[Closed] Dog Advice

I wouldn't get a Staffie, (no offence zaskar) they are mostly now badly and irresponsibly bred. The image of ownership has been ruined by chavs and wannabe hard men. Just the looks you will get off people when walking one should be enough to put you off.
It's unfortunate they used to be a really good breed and I'm sure there are still a few good ones out there but it really would be a lottery.

Just get a Labrador they are a great beginners dog. Easy to train, lovely temperament and completely safe in every way.

I wouldn't get a Staffie, (no offence zaskar) they are mostly now badly and irresponsibly bred. The image of ownership has been ruined by chavs and wannabe hard men. Just the looks you will get off people when walking one should be enough to put you off.
It's unfortunate they used to be a really good breed and I'm sure there are still a few good ones out there but it really would be a lottery.

FWIW, we have a Boxer X spaniel and apart from the spaniel trait of crawling up his own arse when he gets a telling-off, he's a legend. Great with kids, great with pretty much everyone tbh. Sleeps all day if he's got nothing better to do, runs for two hours solid with the bikes given the chance. Short coat, doesn't smell, sheds a little when seasons change but nothing major. Gets a bit territorial over sticks/toys occasionally but only with other dogs (not people) and only because he's still entire.

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I'll echo the people who've suggested a rescue dog - you can get puppies so their training is all down to you - as there are far too many unscrupulous breeders out there and too many lovely dogs in rescues looking for a great home.

Trouble is idiotdogbrain it isn't utter rubbish what I said. The breeds reputation has been tarnished and they have been badly and irresponsibly bred.

My opinion by the way has been based on the fact that out of the many, many staffies I have come across only a couple have been what I would call sound and even those couldn't be trusted with other dogs.
Take off your rise tinted spectacles mate they are a liability.

Oh and by the way, last month my friends springer spaniel was attacked and nearly killed by, yes you've guessed it, 2 staffies owned by a 'responsible' owner. One dog locked on and the owner could only get it off by repeatedly punching it.
The spaniel only survived because it was so young and fit.

Double post

You want a Cocker Spaniel/Tibetan Terrier cross from the Dogs Trust.

- Benny. Can't post it as a URL or image, for some reason, must be FB formatting.

Best dog ever. Lovely affectionate nature, not too big, not too small, natural comedian.

We have a GSP/WHP cross, absolutely daft as a brush but a great trail dog and awesome with the kids 8)

[url= https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5558/15101714369_cedb79a4b8_c.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5558/15101714369_cedb79a4b8_c.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/p1uexF ]Bruar[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/people/15994085@N08/ ]GavinBelton[/url], on Flickr

Here he is with his mate Hamish (friends dog)

[url= https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8551/8712113302_6001aeb396_c.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8551/8712113302_6001aeb396_c.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/egRRL3 ]Eilean Shona 2013-178[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/people/15994085@N08/ ]GavinBelton[/url], on Flickr

You want a Cocker Spaniel/Tibetan Terrier cross from the Dogs Trust.

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We have a Patterdale and she is the sweetest dog ever
I didn't want a small dog but it made sense for our daughter. I am so happy that we got her 🙂
They are not recognised breeds so they are very healthy and resilient to health problems
They are not mad like sight hounds so injuries are not likely
We feed her James Wellbeloved food and it costs £18 per month (2 bags) + a couple of biscuits a day
They are a lot calmer than Jack Russels

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We used to have a whippet/lurcher who we adored but looking back she was high maintenance and highly strung in comparison to the patterdale

I'd disagree with mitsumonkey too, though obviously you have reasons for your opinion. The dogs homes are full of staffies, because they aren't the 'tough/ferocious' dog most irresponsible owners are expecting/hoping for, and so abandon them. Friends (cat ppl through and through) have gotten involved with staffie rescue because they found one abandoned, tied to a tree in the rain, took her to the dogs home and were told in no uncertain term what would happen to her, because so many are abandoned. They now have two staffies, Spud there 2nd is the stuff (image) of nightmares, he's huge, really really big & so soft it's funny. Yet they have a house full of cats and new(ish) born child, and a happier home you couldn't find.
Not my cup of tea, not due to their rep though.

George (Spinger/lap cross apparently, but I think he was springer/foxhound), no longer with us, hugely missed:
[url= https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5064/5579323204_1c8915c268.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5064/5579323204_1c8915c268.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/9v2upE ]Pensive George[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/people/15253377@N00/ ]z1ppy2[/url], on Flickr

[i]We have a GSP/WHP cross, absolutely daft as a brush but a great trail dog and awesome with the kids
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Gorgeous dog!!

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Picture of the thread! I've just spent a few minutes mopping up my tea...

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😆

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Love dogs and have grown up with them; I'd love one but our lifestyle doesn't suit (out at work lots etc).

My grandparents always had labs and they were lovely. My aunt has one now; a black one called Pepper who is a big, soppy puppy. She's really easy going and is great with kids and loves cuddles.

As a kid we had a border collie called Tip who was fantastic and used to follow my sister and I everywhere. Also had a springer called Meg who was fab (but used to get very excited to see you and pee all over the floor). My parents also bred English Bull terriers which I hated and hate to this day...stupid animals.

We also had a Vizsla in the family who I adhired but he was hard work; hated being left alone. On his own he would destroy the place...with company, good as gold. Gorgeous dogs though and will be top of the list when the time comes and we can get a pooch.

I love these threads, ive wanted a dog since i was a kid but never allowed one!

still can't convince the wife, latest excuse "the house isn't big enough, wait till we move" - total b*llox, yes small 2 bed semi but a huge conservatory on the back.

i work shifts now so her excuses are dropping off..

i am 98.9% this close ( ) to just bringing one home!

im set on a whippet

Boarder/Yorkshire Terrier cross here, he's a rescue and is unnecessarily submissive sometimes. However, he is great with our 10 month old and has been since we got him 6 months back. He does "mouth" but has an absolute awareness of his bite and I trust him fully with the wee man. However, I've also got a Rhodesian Ridgeback and I've never owned or even known a dog with such an immaculate temperament. Turbo has been 10years in the making and I've sworn I'll never have a dog other than a Ridgeback ever again, yet I know they'll never be another like him. Unrealistically high expectations I know, so do I steer clear of the breed to avoid utter disappointment?........

Ratdog is learning and in 9 years I'm confident he'll be every bit (almost ;0)) as good as Turbo!

Bottom line is; it's what you put in. There's plenty of professional advice out there. Get a pup and see it with the parents, on a number of occasions. Follow your gut, but don't underestimate the work involved.

Good luck!

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Bruar would approve, he loves being the centre of attention 😆

seconded on the Patterdale, simply the best little doggie to have! ours is two and a half and still looks like a 6 month old black Labrador (and who doesn't love them puppies Eh) Lol
calm in the house, easily trained and a real livewire outside Especially with a ball or stick, ours runs for miles and miles with me out on the bike and never seems to tire, they have None of the 'pedigree' health traits so no constant trips to the vets (unless your unlucky) small and easy to handle.
we are taking our Patterdale TO patterdale to a meetup of doggies and owners tomorrow at 11am, I cannae wait 8)
http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/11432414/

🙂

Another black lab owner here.
Pros:
Very gentle (full pedigree with soft pallet)
Extremely trainable, well behaved
Trail dog training was a doddle
Can trust him with everything except cats, which he hates, and for some reason the tosser across the road who he loves barking at.

Cons:
He needs a decent lomg walk every day
He will eat anything (but will not steal it, he just lets you know he wants it with a paw or head on your leg)
He poos for Scotland!

I love this dog to bits and he always exceeds my expectations. We choose him as we have kids and didn't want any issues. We could not be happier with his behaviour and how he has fitted it BUT he is a big commitment (but worth it!).

How many dogs does it take to change a lightbulb?
Golden Retriever:
The sun is shining, the day is young, we've got our whole lives ahead of us, and you're inside worrying about a stupid burned out bulb?

Border Collie:
The Border Collie realised the bulb wasn't the problem, and is in the basement re-setting the breaker.

Dachshund:
You know I can't reach that stupid lamp!

Rottweiler:
Make me.

Jack Russell Terrier:
I'll just pop it in while I'm bouncing off the walls and furniture.

Mastiff:
Mastiffs are NOT afraid of the dark.

Poodle:
I'll just blow in the Border Collie's ear and he'll do it. By the time he finishes rewiring the house, my nails will be dry.

Greyhound:(or Lurcher!!)
It isn't moving. Who cares?

German Shepard:
Alright, everyone stop where you are! Who busted the light? I SAID, "STOP WHERE YOU ARE!!!"

Cat:
Dogs do not change light bulbs. People change light bulbs. So the question is: How long will it be before I can expect light?

Just make sure the dog isn't too big...

Border/ Jack Russell cross here. Great animal. So very well tempered with young kids. Chills with the cats. Good off the lead. Loves big fat green cowpats, runs down the beaches, chasing balls, being a great friend for the family and a useless guard dog, but she's great !!
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Some Jack Russell pics;
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A brilliant little dog. Abandoned as a pup with serious injuries. Lived rough for a couple of months on a Welsh hill farm until, with lambing coming up, the farmer managed to catch her and take her to a dog rescue.
We've had her since then (8 years now), when my daughter was 6,and she's been the most stubborn,frustrating, ill behaved dog I've ever had. She lies around in bed until it suits her,won't go for a walk unless it involves hunting,and if she's kept on a lead when I'm in a hurry, she'll drag her heels to suit her own pace. She doesn't do the JR bouncing off the walls thing- it's a waste of energy- but will happily spend all day hunting for, and catching, rats. She'll try anything though,from (unfortunately) hedgehogs to adders.
She loves kids, especially little blonde boys (so some previous history there maybe?) and is [i]fiercely[/i] protective of her friends and family.
She's an old fashioned type of girl...

A recent addition to our family, Kiwi my daughter's Weimaraner. Staying with us for a while. I'd researched a bit before she arrived, and was dreading it to be honest. But she's fantastic, now firmly part of the family and if/when she goes we'll definitely get another or similar. Only concern so far is she can be over-enthusiastic when meeting people for the 1st time (rushes up to them), so need to be a bit careful when out. Can't imagine not having her around now.

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I know its not a breed for everyone, but love my Cocker, hes a fun loving, happy nutter, hard work sometimes but not a dog you'd ever forget, just about to go and clean the inside of the patio door windows, as hes been licking it for all he's worth due to there being a daddy long legs on the outside! 🙂
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Another black lab owner here and we couldn't have a more gentle dog. It is brilliant around our young baby. We live near the beach so it does get the exercise it needs. She will do anything to get the ball....which causes problems when it sinks and she treads water for fifteen minutes looking for it. She also managed to bring ashore a dead conger eel....which my wife thought was a very large snake 😯

Am sure there are exceptions but generally I think labs make brilliant pets.

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Lab/springer cross here. Awesome in almost every way - and that way is that she barks at stuff she doesn't understand, like kids that all of a sudden just jump to the side and shout something (because they are kids and unpredictable). Parents don't like that. However she has literally never barked at our two year old - seemed to understand she was one of the pack, and if ever she is prodded or pulled, she just takes herself away.

Would I get another - absolutely - but I do find it quite tiring on walks having to be observant for things she might bark at so that I can distract before gets spooked (another example is fat beardy men wearing hats).