeding purpose to breed sight seeing hypo allergenic dogs was shut down because attempts were unsuccessful even in multiple generations of breeding. But even they were using even tempered genetically sound dogs. But some people saw this as a way to make money so continued too sell dogs with these claims.

Im very sorry to go on but this is my passion, even before fish!!!

All in all if you cannot or dont want a Staffy or Bull Terrier I would suggest the Lab Retr. if you can stand shedding or even the Beagle which has less exercise requirements and are very sturdy. If you want a larger dog I would try the bullmastiff which make wonderful house dogs and are very placid and calm, with little exercise needs, but i can really see wresling with a dog that size.

Thanks SO MUCH for reading my reply i hope i provided some decent information!!!!
Im so passionate about these breeds and i love to tell people about them because many people have such a bad impression of them! But i tell you....they are great dogs for your situation!!!

 

[KathyM]

Staffies aren't banned here, and neither are English Bull Terriers.

I really wouldn't say Bullmastiffs are placid and calm - they take an awfully long time to grow up and until they do they have no idea of their size *lmao*. Dharma is 3 and a half and still very much an energetic puppy. She knocks new people flying with excitement, and can be a bit offputting to people who don't share her enthusiasm for sloppy kisses or having her on their knee. She is absolutely bombproof with people temperament wise - just TOO friendly, if you get me.

Bullmastiffs also take a lot of training and socialisation to make them like Dharma. They're big, stubborn, goofy and slobbery. Without proper socialisation, like any breed, they can become iffy with other dogs, strange noises, etc, etc. The only difference being that unlike other breeds, they weigh about 45-55kg and are much harder to control in that state. I remember several occasions after she arrived at 5 months old when I was sat on the sofa with my head in my hands wailing that she'd have to go back because of the destruction, attitude and the sheer giddiness. We persevered, because we were able to (both at home at that point) and it's worked, but it's taken 3 years, and she's not done yet. I don't think I'd have the energy or patience to go through it again just yet, and I wouldn't recommend a Bullmastiff as a first dog. Give me a good ten years to get over it, I may reconsider.

Edited to add: To help you consider their sheer size and strength, I'll tell you a story. Someone approached Dharma and I in the park when she was on her long line and I was training her her recall. He went to Dharma with a stick and started shouting questions such as "Does she bite?", "Will she fight?". I said she was a lover not a fighter, and he soon found out what I meant. After swatting her with a stick a couple of times trying to wind her up (me yelling and trying to reel her in), he tried to get the lead off and nick her. At that point she jumped up at him and covered him in kisses, and given that I was reeling the lead in and she had extended it at a rapid pace, she dislocated my shoulder.

Luckily for us, the guy didn't ike her playful attentions and was petrified. I say lucky for us because it turns out he was involved in a dog thief ring stealing dogs to order for bait and fighting. He didn't get Dharma that day, but I did get a lovely 6 month recovery and a permanently weakened shoulder.

 

[LisaLQ]

Greyhounds, from what i understand, do well inside the home but do REQUIRE a good deal of exercise and plenty of room to stretchout their legs daily.

That's an old myth, sadly one that people think is true - you wouldn't believe how many people are put off greyhounds because they're told they need lots of exercise. Greyhounds dont need any more exercise than any other breed, in fact they need less than many of the common family dogs - two 20 minute walks a day will do them. Contrary to popular belief they are only built for short bursts of speed, so while they're very quick, they dont have the stamina to run for as long as many active breeds. Besides, by the time most greyhounds find a home (and I say that knowing that approx 10,000 retire every year, and not even half are lucky to find homes) they are happy to lay down in front of the fire and put their racing days behind them.

In fact, greys need so little exercise they're one of the few bigger dogs that some rescues will recommend as suitable for living in a flat.

 

[Miss Wiggle]

my god tonnes to look into there!! thankyou everyone, i'll do a bit of research into all the breeds suggested later!

as for my sisters lurcher, she's not just lurcher she's got about 4 breeds in her, she'd been specifically bred to be a working farm dog, and she absolutely loves it with Elly on the farm

 

[k.o.d]

Have to agree with comments above

We had a rescue lurcher from North West Rescue, she was a pup and she was mental but gorgeous, she was like Tigger, she could clear the 7ft fences we had on the pen. She did not need a great deal of exercise and was content to curl up into a ball on the floor next to you for most of the time.
She was never particularly destructive but they do actively seek out company and will get distressed when not in close proximity
She used to go for 2 walks a day, she lived on the farm so she chased rabbits, a short burst of activity was followed by long periods of napping.

I would look at greyhounds/lurchers as dogs with great potential, I would say they are not the brightest of dogs though

 

[Dan-25]

I am also in the process of buying a dog and i am really looking into trial cocker spaniels. these are just like cockers but are a bit smaller, these seem an ideal choice for us as me and my girlfriend are in a similar situation to you miss wiggle.

i used to have a black labrador he was a brilliant dog very friendly and loyal. miss him like mad now

if anyone does know any breeders of trial/field cocker spaniels in the staffordshire area could you let me know

hope you find the dog your after.

 

[l.michelle]

Two of my boyfriend's dogs are part american eskimo dogs, I am not sure if you have them there, but they are beautiful and so sweet. Here are some pictures of this breed. They are very well behaved, and are playful. They are very loyal and protective. Whenever anyone goes onto their property (the dogs are outside dogs on their 10 acre land) they follow the people around and don't let them touch anything. They are very very sweet.

Another breed he has is a border collie named Callie. She is gorgeous and obiedient. That could be another breed to look into.

As for myself, I prefer larger dogs, and love labs and german shepherds.

 

[lljdma06]

I know you probably won't go for it Miss Wiggle, but I will be the advocate for a good toy dog, especially the Pomeranian. Properly trained, and I emphasize this, Pomeranians can make wonderful, loyal, affectionate, loving pets. I have two Pomeranians, well-mannered, non-biting, non-yapping, active, playful little dogs. They are small, so they are much easier on a sore back than a larger dog. They also eat less, and poop less. They are easily pad-trained, but can easily be trained to walk outside to do their business. They are just as comfortable bounding around the house as they are sitting quietly while you do your work. A big dog heart in a tiny little body. They are wicked smart too, almost cat like in some ways.

Did I mention that they are so very cute and lots of fun, too? Get from a reputable breeder, and aim for a larger dog, 7-10lbs rather than the real tiny ones. IMO, they've got better bones are are more sturdy. Pomeranians were a 30lb dog before they were bred down. In Victoria's time, it was an 8lb dog. Now, the standard is 4-7lbs, aim closer to 7lbs. A much better weight, IMO. The grooming is also not as bad as you may think from a long-haired dog. Buy a *****, they have much less hair than the dogs do. My Cici barely needs to be groomed and she sheds about the same as most of the breeds already mentioned.

I just thought I'd throw it out there, you never know? There are actually tests online that you can take where you answer a barage of questions and they find the breed that is best for you. I highly recommend taking one. When I took the test, the Pomeranian came out on top for me.

Somebody, had to represent the toy group.

llj

 

[kcalbat]

I was reading off of AKC description of the Bullmastiff that they were calm. I figured like any breed they are more hyper as puppies, but as i assume the description was of a typical adult. hahaha from what you describe i REALLY wouldnt want to wrestle with a dog that size!

Most of the greyhounds ive met so far are young and active. Ive yet to meet an older one. I think going with a retired adult would be a great idea! That way you wont go through all the crazy puppy stages! how are they for cuddling and roughhousing with people?