Labrador or springer spaniel???

Feefee_4

Hi

I forgot to say last night i've come across more bad tempered Labs than I have ever done Springers, but then that's just me. With proper training at puppy class a Springer has no problems, i used to do agility with mine & she loved it & the training with that was great. I've never had any problems training her, never wee in the house from day 1 as a pup at 8 weeks old she was a bit bouncy but so are all pups.

Fee

lyla

We have 2 labadors, they are the most loving loyal dogs we've ever had. They always want to be with you and as a previous poster said, ours sit on our laps all the time, it doesn't matter that they are big. I will say though that they are very strong and its hard work to get them to walk on a lead without pulling. We have a black one and a chocolate one, i would not really recommend getting a chocolate one because he can be abit loopy,(he's very cute though!) The black one has been very easy to train though and is constantly by your side. Ours are happy with just one long run of their leads for half an hour a day in the park. I don't think that would satisfy a springer.

oldMcDonald

Jummy wrote: »

The reason i am swaying more towards a lab is because we have an autistic son.He is very good with his grandparents yorkie and neighbours king charles spaniel who we walk now and again.
I think a lab would be more patient with my son and more laid back.

I've already put in a vote for a springer further up, but just wanted to add a little more after reading this

Two of my children have special needs - one has Aspergers and one is profoundly disabled. Our dogs have made a huge difference to both of them - my son with Aspergers has a 'friendship' with the older dog that he finds hard to find with people and my child with severe disabilities is very aware when the dogs are with him. His face lights up and he loves to 'play' with the older one (the younger dog is just too bouncy for that at the moment!) - his version of 'play' is quite rough (and of course, is always supervised) but the dog is just so patient and fantastic with him.

If your son is good with dogs (and it sounds like he is) then owning a dog should be a very positive experience for him. Do you know anyone who owns a lab or springer? Maybe you could 'borrow' the dog for a couple of hours and see which type of doggy-personality your son prefers?

kdf987

labs without a doubt.i had one for most of my childhood and i miss her terribly. she was loyal and she didnt have a bite in her. they have such good temprements and are so content

Firefly

It could be that your son might find the unpredictability of a puppy a little too much, so a fully grown, or part grown dog might be better. What will be crucial is training; check out your local dog training clubs or groups before your new arrival comes.

veryskint_3

I would recommend a lab although labs are generally loopy til about the age of 2, springers tend to be loopy all their life. Unless you are excellent at training. Also labs are excellent natured and brill with kids. My sis-in-law just got a springer and it constantly bites her 12 year olds legs!

jo03

I have a springer lab cross he has a gorgeous temperament.Now he is 4 we are seeing signs of settling down a bit.When he was younger we would walk him a really long way and come home pick up the lead and he would be straight at the door raring to go again!!
The lab in him makes him a bit of a thief and a chewer but a good dollop of vicks vaporub on the table legs sorted that one out.He doesnt chew now but he can still thief for england - tv remote daughters socks and the wine stopper all victim today- at least we know where to look.
We have another dog a cross breed of dalmation and german shepherd he too is lovely and very quick to learn.
If you can run to it 2 dogs are better than 1 if I had known that I would have got 2 years ago they are great company and playmates for each other.

kr15snw

Id say springer as we have 2! Brother and sister from the same litter, we were nuts having 2 puppies! Lol.

But they are AMAZING! So loving and fun, but yes slightly nuts...

We dont have a big garden but enough room for them to go and sit in the sun / shade. But they do get a good 2 hour walk a day on the moors so they can just run and run. They do not do leads very well atall, theyd rather just chase things!

And when they are at home they play with each other or chase / be chased by the cat. The cat always wins though :P

Jummy

Well i think we are leaning more towards getting a springer as a lab may just be a bit too big for us.
We would consider an older rescue springer but i dont think the rescue places would find us suitable because of our son .
I will contact a few places and see what they say.
Thanks for all your replies.I will let you know what we decide on.

Trollydolly_2

As somebody said earlier have a look at https://www.dogpages.org.uk there are loads of rescue dogs on there and lots of people with very helpful advice.
Also many of the rescues on there will look at your situation on an individual basis rather than a blanket ban because you have children.

Another tip for you would be to have a read of a book (its in Asda) called "Marley and Me" its about the life of a lab and its owner and its brilliant. I think alot of it will give you an idea of what it will be like whatever type of dog you go for but it is based on a lab.