which dog for me?

Welshdebtor

Frugalista wrote: »

The OP said specifically that she wanted a pedigree - a Labradoodle is not a recognised breed - it is nothing more than a designer mongrel with a stupid name .

It is a recognised breed, it just does not have KC Breed Standards......yet

Just like the Bullmastiff used to be many many years ago (not to mention the many other former crossbreeds with breed standards).

skyvicky123

Oh the great labradoodle debate! I have a miniature labradoodle. He is LOVELY but...he is not non shedding and he is NOT all that clever bless him!

We have always been "pedigree people" my parents bred and showed poodles and then irish water spaniels (IWS) all my life.

My mum is a dog groomer and was absolutely horrified by the concept of the labradoodle but now she grooms a couple of them as well as mine and she absolutely loves them. So much so she want one herself now.

For us, we chose this particular cross breed because we wanted a labrador but were worried about the size and strength. Our doodle is much smaller and lighter (more poodle frame) but has the loveable, loyal friendly qualities that you get with many labs. Unfortunately he also chews like a labrador but hey ho!

I vote Labradoodle!

Frugalista

Welshdebtor wrote: »

It is a recognised breed,

Recognised by whom?

skyvicky123

Well I recognise it because there is one lying on my sofa right now
but you're quite right Frugalista they are just a clever cross breed with a catchy name, and with the totally random concoctions breeding labradors and poodles can throw I can't imagine it ever becoming officially recognised! Nevertheless they make great pets!

Welshdebtor

Frugalista wrote: »

Recognised by whom?

Many people worldwide, Australian Labradoodle Association of Europe (ALAEU) to name but one.:D

However they do not have formal recognition by the Kennel Club in the UK as of yet.

To stop this thread turning into one of the many internet debates on poodle crosses (I love St Berdoodles myself ) and to get it back to the OP's topic....

I think she should consider all breeds suitable for her lifestyle/experience. This includes purebreeds,crossbreeds and rescue dogs. And there are some good suggestions here already. The OP needs to explore all suggestions etc (which it seems they are doing) before making that first step.

hethmar

Good God, how patronizing are some of the replies on here?? OP didn't come here for a judgement on their age or how long they've got left to live etc :mad:

No one has made a judgment on the OPs age or indeed their longevity - the OP asked what sort of dog they should have and gave the details of their age and the size of dog - clearly they wanted that taken into consideration when we gave our answers.

Unless you have reached a certain age you will be unaware how things change in your life - how what was once simple, eg, a two mile run with a large dog in tow, becomes a gentle 2 mile walk in two stints. The suitability/lifestyle and happiness of the dog is also an important issue here and the OP was wise enough to ask for advice as they had not owned a dog before. Dont judge others so quickly, some of us have lived through enough decades to understand the OPs concerns. Nasty angry face emoticons dont make a jot of difference.

Fire_Fox

Hoof_Hearted wrote: »

I disagree with those who say not to get a pup. They are a pain but only for a short while (hopefully). However, you need to be very careful where you get it so you don't end up buying a sickly dog. I have never met a breed that I didn't like, but some individual dogs can be aggressive. If you raise from a pup and socialise it, you are more likely to end up with a well-adjusted dog. On the other hand,I know a lovely rescue Rottie that is an absolute !!!!! cat. Don't rule out a cross. Our doodle is brilliant -- lab brain with poodle coat.

You are not more likely to get a well adjusted dog by buying a puppy and training it yourself than by making a considered choice with the guidance of a reputable rescue. There really is no difference between distinguishing between a reputable breeder and a back street one and a good rescue dog and a nightmare one, except you are more likely to get the truth from a rescue than a BSB.

'Second hand' animals being problematic is a myth - the vast majority are up for adoption because of financial difficulties, an unwanted litter, stray, ex-breeding stock, bullied by the other cat/ dog, owner died, owner had a baby, moved house and left their pet, and so on. A small number are there because they have been abused, not socialised or trained and these would normally go to experienced homes only.

I can honestly say none of the adult cats I or my close friends and relatives have adopted have had any behaviour problems. Reasons for being in rescue: see list above. Documentaries showing kittens dying of flea infestations and dogs almost beaten to death? That does happen but those cases are cherry picked to make good TV. Rescues are closing down because the number being handed in not matched by the numbers being adopted, and because the cost of vaccinating, neutering and feeding does not match the donations.

I am not saying the OP must adopt a rescue, just not to procreate the myths. An extrovert puppy is arguably harder work than winning the trust of a naturally introverted adult dog.

hethmar

minimad1970 wrote: »

I agree. Little angels aren't they.:D

Yep, certainly are I just had to carefully lift mine off my lap before I came up to the office Beautiful dog (and a rescue).

hethmar

Fire_Fox wrote: »

FWIW Hethmar I think you made some fair points about the needs of the dog rather than focussing on the OPs current age. I'm hurtling towards 40 and I'd have been glad to have those points made if I was considering a larger breed.

I said to someone recently, the older I get, the smaller my dogs become Rotties/labs/dalmatians are now breeds Id not consider for their sake as well as mine.

moneylover

Just woken up from my snooze and going to put my teeth in now so I can have my tea.......
Well, to tell the truth I am actually 65 but thought that might sound a bit old to some people so knocked 5 years off!
I like to think I am a 'modern' sixty five - the sort that worries the government in case I live for ever! (or sixty decades as someone suggested!)
I know labs can be very strong, however my husband (toy boy aged 62) is a big strong guy and I am also very keen on training which should reduce the pulling me around the park problem - after all blind people of my age have these dogs.
It all takes loads of thinking about and I shall look into some of the other breeds suggested including the labrapoodle and the enchanting looking spinone (never heard of that one)
Someone said their cocker was well trained and smart but 'needy' - I hear that a lot about cockers can someone elaborate? Sorry, can't remember who said this it was a page or two back!
I do take on board age re lab, but I have three adult children who cannot wait to walk this dog, and any dog owner can drop dead at any age......
Keep the info coming you have all been very helpful - more than I have got off the 'dog forum'!