which dog for me?

ILoveChocolate

Hi,

Due to your age I would recommend a kings charles out of the three, not a lab or cocker would need two much exercise. I have a bedlington terrier lovely dog, toy poodles are also lovely dogs. I would recommend a small dog to you. Goodluck x

Caroline_a

ILoveChocolate wrote: »

Hi,

Due to your age I would recommend a kings charles out of the three, not a lab or cocker would need two much exercise. I have a bedlington terrier lovely dog, toy poodles are also lovely dogs. I would recommend a small dog to you. Goodluck x

Goodness, better get out the zimmer frame! I'm only a couple of years younger than you and have a 2 year old German Shepherd and a 12 week old Italian Spinone. Both have wonderful characters and take a fair bit of exercise, although the Spinone doesnt get much yet as he's so young. My shepherd is the gentlest soul out, despite his huge size - and he is very very big for a shepherd. The Spinone is mad... but he's a pup. If I were you I would go round some dog shows and see the different breeds there - that was how I ended up with a Spin (saw them at Crufts)


OP, you will live a lot longer and be a lot fitter with a dog to walk every day!

Murtle

moneylover wrote: »

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)

<snip>

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

Sadly homes are needed for Heinz 57's and pedigrees :eek:

http://www.dogpages.org.uk/breeds.htm

meritaten

I would recommend the King Charles Spaniel for you too. they sound ideal - but as with any breed of dog its important to socialise them - if you envisage grandkids then make sure the dog has lots of contact with kids. exercise is still important but you dont have to be the one running around if the dog likes to fetch - those ball throwers are a marvellous invention - specially if you throw like a girly - like me!
Training - these little dogs need just as much training as any other dog! start the minute you get him/her home and realise that its a lifelong task! you cant stop at six months and think all the training is over - like humans they need refresher sessions!
but I envy you - my OH has put his foot down and decreed 'No more pets'! so you are embarking on a venture I would dearly love to enjoy too!

jetta_wales

Another member of the Spaniel breeds is a Papillon also known as Continental Toy Spaniel, maybe one to add to your list of possibles, they definitely have looks and intelligence covered.

danaharrison

i would go for a greyhound, the r 45 mph couch potatoes, they dont need a vast amout of exercise but will walk for hours if u want them too. they may be a large breed but take up a surprisingly small amount of space, they r incredibly loveable and have very even temperments.

moneylover

thanks everyone. What I like about Labs is that I know one or two. I like a big dog in that you can pet it without crouching down they are v intelligent etc. But of course they cant sit on laps. And they seem to moult a huge amount?
Small dogs more manageable in most way and I love the look of cocker and also KC spaniels. My cousin has a KC but its not trained very well in my opinion always grabbing food etc -someone said on here 'not the brightest tool ' - does that mean hard to train. I always think that perhaps small dogs tempting not to train so much becasue can always pick them up so dont need to be so much in control?
The only cocker spaniel I know is a bit 'nervy' and absolutely cannot bear to be out of sight of her owner - I am not sure whether that could get a bit irritating. Is it common of the breed and are King Charles just the same?
Whatever dog I have I know I will love....
One other thing - I have read that cockers always, always follow you about - am not sure I want that all the time although its wonderful to be wanted - what about KC spaniels and Labs - either of those more laid back?

skintbint_2

recommend a spaniel - mad, daft and complete nuggets! but fantastic with kids, but just like any dog the kids have to learn how to treat them. my kids were petrified of dogs so we decided the best way to overcome their fear was to get a dog - we didnt get a pedigree (didnt know that much about dogs but a couple of friends had pedigrees and the health problems each breed was known for)but a cross cocker/springer, fantastic with kids,brilliant size for in the house, not too big but not small enough to fall over, has a great personality - she's now 8 and gets poked and prodded, patted by my 2yro great nephew but still doesnt bat an eyelid.

Barneysmom

penrhyn wrote: »

Why do you want a dog?

Why do you want a dog, it's a big change at your age (no offence meant).

moneylover

3 children, that was enough in the house. Then responsible full time job, couldnt have a dog becasue not at home enough. The time is right now and enough family around to care for our pet if we go away