which dog for me?

moneylover

I have been thinking for months about getting a dog - I want a pedigree as have a better chance of getting the characteristics that I would like also there are some breeds that I already really like. I do appreciate that its good to have a dog that needs re homing but that is not for me thhis time around (havent had a dog before)

My husband and I are 60 just retired, the decision about the dog is really mine to make my husband would be happy with any dog

I want an intelligent and lovable bread, even temperament - well, who doesnt! And one with heart melting looks - I know that shouldnt matter, but its just one of my starting points - I don't want it to sound as thhough its all that matters its just one of my starting points and a nice extra to have!

There are three disparate breeds I have considered so far and I would welcome owners comments.

Yellow labradour, such nice nature, but a very big dog, and people say they moult buckets although my friend who has one says hers only does for a couuple of times a year. Needs lots of exercise and we have to consider we are 60 (although v healthy at present) Would be good with my 3 grandchildren.

Cocker spaniel- such an appealing dog and a good medium size but people say can be very very needy, dependent and completly mad. However is this a case of making a careful choice from a very reputable breeder plus excellent training and enough exercise? Slightly put off by number of professional grooming visits they need. To look good we are told they need hand grooming every three months and that if you have them neutered their coat looks rubbish for ever more (a breeders comment). Told they can be smelly

King Charles Spaniel - ( my husband says their eyes bulge!!) This is smallest dog would consider. Seem very playful and happy and I saw a little girl with hers a couple of weeks ago and her mother said they are 'best friends'. Are they intelligent and not too difficult to train? I do like well trained dogs and had thought I would like to do the citizen's award with mine if possible. Bit concerned about likely heart problems.

would love to hearpeople's views on these dogs and other breeds I should perhaps consider

Sagaris

Have you considered a Beagle? We have a 6 year old rescue (had her for a year now) - they certainly win in the 'looks' department!

They can be a bit stubborn and are difficult to train off the lead (they are scent dogs - one good trail to follow and they are gone!) and quite greedy - everything has to be up high out of her reach!

Moulting is not too bad, we have a Furminator brush/comb (cheapest place is Amazon) and groom her regularly. I'd always have beagles now, they are such lovely friendly dogs, unfortunately their good nature is the reason they are used in animal experiments.

Good luck in your hunt!

penrhyn

Why do you want a dog?

Pupnik

Even though you want a pedigree don't rule out rescue dogs if you don't mind an older dog- we have a rescue King Charles Spaniel which came with her papers. If you do get one from a breeder be sure to see the puppies in their home environment and see the parents.

The main issue to think about is how much time can you give your dog, both in exercise terms and attention. In my experience spaniels are very dependent and also absolute gluttons so you need to be careful with their diet and exercise regularly. They are very sweet dogs but I'm sorry to say not the brightest buttons in the box! I do not have much experience with labradors and personally wouldn't want one as they are large, active dogs and demand an active lifestyle. Do you have a nice big garden/ access to open areas you can let them off?

All of the breeds you mentioned are excellent breeds and would all be great company for your grandchildren and of course for yourselves, there is a dog out there for you somewhere but it would help to know a bit more about your lifestyle.

Greytlove

What about a Greyhound? I know you haven't mentioned them but they are such a lovable, placid and fantastic breed and there are so many of them in rescues.

pinetree

Hi Weve got a cavalier king charles they have the most sweetest temperament possible love cuddlles and fuss, on the down side they can have heart probs but so do lots of other pedigree dogs do lots of research to find a good breeder who has the dogs checked etc there is also a website about CKC cant remember what it is just google it and you will find ti, we went on there lots when we were looking 10 years ago now. anyway hope this helps:)

pinetree

Hi forgot to add they love their food so dont give in to that look they give you;)

Jay_Tee

My favorite breed are Shelties (Shetland Sheepdog) lovely natures and one of the most intelligent breeds of dog.

I also think they are one of the most beautiful of dogs (but I'm very biased as I have two of them)

suki1964

I've had cockers (show strain ) all my adult life and I can't see myself changing breeds

One thing i always say to those who enquire about the breed, they may look adorable and fluffy but they are working dogs and need firm handling , exercise and mental stimulus

They are very human orientated and not always fussed about other dogs.

I've always called mine my shadows. No matter where i would be the dog would be. If they've not been able to get in the same room then they will settle along the door

Highly intelligent they do need to be occupied I honestly don't think you can wear one out by exercise alone but games and tracking will help. A lot of friends go agility

A more loving breed would be hard to find I think. I wouldnt advise the breed if you are house proud as they love nothing more then to settle on the softest warmest chair in the house AFTER swimming in the muddiest puddle they can find

If looking for a cocker and you want to do some mire research and chat to owners and breeders then pop along to https://www.cockersonline.co.uk. Fantastic forums there and a really great researce all things cockers

Fire_Fox

As you have not had a dog before and have retired, you might be better not starting with a puppy as they can be as much work as a baby! Adult dogs tend to be calmer and their temperament is more obvious, it's no problem to train as they will still be eager to please. For training ideas there are loads of YouTube videos on clicker training. All dogs need plenty of exercise, the greedier breeds just as much as it's critical to maintain a healthy weight. Unless you have specific health problems there is no reason for you and your husband to consider slowing down, a lot of what people think is aging is actually the result of not keeping active!

There are breed-specific dog rescues, you can also find adult pedigree dogs for homing by contacting one of the breed clubs. If you do take on a 'second-hand' pet look for one that has been in a home environment for a while rather than in kennels for a short period as the dog will have been fully assessed, often better than a puppy! My last adult cat had been fostered for around seven months and they knew his personality so so well, I was informed of his reactions to cats/ dogs/ children/ noise, his taste in food, favourite toys, how he behaved when frightened, how long he could be left, a medical history etc.
Cocker & Springer rescue, Labrador rescue, Cavalier rescue
There are other breed rescues covering other parts of the UK, but just to give you an idea.

Spaying and neutering are recommended for health and behaviour. Many breeders will contract you to neuter their dogs if you are not showing or in a breeding programme. I have lived with a couple of Cavalier King Charles and they seemed a bit dim TBH! The only Labrador I have known well was amazing with children, remember her just walking off with a sigh when a toddler was yanking (hard) on her coat repeatedly! They are also considered to be suitable for training, hence being used as guide dogs.

ali-t

Before anyone can give you advice there are a number of factors to consider that would have a huge impact on your choice of dog:

• Coat - do you have a preference for smooth, long hair, wiry etc and the levels of grooming that are required for each?
• Face shape - do you like long faces with pricked ears (wolf like) or squishy faces faces with folded over ears (puppy like). Actually all the breeds you mentioned have folded ears. This would probably take away any of the spitz breeds for you.
• Obedience level required. some dogs are easier to train than others e.g. my staffy is quite independent and doesn't seem to see the point in obedience but has fantastic recall and isn't keen to leave my side whereas my rott is keen to please in terms of obedience but off lead wants to do his own thing.
• size: this doesn't always reflect the effort required e.g. a friend of mine has bull terriers that are crazy (well trained crazy though!) but they aren't particularly big yet something huge like a St Bernard has less exercise and stimulation needs than the bullies.
• Exercise: see above
• house proudness: This can be a huge decision area. I love the look of many breeds but the drool is too much for me. My rott drools and leaves trails of water everywhere but for somepeople this is too much.

It would be worth looking through a site like this one http://www.petplanet.co.uk/dog_breed.asp?start_char=a and putting up some of your favourites for people to reveal the gritty truth.

Westies are quite common where I stay but there are so many poorly bred ones with terrible skin conditions that I would be wary of recommending them. Similar I know a lot of very highly strung GSD's that are not great pets.

Personally my favs for the small breeds are cute ones to look at like pugs or french bulldogs but I don't think I would ever choose to own them. for large breeds I like them LARGE with wolfhounds, mastiffs and such like.