Help - Which breed of dog?

UKTigerlily

I'm with Pet Plan with a Pedigree & it's the same as a Mongrel or Crossbreed though, maybe they think she'll die sooner so save them a few years of claims? lol

foreign_correspondent

cross breeds are statistically healthier - which, as Hethmar says is flagged up by insurance premiums being lower!

This guide by the dogs trust gives some really useful info as to which breed may be right for you:
http://www.dogstrust.org.uk/information/atozofdogs/c/choosingadog/

It also says (re: crossbreeds/mongrels) that -

A crossbreed is the result of a mating between two pure breeds and so will be very much a mixture of both, possibly in diluted form. A mongrel contains a mixture of more than two breeds and so will often be more of an ‘average’ dog. We mean average in a good way in that none of his traits should be too exaggerated. If you are worried that a terrier may be too busy and snappy for you, that a working breed may be too overprotective, or that a pastoral dog will be herding the kids, then a mongrel or crossbreed may be the dog for you! Crossbreeds tend to be hardy, healthier dogs than many pure breeds, whose controlled breeding have made it more likely that they could suffer from hereditary diseases. They can be good family pets; loyal and loving and it is very sad that they are often overlooked in favour of pure breeds. Because there are so many in Rehoming Centres, there’s bound to be one that’s perfect for you.

LillyJ

hethmar wrote: »

Im sure cross breeds are stronger Thats why they cost less to insure. My old rottiexlab was healthy and fit until her 15th year and it was the last 6 months when she had any probs at all.

My pedigree dogs Ive always been at vets in the first year for most of them and it continued like that for life.

Ah my rottie x lab is gorgeous and healthy too, they are a lovely cross.

I am surprised no one has suggested greyhounds yet. As long as there are no cats in the house. Not noisey, robust enough to stand playing with kids, don't need masses of exercise, lots and lots in rescues. Most I have met have lovely temperaments but are couch potatoes sometimes!

hethmar

Yes, Connie was a lovely girl and I still miss her after losing her in 1998.

I just dont see a greyhound as a kids dog somehow. That Ruff boy further up is the sort of dog you can imagine kids running through a wood with isnt he.

Angelina_P

What about a rescue greyhound. I have one and he is fab. He didn't take long to settle in to home life, is very clean and so loving.
Great fun and easy to look after. Tom loves children but as with any dog you have to be careful.

Paradigm

henm01 wrote: »

I have 3 children - 14,13,10
Work part time
Like to go for long walks
Have a large garden

Dislikes
Loud barking all the time (my mum's dog barks all the time at children playing in the garden)
A dog who will wish to escape at every opportunity - I guess I mean one I can't train?

The "Work part time" could be key here! Some dogs don't like being on their own & returning home to to a house thats been trashed can get a little wearing... been there, done that! It depends on how long you work for, how long the dog will be left to amuse itself.

Taking any rescue dog is a lottery! How is it with children? Other dogs? House trained? You won't know until you get it home!

As has been mentioned, I would be tempted to look at retired greyhounds.... don't demand a lot of exercise but can walk all day if you're up to it. Usually very calm & great with kids! They do make excellent pets.

Do a google search, theres lots of info.

emlou2009

my oh's parents have two border terriers, gorgeous dogs, beautiful natured little things. theyre so good with kids, they were easy to train and they have never trashed the house, they are also good if left in alone for the day. didnt like dogs before i met them, now i need one!

hethmar

emlou, I have a rescue border terrier. He is absolutely a darling. God knows why he was abandoned. He has 100% recall, is eager to please, intelligent and oh, so cuddlly and faithful

tori.k

Its great that your going for a rescue dog,but if your cant make your mind up why not foster a dog for a while and see how you and the kids get on...also there the cinnamon trust thats always looking for dog walkers.
We inherited a JRT she's a very good girl and not yappy
but changed our lives more than the kids did...lol..in a good way of course,hopefully she has a good 15+ years to go,that is something everyone needs to take in to consideration....sadly we have so many dogs in our local rescue that people took on as pet for children and as the children lost interest as they got older been dumped on the rescue as parents state they havent the time to care for them properly.
Missy our JRT is part of the family but she is my dog,my boys will leave home(hopefully) at some point, my little girl will be home for life

ailuro2

The Dog Whisperer guy, Ceaser Millan (sp?) recommends getting a dog with the same eenergy levels or less than the family it will be living with, so if you're a family who is around a lot and will take it for long walks every morning and afternoon, then you'd get along with most breeds energywise.

If it were me, I'd have a greyhound, as they don't need as much exercise as one might assume, I knew a couple many years ago and they were the most wonderfully well behaved, loving and calm dogs I've ever met. I'm also unlikely to walk for 5 miles a day, so they'd be suited to me.:o