jebee Posted February 17, 2011 Share Posted February 17, 2011 Hello All! My first post here so please forgive me if I'm asking stupid questions. So... I really want to get a new friend. A dog. I had several dogs when I was a kid, but never pure breeds. When in high school I helped my friend to train his fox terrier but apart from that have no dog training experience. Very much willing to learn though. We are looking for a mid sized pure breed dog who would be able to join our family consisting of me, my wife, 12 year old daughter, 5 year old son and 2 year old cat (yeah, I know, fox terriers are out ). Though we are not particularly active/sporty family I do run every morning, we like to play with kids in the backyard and often go bushwalking. We own our property. House itself is not big, but we have reasonably sized (30mx10m) fully fenced backyard. Also in 5 minutes walk from us is a fenced dog park were dogs allowed to be off-leash. We have our cat for 2 years so kids have learned how to be nice with pets. Our cat is mainly indoor, but free to play outside if we are home. He still prefers to be inside, never leaves backyard and always home at night. I'm considering having a dog bed at home and kennel outside so dog would be able to stay either inside or outside as he/she pleases. I understand importance of obedience training and absolutely committed to train my dog. At the same time my lack of experience worries me so I would prefer more intelligent/easily trainable breed. I work shifts, but still able to run 30 minutes in the morning and spare an hour in the evening for the dog when on shift (and obviously have a plenty of time when off shift). Wife currently does not work but most probably will start new job soon. Kids are in school 9am-3pm. So basically in worst case scenario I will be able to walk/run with our dog 30 min in the morning and 1 hour in the evening. Still, there will be at least 6 hours when dog is going to be alone. So far I considered: - Adopting an ex-race greyhound. Pluses: good with kids, intelligent, no major health issues, does not need extensive exercising. Also it nice to feel that you are saving the dog (our cat was bought from cat rescue organisation). Concerns: cat compatibility. Cat and dog going to share backyard and I'm not sure if ANY greyhound will not be tempted seeing small and fluffy cat chasing butterflies in the backyard. - Boxer. Seems to be a perfect family dog. Intelligent, loyal and trainable. Bit concerned about health issues (cancers, heart diseases, etc). Love their faces. - Hungarian Vizsla. Looks absolutely gorgeous. Healthy. Intelligent. Not sure if we'll be able to provide proper level of exercising though. Also I heard that vizslas could be a bit stubborn and not as easily trainable as, say, boxers. - Labradors. Do not know much about them, but seeing how many labs on the streets it must be a good dog. Worried that with their popularity labs are overbreed and it will be difficult to find good quality pup. Yeah, and black ones are beautiful. Would prefer not to have: any small breeds, rottweilers, staffys, poodles. Unfortunately have no space for bigger breeds. Sorry for long and boring post. Would appreciate your opinions/suggestions about above breeds. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stonecutter Posted February 17, 2011 Share Posted February 17, 2011 I'm a little biased because one is coming home to us in April - but have you considered Japanese Spitz? If you're time poor for exercise, I've been told 1x20 min walk a day is perfectly fine. Ours will be alone during the day - but our breeder will select one who is a little more on the independent side. No doggy odour inside either. Training wise - one of my breeder's dogs won an agility title - so there must be some obedience in there I don't know of JS with obedience titles (but I haven't really looked) They are medium sized and even though they look fluffy - girls shed twice a year, boys once - not all year round. I'm sure some of the experts on here will have plenty better advice than mine though! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dogsrawesome Posted February 17, 2011 Share Posted February 17, 2011 vizslas need a lot of exercise. just putting that out there i looked on dogzonline and they have the same amount of stars as a Austrailian cattle dog hehe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jebee Posted February 17, 2011 Author Share Posted February 17, 2011 vizslas need a lot of exercise. just putting that out there i looked on dogzonline and they have the same amount of stars as a Austrailian cattle dog hehe Ok, vizsla are out As I suspected. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dogsrawesome Posted February 17, 2011 Share Posted February 17, 2011 Look on the dogzonline website plenty of different breeds on it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Staranais Posted February 17, 2011 Share Posted February 17, 2011 (edited) Greyhound is a great idea I think, except that off leash walks can be out (except in enclosed spaces), and you'll need to specify that you need a cat friendly one. ETA, how about a beagle? Or a keeshond, or cocker spaniel? Edited February 17, 2011 by Staranais Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aussielover Posted February 17, 2011 Share Posted February 17, 2011 So far I considered: - Adopting an ex-race greyhound. Pluses: good with kids, intelligent, no major health issues, does not need extensive exercising. Also it nice to feel that you are saving the dog (our cat was bought from cat rescue organisation). Concerns: cat compatibility. Cat and dog going to share backyard and I'm not sure if ANY greyhound will not be tempted seeing small and fluffy cat chasing butterflies in the backyard. Very good choice for a first time dog owner. They have minimal exercise requirements and are generally laid back. You can get Cat-Friendly Greys as long as you go through a reputable rehoming group such as GAP. The only consideration might be that they can be somewhat unreliable off-lead (tendency to chase things), without extensive training may be unsuitable to take on bush walks. - Boxer. Seems to be a perfect family dog. Intelligent, loyal and trainable. Bit concerned about health issues (cancers, heart diseases, etc). Love their faces. Boxers are great fun, but have pretty high exercise requirements i think? But an hour and a half a day would probably be enough (i'll leave that to boxer people to clarify though). They usually make great family dogs provided they receive good training. - Hungarian Vizsla. Looks absolutely gorgeous. Healthy. Intelligent. Not sure if we'll be able to provide proper level of exercising though. Also I heard that vizslas could be a bit stubborn and not as easily trainable as, say, boxers. Very energetic and "velcro dogs" meaning they crave human company. - Labradors. Do not know much about them, but seeing how many labs on the streets it must be a good dog. Worried that with their popularity labs are overbreed and it will be difficult to find good quality pup. Yeah, and black ones are beautiful. A well bred lab would also be perfect. They have pretty high exercise requirements and needs lots of interaction and training to get the best out of your lab. But they are also one of the most adaptable dogs in the world, hence why they are used extensively as service dogs. As you mentioned it is very important to get a well bred one, but I am sure DOLers can help you out with that. And yes, the black ones are gorgeous (you have great taste lol!) How could you resist this? Sorry for long and boring post. DOLers love helping people choosing breeds, so I doubt you have bored anyone! You seem to have put a lot of thought into your choice of dogs. Good luck and please let us know what you decide. Personally I get the feeling you seem most keen on the Boxer, and they seem to fit your situation pretty well, as long are you prepared to put in the training! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kavik Posted February 17, 2011 Share Posted February 17, 2011 (edited) I actually think potential 1.5 hrs of stimulation would be fine for a Vizsla They are lovely dogs, good to train as well, there are several at my agility club. One of my pick breeds if I decide to get something big that is not in the herding group. I have heard they can be a velcro dog and like to be near their family, they also have short fur and probably feel the cold a bit. I would say they are easier to train than either a Boxer or a Greyhound. ETA: Boxers are lovely dogs. The ones I've met have been good fun, they are a canine clown They have the potential to do well at training but I think they would require more patience than a Lab or a Vizsla to do really well. Labs can be VERY boisterous and rough if you are not careful. I think Boxers, Vizslas and Labs would have similar exercise and training requirements, though your approach to training might need to be different with each. Greys are lovely gentle dogs, but not the easiest to train and letting them off lead is risky. However they probably don't require the amount of training for mental stimulation to keep them happy as the other breeds. Edited February 17, 2011 by Kavik Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SparkyTansy Posted February 17, 2011 Share Posted February 17, 2011 It's a little smaller,but have you considered a whippet? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rebanne Posted February 17, 2011 Share Posted February 17, 2011 for a greyhound go through a reputable adoption group. They can match the greyhound to your circumstances. Cat friendly, home alone, only dog, good with kids. May take a few weeks/months to get the right one. I would never let one off lead unless in a fully enclosed area, don't care how well trained they might be. They are greyt pets! Greyhound breed breed sub forum Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dogsfevr Posted February 17, 2011 Share Posted February 17, 2011 What breed do the other family members want?? What breed do your children like & what do they want from a dog ??Big/small/cuddly after all they will be sharing there backyard with the dog as well. Do you want lots of dog hair around or minimal. Would all family membners plus big dog fit into the car you have??(many end up with a dog that can't fit in the car with humans so it stays home) What is the main temp you want gentle /out there/easy going/laid back/never switched off?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nekhbet Posted February 17, 2011 Share Posted February 17, 2011 what do you consider a bigger breed? A lab and a boxer are considered a large breed dog. Will it be more a companion or do you want a running partner? French Bulldogs are awesome dogs, not too small but not too big and not a staffy lol but not a running partner Dont discount staffordshires totally, I think they are great dogs for the right people, very loving and can go running with you. A really low drive cattle dog can be the way to go too if you want a more active dog. Saving that a good dog a bit older then puppy stage from a reputable rescue might be the way to go, or even an older one from a breeder that may not have succeded at showing (all the basic training and socialisation has been done for you!). You know what the temperament of the dog will be, how big it will get and ifit is compatable to your situation Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jebee Posted February 17, 2011 Author Share Posted February 17, 2011 What breed do the other family members want?? Well, kids want DOG. Any. Daughter was excited about golden retriver, but it's just because she often sees one living nearby. My wife likes dogs though never had any... She is mainly concerned about kids safety and cat-dog relationship. What breed do your children like & what do they want from a dog ??Big/small/cuddly after all they will be sharing there backyard with the dog as well. I guess mid size would be perfect. Though kids understand how to deal with pets, I'm bit afraid for smaller sized dog. I'm sure our son will love playing ball and tug of war with dog; daughter just need someone to hug Do you want lots of dog hair around or minimal. We do not mind hairs. Would all family membners plus big dog fit into the car you have??(many end up with a dog that can't fit in the car with humans so it stays home) Wow! Thank you for mentioning that. We have big family sedan... but yeah, wagon would be better... What is the main temp you want gentle /out there/easy going/laid back/never switched off?? Certainly not "never switched off". Everything else is OK. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mumtoshelley Posted February 17, 2011 Share Posted February 17, 2011 Here are some questions for you 1,do you want a dog that sheds or doesn't shed? 2 do you want a overly friendly dog or a more independent dog? 3,what weight range do you want your dog to be? I own a female golden retriever she is a great dog loves people and children, She can be active but is happy with 30 minutes of offlead runing. They are very easy to train and can be trusted offlead. There very friendly,loyal,faithful,they do shed about twice a year. But i find its easily maintained by brushing every couple of days. They do love to be around there family, They will also like the idea of going bush walking. They also love water and will do anything to go for a swim. Golden retrievers will suit you too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jebee Posted February 17, 2011 Author Share Posted February 17, 2011 what do you consider a bigger breed? Mmm. German shepherd? Leonberger? Doberman? Will it be more a companion or do you want a running partner? French Bulldogs are awesome dogs, not too small but not too big and not a staffy lol but not a running partner French Bulldogs are lovely. But I do like to run with dogs. And bushwalks... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dee lee Posted February 17, 2011 Share Posted February 17, 2011 (edited) A Vizsla would be my pick. High on my list of next dogs (oh that lovely short fur.... sigh...). Taking a dog for a 30min run with you is pretty intensive exercise- I'd guess all exercise requirements would be covered by that. Plus the hour at night, you'd be fine. I'm always amazed at the obviously unfit, slow walking owners who amble around my offlead park with their "high energy" breeds. They still seem to manage. All 6 of the Viszlas I know are owned by full-time workers, one with 3 kids under 9, and are happy lovely dogs. Though they only care for their owners. Boxers. Hmm, I like them in principle but I've had bad experiences with quite a few- they seem to be a real handful as young dogs & because of that I'd probably not recommend them to a novice owner. These difficult you g dogs I've met were owned by idiots who had no idea, so it wasn't the dog's fault. And they are VERY bouncy- as in all feet off the ground kind of bouncy!! I agree with Nekhbet too, both those dogs are large- why restrict yourself? You backyard sounds more than big enough- I have a very fit and happy Goldie in a tiny house & courtyard. Edited to add: I only just saw the last couple of posts! If you don't mind the shedding- GO THE GOLDIE!!! I jog with mine, she's the perfect hug monster for my 2 daughters & would be a great adventure pal for a boy. And you just cannot beat the lovely temperament!! They are divine happy gentle creatures. Edited February 17, 2011 by ✽deelee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dogsfevr Posted February 17, 2011 Share Posted February 17, 2011 I wouldn't be concerned about small because big dogs have there own pitfalls . I own both big & small .(7 kg up to 42 kg) i would suggest heading off to a dog show & seeing the breeds Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wuffles Posted February 17, 2011 Share Posted February 17, 2011 Don't know if this has been mentioned already but remember with the medium and larger breeds, you should not jog/run with them until they are older (at least 12-18 months depending on breed) as you can damage their growing bones and joints. IMO it sounds like many breeds would suit so go for one that appeals to you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
-Megz- Posted February 17, 2011 Share Posted February 17, 2011 Pointers might also fit the bill Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HugUrPup Posted February 17, 2011 Share Posted February 17, 2011 They're small but every child and cat..and guinea pig (just thought I add them too) needs a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Just saying Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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