Seeking Advice On Selecting A Puppy

[Lambo]

Hi guys, I'm new to this forum.

I've been wanting to get a dog for some time but am having trouble working out what breed would best suit myself and my family. I've looked up the details of various breeds and have settled on a few that I think would be suitable - but I'm still not sure. Although I grew up with a few dogs as a kid, I've never had a dog of my own. And I can't quite recall what breeds we had when I was a kid - two were little terriers of some kind, and one was like a small weimaraner.

Anyways, I'm looking for suggestions and/or guidance.

My circumstances are as follows:

I live on a moderate sized block - about 650m2. My other half isn't too keen on dogs, so I'm looking for a fairly low maintenance one - preferrably a breed that does not shed all over the place so as to keep the peace. The dog will be allowed in the house, but will probably we made to stay in the downstairs rumpus area - it definitely won't be allowed to sit on beds or wander into the bedrooms. Also, I have two kids, one 7 and other 10. So the dog needs to be good with kids. Finally, I tend to work long hours throughout the week, and my kids lead fairly busy lifestyles. So any dog we get needs to be comfortable with its own company for most of the day and not be too clingy. My other half will probably be home during the day but is unlikely to interact with the dog as much as myself or our kids.

I wouldn't mind a smaller dog (like a beagle or a King Charles Cav) - or even a Westie - but I would prefer a mid-sized or larger dog principally because my limited experience suggests that small dogs tend to bark more and, in any event, I would like a dog that would be equally happy sitting around watching TV or jogging with me (I run for at a least an hour each night). Whilst I want a dog that will alert me to intruders or visitors, I don't want a dog that is particularly aggressive or that might turn on one of the kids or a visitor. Also, I don't want a dog that barks at everything that moves on street.

At the moment, I'm thinking one of these wouldn't be too bad (in no particular order of preference):

1. Staffy

2. Labrador - the only turn off with this breed seems to be the shedding - and what seems to be a predisposition for HD

3. Weimaraner - I really like the smooth look of these dogs but everything I read suggests that they will be just too clingy and may bark too much if left alone for too long.

4. Aussie shepherd - these just look cute, but I'm not sure about the shedding or their ability to stand their own company

5. Hungarian Vizslaz - again, I like the smooth coat but I'm not sure about their capacity for independent living

The poodle seems to tick all my boxes but quite frankly I just don't like the look of them.

I've had some experience with Staffy and the Lab but only because a couple of friends have their own. I've never had experience with the other breeds but the Weimaraner really looks nice and is the only one that my other half has shown any real liking for. The Aussie is something that has really only come to my attention since reading a number of the posts on this site - the photo of "Isaak" is really cute.

So there you have it, any suggestions?

By the way, I've been trying to work out what breed of dog my family had as a kid - the one I described as a small Weimaraner above. Would anyone have any ideas? This was a short dog, probably no taller than a foot, or foot and a half, tall from the ground to the top of the dog's back. She had a smooth black coat and floppy ears. She had no problems whatsoever being left with her own company and didn't bark much from memory.

Thanks in advance.

[noisymina]

The Weimaraner we had did not bark much. Actually, she welcomed the burglars one night. I think they may have fed her before ransacking our rumpus room and garage. NOT a watch dog recommendation there.

I guarantee a minitaure Poodle would be on your other half's lap within a week.

What don't you like about them? They can be clipped to any style, don't smell, don't shed and are incredibly intelligent. Toys can be a bit yappy and hyperactive. Minis not so much.

They do, however, take a bit of grooming - a good brush through at least twice a week and regular clipping/washing.

I have no experience with the other breeds - other than a neighbourhood staffy that was feral and aggressive here, and a Lab that was the same when I was a child. Both of those I put down to negligent owners.

[FHRP]

Personally I would not suggest a Vizsla for your situation, you may find them too 'clingy'. All of the breeds you have listed are high energy, but more so the Gundogs and the Aussie from my experience. Yes, my Vizslas are happy to sit around and watch TV with me (preferably right next to or on me) or go for a jog (not that I jog!), however you wont get the quiet sitting watching tv without the jog first! They need daily exercise, and even more so if they aren't going to be included in the family life entirely. Any dog can be trained to keep off furniture and out of bedrooms, but how much time does your family spend in the downstairs rumpus room? A dog would rather be with it's people, even if that means on a dog bed in the same room. I regard Vizslas as 'needy' even though some in the breed don't like the term. They need to be with their people, they need contact, they need attention. Give them that and they are wonderful dogs to have around.

Edited June 2, 2010 by FHRP

[Gilypoo]

Most of the traits that you dont want in your future dog relate to training... eg. on lounge, in rooms, barking, good with kids... As long as you have time you shouldnt have any major probs.

I havent had any experience with any of the breeds that you have mentioned so I cant be of assistance.

Good luck in finding your perfcet pup...

[mr.mister]

The Weimaraner we had did not bark much. Actually, she welcomed the burglars one night. I think they may have fed her before ransacking our rumpus room and garage. NOT a watch dog recommendation there.

I guarantee a minitaure Poodle would be on your other half's lap within a week.

What don't you like about them? They can be clipped to any style, don't smell, don't shed and are incredibly intelligent. Toys can be a bit yappy and hyperactive. Minis not so much.

They do, however, take a bit of grooming - a good brush through at least twice a week and regular clipping/washing.

I have no experience with the other breeds - other than a neighbourhood staffy that was feral and aggressive here, and a Lab that was the same when I was a child. Both of those I put down to negligent owners.

I have owned a Poodle, and I agree with everything you've said except the smell. I noticed ours absolutely STANK, had the worst doggy-smell I've ever smelt on a dog. She was healthy, didn't have any skin or ear infections, and was bathed weekly (because of the smell ), and lived inside, too.

[Baby Dragon]

I'd suggest maybe a poodle but since you don't like the look of them, you could keep it in a non standard clip. They are definitely not low mainanance with their coat, but if you're willing to pay for professional grooming and willing to brush the coat in between, it might be just the sort of dog you're after.

Edited June 2, 2010 by Baby Dragon

[juice]

from what you have described i wouldn't recommend any of the breeds you have listed.

most have high activity level, which if you can't meet will turn them into destruction on legs ( especailly labs and staffs. )

unless you consider taking on an older more settled dog?labs can knock kids over in their exuburance when they are young and goofy

i have had a wei, and not for the beginner either.

how about a greyhound? they don't shed hair much, or smell doggy, sleep most of the time, are very gentle ( wouldn't be up for a run though )

i would have suggested cav too if you were thinking small.

[Bundyburger]

Personally I would not suggest a Vizsla for your situation, you may find them too 'clingy'. All of the breeds you have listed are high energy, but more so the Gundogs and the Aussie from my experience. Yes, my Vizslas are happy to sit around and watch TV with me (preferably right next to or on me) or go for a jog (not that I jog!), however you wont get the quiet sitting watching tv without the jog first! They need daily exercise, and even more so if they aren't going to be included in the family life entirely. Any dog can be trained to keep off furniture and out of bedrooms, but how much time does your family spend in the downstairs rumpus room? A dog would rather be with it's people, even if that means on a dog bed in the same room. I regard Vizslas as 'needy' even though some in the breed don't like the term. They need to be with their people, they need contact, they need attention. Give them that and they are wonderful dogs to have around.

I agree.. V's thrive on being where you are and with you at all times, that's just how they are. They're not nicknamed "velcro dogs" for nothing I wouldn't be without my little red man though. They need a fair bit of exercise as well, walks at least once every day if not twice. They can be hard work that's for sure!

Out of all the dogs you've listed I think a poodle would probably be the most suitable, or as juice said what about a grey?

Edited June 2, 2010 by Bundy's Mum

[poodlefan]

Finally, I tend to work long hours throughout the week, and my kids lead fairly busy lifestyles. So any dog we get needs to be comfortable with its own company for most of the day and not be too clingy. My other half will probably be home during the day but is unlikely to interact with the dog as much as myself or our kids.

Realistically, how much time would you have available as a family to devote to the dog daily. A puppy needs training, socialisation and plenty of interaction to grow up as good family dog. An adult dog needs exercise and stimulation too. From what you've indicated, none of the breeds would be suitable for your situation, particularly as pups. Neither would a poodle.

BM:

Out of all the dogs you've listed I think a poodle would probably be the most suitable

Definitely NOT. Poodles are every bit as people focussed as the gundogs... after all that's what they started life as.

Dogs are social animals. No dog enjoys being alone. Someone at home that ignores the dog would be torment for it - I'd expect to see a lot of attention barking and frustration based behaviours.

Edited June 2, 2010 by poodlefan

[GoldenWei]

A wei would be too needy I would think, similar to the Viz. I have a long hair wei, and while in general they aren't as needy as the smooths, she would not be happy without human OR other dog company for long hours. She is only 6 months old, but is happy to lie on the lounge asleep for most of the day, get her outside and she is a dog that is on the go playing running and generally expending her energy.

Labs surprisingly shed a lot. Almost as much as the goldens I'd say, their hair is just not as long. I looked after one for a month, and the amount of shedding he did surprised me.

I don't have any experience with staffy's, but I thought they were a people dog... don't quote me on that though.

[poodlefan]

I have owned a Poodle, and I agree with everything you've said except the smell. I noticed ours absolutely STANK, had the worst doggy-smell I've ever smelt on a dog. She was healthy, didn't have any skin or ear infections, and was bathed weekly (because of the smell ), and lived inside, too.

A stinky poodle is not common and may have had issues with excess oil - a health issue associated with the breed. Otherwise, ears, teeth or anal glands may have been the culprit.

[Bundyburger]

Finally, I tend to work long hours throughout the week, and my kids lead fairly busy lifestyles. So any dog we get needs to be comfortable with its own company for most of the day and not be too clingy. My other half will probably be home during the day but is unlikely to interact with the dog as much as myself or our kids.

Realistically, how much time would you have available as a family to devote to the dog daily. A puppy needs training, socialisation and plenty of interaction to grow up as good family dog. An adult dog needs exercise and stimulation too. From what you've indicated, none of the breeds would be suitable for your situation, particularly as pups. Neither would a poodle.

BM:

Out of all the dogs you've listed I think a poodle would probably be the most suitable

Definitely NOT. Poodles are every bit as people focussed as the gundogs... after all that's what they started life as.

Dogs are social animals. No dog enjoys being alone. Someone at home that ignores the dog would be torment for it - I'd expect to see a lot of attention barking and frustration based behaviours.

Yeah good point i forgot about that!

Edited June 2, 2010 by Bundy's Mum

[Baby Dragon]

I take back my suggestion of a poodle if the poodle owners here don't agree. They'd know best about their breed.

[Kavik]

None of the dogs on your list - they are all high energy breeds. Labs and Staffords in particular get quite destructive if not kept busy.

[Lambo]

Thanks for the responses so far folks.

To be honest, I thought the poodle would get the most votes. I can't really say what I don't like about them, but they just don't seem to be my cup of tea. Someone did suggest the greyhound to me once. I hate to sound pedantic, but they look a little fragile/brittle for my liking too. My views are probably coloured by the fact that growing up I'd always been a little partial toward Rotties and German Shepherds - both of which I readily accept that I am not sufficiently experienced to handle. Besides which, they're probably inappropriate given the age of my kids. Playing freud for a bit, maybe that's why I'm kind of partial toward the gun dogs - they look like smaller versions of the two breeds I would really like.

The high energy needs of the dogs on my list don't concern me too much - except for the fact that the dog would need to wait until I get home! I am a bit of a bookworm so I spend most of my time downstairs anyway. The rest of the time I'm usually gardening, and I'd be more than happy running around the yard or going to parks with the dog. I just can't do so for about 10 hours a day during the week.

[t-time]

What about a rescue dog which has already been temperament tested for kids, energy levels, neediness etc?

Most of the breeds you suggested are very high shedders.

You can't take ANY pup on an hours' jog every night so that sort of exercise might have to wait until the dog is at least a year old. Once again, a decent walk/jog for an older rescue dog would be perfect for you.

Your family dog when you were small may have been an English Toy Terrier?

[poodlefan]

Lambo:

To be honest, I thought the poodle would get the most votes. I can't really say what I don't like about them, but they just don't seem to be my cup of tea. Someone did suggest the greyhound to me once. I hate to sound pedantic, but they look a little fragile/brittle for my liking too. My views are probably coloured by the fact that growing up I'd always been a little partial toward Rotties and German Shepherds - both of which I readily accept that I am not sufficiently experienced to handle. Besides which, they're probably inappropriate given the age of my kids. Playing freud for a bit, maybe that's why I'm kind of partial toward the gun dogs - they look like smaller versions of the two breeds I would really like.

If you ticked the "enough time for the dog" box, I think you'd be very surprised at what great companions well bred poodles can be. They ARE real dogs if treated like them and you don't have to have a fru fru haircut on one. As I said, they were gundogs originally.

Perhaps you need to get out and meet some of these breeds. Its hard to get a 'feel' for what dogs can be like from descriptions and pictures.

If you've got your heart set on a particular breed AND you go in with your eyes wide open, there's no reason why with effort you can't have the dog you want. However if your partner is not a 'dog person' an easier breed first up might be the go. I've seen plenty of folk convert to poodle nuts very very quickly. The dog is not much like its stereotype at all.

[corvus]

That sounds like about the same amount of time we are away from home and we keep our two moderately active dogs happy. They get a run at the park most days for about half an hour and they are happy. Once Erik my little Vallhund is old enough I hope that he'll be up for being my jogging companion. My Lapphund was pretty useless, but he's a broken Lapphund. Another forum member has a Lapphund that runs long distances with her. They are nice and mellow when indoors usually, but lots of fur. I still find the fur less annoying than that for short-haired breeds, though. It really only comes out when you brush it. Short-haired dogs shed all over the place. Maybe an Aussie? Although maybe not if you're looking for something that doesn't shed much... I don't know much about the breeds you have chosen.

What about a smaller spitz breed with shorter hair like a Shiba Inu? They can be quite active, but are a little on the independent side. Only, I guess they do have a thick double coat even if it's not all that long. Come to think, those Shibas can be pretty mischievous. Maybe clever, independent dogs aren't the way to go...

I can kinda relate about the poodles. I don't have anything specifically against them, but somehow I'm just not a poodle person.

I dunno! I got nothing.

[WreckitWhippet]

Shiba's blow coat like there is no tomorrow. They are not for the fiant hearted in the shedding department

[poodlefan]

That sounds like about the same amount of time we are away from home and we keep our two moderately active dogs happy.

Your dogs are never alone Corvus. They have each other.