A New Dog? Which one? SN Massif's Advice Required!
#32
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Logged Out
Posts: 10,221
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](images/icons/icon1.gif)
Obviously not that bothered about looks if you are contemplating a Lurcher!!
Why introduce a strange looking thing into the family when you don't have to?
Unless of course you are a strange family?
Why introduce a strange looking thing into the family when you don't have to?
Unless of course you are a strange family?
![Big Grin](images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
#33
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (46)
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Probably polishing it.Lol
Posts: 5,381
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](images/icons/icon1.gif)
my staffie is my best mate.
he is always by my side most of the time anyway, very energetic, he looks well hard, loves people and great with children. they are relatively easy to handle and can be transported easily. i would definitely stay away from big dogs, they are just too much like hard work.
![Smile](images/smilies/smile.gif)
#34
Scooby Senior
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Next door to the WiFi connection
Posts: 16,293
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](images/icons/icon1.gif)
I agree with lots of people saying dont bother with anything like a Staffy, great dogs but I dont think its what your after, generally theyre not too bright a dog, (not saying all of them) We have a Bulldog, fat lazy thing, bless him, been asleep on me all day whilst Ive been watching the footy, then I felt bad moving him so I could cook tea. He didnt look happy
My suggestions is as dpb a Weimaraner or a Pointer would be a good bet for you. Pointer would run with you all day and it wont have even took a real stride. Loyal too.
![Big Grin](images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
My suggestions is as dpb a Weimaraner or a Pointer would be a good bet for you. Pointer would run with you all day and it wont have even took a real stride. Loyal too.
#35
![Default](images/icons/icon1.gif)
Originally Posted by Spoon
Obviously not that bothered about looks if you are contemplating a Lurcher!!
Why introduce a strange looking thing into the family when you don't have to?
Unless of course you are a strange family?![Big Grin](images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
Why introduce a strange looking thing into the family when you don't have to?
Unless of course you are a strange family?
![Big Grin](images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
![Roll Eyes (Sarcastic)](images/smilies/rolleyes.gif)
![Wink](images/smilies/wink.gif)
It's been good to read all of your opinions tho! Keep 'em coming!
![Big Grin](images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
#37
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Hampshire
Posts: 10,954
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](images/icons/icon1.gif)
Originally Posted by Spoon
Puppies get older. Not even a great start though is it?
![Wink](images/smilies/wink.gif)
Personally I cannot understand what people see in dogs like boxers etc that look as if they've run into a brick wall at 30mph, so in comparison to that a lurcher would be lovely and less slobbery
![Wink](images/smilies/wink.gif)
![Stick Out Tongue](images/smilies/tongue.gif)
![Big Grin](images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
#38
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: £1.785m reasons not to be here :)
Posts: 6,095
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](images/icons/icon1.gif)
Originally Posted by Oldfella
You mention lurcher, rescue centres are full of them, often scruffy and not well cared for.
I've had several and without exception found them loyal and almost grateful friends.
Please give sharing your life with one some serious thought. I guarantee you will not be disappointed.
I've had several and without exception found them loyal and almost grateful friends.
Please give sharing your life with one some serious thought. I guarantee you will not be disappointed.
If you are not a dog person, you don't want something that could well turn out to be high maintenance (which includes just about every other breed mentioned on this thread so far)
#39
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: £1.785m reasons not to be here :)
Posts: 6,095
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](images/icons/icon1.gif)
Originally Posted by shaggy1973
well said ![Big Grin](images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
I also have a rottie, he is VERY clever and very loyal, and most importantly very loving!
we have had him 8 months now, and we have loved every minute as he is such a character![Big Grin](images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
our baby daughter is 7 weeks old, and he goes upto her every so often looks her over, licks her head then guards her![Big Grin](images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
I would highly recommend a rottie to anyone, as long as you have the time and patience for one![Smile](images/smilies/smile.gif)
tyson![Big Grin](images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
![](http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y251/louxtc/HPIM1787.jpg)
![Big Grin](images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
I also have a rottie, he is VERY clever and very loyal, and most importantly very loving!
we have had him 8 months now, and we have loved every minute as he is such a character
![Big Grin](images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
our baby daughter is 7 weeks old, and he goes upto her every so often looks her over, licks her head then guards her
![Big Grin](images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
I would highly recommend a rottie to anyone, as long as you have the time and patience for one
![Smile](images/smilies/smile.gif)
tyson
![Big Grin](images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
![](http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y251/louxtc/HPIM1787.jpg)
![Thumb](images/smilies/thumb.gif)
But not what V5 is looking for given his inexperience.
#40
![Default](images/icons/icon1.gif)
people need to READ the original post.
"i am NOT a dog lover"
anyone posting about loyal, loves people, type dogs has got the wrong idea - he doesnt want a "follow you round like a sheep" type dog!
go in a house with a staffie and its all over you like an ugly rash.....go in a house with a lurcher and unless you look like a rabbit its far to busy sleeping to come and sniff your crotch to some "Loyalty" points.
"i am NOT a dog lover"
anyone posting about loyal, loves people, type dogs has got the wrong idea - he doesnt want a "follow you round like a sheep" type dog!
go in a house with a staffie and its all over you like an ugly rash.....go in a house with a lurcher and unless you look like a rabbit its far to busy sleeping to come and sniff your crotch to some "Loyalty" points.
#41
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Manchester
Posts: 2,213
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](images/icons/icon1.gif)
Originally Posted by ***scoobybabe***
Whatever you do, DONT get a boxer.....yes, he would keep up with you on the mountain bike, he'd prolly still be running when you've given up, theyre lovable, loyal, but....they eat everything in sight!!! Boss, our 12 month old, has eaten through 2 dining room tables, 2 fences, 1 sofa, 3 door frames, 3 washing lines, 1 cat, and recently nearly electrocuted himself when swinging from the outside light cable, still attatched to the light.
Alot of commitment, and money would be needed!
We do love him though
![](http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y25/jakscooby/spain05034.jpg)
![EEK!](images/smilies/eek.gif)
Alot of commitment, and money would be needed!
![Wink](images/smilies/wink.gif)
We do love him though
![Luvlove](images/smilies/luvlove.gif)
![](http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y25/jakscooby/spain05034.jpg)
![Luvlove](images/smilies/luvlove.gif)
![Lol1](images/smilies/lol1.gif)
I have an English springer spaniel, there amazing dogs, so much fun and so loving, great runners too!!
![Big Grin](images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
Carla..
![Smile](images/smilies/smile.gif)
#42
![Default](images/icons/icon1.gif)
You may not be a dog lover, but once you get one, you will ! After a crap day at work, returning home, seeing your four legged friend, all excited becuase your home, is an incredible feeling.
I have a Japanese Akita. I wanted a Rottie, but society can be very stigmatised towards these types of dogs. Therefore I went for an Akita, face of a bear, on a rottie size body.
He's a head strong, stuben, chewing sod, but I would murder anyone that try to hurt him.
If I was in your shoes, I would go to a rescue home ,as there are thousands of poor animals dumped by thier crappy owners. Also, having a dog is a commitment. He/She is not a toy, and even after a crappy day, he will need walking, looking after etc. Ive come home at 10pm, terrible day, to find diaherra over the place due to him having a bad tummy. So, I suppose Im saying that it isnt all bundles of fluff / cuddles.
But, they will give you 100% loyality, love and dedication. My dog follows me around everywhere, and is more my pal, than a pet. Standing on his rear legs, he's nearly 6 ft tall, a good 9 stones and loves a good play fight. :-)
All dogs bite, so dont think a small dog wont be as viscious as a big dog. Dog's teeth cut cheeks, lips every quickly. What ever you do, you need to work out the temperment of any dog by a few simple tests (search the net ).
SBK
I have a Japanese Akita. I wanted a Rottie, but society can be very stigmatised towards these types of dogs. Therefore I went for an Akita, face of a bear, on a rottie size body.
He's a head strong, stuben, chewing sod, but I would murder anyone that try to hurt him.
If I was in your shoes, I would go to a rescue home ,as there are thousands of poor animals dumped by thier crappy owners. Also, having a dog is a commitment. He/She is not a toy, and even after a crappy day, he will need walking, looking after etc. Ive come home at 10pm, terrible day, to find diaherra over the place due to him having a bad tummy. So, I suppose Im saying that it isnt all bundles of fluff / cuddles.
But, they will give you 100% loyality, love and dedication. My dog follows me around everywhere, and is more my pal, than a pet. Standing on his rear legs, he's nearly 6 ft tall, a good 9 stones and loves a good play fight. :-)
All dogs bite, so dont think a small dog wont be as viscious as a big dog. Dog's teeth cut cheeks, lips every quickly. What ever you do, you need to work out the temperment of any dog by a few simple tests (search the net ).
SBK
#43
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: I've joined the Focus family
Posts: 7,623
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Talking](images/icons/icon10.gif)
Originally Posted by ScoobyJawa
Personally I cannot understand what people see in dogs like boxers etc that look as if they've run into a brick wall at 30mph,
![Big Grin](images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
![Big Grin](images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
![Big Grin](images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
#44
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Derbyshire
Posts: 12,304
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](images/icons/icon1.gif)
Originally Posted by The Rani
I agree with that. Rough collies are good too. But don't go for a lurcher unless you know what to expect - they can be a bit 'difficult' especially if they've been trained right ![Big Grin](images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
![Big Grin](images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
In general for intelligence your probably best with a pastoral breed, so collies (rough, smooth, bearded, border) or something like a German or Belgian shepherd. I would also suggest you go for one from working stock rather than show stock if you plan to do a lot of exercise. The working breeds will run all day long quite happily, the show stock should also be fine, but they are bred for looks not trainability / temprement / stamina.
#45
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: £1.785m reasons not to be here :)
Posts: 6,095
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](images/icons/icon1.gif)
Originally Posted by OllyK
A Smooth Collie would be better from a hair perspective.
In general for intelligence your probably best with a pastoral breed, so collies (rough, smooth, bearded, border) or something like a German or Belgian shepherd. I would also suggest you go for one from working stock rather than show stock if you plan to do a lot of exercise. The working breeds will run all day long quite happily, the show stock should also be fine, but they are bred for looks not trainability / temprement / stamina.
In general for intelligence your probably best with a pastoral breed, so collies (rough, smooth, bearded, border) or something like a German or Belgian shepherd. I would also suggest you go for one from working stock rather than show stock if you plan to do a lot of exercise. The working breeds will run all day long quite happily, the show stock should also be fine, but they are bred for looks not trainability / temprement / stamina.
Show dogs are bred for temprament and health, as well as looks. A show dog with the wrong temprament or bad joints (for example) will not succeed.
Often it is the working dogs (collies in particular) that can be the right nasty *******s (from experience).
Working collies have to work - no amount of jogging is going to be enough to keep their minds occupied.
#46
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Derbyshire
Posts: 12,304
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](images/icons/icon1.gif)
Originally Posted by PeteT
I agree with Adrian F, I think there is far too much emphasis put on how 'intelligent' a dog is. If you only want it for a pet, a dog needs to know 3 basic commands- 'come here' (the most important), 'sit/lie down', and 'stay'. If you can get your dog to do these in all circumstances you will have a dog that is a pleasure to own and better trained than 90% of dogs out there. If you start from a puppy and work at it there isn't a breed of dog that can't be trained to that standard.
Sit
Lie Down (Down)
Stand
Beg
Left Paw
Right Paw
Paws
Up (Stand on back legs)
Stay (Stay till I come back)
Wait (Stay till I call you)
Over (Jump over an obstacle / in to the car)
Leave it (Used when putting food / treat down and not wanting him to eat it, he'll lie with a treat on each paw until told to take it)
Take it
Touch (Touch a specified object with his nose - useful as a starting point to other tasks)
Through (Go through a gap)
Speak
Quiet
Heel
Fetch
Drop
#47
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: £1.785m reasons not to be here :)
Posts: 6,095
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](images/icons/icon1.gif)
I'll add
Find (to seek out an object)
Away (to send away)
Cross (for roads)
Back (to come to heel to left as opposed to round behind you)
Kill (for when the ******* just won't listen........)
Find (to seek out an object)
Away (to send away)
Cross (for roads)
Back (to come to heel to left as opposed to round behind you)
Kill (for when the ******* just won't listen........)
#48
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Derbyshire
Posts: 12,304
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](images/icons/icon1.gif)
Originally Posted by Diablo
Olly, I have to disagree.
Show dogs are bred for temprament and health, as well as looks. A show dog with the wrong temprament or bad joints (for example) will not succeed.
Often it is the working dogs (collies in particular) that can be the right nasty *******s (from experience).
Working collies have to work - no amount of jogging is going to be enough to keep their minds occupied.
Show dogs are bred for temprament and health, as well as looks. A show dog with the wrong temprament or bad joints (for example) will not succeed.
Often it is the working dogs (collies in particular) that can be the right nasty *******s (from experience).
Working collies have to work - no amount of jogging is going to be enough to keep their minds occupied.
Breeding to the standard often worsens health issues associated with a breed. Working dogs tend to be less pure bred and so don't have the breed extermes. It's all horses for courses, but be aware of the positives and negatives of both lines.
#49
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Derbyshire
Posts: 12,304
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](images/icons/icon1.gif)
Originally Posted by Diablo
I'll add
Find (to seek out an object)
Away (to send away)
Cross (for roads)
Back (to come to heel to left as opposed to round behind you)
Kill (for when the ******* just won't listen........)
Find (to seek out an object)
Away (to send away)
Cross (for roads)
Back (to come to heel to left as opposed to round behind you)
Kill (for when the ******* just won't listen........)
Away - still need to teach that one
Come - damn forgot that one too
Cross - we use "walk on" - bit horsey, but hey!
Back - dogs walks backwards, we indicate the side to come to with the hand, suppose we ought to consider a verbal command.
Kill - yeah fat chance, roll over maybe
#50
![Default](images/icons/icon1.gif)
Originally Posted by OllyK
While 3 may do, there is no need to stop at that, plus teaching dog gives it some mental stimulation. Our Rough Collie knows:
Sit
Lie Down (Down)
Stand
Beg
Left Paw
Right Paw
Paws
Up (Stand on back legs)
Stay (Stay till I come back)
Wait (Stay till I call you)
Over (Jump over an obstacle / in to the car)
Leave it (Used when putting food / treat down and not wanting him to eat it, he'll lie with a treat on each paw until told to take it)
Take it
Touch (Touch a specified object with his nose - useful as a starting point to other tasks)
Through (Go through a gap)
Speak
Quiet
Heel
Fetch
Drop
Sit
Lie Down (Down)
Stand
Beg
Left Paw
Right Paw
Paws
Up (Stand on back legs)
Stay (Stay till I come back)
Wait (Stay till I call you)
Over (Jump over an obstacle / in to the car)
Leave it (Used when putting food / treat down and not wanting him to eat it, he'll lie with a treat on each paw until told to take it)
Take it
Touch (Touch a specified object with his nose - useful as a starting point to other tasks)
Through (Go through a gap)
Speak
Quiet
Heel
Fetch
Drop
sounds more like a bloody chimp
#53
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: No longer Japan !
Posts: 1,742
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](images/icons/icon1.gif)
If you are susceptable to asthma then dog hair could be a problem for you. The exception is poodles (I kid you not, bear with me).
Poodles have a coat which is more like wool than hair. A good friend suffers from asthma and poodles are the only dog he can keep.
When I say poodle, put out of your mind short little hairdressers toys with a coat like a topiary hedge. Standard poodles are big dogs, originally bred for hunting so will easily keep up with you on a run or on a mountain bike. Also their coats do not shed hair like some other dogs making it a practical choice. They do need trimming, but if you make sure it's the equivalent of a No 3 all over then it's not going to look poncey!
As it was originally a working dog it's reasonably intelligent and is apparently good with children whilst being a good dog for home protection too.
Keep an open mind and check them out.
Poodles have a coat which is more like wool than hair. A good friend suffers from asthma and poodles are the only dog he can keep.
When I say poodle, put out of your mind short little hairdressers toys with a coat like a topiary hedge. Standard poodles are big dogs, originally bred for hunting so will easily keep up with you on a run or on a mountain bike. Also their coats do not shed hair like some other dogs making it a practical choice. They do need trimming, but if you make sure it's the equivalent of a No 3 all over then it's not going to look poncey!
As it was originally a working dog it's reasonably intelligent and is apparently good with children whilst being a good dog for home protection too.
Keep an open mind and check them out.
#54
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: same time, different place
Posts: 11,313
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
2 Posts
![Default](images/icons/icon1.gif)
...and tell us when you buy your Audi TT to go with it ![Wink](images/smilies/wink.gif)
Seriously, "good with children"? Aren't poodles one of the dogs that feature highest on the list for biting family members?
![Wink](images/smilies/wink.gif)
Seriously, "good with children"? Aren't poodles one of the dogs that feature highest on the list for biting family members?
#56
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Location: Location.
Posts: 3,439
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](images/icons/icon1.gif)
Sorry m8
Got to be a French Mastiff (Dogues de Bordeaux)
Stupid
Ugly
Psychotic (in a nice way)
Can do obedience but usually can't be bothered
Lazy
Slobbers
When eating manages to cover most of the kitchen floor with bits
Sticks his slobbery tongue in your ear at any opportunity
Steals shoes & clothing
Eats bricks
Farts
Runs in to things
and thats his good points - pic will give you a better idea.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...58/ozchair.jpg
Mind you if anyone breaks into the house - I'll have to hide whats left of the body.
Got to be a French Mastiff (Dogues de Bordeaux)
Stupid
Ugly
Psychotic (in a nice way)
Can do obedience but usually can't be bothered
Lazy
Slobbers
When eating manages to cover most of the kitchen floor with bits
Sticks his slobbery tongue in your ear at any opportunity
Steals shoes & clothing
Eats bricks
Farts
Runs in to things
and thats his good points - pic will give you a better idea.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...58/ozchair.jpg
Mind you if anyone breaks into the house - I'll have to hide whats left of the body.
![Big Grin](images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
#57
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: No longer Japan !
Posts: 1,742
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](images/icons/icon1.gif)
Originally Posted by Brendan Hughes
...and tell us when you buy your Audi TT to go with it ![Wink](images/smilies/wink.gif)
![Wink](images/smilies/wink.gif)
Take a look at this site:-
http://www.realstandards.info/poodles
...and scroll down to look at how they describe it's nature. It seems to be a good family dog according to that.
One thing I do know is that if you suffer from asthma (and I also suffer periodically) you really don't want to get a pet which is going to make your life uncomfortable.
#58
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Texas - It's BIG!
Posts: 2,105
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](images/icons/icon1.gif)
Alas, great dog! Considered a Dogue myself. Is he called Hooch?
Really wanted an English Mastiff, "what the lion is to the cat, the mastiff is to the dog" but wanted two and they're the size of my wife!!!!
This morning I've stepped on Bruno's foot twice as he was running between my legs. Frank has bitten me on the calf, again, whilst wrestling Bruno, I've mopped the utility, swept the kitchen and am about to hoover when they fall asleep. I've also picked up all the mess from the garden in time for the binmen
They're currently fighting over one bone, despite the fact there are two in front of them.
Oh, and Frank didn't make it to the door in time.
Sit means come here, I have a biscuit. Stop means ignore me. Ow means one of them has hold of part of my body!!!!
Really wanted an English Mastiff, "what the lion is to the cat, the mastiff is to the dog" but wanted two and they're the size of my wife!!!!
This morning I've stepped on Bruno's foot twice as he was running between my legs. Frank has bitten me on the calf, again, whilst wrestling Bruno, I've mopped the utility, swept the kitchen and am about to hoover when they fall asleep. I've also picked up all the mess from the garden in time for the binmen
![Cry2](images/smilies/cry2.gif)
They're currently fighting over one bone, despite the fact there are two in front of them.
Oh, and Frank didn't make it to the door in time.
Sit means come here, I have a biscuit. Stop means ignore me. Ow means one of them has hold of part of my body!!!!
![Big Grin](images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
![Big Grin](images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
#60
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: At home
Posts: 8,486
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](images/icons/icon1.gif)
Originally Posted by V5
Right, I know this might end up in the pantheon of strange threads, but I'm after some advice and I know there's many a dog lover on SN.
Situation: I'm not a dog lover, I'm a dog agnostic. No, I'm not a dyslexic who's confused about religion! What I mean is, I'm not a doggy person, yet I'm kinda thinking about getting a dog.
Situation: I'm not a dog lover, I'm a dog agnostic. No, I'm not a dyslexic who's confused about religion! What I mean is, I'm not a doggy person, yet I'm kinda thinking about getting a dog.
![Big Grin](images/smilies/biggrin.gif)