Things To Consider When Choosing A Second Dog?

[Dogsfevr]

Do you intend to hunt? If not, then my first choice would definitely not be a gun dog (or hunting dog of any sort, actually). Whilst they make great pets and active companions the best thing for them would be hunting and I hope all of us strive to provide ideal conditions and activities for all of our dogs. Just like I wouldn't get a husky unless I was interested in sled dog sports etc. [unfortunately I see this is a growing trend]

I too would suggest a dalmatian or even a standard poodle (although they require grooming every now and then -- easy though just to trim them down if you have no plans on showing the dog). Poodles don't even shed and make wonderful, active, social, easy-going companions. I know combinations like poodle-rotty, poodle-husky, poodle-doberman and all get along really nicely.

e: Also... As your current dog is only 10 months old and being a staffy, he is not matured yet and things might and probably will change (e.g. how he goes with other dogs) so the safest bet would be to get a dog of the opposite sex.

So you recommend a breed that is used for hunting Maybe learn about your breeds before suggesting what owners should do with them or not

[blakkjackal]

Do you intend to hunt? If not, then my first choice would definitely not be a gun dog (or hunting dog of any sort, actually). Whilst they make great pets and active companions the best thing for them would be hunting and I hope all of us strive to provide ideal conditions and activities for all of our dogs. Just like I wouldn't get a husky unless I was interested in sled dog sports etc. [unfortunately I see this is a growing trend]

I too would suggest a dalmatian or even a standard poodle (although they require grooming every now and then -- easy though just to trim them down if you have no plans on showing the dog). Poodles don't even shed and make wonderful, active, social, easy-going companions. I know combinations like poodle-rotty, poodle-husky, poodle-doberman and all get along really nicely.

e: Also... As your current dog is only 10 months old and being a staffy, he is not matured yet and things might and probably will change (e.g. how he goes with other dogs) so the safest bet would be to get a dog of the opposite sex.

That's a silly argument! As long as you provide enough activity and mental stimulation, it is fine to get a breed for something other than it has been bred for! What about all of us who have herding breeds primarily for other sports such as agility or flyball? Or who get a GSD primarily for obedience?

There are several people who are very successful in agility with various pointer breeds - GSP and Vizsla mostly.

I don't think those things are any better. I think it's a little sad that the BC has become an agility and flyball dog instead of a sheep dog. I believe they should most definitely be used for herding too.

GSD's were never shepherds in the real sense of the world, they were more a shepherd's dog and have been bred for SchH and other work (army, defense etc.) for decades.

So many breeds have lost their purpose already, not every dog needs to become a "pet only". I'm sure there's plenty of breeds to choose from when wanting an all-round family dog.

To showdog; the poodle has lost most of its utility traits and it's a real shame. Because they have been bred to be pets and show dogs for so long I don't consider them much of a hunting dog anymore. They even belong to FCI group 9 these days (companion and toy dogs). Although it is heartwarming to see those few breeders that still breed fit for purpose type poodles.

Kavik; I never said they wouldn't do well in several sports including obedience and agility. They're most likely going to be absolutely brilliant in them. However, I don't think that should be their only purpose and job.

Edited April 5, 2013 by Hockz

[megan_]

* looks at her mini schnauzers* - sorry guys, off the bed and go hunt rats. Oh, and we have to give up agility and obedience too. Someone on the internet says so....

There are plenty of lower drive gun dogs to chose from.

[blakkjackal]

Oh, and we have to give up agility and obedience too. Someone on the internet says so....

Is this how you guys discuss? Not once did I say they couldn't do all of these things, you just shouldn't neglect the actual purpose of the breed.

I haven't heard of anyone using mini schnautzers as ratters anymore, they have been bred to a different direction for a long time. Pointers are primarily a hunting breed.

[luvmybulldog]

I've got a bulldog - what am I meant to do?

[blakkjackal]

I've got a bulldog - what am I meant to do?

Are those bulldogs still being bred for bull baiting? Didn't think so. I am not condoning any illegal activities FYI.

[Kavik]

Do you intend to hunt? If not, then my first choice would definitely not be a gun dog (or hunting dog of any sort, actually). Whilst they make great pets and active companions the best thing for them would be hunting and I hope all of us strive to provide ideal conditions and activities for all of our dogs. Just like I wouldn't get a husky unless I was interested in sled dog sports etc. [unfortunately I see this is a growing trend]

I too would suggest a dalmatian or even a standard poodle (although they require grooming every now and then -- easy though just to trim them down if you have no plans on showing the dog). Poodles don't even shed and make wonderful, active, social, easy-going companions. I know combinations like poodle-rotty, poodle-husky, poodle-doberman and all get along really nicely.

e: Also... As your current dog is only 10 months old and being a staffy, he is not matured yet and things might and probably will change (e.g. how he goes with other dogs) so the safest bet would be to get a dog of the opposite sex.

That's a silly argument! As long as you provide enough activity and mental stimulation, it is fine to get a breed for something other than it has been bred for! What about all of us who have herding breeds primarily for other sports such as agility or flyball? Or who get a GSD primarily for obedience?

There are several people who are very successful in agility with various pointer breeds - GSP and Vizsla mostly.

I don't think those things are any better. I think it's a little sad that the BC has become an agility and flyball dog instead of a sheep dog. I believe they should most definitely be used for herding too.

GSD's were never shepherds in the real sense of the world, they were more a shepherd's dog and have been bred for SchH and other work (army, defense etc.) for decades.

So many breeds have lost their purpose already, not every dog needs to become a "pet only". I'm sure there's plenty of breeds to choose from when wanting an all-round family dog.

To showdog; the poodle has lost most of its utility traits and it's a real shame. Because they have been bred to be pets and show dogs for so long I don't consider them much of a hunting dog anymore. They even belong to FCI group 9 these days (companion and toy dogs). Although it is heartwarming to see those few breeders that still breed fit for purpose type poodles.

Kavik; I never said they wouldn't do well in several sports including obedience and agility. They're most likely going to be absolutely brilliant in them. However, I don't think that should be their only purpose and job.

I think that people breeding dogs should keep in mind the breed's original purpose and it would be great if they all evaluated their dogs' abilities.

For those of us not interested in breeding, I say go for it and do whatever you like! There is a reason why a lot of people choose Border Collies and other herding breeds for sports - because the traits that make a great herding dog often translate to the traits that make a great dog for many sports. People who seriously get into their sports dedicate a lot of time to their training and exercising and that is what is required to keep a dog happy.

[Salukifan]

Hockz, if you're talking about an ideal world in which all dogs get to satisfy their inate drives by doing what they were bred to do, that's one thing (except for dogs of fighing ancestry of course).

To say that you shouldn't get a dog if you can't give it access to its original function does two things:

* severely restrict the number of breeds people can consider as companions

* condemn highly popular breeds that can make fabulous pets to near extinction.

Fact is the most of the larger agility dogs I know that excell at the sport ARE utility gundogs or larger working breeds. I'm sorry but your suggestion that these dogs somehow lead lesser lives because they don't hunt or herd just doesn't sit well with me.

FYI coursing live game IS illegal in every Australian state I'm aware of. But a lot of very high prey drive dogs will not course a lure. They know it's not real so they're just no interested.

Edited April 5, 2013 by Haredown Whippets

[blakkjackal]

I'm just giving the OP something to consider. I strive for ideal and choose my dogs to suit my needs and intended activities. If given the choice I won't choose the one that has major traits that are undesirable for my current lifestyle.

No, they might not lead lesser lives but why would you choose something that would be happier doing something else? I know dogs don't know what they're missing, but generally I wouldn't intentionally pick something that is intended to do something very different.

[Salukifan]

I'm just giving the OP something to consider. I strive for ideal and choose my dogs to suit my needs and intended activities. If given the choice I won't choose the one that has major traits that are undesirable for my current lifestyle.

No, they might not lead lesser lives but why would you choose something that would be happier doing something else? I know dogs don't know what they're missing, but generally I wouldn't intentionally pick something that is intended to do something very different.

And yet you've recommended a traditional water retrieving breed and a carriage protection dog? Why wouldn't you recommend breeds that are very successful at the sports they compete in?

[Kavik]

There are no breeds that I know of that were developed for agility or obedience, so in your ideal world what breed should the top level competitors choose as the dog for their sport?

Considering that a lot of the top level competitors have BCs.

[Salukifan]

There are no breeds that I know of that were developed for agility or obedience, so in your ideal world what breed should the top level competitors choose as the dog for their sport?

Considering that a lot of the top level competitors have BCs.

Although, ironically, obedience has its origins in training a gundog to work beside it's shooter. The dog heels on the left for a reason.

[Starkehre]

You also mentioned that your OH would like something like a Rottweiler or GSD. I've never owned either breed but I would imagine both are not really suited for agility (Rottweiler especially), however, I could be completely wrong here.

Both breeds are absolutely suited to Agility. They may or may not always be as fast as BC or Kelpies, but their strength, agility, stamina and work ethic lends them very well to agility. This is why they have been used in the military for so many years and now police work/schutzhund etc.

I have been competing in agility with Rottweilers for around 14 years, successfully. When my dogs gain passes they place more often than not.

GSDs that I have seen tend to be a little slower than Rottis, but also manage very well.

I am not necessarily suggesting that a Rottweiler is best suited to you as I don't know, but just popping in to explain about agility :)

[raineth]

I do agree with what Hockz said regarding the fact that the staff is10 months old, and that his adult temperament may be different to what it is now. It's just worth keeping in mind as he could be a bit more dominant etc by the time you get another dog.

Good luck with your decision :)

Personally I don't find it sad if breeds evolve over time. Breeds were developed in the first place to help humans with certain tasks. Human society has changed a lot over time and it makes sense to me that there will be changes to breeds because of this.

My Dane hasn't hunted any wild boar lately but she sure is one of the happiest dogs around :D

[Dogsfevr]

The OP has said they are looking at 2/3 yrs before getting another dog so the 10 months is irrelevant .

The dog will be mature & no doubt they will have a better idea of what will suit then or not suit as it does mature

[Nevafollo]

Do you intend to hunt? If not, then my first choice would definitely not be a gun dog (or hunting dog of any sort, actually). Whilst they make great pets and active companions the best thing for them would be hunting and I hope all of us strive to provide ideal conditions and activities for all of our dogs. Just like I wouldn't get a husky unless I was interested in sled dog sports etc. [unfortunately I see this is a growing trend]

I too would suggest a dalmatian or even a standard poodle (although they require grooming every now and then -- easy though just to trim them down if you have no plans on showing the dog). Poodles don't even shed and make wonderful, active, social, easy-going companions. I know combinations like poodle-rotty, poodle-husky, poodle-doberman and all get along really nicely.

e: Also... As your current dog is only 10 months old and being a staffy, he is not matured yet and things might and probably will change (e.g. how he goes with other dogs) so the safest bet would be to get a dog of the opposite sex.

Sorry but I really hope the OP doesnt take much of what you said very seriously!

I do not hunt and I have 3 x very content Pointers! If I worked on your theory when homing my last litter then I'd have 7 adolecent pointers hanging round the house... but then maybe Im a terrible owner anyway because i dont actively hunt with my dogs?!?!

Some people just want happy well breed well socialised pets they dont want a dog to take hunting. The average pet owner wants to take their dog for a big walk or run each day ect they dont want to teach their dogs to hunt! Besides the thing with pointers is if they want to stalk/hunt birdies/flies/moths ect they will. I have one who is pretty usless and frankly she was scared of my budgie :-/ But I also have a boy who is from hungarian hunting lines, I was told when i got him he would be a different kettle of fish and he has been. He has much more instinct than my girls and he will hunt through out the day but I dont think he cares much that he doesnt get to run in paddocks and truely hunt I make sure his brain is stimulated in other ways so its never been an issue!

[Bjelkier]

Do you intend to hunt? If not, then my first choice would definitely not be a gun dog (or hunting dog of any sort, actually). Whilst they make great pets and active companions the best thing for them would be hunting and I hope all of us strive to provide ideal conditions and activities for all of our dogs. Just like I wouldn't get a husky unless I was interested in sled dog sports etc. [unfortunately I see this is a growing trend]

Although I believe breeders should be trying to keep the purpose of their chosen breed alive (within reason) I think it is very unreasonable to expect puppy owners to do so.

If I demanded every puppy person I had after my samoyeds sledded, herded reindeer and travelled around with their family living in tents I wouldn't sell too many puppies.

Nor would I sell my dogs to working sheep or cattle farms, they're not built for work in extreme heat.

So what am I suppose to do?

Never breed a dog again and watch the breed die out or be selective about the homes my puppies find and make sure that the people owning them are prepared to give other forms of exercise and mental stimulation that keep and dogs happy and healthy in a modern setting?

Edited April 5, 2013 by Bjelkier

[kima]

So many great, and at times amusing, responses! :laugh: It really has given me a lot to think about though.

I think i will definitely be making an effort to get down to some dog shows and spend some time getting to know the breeds. I have plenty of time to think and persuade OH at least :)It's also made me consider more seriously the idea of getting a rescue or retired show dog (still hopefully a pointer) as that way I can get a better idea how older Marlo and potential new dog will interact, it would mean missing the gorgeous chunky puppy stage though.. But again, lots of things to consider!

Again, thanks for the responses, overall it has been very helpful!

[Salukifan]

So many great, and at times amusing, responses! :laugh: It really has given me a lot to think about though.

I think i will definitely be making an effort to get down to some dog shows and spend some time getting to know the breeds. I have plenty of time to think and persuade OH at least :)It's also made me consider more seriously the idea of getting a rescue or retired show dog (still hopefully a pointer) as that way I can get a better idea how older Marlo and potential new dog will interact, it would mean missing the gorgeous chunky puppy stage though.. But again, lots of things to consider!

Again, thanks for the responses, overall it has been very helpful!

I think you'd probably find it easier to integrate a pup into a home with a mature dog of any breed.

[Nevafollo]

I tend to agree, I wouldnt be put off getting a puppy especially with a pointer will be easier for you to shape them to being exactly what you are after.