Dog Advice & Discussion :: Dog Chat

Hi
We have just joined this forum, and are currently looking to get a family dog.  We are two adults with children of 9 and 11 living in the country, with large garden, and someone at home most of the day (although this might change at a later date).  We are looking for a dog which doesn't need too much exercise, is not too yappy, small- medium sized, easy to look after and good with the (very sensible) children. We have been looking through various books and websites and are thinking along the lines of a standard schnauzer, lakeland terrier, cocker spaniel. Are those sensible options or are there others that we should consider? 
Thanks (and Happy New Year!!).

I think to be honest before anyone can answer that we need to know if you have had dogs before or how much dog experience you have as some dogs are a lot more dominant, independent and trying when it comes to training than others..

I think you should also talk to breeders go to dog shows just to get a fell what dog would be good for you and your family. Dont just look at the breeds you have though of getting have a look at other breeds or cross breeds.
I have a boxer and a old english mastiff the boxer is full of beans loves my kids to bits my mastiff is laied back double the size of the boxer and is jus as good with the kids.
Good luck

Why not a nice placid but very friendly Cavalier. Any dog can be "yappy" if spoilt

Have you  considered visiting Discover Dogs at Crufts 8/9/10/11 March?

Every breed in the country is represented there and you can meet the dogs and the owners who will give you a warts and all view of the dog.

Remember when choosing a dog you must give some thought to what it was originally bred for as this will tell you what it is predisposed to do in a particular situation.

the best idea is to sit down and write down a list of what you DO want from a dog and what you do NOT want.  Then look at size, giant, large, medium, small, toy; then coat type, smooth, wiry, hairy etc.  Remember if you choose some breeds that you will need regular visits to the hairdresser for stripping/clipping.  Long haired dogs get very messy in the wet weather.  do you like pricked ears, or droopy ears, docked or undocked etc etc

A standard schnauzer, cocker spaniel and lakeland terrier for example will require regular trips to the grooming parlour which is an added expense.  They are each totally different dogs with a different outlook on life.

Or, you could go to your local rescue, if its just a family pet you are after then staff would be able to help and advise. They often have puppies/young adults of all shapes sizes colour etc

Totally agree with going to try your local rescue, as we all know there are plenty of dogs there wanting a loving home.

Get a labrador.If you live in the country that is perfect they are bred for the out doors.They are as safe as houses and my lab and my uncles lab are pulled around but my little cousin and they haven't once shown any sign of aggression or grumpyness or anything.My lab is the softest,kindest and most georgous dog I could ever wish for he loves children and other dogs.I would recommend a lab any day.I couldn't wish for a better dog personly.
Get a lab seriously they are the best.

General Appearance
Strongly built, short-coupled, very active; broad in skull; broad and deep through chest and ribs; broad and strong over loins and hindquarters.

Characteristics
Good-tempered, very agile. Excellent nose, soft mouth; keen love of water. Adaptable, devoted companion.

Temperament
Intelligent, keen and biddable, with a strong will to please. Kindly nature, with no trace of aggression or undue shyness.

Head and Skull
Skull broad with defined stop; clean-cut without fleshy cheeks. Jaws of medium length, powerful not snipy. Nose wide, nostrils well developed.

Eyes
Medium size, expressing intelligence and good temper; brown or hazel.

Ears
Not large or heavy, hanging close to head and set rather far back.

Mouth
Jaws and teeth strong with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.

Neck
Clean, strong, powerful, set into well placed shoulders.

Forequarters
Shoulders long and sloping. Forelegs well boned and straight from elbow to ground when viewed from either front or side.

Body
Chest of good width and depth, with well sprung barrel ribs. Level topline. Loins wide, short-coupled and strong.

Hindquarters
Well developed, not sloping to tail; well turned stifle. Hocks well let down, cowhocks highly undesirable.

Feet
Round, compact; well arched toes and well developed pads.

Tail
Distinctive feature, very thick towards base, gradually tapering towards tip, medium length, free from feathering, but clothed thickly all round with short, thick, dense coat, thus giving ‘rounded’ appearance described as ‘Otter’ tail. May be carried gaily but should not curl over back.

Gait/Movement
Free, covering adequate ground; straight and true in front and rear.

Coat
Distinctive feature, short dense without wave or feathering, giving fairly hard feel to the touch; weather-resistant undercoat.

Colour
Wholly black, yellow or liver/chocolate. Yellows range from light cream to red fox. Small white spot on chest permissible.

Size
Ideal height at withers: dogs: 56-57 cms (22-221/2 ins); bitches: 55-56 cms (211/2-22 ins).

Faults
Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.

Note
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.



Labradors were first used to retrieve large fish escaping from nets in the icy waters of the North Atlantic off Newfoundland. They were also successfully utilised as retrievers of waterfowl. When fishing boats brought their catches to English ports last century, the strength and fearlessness of these water dogs was soon recognised by the local sporting gentry, who promptly set their gamekeepers to breeding them. As a result, the Labrador Retriever we know today is very much a British breed.

Being a gundog, and therefore used to spending a great deal of time with his master, the Labrador exhibits a tremendous preference for the company of people. He is usually an ideal children's playmate and family pet. The best possible reference for the breed's docile and reliable nature is the fact that virtually all guide dogs for the blind in Australia are Labrador Retrievers.

The Labrador is very responsive to training and requires regular exercise.



If you still aren't sure try this questionnaire
http://www.petnet.com.au/dogselectapet.html

hi before you spend a dime on a puppy/dog there are many things you should think of as puppys/dogs are for life
i have heard of a guide that gets you ready for your new best friend you can find this guide here
http://www.dogbuyersguide.com (http://www.dogbuyersguide.com)

wish you all the best  :D
jnrcorps