Chloe08

Thank you again for all the replies. I do want to make the right decision. I will look into the damnation too. I do love walking but I am a slow jogger so although my dog is walked twice a day, I cannot keep up with a highly energetic dog and I thought Labs and golden's would need a lot more exercise than the two breeds I mentioned. If no one minds, could someone please clarify the main differences between the two breeds. I get the picture it has to do with energy and "softness" , prey drive and coat but are there other major differences? How are they chalk and cheese? Again I appreciate the help. I read the article on dog breed differences and found it interesting.

Thanks for the replies. I think we are leaning towards a rough collie. I think an Aussie would require a bit too much exercise, although they seem like lovely dogs. My children are not high energy kids and are generally very gentle so I think we should be ok.

Thanks Zug Zug. I loved the description of your poodle, it made me laugh. I am thinking a poodle might be too intense for me at the moment. The rough collie seems a little more laid back. I will look into the Aussie Shepard too. Thanks for the advice.

Well I tried it and it came up with a Keeshond which is a breed I really hadn't heard of. Other breeds included pointers and setters which I think are too high energy for me.

Thank you. I will try it and see what it comes up with.

Thank you for the replies. It's fantastic. I actually wasn't aware on the great differences between the breeds as research on the net described both breeds in very similar terms i.e active, sensitive, easy to train, intelligent, needs people etc.. I think going to some dog shows is a good idea.

Yes of course I would never leave small animals and a dog together even supervised. My cavalier is crated when my son takes out his budgie for exercise. But when my brother brings his pointer over we have to fully lock the bird in another room as he will do anything to get to it. I guess that's more what I was referring to. I guess I am looking for a dog that's easily trained as I am enjoying training, moderate exercise requirements, and reasonably biddable. I hope that's a bit more clear. Thanks again for your responses.

Hi. I have a cavalier and three kids and it has worked very well for us. Also my friend has 3 children too and the cavalier has worked very well for her too. The best thing is they can adapt their exercise requirements to suit yours but mine has a tendency to chase birds and butterflies so isn't very reliable off leash.

Thank you for all the great advice. I hadn't thought about prey drive until now but it's something to consider given my kids have small pets too. Will also look into the lagotto as I hadn't considered this breed. I do love the rough collie personality though, they seem great with kids and other pets if raised with them.

Hello. I am new to this forum although I have learned a lot about dogs from lurking for sone time. I am trying to decide on a second dog. We have a three year old cavalier. I would like a bigger dog as I have only ever had small ones. I have three kids, 6, 10 and 12. We live near parklands and have an average sized yard. I run 3 mornings a week or if not running I walk my dog 45min morning and night. Grooming is not a problem. I take my cavy to obedience weekly. I am looking at the Standard Poodle or Rough Collie. Just not sure whether this would be enough exercise for either and whether barking can be managed in the Collie. I work 2.5 days and we are home a lot. Thank you in advance.