gnook

Thanks so much for the replies - I really appreciate your advice & will take it all seriously. I spent quite a lot of time meeting CCR dogs, club members and breeders at the Dog Lover's Show and came away with a positive impression similar to Airedaler's post above. I guess club members are always going to be breed advocates to an extent, but my understanding was that CCRs: Need exercise, but not an excessive amount - one 30-45 min session p.d. is sufficient, but two 20-30 min sessions ideal. Have an independent & mischievous streak, but are eager to please, hence trainable (though not as food-focused as Labs). Can be left at home during the working day without becoming destructive (according to owners of a 12 month old male who are away from home 9-10 hours p.d.) Shed seasonally (once p.a. for males / twice p.a. for females) with slight tumbleweed effect, otherwise are pretty much wash & wear. Make an effective guard dog, being more aloof than Labs and having an impressive bark. So I will need to do my due diligence and reconcile this against some of the less positive posts above. For the less enthusiastic posters - it would be useful if you could please let me know the extent of direct experience you have had with the breed.

Hi there. We are looking for a family dog (our daughter is 13) and are keen to hear your thoughts on Curly Coated Retrievers. I guess our ideal dog would be mid-large size, intelligent, trainable, affectionate, playful without being boisterous, a good watchdog without being aggressive, moderately active with low-maintenance / low shedding coat. And while we understand the need for training, exercise and stimulation, we have to be realistic in that we are all at work / school full time, so the dog would likely be on it's own from around 8.30-3.30. We have looked closely at Lagottos, Labs & Standard Poodles. But for now the CCR seems best fit. What do you think?

We know a dog trainer who is suggesting we consider a Standard Schnauzer. I assume they have similar traits to the Mini?

Portuguese Water Dogs read well. Anyone familiar with this breeder? http://bluegrace.com/wp/

Thanks - do you mean the Bulla Amenities Show on 8/9 April? If so, unfortunately we are visiting family in NZ then.

Thanks so much for all the excellent replies - plenty of food for thought to sift thru. Portuguese Water dogs were on my radar, but not mini Schnauzers - so thanks for that idea, I didn't know they were non-shedding. Given the need for sorting, any recommenation on specific breeders in Vic is gratefully received - particularly Lagotto breeders that have good results with temperament (thanks for the recommendations already provided via PM & above).

Hi there - new member here. We are looking for a family dog (our daughter is 13) and are keen to hear recommendations on breeds and breeders within a couple of hours of Melbourne. I guess our ideal dog would be mid-large size, intelligent, trainable, affectionate, playful without being boisterous, protective without being aggressive, active without being too hyper and perhaps non-shedding. And while we understand the need for training, exercise and stimulation, we have to be realistic in that we are all at work / school full time, so the dog would likely be on it's own from around 8.30-3.30. We always respond well to Labs, though they are probably a bit too sheddy for us. Lately, we have been gravitating towards Lagotto Romagnolos and Standard Poodles. Any thoughts on the suitability of these breeds for our needs? From what I've read, its important to get to know breeders and the temperament of their lines before sourcing a dog from them. Are there any particular Lagotto or Standard Poodle breeders you can recommend for us to visit? Or avoid (feel free to PM). Thanks in advance...