Best breed for a novice dog owner

Ellie2758

I work part-time so doggy wouldnt be left alone for long. My kids are in their teens so when I'm not here it is more than likely that one of them would be. I was thinking of doing it at the start of the school holidays so that there would always be somebody home for the first few weeks. Somebody mentioned staffies not chewing - I know somebody whose house has been WRECKED by her staffie.... I've thought of going to the local RSPCA home, as I know they are very thorough. I would want to know about the dog's background before committing myself.

JennyW_2

Ellie2758 wrote: »

I work part-time so doggy wouldnt be left alone for long. My kids are in their teens so when I'm not here it is more than likely that one of them would be. I was thinking of doing it at the start of the school holidays so that there would always be somebody home for the first few weeks. Somebody mentioned staffies not chewing - I know somebody whose house has been WRECKED by her staffie.... I've thought of going to the local RSPCA home, as I know they are very thorough. I would want to know about the dog's background before committing myself.

I too work part-time so my doggies are only left for the mornings. Your situation sounds ideal for a dog. Where abouts are you located? Battersea dogs home have centres at Windsor and Brands Hatch. We got ours from Windsor.

superjaggybunnet

I would go for a Border Collie every time.

Very smart and quick learners. Need a lot of exercise though!

foreign_correspondent

Any breed of dog (especially puppies) are liable to chew stuff up (including electrical cables so beware), dig up your garden, wee and poo on your carpet and bark or cry when left alone.

That doesnt mean to say you cannot train them not too; but dont expect to get a new dog and not encounter at least some of these issues.

However, there are some generalisations, some dogs, like collies and terriers need a lot of exercise (as working breeds), without plenty of exercise and stimulation they are likely to be destructive. A tired dog is a good dog!

Also, collies can be a bit 'nippy' - I had a lovely collie years ago, but she was determined to try and herd people up!

People often get jack russels thinking they are a little dog, so will be 'easy' - not so -they are full of beans and need a lot of stimulation and exercise!!

I also had a little corgi gross and she was the best behaved dog ever, but she had come to me after being abandoned and it took a while for her to settle in and stop hiding food under the carpets! however, she was clever and grateful to be with us, so keen to please!

Every dog is different even from the same breed, I too would suggest you go to the local rescue centre and ask them about their dogs - they assess the temprement of each individual dog and should be able to find one who is a good match for you! - much more reliable than buying dog because it is a certain breed and hoping it has the temprement normally associated with that breed!

Please dont buy a dog because of the breed and expect it to be right for you, often people want an easy dog and find that they are all hard work, so the dog ends up in the rescue through no fault of its own.

mizmir

A great dog as a pet is a greyhound - gentle, calm, don't need huge amounts of exercise (short bursts off lead), spend a lot of time sleeping - and there are thousands looking for homes all the time so you will be able to find one to suit you.

I would echo the recommendations to get an older rescue dog - that way you know what you are getting - there are loads with no problems at all - just unwanted. Go to a reputable rescue and they will match the dog to you and your lifestyle. You can get any age, any size, any breed or crossbreed.

Don't get a working dog like a collie or a spaniel unless you are prepared to spend a lot of time exercising and training it. These dogs need something to do or they make their own entertainment!

virgin_moneysaver

mizmir wrote: »

A great dog as a pet is a greyhound - gentle, calm, don't need huge amounts of exercise (short bursts off lead), spend a lot of time sleeping - and there are thousands looking for homes all the time so you will be able to find one to suit you.

I would echo the recommendations to get an older rescue dog - that way you know what you are getting - there are loads with no problems at all - just unwanted. Go to a reputable rescue and they will match the dog to you and your lifestyle. You can get any age, any size, any breed or crossbreed.

Don't get a working dog like a collie or a spaniel unless you are prepared to spend a lot of time exercising and training it. These dogs need something to do or they make their own entertainment!

I've had my English Springer Spaniel for 6 months now from the local rescue home (I actually found her myself on the way to work one very wet,cold november morning)

She is a sweetheart - took her 5 weeks to bark, which she only does if the doorbell rings, she's never chewed, loves a walk but is also happy to snore away a few hours - they put her between 8 & 10. She was obviously trained before as she'll sit by the open door after she's been out for wee until you say she can come back in - I'm in the same position as I work part -time & my teenagers are more or less self-sufficient - it's lovely being needed again!!

POSSETTE

i have 2 cavs now but have had 5 in all..not one of them chewed anything apart from me!!..they are the best for a placid tempermant,and they are at home either running in a field or snoozing in front of fire! We have had heart trouble but not until 8-9 years old, even then the tablets didnt cost that much.all breeds are susceptible to traits of health probs tho.
I agree with shih-tzu too, my friend has 2 and they are fab.

Ellie2758

virgin_moneysaver wrote: »

I've had my English Springer Spaniel for 6 months now from the local rescue home (I actually found her myself on the way to work one very wet,cold november morning)

She is a sweetheart - took her 5 weeks to bark, which she only does if the doorbell rings, she's never chewed, loves a walk but is also happy to snore away a few hours - they put her between 8 & 10. She was obviously trained before as she'll sit by the open door after she's been out for wee until you say she can come back in - I'm in the same position as I work part -time & my teenagers are more or less self-sufficient - it's lovely being needed again!!

Aw, that's so sweet. Yes, I also feel a bit "surplus to requirements" these days!
We rescued a dog last year - took it along to the Police Station, assuming it was lost. We followed it up with the Rescue centre they forwarded it to but they said they NEVER re-home to the area where the dog was found.

Ellie2758

POSSETTE wrote: »

i have 2 cavs now but have had 5 in all..not one of them chewed anything apart from me!!..they are the best for a placid tempermant,and they are at home either running in a field or snoozing in front of fire! We have had heart trouble but not until 8-9 years old, even then the tablets didnt cost that much.all breeds are susceptible to traits of health probs tho.
I agree with shih-tzu too, my friend has 2 and they are fab.

Yes, I just remember the people over the road -their cav had to be put to sleep in the end cos of heart probs. Really sad.

Knelley

springchicken wrote: »

I would heartily recommend a shih-tzu.
Had mine(Bella) for 2 years now and would not be without her.
I was also considering a king Charles too and was told shih-tzus have very similar temparaments.
They are wonderful dogs for a novice owner (Bella is my first),great companions ,easy to train (v.intelligent ) and a lovely compact size .
But in the end every dog is wonderful and will become a much valued family member !!

I agree on Shih tzus :T I have had moet now for 8 mths and we wouldn't be without her and her wee pug face and girl with attitude! She talks to me more than the man does :rotfl: