any suggestions on what type of dog to buy?

Question

we are buying a two bedroom house with a medium size garden not far from a nature reserve.. we want somthing that we can take for long walks,take of the lead but isnt to big for the house?

Answer 1

king charles spaniel, very mild mannered, not too bouncy cute cuddly small.
cross breed spaniel
don't get a terrier, often disappear chasing rabbits etc, take 6 hours to find etc

Answer 2

For the amount of space you have, a larger breed probably is going to feel a bit much, but a medium size breed would do well in the space you have.

I agree that Border Collie's are wonderful loyal pets and the size would probably fit nicely into your home. They are very smart and learn quickly. They also have a HIGH energy level, which is the reason we opted to bring a BC puppy into our home a few months ago. We have high energy children and wanted a dog that could keep up with that level of energy.

But a BC needs a lot of excercise and the daily walk isn't really enuf for the breed. Because of their intelligence, they need to be mentally stimulated more than what a daily walk provides. We are persuing agility and obedience training with our puppy to give her that stimulation as well as a "job" to do. If a BC gets bored, they can become destructive. Other good dog sports to get into with the BC is flyball and frisbee. So if you consider this breed, be sure to do some research to make sure they'll be a good fit for your family.

We also have an American Eskimo Dog and she's lovely with everyone and everything. She has a sweet personality and loves to cuddle, tho they do have a fluffy coat and require regular brushing, they only have a major shedding twice a year in the spring and fall.

For a smaller breed, Shitzu's are nice little dogs with a friendly outgoing personality and a good amount of energy.

Which ever breed you decide on, be sure to research the breed and talk to a reputable breeder about your interest in having one in your home. A good breeder will be able to tell you if you're a good match.

Good Luck

Answer 3

A boxer is a great dog particularly the female. She will not bother your garden as a male will do. Boxers love walks and they love their home and family. The females can go up to 60 pounds but they come smaller. They will protect your home, look ferocious but seldom attack people unless they are trained to be mean. 60 pounds might sound big but they curl up into balls and you would swear they were little dogs. They are playful, smart and loving. The boxer also has a bobbed tail, cut at birth, so their tail won't be clearing your coffee tables and breaking things. Stay away from the hound family (beagles, etc.) They are hyper, loyal only to their nose and require tremendous amounts of exercise. Boxers shed but with continual brushing (about 5 minutes a day) you will not have a problem with shedding. Stay away from anything in the pit bull family (stafforshire, etc) and rottweilers as many house insurance companies will not insurance you if you have a pit bull or rot. It is not a statement against the breed, just a fact of life.

Answer 4

Border terriers and Daschunds are simply the best dogs in the world.

Borders are happy little dogs who love the outside, but are equally at home in front of the fire.
Daschunds love the outside and again are also happy to laze around and do nothing.
I have a long garden and my daschund cross terrier loves to run up and down and then have a good laze infront of the fire.

Becareful if buying a puppy, make sure you see the puppy with its mother so you can assess its temprement.

Getting a dog from a resuce centre or from a breed rescue can be most rewarding as some of them have come backgrounds where they have been mistreated and it is heart rendering to see them at first but watching them change into happy, loyal and loving dogs is the best feeling in the world.

I have adopted many rescue dogs and hepled them to live long happy lives.

Answer 5

I have a fox terrier that is the most loving dog. She cuddles and has energy but not crazy energy. She loves long walks. I walk 6 miles every morning and she goes right along with me. I also have a Shiba Inu who is adorable but has an independant cat personality. He doesn't need a big yard to run but can be stubborn. He's like a huge "guys" dog trapped in a medium sized body. He doesn't shed and probably the cleanest dog I own.

Answer 6

You can go on line and take a test regarding the best dog for you and your situation. For example; Do you want a dog that doesn't shed? Do you want a dog with watchdog abilities? A larger breed terrier would be great for you for many reasons. The don't shed. They are good in the home. They are fun to take out. I would suggest a Wheaten, Airdale or Kerry Blue - all gorgeous dogs. However, I would urge you to take the test and get a better idea of what will suit you and your life style.

Answer 7

I would suggest you think of small to medium dog and if long walks are concerned then maybe a terrier breed as they go on forever. But where obedience off the lead is concerned I do not think you can beat the Sheepdog and they do not take up that much room indoors. If trained properly you will not go far wrong.

Answer 8

Labradors are a medium dog and are good like that if you get them into the habbit tey love it. When looking at a dog though dont forget the worse thing i think is hairs and some dogs mault a lot. So size etc is not the only thing to think about as a dog is hard work on its own without any extras.

Answer 9

I highly recommend that you research many, many breeds of dogs via Internet or books so that you can find the right dog for your lifestyle. It's a big committment & picking the wrong dog will only bring unhappiness, disappointment, & for some, intolerance, which leads to dogs in animal shelters.

Remember: just because it's cute doesn't mean that it's going to remain that way....and please, oh please don't get a dog because it was on your favorite TV show or in a particular movie.

Also: Look at adult size, energy, shedding, drooling, feeding & cleaning, floppy ears v. pointy ears, guard instincts, herding instincts, running requirements, etc.

There are so many things to consider. So please do the research for you, your family, & that prospective doggie!!

And then, MOST IMPORTANTLY (if you can) find a rescue group for that breed of dog that you chose, and ADOPT. There are so many dogs in need of homes (and they're of all ages, too!!).

Answer 10

Try an all-breed rescue and have a look around. If you're in the uk, look on www.dogpages.org.uk for your nearest one.

Speak to the staff at the rescue, explain your situation and what you are looking for in a dog - they may well be able to help you. It might be a pure-bred, maybe a mongrel. Take a look around. Maybe you'll find the perfect dog for you. If not, you've lost nothing. There's no obligation to take a dog home if you don't see the right one!

Answer 11

Go onto a 'breed selector' website, e.g.

http://www.petplanet.co.uk/select_a_breed.asp

Try putting in different answers to get a few choices, then go to the Kennel Club website:
http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/item/427
to find the name of a good breeder. Breed societies will also give you good advice as to whether a breed would suit you. Remember that there are some lovely dogs in shelters and that a dog's appearance should be the last thing on the shoping list.