which dog for me?

Pupnik

OP, just a thought but have you considered setters? The size and grace of a labrador mixed with the softness of a spaniel and they sure turn heads.



It may also be worth considering a saluki- very elegant and a nice size, but also very docile unless they get a nice expanse of open ground to race around in


I think some of these replies are grossly overestimating how 'old' 60/65 is- it isn't as if the OP said 85, I know plenty of people in their 60s with labradors, setters, springers and all sorts of active breeds. It isn't about age at all but how much time and love the owner can put in.

meritaten

the OP has said which breeds she is attracted to - which part of that dont you all understand? she didnt want suggestions on other breeds - just which of her three shortlisted breeds would be most suitable! doesnt matter if she is 65 or 25! she seems to want a small to medium sized pedigree dog and a bit of a cuddle hound!

jetta_wales

My Dads 66 and my Mum's 62, they have a motorhome, a speedboat, kayaks, you name it and 10 grand kids the love to have over (maybe all at once of course lol). My Mum had a heart attack a few years ago due to a genetic condition but long walks are recommended for her and she was building a greenhouse with my Dad last week that they made themselves from scratch

No crosswords or the readers digest for them then lol.

Welshdebtor

meritaten wrote: »

the OP has said which breeds she is attracted to - which part of that dont you all understand? she didnt want suggestions on other breeds - just which of her three shortlisted breeds would be most suitable! doesnt matter if she is 65 or 25! she seems to want a small to medium sized pedigree dog and a bit of a cuddle hound!

Think you need to read her post again

So here it is.......

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 hear people's views on these dogs and other breeds I should perhaps consider


Edit - Sorry just thought this may seem harsh. I was being lighthearted and apologise if any offence was caused.

Jay_Tee

meritaten wrote: »

the OP has said which breeds she is attracted to - which part of that dont you all understand? she didnt want suggestions on other breeds - just which of her three shortlisted breeds would be most suitable! doesnt matter if she is 65 or 25! she seems to want a small to medium sized pedigree dog and a bit of a cuddle hound!

Well probably the bit where the OP in the first post said

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

Perhaps it was you that didn't understand?

AmM_3

I think it is a great idea to get a dog at any age! Dogs are great companions. I would choose a breed that isn't too hyper and one you walk around the block with and not be pulled down the block.

My grandparents git a rescue dog that was a few years old. He is half JRT and Pug I think. They like him because he is something they can take care and not get bored seeinga as they are both retired. Good luck and let us all know what you choose.

hethmar

TBH I dont think a setter or saluki is a "beginners" dog.

I think the OP is probably right and a lab will be the most suitable if she wants a bigger dog as they are very easily trained and biddable. And for gawds sake, I KNOW 60 isnt old, Im over 60 and I go to gigs still and I jive and I take on an awful lot of charity work with youngsters and dog rescue which involves active lifestyle. The OP gave details of her age (which apparently wasnt accurate, as she is 65:)) and therefore clearly wanted that taken into consideration. And no, 65 isnt old either - my aunt is still travelling the world and roughing it at 83, but the fact is the OP brought it up. And the dogs temperament needs to be considered - when the OP is 80 and the dog is getting a bit dodgey on its legs aswell .......

I shall now withdraw - out of the three dogs the OP favours I would definitely say the lab - though it will moult and will smell - as all dogs do - unless you have a stuffed toy one.

Good luck in your choice and I do hope you will rethink a rescue dog.

jetta_wales

My dogs definitely don't smell. That's what the bath is for.

hethmar

And they have a bath because ....................:)

jetta_wales

hethmar wrote: »

And they have a bath because ....................:)

Because if they didn't then they eventually would smell. Do you wait till you smell bad before you wash?