View Full Version : What breed of dog?
angieh
29-01-2009, 12:44 AM
Can I ask experienced people with dogs whether they think this Dog Breed Selector is accurate?
http://www.purina.co.uk/Home/All+About+Dogs/Your+New+Pet+Dog/Choosing+a+Dog/Dog+Breed+Selector.htm
As you may have picked up, my OH wants a dog (his family always had dogs, so he's used to them) and we are trying to get an idea of breeds to look at.
random
29-01-2009, 02:19 PM
I don't really rate things like that as every dog is different, good to get an idea of breeds to further look into I guess. Your best bet would be to go to a few local shows and ask about the breeds you like. Do you have any in mind. What about rescue?
angieh
29-01-2009, 02:20 PM
We've been having a look at rescue sites random. I've also had a quick look at Dogsey!
random
29-01-2009, 02:33 PM
We've been having a look at rescue sites random. I've also had a quick look at Dogsey!
You should join up, you'll get loads of help. x
calismum
29-01-2009, 03:39 PM
OK - I tried the selector answering questions based on the dogs we have (Border Collies and Golden Retrievers). The selector decided we should have norfolk terriers, airedale or min schnauzer. I would not have any of these breeds here.
I then tried to alter the answers a little and all it did was add in a sussex spaniel.
As my dream dog is a long haired male black german shepherd (which OH says will never set foot in this house (watch this space, it may take years but never say never)) I then tried to make it 'give' me this dog. It still suggested breeds I just didn't like or I didn't agree with.
So, I'd have to say I don't think much of it.
Many moons ago when we were trying to decide what type of dog we would get we bought a small book of dog breeds )observers at that time, don't know if still available)
We went thru the book individually and ticked the pages of dogs we liked, without looking into them at all. We then looked at the dogs that we both ticked.
Then had discussion re size, coat, excercise, personality, etc. and reduced our joint list further. Then looked at known health problems eg rage, aggression, hip displaysia, OCD etc. Only once we got down to 6 dogs did we start to research the breed characteristics and we then were reduced to Flat Coat, Golden. Beagle, Cairn or Jack Russell.
We decided on either of the retrievers and I spoke to my vet who knew someone with a connection to the Golden breed, so that is how we ended up with my Goldens.
Having said all that. The very first dog we had was a border collie/german shepherd cross that was thrown out a car. We found her on the road aged around 3 months - we said we would keep her until she was fit and well. She died in my arms aged 15 years and I'd have her again a million times over any other dog I have, so why not go to a local all breeds show and see the pedigrees and then go talk to a rescue and see some guys who may tick the boxes for you. Just make sure you know the background and reason for rehoming. If you decide a particular breed is for you then decide if you want puppy or adult. Most Breed societies also do rescue.
Good luck, I can't wait to see what you decide.
angieh
29-01-2009, 04:59 PM
Thanks so much for trying that site out CM - just what I hoped would happen! It gave me a min schnauzer or standard schnauzer if I altered the size. You never know how these sites "angle" their response - I guess I won't take any notice of it.
Thanks so much for your practical advice - which OH and I will follow. Watch this space!
angieh
30-01-2009, 02:30 PM
Just had to follow this up - OH tried that breed selector and it suggested a "Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever". He had to Google as neither of us have ever heard of such a breed!
My personal favourite, and a recommendation, is either a Border Terrier (one of your favs Angie too I think?) or a beagle! I've always adored beagles, I think they look like 'proper' dogs with their long shouts, floppy ears. They're very affectionate and playful, but can be hard to train as they always follow their nose.
If you need any convincing, I dare you not to melt at this:
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=OeYnX9NwB1k
:D
(Oh and I've never owned a dog, but have done a bit of research on both BT and Beagles and have always felt they appealed in their nature, temprament and general dogginess!)
And I meant to say, how exciting about getting a dog Angie! Despite being a true 'cat' person, one day I do think I'll get a dog when I have a garden, have more time to dedicate to it. I just love the idea of it being a companion that can travel with you (go for walks, to other friends houses). :)
dandysmom
30-01-2009, 05:46 PM
This might amuse you. As most of you know, I'm not a dog person; am very uncomfortable around them, but thought I'd take the test just to see what it said...well, after perusing my answers, it recommended........NO DOG!!
Very perceptive site ......
angieh
30-01-2009, 06:27 PM
;) Well, at least it did get that right for you Eileen!
Elaine
30-01-2009, 06:43 PM
I took the test and it came up with one dog which was a Munsterlander:shock: . I'd never heard of it so did a bit of digging and it's stunning but i dont think it would be the right dog for me at all.
angieh
30-01-2009, 07:28 PM
Are they making dogs up, d'you think?
I too came up with the Giant Mustlander, beautiful dog, but not one I would own...so got me totally wrong...
Well that selector was about useless it came up with 0 breeds whay did it was will dog be alone for more than an hour a day.
Angie this is what I did to find a breed suitable to me/us when I briefly considered moving from Staffords.....
First decided on; What dogs I liked
More importantly; What breeds I did not like.
(I think its important to know what you do not like, for example I do not like small toy dogs or dogs that slobber)
Do you want a dog that needs grooming ie every ingle day and hair everywhere or a dog that needs proffesional grooming or a dog that want a quick flick of a brush.
What size dog do you want remember people consider a Boxer to be medium whereas I would consider a Boxer large.
Also remember size is important.
Do you want a dog that is biddable rather than trainable (as every dog is trainable but some dogs are easier/biddable to live with)
Do you want a dog that does not require loads of walking...but happy with a 40 minute trot round the block and longer walks when you wish.
Come back when you have answers to those above questions then we can move to stage two.
What breeds did your husband grow up with?
angieh
03-02-2009, 09:02 PM
OK Kazz - start with me who has never owned a dog! (I'll get OH to answer his own questions!)
I like seemingly various terrier-sorts; hairy dogs (scruffy dogs too); dogs with black noses; I would like a dog smaller than a boxer, but I also do NOT like tiny dogs (although I might be persuaded by a rough haired dashound - can you see a sort of connection here?); I also prefer more slightly built dogs than say a Westie. I like the idea of a dog that would not necessarily want grooming every day, although I do understand that some breeds need grooming whilst young, but not so much as their adult coat comes through - that's fine (helps with bonding). A biddable dog would be great, although I doubt whether a terrier type would fit that. OH, and yes, not a big slobberer! I'd like a dog like my friend Jane had, which was a Patterdale X - a sweet natured dog, who could be taken anywhere and was happy to travel in the car. I think that "could be taken anywhere" really describes my perfect dog companion. This dog will be included and not left on his/her own at home.
OH will be primarily responsible for walking the dog, so I'm included in the longer walks when the weather is nice sort.
I'll ask OH to come and put his "requirements" in - but I think I've just about covered mine.
random
03-02-2009, 09:19 PM
Dachs are nice wee dogs for a first time owner, can be a bit difficult to train as are all hounds, the wires are more terrier like in their personality and do need a fair bit of grooming to keep their coats nice or they go all fluffy. What about a mini schnauzer?
Will get my thinking cap on!
Hmmm based on what you have said I would have a close look at these.....breeds
Mini Schnauzer
Border Terrier (we need to summon Dawn for this breedsin's out's)
Wire haired Dashhund Mini and Standard.
These are te most "common I can think of that fit your list
Apart from of course a small scruffy lurcher. :)
Or a rescue/mongrel.
angieh
03-02-2009, 09:46 PM
I do like BTs! and a small scuffy lurcher would be lovely.
I do have a Q though - we were looking at lurcher rescue and lots of the details for available animals said they needed to go to a home with a nice stable bitch. I don't think they meant me!!!!
No I would say they mean a "level headed" bitch. (dog)
I like BT's they and Mini Schnauzers are my fav scruffy sort of dog.
EmmaG
03-02-2009, 10:29 PM
If I ever manage to get a dog it will be a Newfoundland, just love them!!
There are some Newfoundlands that practice "retrieving" boats and people from Sutton Park Lake and local water park.....massive dogs.
angieh
03-02-2009, 10:52 PM
No I would say they mean a "level headed" bitch. (dog)
I like BT's they and Mini Schnauzers are my fav scruffy sort of dog.
I know Kazz - I was trying to make a wee joke!
dandysmom
03-02-2009, 11:04 PM
I do like BTs! and a small scuffy lurcher would be lovely.
I do have a Q though - we were looking at lurcher rescue and lots of the details for available animals said they needed to go to a home with a nice stable bitch. I don't think they meant me!!!!
You know, I'd heard lurchers referred to here before; wondered what sort of dog they were as I'd never heard of them. Just Googled, and found they're not a breed, but a type of cross between a sighthound and another breed. Interesting story about the Gypsies back in the 17th century and the reason they were developed; I do enjoy learning new things here! Still not a dog person, though! :-D
borderdawn
03-02-2009, 11:35 PM
Summoned by Kazz, here I am!:-D
Angie.
Borders, GREAT dogs in the RIGHT hands. Terriers first and foremost, high prey drive, very manageable with training and patience. Love human company and dont do well left alone all the time. If bought up with other animals, they are great with them, I have 3 Borders and 6 Cats, all are the very best of friends. I wouldnt recommend having them loose with small furries about though! ;) I do have a Belgian Hare that has free rein and my dogs are fine with him. Generally good with other dogs and none argumentative as a rule, but like all dogs need a lot of socialising as puppies. They like children, but they do have feelings!;) They wont tolerate being pulled about any more than any other dog.
Mine travel all over with me, love it they do, great family dogs and want to be part of what goes on all the time. They do not do well if they are not exercised, they NEED mental and physical stimulation, if not they get bored, and then they may get into trouble!:D
Coat will need handstripping at least twice a year, so unlike breeds like the Schnauzer which need doing every 6/8 weeks, they last a lot longer and its easy to learn to do yourself.
More info on my site here:
http://www.emblehope.co.uk/border-terriers/breed-profile/
Anything else you want to know give me a shout. :D
angieh
04-02-2009, 12:09 AM
That's great, thanks Dawn. Any dog would need to be able to get on with a cat or cats. Other small furries and children are not an issue. OH is retired and I work from home, so there is no problem with any animal being left alone - MIL is always here - she is also used to dogs and likes them.
I expect we'd both enjoy going to socialisation classes and even training.
borderdawn
04-02-2009, 12:22 AM
Border sounds like a good choice then!!
Thing I like about Borders is they are a public friendly dog people do not appear to have a pre conceived perception about them.....and they are welcomed everywhere.
Summoned by Kazz, here I am!:-D :D
See like a Genie and a lamp.;) I am attemting to get an "expert" on Schnauzers bear with me Angie.
Angie what breeds does your husband prefer?
angieh
04-02-2009, 06:45 PM
You're a wonder, Kazz! I've told OH he needs to do his "bit" and answer your questions!
angieh
04-02-2009, 07:07 PM
Here are OH's requirements Kazz -
He does not like small or toy dogs or slobbery dogs.
He'd be happy with a dog that only needs a quick flick with a brush. Using your measure of a boxer being large, he would go for a dog that is smaller than a boxer. He also went for "biddable" and surprisingly went for 40 minutes and longer walks as and when.
His family has had mongrels in the past, 2 of which he was involved with. Spot was a collie cross and Jasper was (he thinks) a labrador/alsatian cross.
I think we are compatible and really a BT would suit us both, but I am interested to know about the Snausy (sorry, will have to learn how to spell that breed!)
I am working on presenting to you the views of a Schnauzer person ;)
random
04-02-2009, 08:43 PM
Will Mini come over from Dogsey?
Will Mini come over from Dogsey?
From my bottle of experts - Yeap :-D
random
04-02-2009, 09:14 PM
From my bottle of experts - Yeap :-D
Oh good. I nearly chose a Schnauzer myself, they were on my shortlist for a smaller breed before I got Dusty.
Natalie
04-02-2009, 09:28 PM
Labradoodles all the way Ange ;-)
random
04-02-2009, 10:22 PM
Oh oh oh what about an Irish Terrier I LOVE those! Or an Airedale but they do take more grooming. I'm so excited for you Angie and it's not even my dog! :lol:
angieh
04-02-2009, 10:40 PM
I love your enthusiasm guys!
Nothing will happen dog-wise until dear uncle Merlin is no longer with us and I hate to think how upset I am going to be then. But, as I think I have said before my ideal is one dog and 2 cats!
angieh
04-02-2009, 10:43 PM
Labradoodles all the way Ange ;-)
They do seem to have a lot going for them, no shedding etc. As an asthmatic child, my parents were told that if they wanted to get a dog (which they never did) it would have to be a poodle. I am not generally a lover of poodles, but I did know a lovely standard boy - a chocolate called Yogi.
(I do remember all past friendly dogs by name.)
random
04-02-2009, 10:48 PM
They do seem to have a lot going for them, no shedding etc. As an asthmatic child, my parents were told that if they wanted to get a dog (which they never did) it would have to be a poodle. I am not generally a lover of poodles, but I did know a lovely standard boy - a chocolate called Yogi.
(I do remember all past friendly dogs by name.)
Plz remember though Angie, (without wanting to start the age old debate here) you are not guaranteed that a labradoodle will not shed, the lab sheds like any other dog and 50% of the offspring will shed just as it's lab parent and even when the mating is larbradoodle to labradoodle there is still no guarantee that they won't shed as the lab gene is still in there if that makes sense.
Not saying they are not lovely dogs of course. x
calismum
04-02-2009, 10:52 PM
Plz remember though Angie, (without wanting to start the age old debate here) you are not guaranteed that a labradoodle will not shed, the lab sheds like any other dog and 50% of the offspring will shed just as it's lab parent and even when the mating is larbradoodle to labradoodle there is still no guarantee that they won't shed as the lab gene is still in there if that makes sense.
Not saying they are not lovely dogs of course. x
was just about to post that too. Friend in Kent has two - one never sheds the other chucks it out like he's doing it for both of them, and they are litter mates. Coats looked exactly alike when she picked them. But - they are gorgeous.
random
04-02-2009, 10:53 PM
And there is absolutely no harm in planning well ahead, I have probably got planned out the rest of my dogs for the rest of my life and which lines i'd like them from (whether or not I stick to this plan is another thing mind you!).
random
04-02-2009, 10:58 PM
The thing to do if you decide on any kind of cross or mix (that you know what is in it of course, with a rescue you may not) is to find out about the breeds behind it and bear in mind it could take on any one or part of these breeds size, temp, and any mixture in-between. The plus about having a pure breed is although all dogs are different, you pretty much know what you are in for.
I have nothing against either or, I have equal amounts of each in my life! :lol:
Natalie
04-02-2009, 11:30 PM
Very true about the shedding of Labradoodles. No dog never moults but the shedding of them is less in most cases. Bess never sheds. Most first crosses are more prone to shedding than second or third crosses.
So much to decide but you will know which is the right dog for you when the time comes.
On my realistic shortlist would beMini Schanuzers (no personal experience but I like them, and what the breed standard says) Poodles (medium sized one) again no personal experience of owning them but like them.Border Terriers (same as above)Wire Haired Fox TerriersCocker Spaniel.
angieh
05-02-2009, 03:17 PM
I understand about the genetic lab/poodle shedding - but have a Q. How old would any puppy be before it showed whether it was a shedder or not?
Hi Ange :D like Dawn I have been summoned by Kazz. I am a cat person too, Siamese for preference but I haven't had cats for a while though my son has two rescue kittens Edith and Olive .
You wanted to know about Schnauzers. I don't known an awful lot about Standards and Giants, I would say the former are much like Minis only bigger, the latter can be very strong willed and because of their size can be a handful. I do know a bit about Minis though having had them for 45 years. I will post detailed information about them from the breed section on Dogsey below, the picture on there is my old Mini Amy, she was about 15 at the time and sadly is no loner with us.
Minis are intriguing little dogs full of Character. I find them easy to train but one should take into account they were among other things bred for ratting and some of the breed have retained a strong prey drive. My current Mini for instance will chase anything which moves including birds which fly over the garden, so it can take a lot of work to get a good recall with a Mini.
The puppy I have at the moment Chloe is just over a year old and great company but quite strong minded and bossy . I will give you an example, she likes to take the door mat and put it in the middle of the kitchen then pile her toys on top, if I move them she will put them back instantly . If she can't reach a toy at the bottom of her toy box because other things are on top of it she will get quite frustrated and growl and toys will be thrown everywhere until I get the desired toy out for her or she manages to reach it herself . When she is playing with Zac the Springer she always want the toy he is playing with and once she has acquired it and he has moved onto something else she must have that toy also . She likes her breakfast at 7:30 and if I am not up she will put her head on the bed and make exaggerated pretend yawning noises and if that fails a low growling noise until I go and get her food .Chloe is also very affectionate and loves to put her head on my shoulder to nuzzle in and be cuddled :D .
Chloe..
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v280/fieldwalk/Chloe/Picture015x2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v280/fieldwalk/Chloe/Picture020.jpg
Minis don't shed their coats and I challenge anyone to find a single dog hair in my house, however this means they do need trimming every 8 weeks to keep them looking smart and preferably they should be hand stripped not clipped.
Most breeds have some health problems, the main one in Minis being eye conditions. I have never had a problem with this and providing a puppy is obtained from a good breeder who tests their dogs there should be no problem. To find a good breeder contact the Secretary of The Miniature Schnauzer Club and she will be able to provide you with a list of breeders some of whom may have puppies (the ones with asterisks) or may know of people with litters due.
Expect a wait for a puppy, good breeders are very choosy where their puppies go and most have a waiting list.
As with any dog taking on a Mini is a big commitment and not unlike having a small child in the house particularly for the first year. After a year or so it does get a bit easier in that a dog is usually trained by than and a bit less demanding. Minis are a quite long lived breed and many live to around 16 so the commitment can last many years.
Good luck whatever breed you decide to take if any :D .
http://www.dogsey.com/miniature-schnauzer.htm
I am being made to sound like I have a bottle and keep people in it until needed ;) Although maybe summoned is the right word.....:).......on this occasion.Thanks for popping on Min, I very much appreciate your input.Karen
I am being made to sound like I have a bottle and keep people in it until needed ;) Although maybe summoned is the right word.....:).......on this occasion.Thanks for popping on Min, I very much appreciate your input.Karen
Not at all Kazz :) I don't put my nose through the Catsey door very often, wish I had more time to pop in now and then :D
Natalie
05-02-2009, 04:52 PM
There are three main coat types found in Labradoodles. The hair coat, that may range from flat and straight to wavy or curly. This coat may have a similar look to a Labrador that may feather at the tail, legs and face. This generation needs little to no grooming, every so often a professional bath and brush out with tiding up the face and feet. This coat type will shed to different degrees, depending on the coat style. The fleece coat looks more like an angora coat. This generation has a single coat that is soft and curly. There should be no shedding, but there is no guarantee that there will be no shedding. This coat type needs a bit more up keep, it is best to get your dog on a grooming schedule for a weekly brushing and professional grooming every 6 to 8 weeks. The last coat type is the woolly coat, this coat is similar to a Standard Poodle coat. This coat is dense and plush, but the curls are not as tight as a Standard Poodle. As with the fleece coat this coat needs to be groomed and brushed on a regular basis.
Not all Labradoodles are hypo-allergenic and non-shedding, this depends on the different generations and coat types. As stated above F1 Labradoodles will shed to different degrees. This generation is not hypo-allergenic and is not a good choice for a family that has allergies. A F1B Labradoodle is a better choice for a family that has allergies. This coat has more of the Standard Poodle coat which produces a more non-shedding coat.
angieh
05-02-2009, 06:13 PM
Thanks Kazz, Mini and Natalie. Your genies are excellent information sources Kazz - both Dawn and Mini have given great information of their favoured breeds. I love the look of little Chloe - what a determined little character she sounds!
Thanks for the info on coats too Natalie - I admit that I hadn't realised that it was that complicated.
What I need now is somewhere, like a Dog Show, that I can go and see BTs, mini Schnauzers and Labradoodles in the flesh and speak to their people.
You need to go to Crufts discover dogs....
Although not sure any labradoodles at Crufts....I stand to be corrected........though.Other than that try the breed clubs near you.
angieh
05-02-2009, 09:21 PM
I think I may have found my love .......
http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc44/angieh_bucket/celebrations/Doggies/428px-Miniature_Schnauzer_puppy_bla.jpg
Doesn't this little face make your heart melt? :smt049
angieh
05-02-2009, 09:36 PM
Oh, I'm getting more confused about the labradoodles as I found an American website which said that Australian labradoodles are purebreeds but that American doodles are cross breeds. Does this just mean the difference in the length of time they have been bred and that the Australian doodle now breeds true to form?
Think I'm 90% sure about my choice now though anyway - the black and silver mini Schnauzer (as above). OH seems to be keen too and has even told his mum!
Yes the picture does make your heart melt.......
calismum
05-02-2009, 10:06 PM
Lovely - only came across one in my lifetime and loved him/her to bits. I want the one in the pic - my heart has gone!!
I have a booklet from KC with all dog shows in it - if you want to pm me your nearest big town I'll hunt thru for some shows for you to go have a look. - edit - skip that one - it is only scottish venues - soz!
angieh
05-02-2009, 11:51 PM
Nice thought CM, thanks. Guess I can look on the Crufts website???
random
06-02-2009, 12:08 AM
I have a ch schedule here somewhere...
But yes, they are on the kennel club website Angie. Somewhere, it's not the easiest of sites to navigate around...
random
06-02-2009, 12:09 AM
Here you go Angie...
http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/download/3200/showdiary.pdf
random
06-02-2009, 12:12 AM
There is a tonne but just sifty through, especially see if there are any breed specific shows near you (that's all the same breeds so a Schnauzer only show). You are best looking at champ shows rather than open as there's no guarantee any of the breeds you like will actually be entered but they definately will be at a champ show and more of them.
These are this years Champ shows:
http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/item/1268
random
06-02-2009, 12:16 AM
And Schnauzers are in the utility group so ignore all the working/pastoral/gundog and hound only shows (sorry if stating the obvious!).
Hi Angie :D you asked to see a Mini with a tail, if you look at post 50 you can see Chloe's tail curled over her back..
Also here is baby Chloe age 12 weeks with her curly tail..
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v280/fieldwalk/Chloe/Picture016.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v280/fieldwalk/Chloe/Picture012.jpg
and at 19 weeks..
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v280/fieldwalk/Chloe/Picture021x2.jpg
No tail showing here but sweet little face :D
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v280/fieldwalk/Chloe/Picture005desktop.jpg
Natalie
06-02-2009, 08:41 AM
Aww she is very sweet.
What a gorgeous little face she has....:D
angieh
06-02-2009, 01:20 PM
Thanks for the list of shows random - I've bookmarked it - there are a few that I could get to later in the year. Newbury, Camberley and Bournemouth I think are the nearest. Also thanks for telling me Schnauzers are in the Utility class - I didn't know that.
Thanks for the pictures of Chloe's cute little tail Mini! Dare I say I think she looks nicer for not having had her tail docked.
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