Dog Breed Recommendations

[LisaLQ]

You know, it's really quite sad, that the average age of a retired greyhound is only 2 and a half. Shocking, considering most of those retired will be put to sleep through no fault of their own other than not being fast any more. Obviously it's great for those who are rehomed, because it means they get the majority of their lives in a loving home.

I think when it comes to play time, and being pulled about, it depends on the dog. Some greys are like pups and will love any attention lavished on them - some will take some getting used to it. You have to remember most of these dogs will never have lived in a house, never have seen toys let alone know how to play with them, will have been kennelled in a tiny space for 23 and a half hours a day, and will have been roughly handled. You'll find a lot of greys dont like having their ears played with - because they're tattooed there, and their tattoos have to be checked before a race, and the track folks aren't always that fussed about how gentle they are with the dogs. I say that in the most polite way possible Saying that, I think the ears thing is more than just tattoo related, as my lurcher Sky isn't tatooed yet she screams (never snaps - we're talking fear of pain not aggression) if we touch her ears sometimes (you can touch them, just you have to let her know and do it slowly lol).

I make it sound like greys are neurotic shivering wrecks, when that's far from the truth. Most greys realise when they're onto a good thing, and are extremely grateful for the love and fun their new homes bring - and will have no more issues than any other dog. Some take a little bit more time to settle in - but no new dog adjusts instantly, no matter their background.

Cuddling a greyhound/lurcher is great. Yep they're all elbows and tongues, but you dont get much more love than what you get from a rescue dog - it's as if they know you've given them another chance. Sky's a real daddy's girl, loves to sit on Mick's knee, whereas with me she'll snuggle up next to me with her head on my lap or if she's in silly puppy mode - she'll roll onto her back for a belly rub. If she's in reaaaally silly mode, she'll roll onto her back for a tickle, then kick me with her front feet if I stop.

God I love her We'll have had her 6 years in May, she was somewhere between 4 and 6 when we adopted her, so that makes her 10-12 now. She still has mad half hours, but they're more like mad 2 minutes now. She still barks at her bum if she trumps loudly, and she still goes mad for a tennis ball. She just likes her rest and cuddles even more now. Creaky and cranky now - yes, but I wouldn't change her for the world!

 

[t.ropical_m.istx3]

i didn't read the entire topic, but if you were considering a golden retriever, i'd go against it. we went to the golden retriever rescue at one point and time and straight from their mouth', they said "a golden will either become an amazing, loyal pet or turn on you around 7 years" as it happened to my neighbor's dog when i was younger. he was the sweetest thing ever and when he was around seven, he bit my mom and his owner so they had to put him down because they had two little, little kids

edit: i scanned over and i saw you may be considering rescuing a greyhound? my friend has three adorable rescued greyhounds and had more in the past. they recently had to put one down because he was very old. so now they have an older boy and two rescued puppies. the older one (lazer) is a real sweetie who sleeps on his back and will be perfectly willing to put his head in your lap to cuddle, yet still go outside and play. the other one they recently put down (cody) was a bundle of energy but still really, really sweet.

 

[pica_nuttalli]

you also might want to look into some of the larger spaniels. we (as a family) have had experience with several brittany and springer females (albeit some of them mixes) over the years; all of them have been uniformly sweet-tempered and playful. maybe not the brightest of dogs but very easily trained.

but i'll say this, i can't vouch for their relative "cat safety". one of our heavily spaniel-mixes was rescued as an adult and should a definite inclination to chase after cats--we never risked letting her catch one. on the other hand, my friend has a 100% pure springer spaniel who was raised with bunnies and wouldn't hurt a fly. it's probably all just a matter of training and heritage; i imagine that any "show" version of a working breed would be less inclined to demonstrate the working characteristics.

i'd also mention the option of the border collie, which has a reputation for being good with children and relatively small-animal-safe. however, all of my "sheepdog" experience (one rescue collie and several shetland sheepdogs) indicates that they're pretty active dogs until they hit about middle age. if you have a yard, then getting two medium-sized dogs should allow them to get their energy out while you're at work, but i wouldn't count on it. but if you find an older rescue... (i wouldn't recommend an actual collie, however, because those things are huge and should probably be left to those with immense yards or lots of time for walkies.)

if you don't mind a big dog needing a fair amount of brushing, then the Great Pyrenees could also be an option. my grandfather has had several females as "goat dogs" over the years. again, very sweet-tempered but more protective than the spaniels. their coat stays surprisingly white without needing a wash but is somewhat prone to matting. my grandfather's GPs were very calm (after puppyhood) and showed very tight bonds with the goats but have also always been very gentle with us kiddos, even when we weren't around very much. the current one won't let my cousins even raise their voices at each other without barking at the larger one. also, remember that temperatures in my area range from about 30F in winter to at least 90F in the summers and my grandfather's herd dogs were definitely outside dogs (they got a good shave each June). so one of these kept indoors should be ok in UK weather. it would need daily walking to let out some of that herding energy. GPs aren't run-around herd dogs like collies, but my grandfather's walk all over the pasture each day while the goats graze--which still takes serious energy reserves.

i also want to second fenwoman's opinion that if you don't want to dog to wrestle with you, then don't let it wrestle with Ian. its hard to really get a puppy to understand that only certain people are OK for rough play while other's are not. that doesn't mean that you can't play some rousing games of fetch! (think "ultimate frisbee") but i strongly suggest that you never (not even when it's tiny) let the dog start to jump on EITHER of you. that's a hard habit to break, as Natsuko will attest.

 

[Tangerinefizz]

I'll throw in my two cents. I like the suggestion to write down a list of what you are looking for in a dog, and what you are not looking for. Then start really researching the breeds you think you might be interested in. And I mean RESEARCH. Find out what their temperments are like, their physical and mental needs are like, the breeds health issues, if any, and begin narrowing it down from there. I think once you start doing the background work, you will soon find some you thought you would love to have inappropriate, and some you turned your nose up at, completely appropriate. The do your breeder research if you are going to get one from a breeder. Make sure they do the appropriate testing, hips, eyes, heart, etc on their breeding stock, and go from there.

I myself have labs. They can be giant couch potatoes, or they can be activity driven clowns. I have one of each, although my clown is mellowing out. But for her first 5 years she just wanted to go, go, go. My other one is coming up 2 and is perfectly happy lounging around on the couch beside you. But I will warn you, lab puppies take a lot of vigilance, otherwise you could wind up with de-stuffed couches, chewn table legs, the whole nine yards.

But really, any puppy takes vigilance - they all can chew the wrong stuff. If you know for sure you do not want the workload that comes with a puppy (think about 16 to 22 months of puppyhood depending on the dog and breed), then an adult or young adult may be the right fit for you. Some breeders will have older dogs available from time to time, be it dogs that haven't grown up to their show standards, or "retired" breeders. If you aren't in a super rush to get one (and I'd advise against rushing to get any dog considering you are going to hopefully have it for many years, and you want the right fit for you and the dog with your life)

My parents bred and showed Siberian Huskies, from what I read, your lifestyle and breed requirements do not neccesarily fit with a Sibe, or with the husky family in particular. As for shiba inu's, you might want to read this: http/www3.sympatico.ca/shiba.inu/not4ev.htm They are great dogs,but not necessarily for the first time dog owner. My parents now have border collies now, and love them, but my dad has even said if he had thought Sibe's took a lot of physical and mental entertainment, the border takes 3 times as much. They need a "job" so to speak to be happy.

The right dog for you and your family is out there. You just need to do your due diligence, your research, and be patient. Happy hunting! It's so much fun!

 

[LisaLQ]

Or you could go to a rescue centre who use foster homes, and give them an idea of what kind of dog (temperament, activity wise etc), and see what they have that's suitable? We've all thrown a lot of breeds about in the thread, but there's probably many crossbreeds (or indeed pedigrees) in rescue who meet your requirements. It might mean going on a waiting list, but it would be more likely to find a suitable dog that way than taking a chance on a pup that's not been born yet perhaps?

 

[Miss Wiggle]

Or you could go to a rescue centre who use foster homes, and give them an idea of what kind of dog (temperament, activity wise etc), and see what they have that's suitable? We've all thrown a lot of breeds about in the thread, but there's probably many crossbreeds (or indeed pedigrees) in rescue who meet your requirements. It might mean going on a waiting list, but it would be more likely to find a suitable dog that way than taking a chance on a pup that's not been born yet perhaps?

so how does it work with foster homes..... do you take a dog for a month or so then you can choose to return it or keep it? like try before you buy i've never heard of that being done for animals before!

 

[Miss Wiggle]

hmmm right, just been looking at pics of the breeds mentioned, the ones i like are

Greyhound
Italian greyhound
German Pointer
Shiba Inu
Great Pyrenees

Although I like the look of big fluffy dogs, I think I'd prefer a shorthair.

so for greyhounds and german pointers, can anyone direct me to a reputable site with care details etc

 

[black angel]

I have a breed specific book lying around if you want it for german pointers
PM me your address if you do

Lovely dogs are pointers but they can be assertive and hard headed like ours, so you must take them to training classes and be prepared to exercise them.
If you go to a breeder try and get a pup thats parents arent field dogs as this tends to make dogs more hyper.
Dogs specifically raised for the gun are better tempered and easier to control which was our first dog. I got Tammy when she was 6 months old and she was gorgeous, her parents were gun trained.
The only bit of advice I can give you if you do go with a pointer pup is to see the parents and make sure they are calm dogs. The pup you need to pick up and hold lying on its back like a baby. If the pup gives you a lot of eye contact then its going to be a bossy dog but a pup that looks away is more likely to be easier to train. I was told this by a trainer and for the most part its been true.
I wish Id done that with callie as she was always staring at me when I went to see her and shes turned into a hard deaded dog who would have not lasted a year with inexperienced owners.

On the plus side they are loyal and protective and love nothing more than following you around and being petted. Always game to play they are easy to get to retrieve and follow commands quickly if trained properly. Ours never chewed anything they shouldnt have either. They are great travelling dogs and love nothing better than car rides. But never play fight with a pointer pup as it isnt funny when they are full grown as the claws are really long on the front feetlol.
On the down side they can be nervous, bark a lot and dont take to any animals if not already there in the home.
You would also need a halti to walk them.

Very energetic dogs until they get to about 2 years old and calm down a bit.

 

[Miss Wiggle]

thanks!! pm sent

 

[LisaLQ]

so how does it work with foster homes..... do you take a dog for a month or so then you can choose to return it or keep it? like try before you buy i've never heard of that being done for animals before!

The rescue have the dog in a foster home, not your home - someone who's trained to assess dogs (and they're also used for dogs that have been poorly, or need some help recovering after ops etc - also for raising pups sometimes). They work out whether they're kid/cat/other dog friendly if possible (depending on their home situation of course), and they also get an idea of temperament and needs. It's better than picking a dog straight from kennels if you have specific needs as you're more likely to find a dog that matches your home. If you get me.

 

[k.o.d]

Thanks Tangerinefizz, the Shiba not for everyone made me laugh, it is so true

We have 3 generations of Shiba in our house, grandma, mum and daughter

All are home bred and have been raised within the house ( primitive dogs like Shibas need a den to hide to have the pups and keep them safe )
They are fantastic with the kids and adore them

They are difficult to train and are very stubborn

The eldest Shiba spends most of her time with the cats, she grooms them and is accepted by the Maine Coons as one of them

I think it is fair to say they are not a 'first time' dog, though less of a first time dog than an Akita or an Irish Water Spaniel

 

[Miss Wiggle]

I have a breed specific book lying around if you want it for german pointers
PM me your address if you do

Lovely dogs are pointers but they can be assertive and hard headed like ours, so you must take them to training classes and be prepared to exercise them.
If you go to a breeder try and get a pup thats parents arent field dogs as this tends to make dogs more hyper.
Dogs specifically raised for the gun are better tempered and easier to control which was our first dog. I got Tammy when she was 6 months old and she was gorgeous, her parents were gun trained.
The only bit of advice I can give you if you do go with a pointer pup is to see the parents and make sure they are calm dogs. The pup you need to pick up and hold lying on its back like a baby. If the pup gives you a lot of eye contact then its going to be a bossy dog but a pup that looks away is more likely to be easier to train. I was told this by a trainer and for the most part its been true.
I wish Id done that with callie as she was always staring at me when I went to see her and shes turned into a hard deaded dog who would have not lasted a year with inexperienced owners.

On the plus side they are loyal and protective and love nothing more than following you around and being petted. Always game to play they are easy to get to retrieve and follow commands quickly if trained properly. Ours never chewed anything they shouldnt have either. They are great travelling dogs and love nothing better than car rides. But never play fight with a pointer pup as it isnt funny when they are full grown as the claws are really long on the front feetlol.
On the down side they can be nervous, bark a lot and dont take to any animals if not already there in the home.
You would also need a halti to walk them.

Very energetic dogs until they get to about 2 years old and calm down a bit.

cool, good tips there, definitely one to consider

so how does it work with foster homes..... do you take a dog for a month or so then you can choose to return it or keep it? like try before you buy i've never heard of that being done for animals before!

The rescue have the dog in a foster home, not your home - someone who's trained to assess dogs (and they're also used for dogs that have been poorly, or need some help recovering after ops etc - also for raising pups sometimes). They work out whether they're kid/cat/other dog friendly if possible (depending on their home situation of course), and they also get an idea of temperament and needs. It's better than picking a dog straight from kennels if you have specific needs as you're more likely to find a dog that matches your home. If you get me.

aaaah that makes a lot of sense

 

[Betta5]

Gat a japanese chin, not a big dog, lol JK thats only coz i have toydogs, i love greyhounds

 

[lilmolly]

I say french bulldog. They are small enough that they won't be a bother for your back. They are tough enough to enjoy some rough housin' with the hubby. Although they aren't tall, like a regular bulldog, they they are compact, and that is what drives their weight up. They have short coats. They aren't prone to barking, some individuals may break from the norm. They require moderate exersize. They aren't prone to excessive drooling, from what I've read. They get along great with other dogs, pets, kids, people. They are intelligent and they are moderate to train.

 

[fenwoman]

Lots of good info, lots of breeds suggested. I think Miss Wiggle will have to take a look at the dogs in her local rescue centre to get an idea of what they are like, then go to a website, type in preferences, and se what results come up.
Here is one I found for you.
select a pet
What it boils down to in the end is that opinions are like bumholes. We all have one