ANOTHER dog thread...

[Farie]

I think a dog chosen for breed temperament, well trained and well exercised is a minimal threat.
I'd not go for a dalmatian or poodle to be honest, a nice cross such as a spoodle, or sprocker, lap/goldie or part bred terrier would be my choice.
I'm not a staffy fan but thats more because I've not really interacted with them - I have heard good things about them.

you said a dog chosen for breed temperment, well trained and well exercised is a minimal threat... then you said .. but not a dalmatian or a poodle :S I'm confused by this, everyone keeps replying saying i wouldn't get a dalmatian but you didn't say why ? lol so frustrating ! everyone seems to hate them ... but yet no-one has one ?! ... x

Sorry should have clarified
Dalmations that I have known have been nice dogs, but need a lot of exercise and seem to be prone to over sensitivity - a friend has a couple and while they are lovely dogs they are not 'easy' if that makes any sense
Poodles can be snappy and dominant - there are always good ones, but thats what I've heard as a general rule

In the same strain of thought I'd also not recommend a pure springer to 'newer' dog owners as they can be highly strung and prone to neurosis. Cockers can be more chilled but quite stubborn! Labs are usually pretty awesome, prone to greed and occasionally a bit loopy - but not in a nasty way. Goldies are lovely, big fluffy and can be doofus-y - occasionally short tempered and very very occasionally over sensitive. All need plenty of exercise
Collies are great working dogs and 'can' make good pets but its worth remembering thats not what they were bred for. Rough collies are usually pretty cool, bouncy!
I loved my terrier (border x lakeland with a tiny bit of JR thrown in) he was the biggest dude in the world, but stubborn and at time a 'challenge' to train and discipline (he really didn't care what I wanted!) but very very gentle and 100% trust worthy. Some JR have the reputation of being snappy, but I have to say in my experience that's the exception not the rule, as long as they are trianed and walked they tend to be great

Thats about my limit i'm afriad - all the breeds I've trained with, owned, trialled and worked.

You want to find a breed/cross thats known for its non dominant outlook and placid temperament that is not prone to jealously, it will make training and discipline a lot easier to instill - there are plenty of crosses and breeds out there that have these attributes

Particularly if its a first dog (not including ones your parents might have had) best to have a breed thats trying its best to accommodate you, not just please itself!

 

[Rhi_Rhi1]

thank you x

 

[Kerry.]

Labrador ftw.

 

[Rhi_Rhi1]

I think i will just make my decision once we have gone to see the breeder.. etc will still deffo put alot of thought into it.. but we can take LO when we go to visit the bitch so hopefully that will give us more of an idea! thank you all tho x

 

[jenny82]

I think alot of judgemental people here are part of the problem of the staffys reputation. They are one of the only breeds that the Kennel club would recommend to children.

Hmmm I disagree with judgemental. A staffy attacked my beagle for literally no reason whatsoever outisde our house and hurt him bad. My poor dog has never been the same around bigger dogs now.

My next door neighbour ended up biting the staffy's ear to try to get him off my dog. They tried to hit him with a shovel, threw water over him, tried to prise his jaws open with a broom, but nothing worked. I'm just lucky Max was ok in the end. I will never, ever trust staffys.

ETA: I replied before I seen the pics of your dogs, and have to admit that they are sooo beautiful! I think the person that owned the staffy that attacked my dog bred him to be aggressive. (He actually told OH that they are trained to attack any intruders into their home...and this guy isn't young. He's in his 70s!)

 

[Midnight_Fairy]

I understand why you wont trust them but please try and remember Deed not breed. I used to hold a grudge with labs for ages but I now think deed not breed. I think some humans are inhumane murders but we cant live in fear as not everyone is that way.

Another myth is that staffys have lock jaw, its simply not true. Powerful, yes...lock jaw, no.

Sorry about your beagle. Its bad owners like him that give others a bad name. Its because they are so easy to train they will do whatever the owner wants x

 

[broody_mama]

After doing research last night, I decided I want a GREAT DANE!!!!! Lol. I was looking at the breed and health problems etc and thought, what would I want? A big dog who will make me feel safe? Or something small I can have on my feet on the sofa in the evening? Safe AND feet me thinks! Dane it is hahahaaaa

 

[rotts05]

Dalmations need a LOT of exercise, they were bred originally to run along side carriages so have stamina to challenge any collie! I saw a lot while I worked as a vet nurse before having my daughter, most were pleasant but just loopy. A sufficiently exercised dal though can be lovely.

I adore poodles, they are very clever and need lots of mental stimulation but can make fab family pets.

What do you want from a dog? What exercise can you give? Do you want small, medium or large? How much grooming are you prepared to do? There are 'dog breed selectors' online which ask questions about your lifestyle and what you want from a dog and then suggests suitable breeds.

I have a 4 year old daughter and we have a 2 1/2 year old Rottweiler and a 9 month old JRT x Lhasa Apso. Both are fantastic pets but both need a lot of exercise to keep them 'sensible' in the house.

They are hard work but I will never be without a dog!