Dog Breed Suggestions

[Scales of Justice]

Kavik,

GSDs are NOT low shedding! They are one of the hairiest dogs! I can get at least a whole dog's worth of hair off my GSD every week (and he has short hair even for a normal GSD). One of the things that puts me off getting another one. And while many GSDs are good with other dogs (my GSD is very dog social, the most dog social of my dogs), they are not all like that.

I did not say they were low shedding. I said they were low maintenance but on the down side that they do shed. The shedding process is more limited to changes between seasons not a WHOLE YEAR problem. You can only get a "whole dog's worth of hair when they are in the shedding process.

And while many GSDs are good with other dogs (my GSD is very dog social, the most dog social of my dogs), they are not all like that.

I did not say that all GSDs would be suitable. If you reread what I said, I said that one should be selective about where they buy and buy from parents who fit the bill. My words "It is imperative to buy from parents that do not display high drives and thoroughly check out the parents and their environment to make sure that the parents are not over the top. Some can be. From the right breeding you should be able to find a great companion with a stable demeanour."

[poodlefan]

Irish Wolfhounds are a little bit bigger than I could cope with They would be nearly as tall as me! Whippets are my choice of sighthound - great medium size

I'll loan you Howie.. he's made a few converts.

[Staranais]

Toller? I've never met a pure toller myself, but my sister has a toller cross, & it's pretty calm, pretty smart, and very good natured. The pure ones are about 20kg I think?

[Kavik]

Kavik,

GSDs are NOT low shedding! They are one of the hairiest dogs! I can get at least a whole dog's worth of hair off my GSD every week (and he has short hair even for a normal GSD). One of the things that puts me off getting another one. And while many GSDs are good with other dogs (my GSD is very dog social, the most dog social of my dogs), they are not all like that.

I did not say they were low shedding. I said they were low maintenance but on the down side that they do shed. The shedding process is more limited to changes between seasons not a WHOLE YEAR problem. You can only get a "whole dog's worth of hair when they are in the shedding process.

And while many GSDs are good with other dogs (my GSD is very dog social, the most dog social of my dogs), they are not all like that.

I did not say that all GSDs would be suitable. If you reread what I said, I said that one should be selective about where they buy and buy from parents who fit the bill. My words "It is imperative to buy from parents that do not display high drives and thoroughly check out the parents and their environment to make sure that the parents are not over the top. Some can be. From the right breeding you should be able to find a great companion with a stable demeanour."

I can get a whole lot more hair off my GSD all year round then I can ever get off my Kelpies My GSD does have skin problems, which may be part of the problem? Not sure. But all year round there are certainly tumbleweeds and at any time plenty of hair comes out when I brush him.

[Lab_Rat]

What a shame you changed your criteria ;) I was going to suggest a Rhodesian Ridgeback.....Their only drawback is the SHEDDING, other than that they make a great family dog :D

I hope you find the dog you want

[Scales of Justice]

Kavik,

My GSD does have skin problems, which may be part of the problem? Not sure. But all year round there are certainly tumbleweeds and at any time plenty of hair comes out when I brush him.

When GSDs are in full coat and they do not have any skin issues, very little hair comes out in a comb. Perhaps your tumbleweeds all year round may be akin to a skin problem.

[haven]

With that change, i'd be looking at a cocker spaniel.

I could be wrong, but I think Cockers would be more work in terms of grooming than a regular brush, can anyone in the know comment on this? Some of the places I've browsed have them marked as higher on the scale in terms of grooming, but then I've seen conflicting information on almost every single breed I've considered in this regard!

Any of the smaller gundogs might suit but just beware of energy levels.....speaking from my current experiences Em is perfect for us but only because I put a lot of time into her exercise and training. Obviously she is at the extreme end but it might come down to looking at different lines within a breed.

Your Dalmatian? I love them, not sure I would love the little white hairs everywhere though and like you said I think they could be slightly more energetic than I would like. I want an active dog, but you know how some breeds have that slightly more over the top, manic kind of excitability? Just slightly reigned in from that would be lovely :D

I've been browsing the breed pages and came across the Brittany page, which got me thinking that although I prefer larger, more imposing type dogs my Daughter and OH would probably prefer something smaller, easier, and a bit softer in terms of temperament. I think if I got a smaller dog I'd be mre inclinded to meet less resistance to the amount of time it spends indoors (which will happen regardless, but if it can do so without the complaints that would be preferable :D )

So probably about 15kg plus?

WHIPPET!!!

Most would be under 15kg. Larger males would make that weight and the males are great pets.

Indoor access would be a must.

I think whippets are lovely, but I have known quite a few and as a general rule I'd say that they don't have the kind of personality and temperament I'd prefer. No slight intended, I've not met one I didn't like, but they have all been exceptionally soft, which is great in many ways, but I'd prefer something just a little bit more rougher.

Sound temperament, good with children (under supervision)

No tendency or predisposition for dog aggression

Looks (ie as a deterrent)

Size

Low shedding/grooming

A German Shepherd would fit the bill on most counts BUT you would need to be very selective in where you buy. It is imperative to buy from parents that do not display high drives and thoroughly check out the parents and their environment to make sure that the parents are not over the top. Some can be. From the right breeding you should be able to find a great companion with a stable demeanour.

GSDs are great with kids when they are reared from puppy with kids. Provided you choose one from the right breeding and provided you thoroughly socialise a GSD Puppy amongst other dogs and society in general they are usually well adjusted.

Looks are a deterrent and GSDs have a unique intelligence where even the most unlikely docile and placid GSD can leap into action to protect their owners when needed. GSDs are able to discern body language in people and can usually pick up bad intentions by instinct.

Size of course they have.

Low maintenance and grooming in the short coated varieties although they do shed at least twice a year.

I've had a GSD (well, more than one as we had them when I was a child too) and known many (well bred and poorly bred). None of them have ever been low shedding! I've no problem with high drive dogs either, so long as you know how to channel and harness that drive. They remain high on my list, probably number one in my heart, but when I think from a purely practical perspective I think they are not quite right. Any dog I get is going to be a loved family member regardless of how it turns out in terms of energy level, coat maintenance etc, but while I'm still in the 'selection criteria' part of the process I have to acknowledge that a GSD would be slightly larger, more shedding than I would like.

With these changes, I'd think an Australian Shepherd would suit. Maybe not exactly low shedding, but not high maintenance either. Robust and active, but not too over the top, and good with children and other dogs.

An Aussie is definitely on the list! I' rate these dogs very highly going on the specific examples I know, but I thought they might be too high on the energy level scale and the coat care scale.

Whippets/Greyhounds/Tollers etc I thought might not be good with other animals, such as cats?

I am perusing the Dog breeds 101 section (as well as other places) to get more info, but it is also very helpful to hear all of your experiences and opinions

ETA I realise I'm speaking in generalisations about the breeds here and that individuals within every breed can be different. Being aware that certain breeds can have a general tendency towards certain behaviours is very helpful in helping me decide if really looking into getting a dog of that breed is going to be worthwhile and likely to be sucessful, or just be a fruitless endeavor IYKWIM.

Edited May 15, 2011 by haven

[budgiew]

Aussie Bulldog ?I like the look of them;don't know much about them though.

[Dogsrawesome]

Aussie Bulldog ?I like the look of them;don't know much about them though.

Are they a proper breed yet? What about an english springer spaniel i love the brittany i met a few at the brisbane Ekka they seem like lovely dogs

[Esky the husky]

Aussie Bulldog is not a breed it's the name of a designer cross, and as such doesn't have a standard set of characteristic traits to which it is bred.

The boxer could work, my sister in law has one pure and one cross. They're both great with her kid. But very agressive towards other people / dogs when they are out. It's not the dog's fault they were both very poorly socialized, with a better owners they would be great family dogs.

Or perhaps a darkly coloured adult greyhound could suit

Edited May 15, 2011 by Esky the husky

[budgiew]

Aussie Bulldog ?I like the look of them;don't know much about them though.

Are they a proper breed yet? What about an english springer spaniel i love the brittany i met a few at the brisbane Ekka they seem like lovely dogs

It looks like they are heading towards it.They may have a different name then.I like Springer and brittany .What would be the grooming requirements for them ?Thanks.

[haven]

Aussie Bulldog ?I like the look of them;don't know much about them though.

I have known a few through training and I have a friend who breeds them and the ones I have met have all been lovely dogs, but they are still a bit too close to being a designer breed for my liking. I'd rather have the security and support that comes with getting a purebred dog from an ethical and registered breeder

EFS

Edited May 15, 2011 by haven

[Dogsrawesome]

Aussie Bulldog ?I like the look of them;don't know much about them though.

Are they a proper breed yet? What about an english springer spaniel i love the brittany i met a few at the brisbane Ekka they seem like lovely dogs

It looks like they are heading towards it.They may have a different name then.I like Springer and brittany .What would be the grooming requirements for them ?Thanks.

i found this on Dogzonline website

Brittany:

The Brittany actually is quite easy to groom and care for they have a wash and wear coat. That only requires a brush once a fortnight and a bath one a month or once fortnight if needed. They are not heavy shedders so you wont't find great clumps of hair all over your carpet. Nails do require trimming once a month but apart from that they are a low maintenance breed.

For the springer they did not have any information i could click on but id assume similar to the Brittany

[budgiew]

Aussie Bulldog ?I like the look of them;don't know much about them though.

I have known a few through training and I have a friend who breeds them and the ones I have met have all been lovely dogs, but they are still a bit too close to being a designer breed for my liking. I'd rather have the security and support that comes with getting a purebred dog from an ethical and registered breeder

EFS Thanks ;Good to know;some of the sites look very flash ;some people may assume they are a pure breed.

[poodlefan]

I'd not rate any Spaniel as "low maintenance" in the grooming department. Most are professionally groomed. Those that arent' tend to look like woolly mammoths.

Whippets are fine with cats they know if socialised with cats. A strange cat that runs, on the other hand, is fair game for many.

Most Whippets I know aren't soft or timid dogs.. BUT they've been extensively socialised. That said, they don't deal well with being yelled at or jerked around.

I think its time you headed out for a dog show Haven!! My guess is you'll see breeds that you may not have considered.

Edited May 15, 2011 by poodlefan

[haven]

Aussie Bulldog ?I like the look of them;don't know much about them though.

Are they a proper breed yet? What about an english springer spaniel i love the brittany i met a few at the brisbane Ekka they seem like lovely dogs

It looks like they are heading towards it.They may have a different name then.I like Springer and brittany .What would be the grooming requirements for them ?Thanks.

i found this on Dogzonline website

Brittany:

The Brittany actually is quite easy to groom and care for they have a wash and wear coat. That only requires a brush once a fortnight and a bath one a month or once fortnight if needed. They are not heavy shedders so you wont't find great clumps of hair all over your carpet. Nails do require trimming once a month but apart from that they are a low maintenance breed.

For the springer they did not have any information i could click on but id assume similar to the Brittany

I saw that too, but then when I looked them up on other sites some said entirely the opposite

PF a show would possibly be a good idea but I'm still a bit scarred from the last one I went to, which was the first and only show I've ever attended! It was a Rottweiler show a fellow trainer was handling a dog for someone else in and it was absolutely brutal I honestly could not believe the bitchiness, the underhandedness and the general conduct of a great number of people there!

[Dogsrawesome]

I'd not rate any Spaniel as "low maintenance" in the grooming department. Most are professionally groomed. Those that arent' tend to look like woolly mammoths.

Whippets are fine with cats they know if socialised with cats. A strange cat that runs, on the other hand, is fair game for many.

Most Whippets I know aren't soft or timid dogs.. BUT they've been extensively socialised. That said, they don't deal well with being yelled at or jerked around.

I think its time you headed out for a dog show Haven!! My guess is you'll see breeds that you may not have considered.

I just thought dogzonline would have the right information. I dont actually know ive never owned a spaniel breed

[Dogsrawesome]

Aussie Bulldog ?I like the look of them;don't know much about them though.

Are they a proper breed yet? What about an english springer spaniel i love the brittany i met a few at the brisbane Ekka they seem like lovely dogs

It looks like they are heading towards it.They may have a different name then.I like Springer and brittany .What would be the grooming requirements for them ?Thanks.

i found this on Dogzonline website

Brittany:

The Brittany actually is quite easy to groom and care for they have a wash and wear coat. That only requires a brush once a fortnight and a bath one a month or once fortnight if needed. They are not heavy shedders so you wont't find great clumps of hair all over your carpet. Nails do require trimming once a month but apart from that they are a low maintenance breed.

For the springer they did not have any information i could click on but id assume similar to the Brittany

I saw that too, but then when I looked them up on other sites some said entirely the opposite

PF a show would possibly be a good idea but I'm still a bit scarred from the last one I went to, which was the first and only show I've ever attended! It was a Rottweiler show a fellow trainer was handling a dog for someone else in and it was absolutely brutal I honestly could not believe the bitchiness, the underhandedness and the general conduct of a great number of people there!

I was lucky both shows ive gone to watch the people have been nice and friendly to me :D

[poodlefan]

I just thought dogzonline would have the right information. I dont actually know ive never owned a spaniel breed

In case you were wondering why I seem to contradict that information, the Brittany isn't a spaniel. Its a utility gundog.

They are far lower maintenance than a spaniel. Much less hair and far less troublesome ears.

Edited May 15, 2011 by poodlefan

[The Spotted Devil]

Any of the smaller gundogs might suit but just beware of energy levels.....speaking from my current experiences Em is perfect for us but only because I put a lot of time into her exercise and training. Obviously she is at the extreme end but it might come down to looking at different lines within a breed.

Your Dalmatian? I love them, not sure I would love the little white hairs everywhere though and like you said I think they could be slightly more energetic than I would like. I want an active dog, but you know how some breeds have that slightly more over the top, manic kind of excitability? Just slightly reigned in from that would be lovely :D

Sorry - I meant my English Springer Spaniel! Em is working lines (or 'field bred') so much less feathering than a show ESS (I only brush her for my own pleasure or if she has been playing in sticky mud) and a little smaller but incredibly active. I took her out this afternoon to KCC park and she was much more content training (retrieving and obedience) than doing meet and greet with the people/dogs. Not anti-social, just better things to do!

Yes, I believe there is Dalmatian hair in the houses of people who have never owned a Dally Ziggy is pretty full on but he suits me beautifully. I know others on DOL have Dallies that are more laid back than him but I love the madness for dog sports. Dals are in Group 7 - Non-sporting.

Edited May 15, 2011 by The Spotted Devil