First dog

krlyr

Do ensure you do a lot of research into the breeder though, if you go down that route. Lovely breed but prone to issues like cancer, hip dysplasia, eye disease and so on.

missindecisive

Good luck with your doggy hunting gabycat...sure you will make a good decision in in the end, whatever you decide....good luck !!!!

bugslet

DaveTheMus wrote: »

Border Collies are far and away the smartest dogs out there......a medium sized family, Border Collie would be my first, second and third choice.

Brilliant dogs!

jack_pott wrote: »

Smooth haired one too, it reduces the amount of grooming/brushing. One just like our Penny.

#
My odl boy had the hairiest coat ever, so I'm biased there:D

Person_one wrote: »

The amount of exercise and mental stimulation a border collie needs to be happy is beyond what most ordinary families can easily provide.

But yes, especially for a family that aren't used to dogs - yet!

have a think about schnauzers, either miniature or standard. Nice solid dog that is happy with rough and tumble. If mine are anything to go by, likes walking and kipping in equal measures. One of the most placid amiable breeds around.

Katiehound

jack_pott wrote: »

Smooth haired one too, it reduces the amount of grooming/brushing. One just like our Penny.

Do you mean a smooth haired collie by any chance? I'm thinking you mean a smooth rather than a rough collie- in which case a very different ball game from a border collie! Border collies need to be "working" in some way- think obedience, agility, heelwork to music...or herding sheep even!

A friend has a minature schnauzer and he is very cute and bright- loves playing and snoozing. His coat does need stripping and clipping 'though.

Caroline_a

gabycat wrote: »

We are verging on a golden retriever, for temperament and calmness. And good family dog

They are indeed lovely dogs but usually the same size or bigger than labs which you already said was too big.

gabycat

Caroline_a wrote: »

They are indeed lovely dogs but usually the same size or bigger than labs which you already said was too big.

I know, but we are very lucky to have a vet as a close friend,( who's ear has being chewed off) and he has highlighted lots of problems with the breeds we were thinking of.
Also every time we see a golden retriever out and about, we just know that's our dog, I know they have their problems too , but all good breeders put the hip/ eye scores of the parents .

Just struggling to find one in scotland ATM

D&DD

Lovely dogs I know a few on my walks never met a nasty one yet (a few nutty ones yes). One lady has always had them and had no probs but her latest one (9th) is one of said nutters lol adorable though.


I think whatever breed there are likely to be health issues and even the healthier ones sometimes life throws you a curveball..


I would say get insurance,vet friend or not,as the costs do mount up especially as everything is charged by the kilo!

GBNI

bugslet wrote: »

Brilliant dogs!

#
My odl boy had the hairiest coat ever, so I'm biased there:D



But yes, especially for a family that aren't used to dogs - yet!

have a think about schnauzers, either miniature or standard. Nice solid dog that is happy with rough and tumble. If mine are anything to go by, likes walking and kipping in equal measures. One of the most placid amiable breeds around.

I have a miniature schnauzer and she is the best! She is my little princess lol Loves rough and tumble and did love long walks (currently has a cruciate injury), but content just to relax as well. She'll be 13 in May. She gets groomed everyone 6-8 weeks at £25 go a time. Stubborn litle madam at times mind you! She's also deaf now but wee things like that are too expected at her age.

Please don't discount rescues either. My otheir girl is a rescue and she is a delight to own. Although she needs a lot of exercise! (lab x rottie)

laurel7172

I grew up with a schnauzer. Brilliant, game little dogs. They don't need a lot of walking, but if you want to do 15 miles they're up for it. A bouncy-but-gentle temperament, don't shed and will curl up on your lap for a cuddle. They were rare when I was young, but it's no wonder so many people have them now. They're just fab. Not that I'm biased or anything...