Opinions On Some Breeds * PUPPY UPDATE PG 4*

[dididog]

I've been playing around with the idea of getting a 2nd dog by the end of 2017 so may as well start narrowing down potential breeds now so I can research further and start doing some looking around for a breeder I really like!

Currently have a 43-45kg Dane mix but would like to downsize to something about 13-30kg. I'm after something more athletic than Didi, would be getting at the very least an hour of off lead exercise with a second on lead walk/jog if needed, lots of playing (the dog and human kind) and in summer we spend a lot of time swimming so I'd like something fairly water inclined. Living in the city I need something fairly good offlead as it won't be able to stretch its legs other wise! Didi is pretty cool about missing walks so I'd like a dog that can make do with no walk every now and then. Training wise, I'd like to trial in rally o at the very least but try our hand at most things (not that interested in agility though) so having a biddable and keen dog would be nice but I get pretty good results with Didi who can be tricky so I don't mind a bit of a challenge.

Honestly the most important thing is that it has a solid temperament and is quite people friendly, I need a dog I can confidently take anywhere (with proper training and socialisation of course). I don't need lab-style exuberance but something that is normally good with strangers. Didi is more than dog-social enough for me so I don't mind if 2nd dog is just happy to interact/ignore rather than be everyone's best friend. Didi also has the whole bodyguard role covered so don't need a watchdog breed.

I love how easy Didi is to live with, she isn't destructive, calm around the house and doesn't care about being left alone. I'm not 100% on what my work/home balance will be like that far in the future but worst case scenario I'll be gone 8 hours a day during the week, I'm a pretty big homebody and spend my down time doing stuff with the dog. Barking drives me nuts so nothing that likes the sound of its own voice. Not sure where I'll be living in 2017 or from then on but will probably only have a small yard. My future career may require me to move overseas at some point so something good with cold climates is a plus.

Grooming doesn't really matter to me if everything else suits I'm willing to do what's required, I'm somewhat allergic to dogs but Didi's smooth coat doesn't set me off unless I get really slack with the vacuuming. Really not a fan of double coats like labs/gsd's/huskies and they tend to make me react more.

Some breeds I really love and from my research would probably suit are: Standard Poodle, Standard Schnauzer, Brittany, Boxer, Cocker Spaniel, Pointer, GSP(these are Didi's personal favourite too). So any insight on these would be great!

Or any other breeds you think would suit? Aesthetically I like square/leggy breeds and prefer if it comes in some variation of black!

Edited June 17, 2017 by dididog

[LisaCC]

Apart that most would probably be just over 30kgs I was going to suggest Labs until you said no lab hair!

[dididog]

Apart that most would probably be just over 30kgs I was going to suggest Labs until you said no lab hair!

I may also be one of those awful people who doesn't really like labs...

Every one I've met has been lovely but I just don't get them!

Edited June 7, 2015 by Terri S.

[persephone]

..and remember, Didi's calmness etc will most likely change/disappear with another dog living with her ;)

[denali]

All of those dogs would work :)

Standard Poodle: I have always loved these, but atm am not game to own a large coated dog. Even though i am a dog groomer So intelligent but so pretty.

Standard Schnauzer: Know quite a few brilliant ones, though know some very temperamental, snappy and sometimes downright dangerous ones. Though I would say they are BYB and a reputable breeder and proper socialiation/neutralisation would give you a dog in the former category. Needs regular clipping or stripping.

Brittany: My friend owns these and they are awesome little dogs. They are very happy just lazing on the couch or out doing agility :)

Boxer: So goofy, will make you laugh every day for their entire life.

Cocker Spaniel: needs regular grooming, they are a good small/medium breed. Very happy go lucky. Also happy to miss a walk. Sometimes prone to seperation anxiety.

GSP pointer: LOVE the black and white versions of these- so pretty. They are awesome dogs. Would definitely work.

Edited June 7, 2015 by denali

[aussielover]

A GSP or pointer or poodle or boxer would probably work best with didi by the sounds of things. I personally would try to keep my dogs within around 10kg of each other as I think it can lead to better, safer play. That's assuming you want them to be playmates though.

Keep in mind GSPs are usually more exuberant and goofy than labs and tend to mature quite late. In my experience they tend to really mature and work consistently at around 6-8 years which can be a long time for some. Luckily they are an athletic breed and have quite a long performance life- often competing successfully at older ages. If you're keen to do lots of dog sports then this would be my pick out of your selection.

A pointer may also suit as they tend to be calmer than GSPs but have a similar look.

Boxers are very cute and I think meet a lot of your requirements. They are very playful and outgoing. They're usually pretty laid back in the home as well.

I think Brittany's and cockers would frustrate me as they seem to be a bit scatter brained and very birdy. But when they are on and focussed they're certainly great dogs! If unpredictable performance doesn't worry you then they may also suit. They seem pretty happy and friendly dogs.

I have heard standard poodles can be barkers.

I don't know anything about standard schnauzers except to say the seem less athletic than your other choices but if you're not into agility or flyball then it may not matter?

Edited June 8, 2015 by aussielover

[*kirty*]

Aussie Shepherd. Go to a good breeder who will help you choose a more laid back dog. Our clinic dog is an Aussie. He is incredibly smart and switches on as soon as you want him to, but the rest of the time he is a couch potato. :)

[Stressmagnet]

Not all Labradors are ridiculous over exuberant idiots. :D

Get a good breeder, tell them what you want and you'd be surprised. They aren't Guide Dogs and Service Dogs for nothing!

[Purdie]

A GSP would be good;the one i had would have suited you perfectly.Perhaps a Curly Coated Retriever ,I like to mention them when i can as they are often overlooked.

[dididog]

Thanks kirty and SM. While I think Aussies are beautiful I don't quite want to make a jump from laziest dog in the world to a working breed! Plus I'm not too keen on the coat type. SM, don't get me wrong I think labs are awesome (I live near the Guide Dog training center in Melbourne, see so many lovely working dogs around) but still don't see myself wanting to own one

aussielover- think you have a point with the size difference. While the second dog is mainly for me, Didi loves to play so it'd be good if they could let loose every now and then without her having to be careful all the time so I might have to save a Cocker for later down the line! Std Schnauzers are a fair bit bigger though and quite robust for their size, Didi has one that's a really good match for her and they get pretty into it with no dramas. Though they do seem the most likely of the lot to be temperamental/be reserved with strangers.

I would say the poodle, brittany, boxer and GSP are the ones that I lean toward the most. With the poodle I'd be worried about coat upkeep and whether one would gel with Didi. The boxer I'd be worried about health problems (cancer and heart problems seem fairly prevalent?) and the fact they are REALLY boisterous (which is part of their charm I suppose). The GSP I'd be worried about being able to meet their energy needs, the ones I know could go all day but they've all been really well behaved and attentive for adolescents. The Brittany I think would be pretty perfect if it was a tad bigger, has the energy and friendly gundog demeanor I'm after.

Purdie- I actually quite like Curly Coats but the one I know is pretty much as big as Didi so not much of a downsize! He's also a bit of a turd so I'd have to meet a few more to see what they're like.

[Steph M]

Thanks kirty and SM. While I think Aussies are beautiful I don't quite want to make a jump from laziest dog in the world to a working breed!

I would say the poodle, brittany, boxer and GSP are the ones that I lean toward the most.

Britts are pretty full on in my experience, the ones I have met are true working dogs and Pointers can be the same, lots end up in pounds for that same reason. They need a lot of stimulation, a lot of exercise and a job to do.

[dididog]

Thanks kirty and SM. While I think Aussies are beautiful I don't quite want to make a jump from laziest dog in the world to a working breed!

I would say the poodle, brittany, boxer and GSP are the ones that I lean toward the most.

Britts are pretty full on in my experience, the ones I have met are true working dogs and Pointers can be the same, lots end up in pounds for that same reason. They need a lot of stimulation, a lot of exercise and a job to do.

Guess I was just trying to more nicely phrase that I'm not a huge fan of working dog types but when I say working dog I'm more referring to the ANKC group which is predominately herding breeds like the Aussie which tend to have different ways of operating to gun dogs not just in terms of energy/stimulation but with the way they interact with strangers and play with other dogs as well.

I'm fairly sure 2hrs of exercise and regular training for obedience/whatever else I decide to try out should be fine for a Britt or GSP or an Aussie for that matter but I'm definitely conscious of the fact anything's a step up from Didi energy wise... but that's kind of what I want!

Edited June 8, 2015 by Terri S.

[Purdie]

The female Curly Coats are smaller than the males.The only other water loving breed i can think of is the Irish water Spaniel.

I don't know a lot about them but you could keep one in a short clip .

Perhaps an Airedale or Irish Terrier .?

Edited June 8, 2015 by Purdie

[RuralPug]

Given that you want to avoid double coated dogs, which takes labradors and goldens off the list, I would probably keep looking at the other gundogs - any of the pointers would do you I think. Look hard at the pointer itself, they tend to be a tad less boisterous than the GSPs etc.

Any of the setters would be the right size, activity level and drive level you are looking for but biddability varies (not a concern given that you manage well with a Dane cross) and you would need to find a breeder who could pick the pup with the right temperament from a litter for you.

The various water spaniels (Irish, Curly Coated, Maurray Rivers) all tend to be more aloof with strangers that the setters (and some of the setters are fairly aloof) so they would be less likely.

Standard Schnauzers are a guarding breed and should come off your list .

Although all the Danes and Dane crosses I know are very gentle when playing with smaller breeds I notice that they have the most fun themselves when they can romp with something closer to their own size, so for that reason only I would avoid the spaniels on your list.

But I think that the Standard Poodle, Boxer, GSP and Pointer are all great possibilities.

[Willowlane]

I have a cocker spaniel, Welsh Springer Spaniel and now a new English Springer Spaniel puppy and they are the most joyful dogs. Playful and yet can miss a day of walking and just chill on the couch. My cocker spaniel has proved super quick in learning with obedience training. There coats are easy to maintain, a brush once a week and we have them professionally washed and groomed every 4-6 weeks.

I just adore them

[Dogsfevr]

I would also factor into your plan maybe moving overseas ,the bigger the dog the more expensive it becomes to ship them & the costs are going up & up .so if shipping to very large breeds start saving .

Having an energetic breed isn't about exercising them infact thinking longer walks will make them livable is not true.any dog will walk for how ever long you want,making it happy the other 22 hrs is the main factor.

GSP i have alot to do with energy levels are nothing but living with them is another thing they can be insanely needy & not cope on there own very much like Weis,when the right scenario works there awesome dogs but they can also be your worse nightmare

Pointers are far easier to live with & quieter .

The problem with Std Schnauzers is often the people that get them want a Mini but in the next size up,they are not a Mini but a true working dog that needs owners who can offer them that respect,they are truly loyal to there owners .This breed is too smart for its own good & make a wonderful all purpose dog & thrive at all dog sports,like any working breed they learn quickly & get frustrated quickly & will out smart any owner who doesn't respect them.They are very agile & so quick on there feet & used as police dogs in Europe & of course Cancer sniffer dogs in the US plus many other jobs .

As for Setters they wouldn't fit into the OPs weight range ,would be rare to get a Setter under 30 kg .

Depending on where ypu may end u overseas you copuld have a far better choice of breeds that we don't have here ,like in t he US the Picardys are wonderful dogs

[Rascalmyshadow]

I would be leaning towards the pointer, they tend to be quite well rounded, friendly and easy to train, otherwise a boxer would be my next choice.

I wouldn't go the standard poodle they are a working dog often with very high drive and keeping them content and maintained is a huge job, if you want to take them swimming regularly they need to be bathed and blow dried every time, also will not to well in a small yard left alone for long periods, they like to be with their people.

[sas]

When getting another dog it's best to match their energy or go a bit less. It's not going to be fair to get an active dog when your current dog isn't. You also need a size/weight appropriate dog for the Dane x. Breed isn't important.

[Guest donatella]

Apart that most would probably be just over 30kgs I was going to suggest Labs until you said no lab hair!

I may also be one of those awful people who doesn't really like labs...

Every one I've met has been lovely but I just don't get them!

God me too! I don't know what it is about them but I don't get the hype I find the goldens way more attractive if I was looking into that sort of dog.

[dididog]

I would also factor into your plan maybe moving overseas ,the bigger the dog the more expensive it becomes to ship them & the costs are going up & up .so if shipping to very large breeds start saving .

The problem with Std Schnauzers is often the people that get them want a Mini but in the next size up,they are not a Mini but a true working dog that needs owners who can offer them that respect,they are truly loyal to there owners .This breed is too smart for its own good & make a wonderful all purpose dog & thrive at all dog sports,like any working breed they learn quickly & get frustrated quickly & will out smart any owner who doesn't respect them.They are very agile & so quick on there feet & used as police dogs in Europe & of course Cancer sniffer dogs in the US plus many other jobs .

As for Setters they wouldn't fit into the OPs weight range ,would be rare to get a Setter under 30 kg .

Depending on where ypu may end u overseas you copuld have a far better choice of breeds that we don't have here ,like in t he US the Picardys are wonderful dogs

The plan to move overseas is very vague, I will be an urban planner once I graduate which has a lot of opportunity to work in North America in Europe so I am keeping in mind what I buy in a few years might need to come with me so that's why I'm wanting something smaller to be more flexible.

Yeah I got the impression that the Std's were very different from the Minis and a lot more work, the Std was the original size wasn't it? I still really like them but I think there's too big a possibility of it not working well. I also love Gordon Setters but you're right - too big and I get the impression not very well suited to my situation at the moment.

When getting another dog it's best to match their energy or go a bit less. It's not going to be fair to get an active dog when your current dog isn't. You also need a size/weight appropriate dog for the Dane x. Breed isn't important.

Didi is active and fit, she is capable of doing a lot of exercise and playing with breeds a lot more intense than her, it's just she doesn't have the body type to support a lot of athletic activities and she prefers to sleep a lot.

I think that's the first time I've seen someone say on DOL that breed isn't important! This is a dog for me! That I have to live with and want to train and compete with and will probably own for many more years after Didi has passed on.Yes I want it to be somewhat compatible with my current dog which is why I'm sticking with breeds I know she plays well with but it isn't a top priority.