Dog choice help

Rootsblower · 23-07-2019 4:44pm

Would you consider a greyhound or greyhound mix. They’re super laid back dont need big walks, really friendly and adaptable to any environment. I have to say they make wonderful pets and as we know there’s plenty that need a good home.

Choc Chip · 23-07-2019 4:44pm

Bannasidhe wrote: »

I have 5 jacks.
I gave up black clothes many years ago - and navy. Nothing attracts jack hairs like navy.

I went to visit somewhere as a wedding venue.

I was wearing a burgundy felt jacket.

I think the venue were traumatized when the jack who called it home got off my lap....

thomas anderson. · 23-07-2019 4:48pm

Get something that does not shed.

If my fella wasnt so damn handsome he'd have been out the door a long time ago

Choc Chip · 23-07-2019 4:52pm

Oh, and OP, with all of the above, I'd 100% recommend an older dog with kids. If a puppy develops an issue, you have a problem. An older rescue dog who has a settled personality and who has been in foster with kids and actively loves them and comes along house trained etc is a god send. I understand if you don't want to go that route though.

borderlinemeath · 23-07-2019 4:52pm

thomas anderson. wrote: »

Get something that does not shed.

If my fella wasnt so damn handsome he'd have been out the door a long time ago

They all shed! Just some less than others. I have 4 red setters, they shed, but it gathers into fine dust bunnies that are easily swept up. There's some dogs that you could stuff a cushion with the amount of hair that they shed.

Choc Chip · 23-07-2019 4:54pm

borderlinemeath wrote: »

They all shed! Just some less than others. I have 4 red setters, they shed, but it gathers into fine dust bunnies that are easily swept up. There's some dogs that you could stuff a cushion with the amount of hair that they shed.

Yeah, but my terrier (as a "non-shed" breed) spills a lot less on my floor. He does have a pile more left on my clothes though. Suppose it depends what you're more bothered by.

Can someone tell me whether poodles are actually totally non-shed because if they are I'm just getting poodles from now on.

Dubl07 · 23-07-2019 4:54pm

Have you considered fostering for a bit?

23-07-2019 4:56pm

I believe Beagles have intelligence, good temperament, decent health and reasonable longevity, but must be kept on mead as they chase scents. Overall great choice of dog and there are responsible breeders who supply the hunt kennels in Kildare etc. Do not buy online, see the breeding centre.

As regards rescue dogs, many but not all require a commitment to training as very often they have received none due to poor original owners. There are good rescue dogs whose owners were single people who became ill or died. I’ve handled rescue dogs l, such as Siberian Huskies who have been really sound dogs temperamentally, but that their previous owners were just not suited to their demands for company and frequent walks. Greyhounds make really good pets too, but like the beagle must be kept on a lead at all times. If the dog is bred for hunting of any kind, other than a pointer/retriever, it often needs to be always in a lead.

One small breed that is possibly the most intelligent of all breeds, and long lived into the bargain, is the tough little Papillon, about the size of a Jack Russell. I saw two of them score tops at any obedience trial, and didn’t require constant prompting of trainer/owner. Way ahead of the Border Collies However one needs to choose from a good breeder as a few lines have a blindness gene called Progressive Retinal Atrophy. Interestingly the breed has been used as guide dogs, and excel as such, but because of their small size and relative invisibility are not commonly used as such.

wobert · 23-07-2019 4:56pm

borderlinemeath wrote: »

I'm fostering a Beagle cross at the moment. She's a ball of energy, enthusiasm, part grasshopper/kangaroo and am appetite that doesn't stop. NOTHING edible can be left in reach, and by reach I mean in the room behind a locked door. Counter tops are easy for jumping, if I've washed a bowl she'll rob the brush out of the sink to check for morsels of food on it, and she'll knock over a wheelie bin if she thinks there's anything worthwhile in it. No chance of ever lettiing her off lead as she will fpllow her nose and has zero recall. Beagles and their crosses are hard work - this poor girl has had a family that couldn't keep up with her already, so please don't go by what the dog looks like, and try and focus on personality and whether it's a good fit for your family life.

Also, short dog hair sticks in EVERYTHING. Carpets, rugs, cushions, upholstery, and all your clothes. I find course short hair way harder to remove than finer wavy hair.

Thanks, when growing up our family always had at least two dogs. so I am used to many different types and know how to care for them. Our friends pointer is like your foster and requires constant attention. its a bit of a pain in the arse but a nice dog. That would be ok if we ended up with similar, obviously I would prefer not to have a nutter. hair wouldn't be an issue for me.

Choc Chip · 23-07-2019 5:05pm

In fairness, I've just re-read your OP and you mentioned having had jack russels and springers which I'd consider 2 of the most crackers breeds out there. I wouldn't worry too much. If that's you expectation I reckon you'll be fine.

Though a beagle is an entirely different story, but I would be more worried about the scent obsession rather that the "nuts" part of it.

discobeaker · 23-07-2019 5:22pm

As someone with a king Charles,if you did decide to get one, definitely get pet insurance. We rescued ours when he was 6 months old and took out insurance straight away. Turned out as he got a little older we found out he had birth defects and his 2 back legs were growing shaped like a banana and his kneecap was pulling to one side and not returning to its original place. So thanks to pet insurance we have gotten one of his legs sorted (the other isn't as bad)

So the bad side of king Charles are the health issues but on the positive side.... They will adore you and give so much love. Our guy,Cookie,is the most affectionate little guy in the world.

I've attached a pic of cookie just to try swing you guys to get a king Charles

wobert · 23-07-2019 5:59pm

Rootsblower wrote: »

Would you consider a greyhound or greyhound mix. They’re super laid back dont need big walks, really friendly and adaptable to any environment. I have to say they make wonderful pets and as we know there’s plenty that need a good home.

I would definitely consider them. I have read about how good they are as pets and as you say plenty looking for homes.

wobert · 23-07-2019 6:06pm

discobeaker wrote: »

As someone with a king Charles,if you did decide to get one, definitely get pet insurance. We rescued ours when he was 6 months old and took out insurance straight away. Turned out as he got a little older we found out he had birth defects and his 2 back legs were growing shaped like a banana and his kneecap was pulling to one side and not returning to its original place. So thanks to pet insurance we have gotten one of his legs sorted (the other isn't as bad)

So the bad side of king Charles are the health issues but on the positive side.... They will adore you and give so much love. Our guy,Cookie,is the most affectionate little guy in the world.

I've attached a pic of cookie just to try swing you guys to get a king Charles

King Charles were my wife’s family’s breed of choice. Their last dog was a nice little thing. Wife and daughter voted for same but I vetoed with my son as they are a bit wishy washy. They are nice dogs so please no offense meant

wobert · 23-07-2019 6:08pm

discobeaker wrote: »

As someone with a king Charles,if you did decide to get one, definitely get pet insurance. We rescued ours when he was 6 months old and took out insurance straight away. Turned out as he got a little older we found out he had birth defects and his 2 back legs were growing shaped like a banana and his kneecap was pulling to one side and not returning to its original place. So thanks to pet insurance we have gotten one of his legs sorted (the other isn't as bad)

So the bad side of king Charles are the health issues but on the positive side.... They will adore you and give so much love. Our guy,Cookie,is the most affectionate little guy in the world.

I've attached a pic of cookie just to try swing you guys to get a king Charles

He looks lovely, doesn’t look like the King Charles image I had in my head.

ldy4mxonucwsq6 · 23-07-2019 6:09pm

wobert wrote: »

Thanks, when growing up our family always had at least two dogs. so I am used to many different types and know how to care for them. Our friends pointer is like your foster and requires constant attention. its a bit of a pain in the arse but a nice dog. That would be ok if we ended up with similar, obviously I would prefer not to have a nutter. hair wouldn't be an issue for me.

You might actually be better off fostering at first, that way you can see how things go and check the dogs temperment before committing to full dog ownership.

I have fostered and adopted and some of the dogs do come with issues. One proved impossible to train, he wasn't dangerous or anything just crazy wired and destructive! Brought to dog training professional who after said there was nothing much more could be done with his behaviour. Another dog on foster suffered severe separation anxiety, that was not fun for anyone.

Can't blame the dogs, some have had a really tough life, but it might just be worth fostering as a trial run to see how the family adapts to having a new pet.

Choc Chip · 23-07-2019 6:17pm

wobert wrote: »

I would definitely consider them. I have read about how good they are as pets and as you say plenty looking for homes.

They can be lazy so if you don't want a dog who sleeps all day, they might not be for you.

There's a pile of lurchers in rescue that have a bit more go about them if you're looking at something that will mess about with the kids and chase a ball all day.

Also, if you get a sighthound cross (or a beagle) you could be looking at miles of training for a reliable recall so you can walk them off-lead.

peasant · 23-07-2019 6:28pm

Choc Chip wrote: »

Number 3 is a crapshoot if I'm honest. You might get the traits of either breed and any set of health issues so you HAVE to be willing to take on the health issues and traits of either breed, as you did in option one (but spread across the breeds in the mix). On the plus side, you'll likely pay less money and if the foster in the rescue is good, the puppies will have had good nutrition and good early socialisation

purely non-scientific, small sample, personal experience...

Out of four dogs so far, one had health issues...it was a pure breed from a reputable breeder. The other three are/were curious mixes from dubious sources (via rescue or *cough* a private ad on done deal) and lived to or are still living long healthy lives without significant issues.

Purely from personal, non-empiric "evidence" I believe there is something to be said for hybrid vigor.

Plus getting a mix has another advantage...the dog isn't (or to a much lesser degree) saddled with expectations on how it is supposed to behave according to some standard and can therefore be trained and integrated into a family without prejudice

wobert · 23-07-2019 6:30pm

Lyle Gorgeous Kiwi wrote: »

You might actually be better off fostering at first, that way you can see how things go and check the dogs temperment before committing to full dog ownership.

I have fostered and adopted and some of the dogs do come with issues. One proved impossible to train, he wasn't dangerous or anything just crazy wired and destructive! Brought to dog training professional who after said there was nothing much more could be done with his behaviour. Another dog on foster suffered severe separation anxiety, that was not fun for anyone.

Can't blame the dogs, some have had a really tough life, but it might just be worth fostering as a trial run to see how the family adapts to having a new pet.

How would the fostering work?
My wife works mornings, I was thinking I could drop kids to school with dog and keep it in my office. Wife would collect dog on way back from work. I thought I could keep bed in corner of room and bring dog out for quick stretch every hour or so

Choc Chip · 23-07-2019 6:46pm

peasant wrote: »

purely non-scientific, small sample, personal experience...

Out of four dogs so far, one had health issues...it was a pure breed from a reputable breeder. The other three are/were curious mixes from dubious sources (via rescue or *cough* a private ad on done deal) and lived to or are still living long healthy lives without significant issues.

Purely from personal, non-empiric "evidence" I believe there is something to be said for hybrid vigor.

Plus getting a mix has another advantage...the dog isn't (or to a much lesser degree) saddled with expectations on how it is supposed to behave according to some standard and can therefore be trained and integrated into a family without prejudice

But you're just taking your (inherently limited) personal experiences. If a dog is predisposed to recessive genetic conditions, then yes, an outcross might negate or reduce that danger. If that's something a breeder is considering then I'm willing to discuss why the dogs are crossed. Unscientific claims of "hybrid vigour" doesn't cut it for me.

Someone crossing back into the same cross and taking the danger of that same recessive gene back in would also scare me. I don't see anyone talking about this but it would be far more valid than something as vague as "hybrid vigour".

And prejudice about breed expectations lines us up to deal with our dogs. I gave the example of 2 completely different collies crosses earlier. You need to be ready for anything in the cross.

I have a GSD cross and once she settled in my house (about 18 months) she also started showing problems with fence chasing etc from being underworked. This was a surprise as she'd been shut down after coming into rescue ,but something I was ready for given her breed tendencies (GSD and collie) and so willing to work with.

You can't ignore breed tendencies. My terrier is not my GSDx, and no matter how much they are trained in the same way (and I'm currently going through a prorgamme with them together) they're not the same dogs.

ldy4mxonucwsq6 · 23-07-2019 6:54pm

wobert wrote: »

How would the fostering work?
My wife works mornings, I was thinking I could drop kids to school with dog and keep it in my office. Wife would collect dog on way back from work. I thought I could keep bed in corner of room and bring dog out for quick stretch every hour or so

You have the dog as if it was your own for a determined period, most fosters I have done are for between 2 and 4 week in length but it depends on the dog and their needs (some pups just need socialising before being adopted some dogs night be on medication for a couple of weeks). The rescue will tell you how long the Foster period is expected to be.

It also frees up space in the rescues for the time you are homing the dog.

You just give them back at the end of foster period knowing you have helped the rescue that dog on their way. If you fall in love with them then you can apply to adopt them too.

tedpan · 23-07-2019 6:59pm

My parents have just got a beagle called buddy. He's 4 years old. A very solid dog, small/medium in size. He has endless energy, loves kids and other dogs and he's actually pretty submissive to my dogs which is strange as he's still intact.

The only downside I can see is his hair sheds and it's a more short and sharp, similar to a jack russell. I must have an allergy to him as i get rashes on my arms from him unfortunately. Still worth a cuddle though! Great dog!

tedpan · 23-07-2019 7:01pm

Deleted User wrote:

I believe Beagles have intelligence, good temperament, decent health and reasonable longevity, but must be kept on mead as they chase scents. Overall great choice of dog and there are responsible breeders who supply the hunt kennels in Kildare etc. Do not buy online, see the breeding centre.

My mum's is on and off the lead all the time.

Choc Chip · 23-07-2019 7:02pm

Choc Chip wrote: »

You can't ignore breed tendencies.

I'll take this further and then sign off for tonight as I've been out (drinking!).

I've had a saluki in foster for a few months and if you don't believe in breed tendencies and expectations you should take on a saluki for a week. They're lovely dogs, but you might as well have a cat. They are SO different.

rob316 · 23-07-2019 7:05pm

We got a cocker Jack last year, she's a beautiful dog with a great temperament. Brilliant with children and other dogs. About jack Russell size fully grown.
I only ever had pedigree terriers growing up and they were plagued with illness and general bad temper's. Cross bred all the way, only con I've found is she has been difficult to house train.

wobert · 23-07-2019 7:10pm

Choc Chip wrote: »

I'll take this further and then sign off for tonight as I've been out (drinking!).

I've had a saluki in foster for a few months and if you don't believe in breed tendencies and expectations you should take on a saluki for a week. They're lovely dogs, but you might as well have a cat. They are SO different.

Just googled Saluki as don’t know the breed. Hmm. Enjoy your drinks and thanks for your posts.
Wife was just told by her sister that her friend gave up a beagle as they couldn’t deal with it. I don’t know why.

Gormal · 23-07-2019 7:23pm

borderlinemeath wrote: »

They all shed! Just some less than others. I have 4 red setters, they shed, but it gathers into fine dust bunnies that are easily swept up. There's some dogs that you could stuff a cushion with the amount of hair that they shed.

No they don't, there are non shed breeds. I have a Maltese cross from the pound and he doesn't shed. Which is a blessing because he's white. Huge personality but afraid of other dogs (he was semi feral, with a load of mental issues which time and patience took care of most.)

I second/third the fostering option. It's a good way to see how you all get on with having a dog around.

Always Tired · 23-07-2019 7:33pm

Lol rescue dogs are nuts but I want a Jack Russell or Beagle.

Guess what, all puppies are nuts and those 2 breeds especially. Then again, some will say collies are nuts but and as pups they are but are also super easy to train, sweet, smart, my favorite dog now having got one from rescue 6 years ago. But they do need exercise.

Also, why do people think small dogs are easier to to keep or need less exercise, they need a smaller bed and less food but the same overall care.

The big mistake I often see with new prospective owners is choosing a breed first like it's a model of car that comes with certain features. Having worked in a shelter I wanted to scream any time someone came in going, "Do you have any labradoodles?" By far the best way to find the dog for you is go look at ACTUAL dogs somewhere that they are available, meet them and fall in love with one - usually it will be a breed you never considered!

The Cool · 23-07-2019 7:34pm

We have a labrador, I'm mad about him and will always stick to this breed I think. He was up for rehoming on Donedeal at 1 year old - as somebody mentioned, a rescue wasn't an option for us as most won't give a dog to people in rented accommodation. We had agreed from the get go that even when we moved we'd do whatever necessary to keep the dog, but fair enough, rescues don't know that you're not gonna re-surrender a dog. Our dog was given to someone as a present as a puppy, and a year later the girl was pregnant and not arsed about the dog anymore :rolleyes: we have him 6 years now.

Pros:
Great energy to go, but also lazy as sin - complete couch potato, always waking him up for walkies. So he won't tear the house down with built up energy.
Very smart, I've him well trained so he has learned lots of cool tricks as well as being very obedient. Great personality, we get great craic out of him.
He's mad about us, we joke he's too clingy to ever run away. He once got out of the side gate after the oil man, an hour later he was still snoozing on the front garden! Between that and the obedience, he always comes when called.
Doesn't actually take up that much space, as long as he's somewhere comfy to lie and he potters about otherwise. I've seen small dogs that require much more attention and energy. We live in a small semi D with a walled garden, it's grand for him.
He's super gentle and would be great for a house with kids. Absolutely dotey, loves his rubbies and kisses, I've never seen him growl or snap.
Very quiet as well, rarely barks which is good living in an estate!

Cons:
Would never stop eating if he was let! But I have him trained not to take food from tables etc and we mind his weight.
Related: A lot of poop :pac:
And, you should invest in a pet hoover from the get go.
But for the last 2 points - your kids are a grand age where you can pass those jobs off as "chores" :cool:

Just to give you a bit of experience as you're saying you don't want a big dog, but a lab could be "easier" than some of the small dogs you're looking at, especially for a first dog.

bohsfan · 23-07-2019 7:41pm

Have a 12 yo Yorkshire Terrier who we rescued 18 months ago. Brilliant dog- great temperament with people, but is a bit too barky with other dogs. Non shed and likes his walks just as much as a long rest! Very affectionate but also likes his own space at times. Would have had labs and cocker spaniels growing up, but would be Yorkie all the way now

Taiga · 23-07-2019 7:46pm

I've enjoyed this thread, lots to learn here. On beagles, my brother got one from a rescue 5 years ago. He was beautiful with a lovely temperament. Bro walked him all day long as he loves ambling in the country. He had him close to a year when one day Chip got a whiff of something on a walk and took off like a shot. Bless him, he was never seen again.

I've noticed lots of collie x's in rescues op. Bro adopted one shortly after Chip went awol and he has a wonderful temperament. So loyal and loves a snuggle. Needs a good walk and he's happy. This fella sheds though. I mean SHEDS. He's banned from all of our houses as he walks through and leaves a trail of long hairs, unbelievable.

My little fella (sob) no longer with us, but we got him from a rescue too (same one as collie x). He was a terrier x. Beautiful loyal little one, very easy to train. We had a home check before we got him. He was 8 weeks old.

I think it's largely a lottery. No matter where or how you come by your pal, you can be lucky or unlucky health and temperament-wise. Best of luck op.

Dog choice help

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