Tassie Posted July 8, 2015 Share Posted July 8, 2015 I know what you mean about the life span of Berners being a worry, but I believe that with the careful work being undertaken by good breeders, their expected life span has now improved dramatically .. into double figures now. And the ones that I know of are not sickly dogs, although as with any breed, there can be the odd exception. And I haven't lived with one, but I believe they do the tumbleweed thing, rather than the 'stick into everything' thing. Now the eyes following round the room thing ... hmmm ... agree that most of the dogs I would consider as good family dogs are going to do that :laugh: . BMD Club of Vic Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted July 8, 2015 Share Posted July 8, 2015 Don't think you HAVE to have a puppy to have a strong relationship :) My absolute favourite 'heart dog' as an adult was obtained by me at 2 yrs of age - we bonded in a short time - to the extent of him escaping from a commercial kennel situation, finding my car in the car park , and squeezing in the 1/2 open window , to sit on the the driver's seat !! What could I do , but take him home ? No way would I recommend a puppy to anyone with little kids ..yes, lots of families do it , but , as stated , it's like having another baby in the house!! Toilet training, chewing, illness, cleaning, play rules, vet visits, innoculations, entertaining, toys everywhere- AND the kids need to be trained as well ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steph M Posted July 8, 2015 Share Posted July 8, 2015 Now the eyes following round the room thing ... hmmm ... agree that most of the dogs I would consider as good family dogs are going to do that :laugh: . It's the look of luuurve! Haha. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purdie Posted July 8, 2015 Share Posted July 8, 2015 If you want a more independent Retriever then go with the Curly Coated Retriever .If you also still want to go with more of a challenge then perhaps also look at the Chesapeake Bay Retriever. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LisaCC Posted July 8, 2015 Share Posted July 8, 2015 If you want a more independent Retriever then go with the Curly Coated Retriever .If you also still want to go with more of a challenge then perhaps also look at the Chesapeake Bay Retriever. Chessies are much more difficult dogs. They are still bred for work and need a job, many of them in Australia being dual purpose bred. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
juice Posted July 8, 2015 Share Posted July 8, 2015 How about a cattle dog? My BT might look the part, but my cattle would be the one to actually protect us. BT's are not for everyone, they are clowns, you will laugh everyday at them, they love kids and are a great deterrant i have found, obedience, hmmmm, they need to know whats in it for them :laugh: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hunbun Posted July 8, 2015 Author Share Posted July 8, 2015 I'm getting more confused the more I think about this :D But I thought about what are things that are a must and one is definitely the coat/shedding. I can't live with a dog that leaves tonnes of hair on the floor constantly, especially the heavy short spikes... Also, it's important the dog likes to hang out with the kids, likes to play fetch, runs around the yard etc. I'm guessing that means a dog with the love eyes ;) But if those love eyes are not just following me around, then it might be ok. And then I guess the rest is slightly less important. I do think I would be fine with implementing rules and being consistent, I'm pretty strict... But perhaps a dog that will forgive a mistake here and there.. I'd prefer a puppy or a younger dog, but I agree it's very possible to bond with an older dog too. I still miss a little foster we had here, he was so my dog. But he didn't like the kids... So I'd still happily look at adopting and older dog. Juice, BTs sound like awesome dogs :D But the hair is a problem definitely.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purdie Posted July 8, 2015 Share Posted July 8, 2015 http://www.dogbreeds...s/#.VZ0XdLXq3ct Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miss Squish Posted July 8, 2015 Share Posted July 8, 2015 The Bergamasco sounds very close to what you are looking for :) They shed minimal hair, are usually flocked/corded , but can be brushed or flocks cut shorter for lower maintenance. The coat appears to be lots of work but it really isnt at all. Are a Medium to large dog. Great with kids Easy to train Not too clingy & needy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rascalmyshadow Posted July 8, 2015 Share Posted July 8, 2015 I haven't read through every post but based on your description I would be looking into Airedales, I have groomed many over the years and quite a few of them lived with young kids and were fabulous, one of the more recent ones was even trained to go into the classrooms to help encourage kids to read. They are a nice size, easy to train, for a coated breed they are not hard to maintain and they will protect you. Their main downfall is being antisocial with other dogs particularly smaller ones but if your aware and do the right training as a pup it shouldn't be a huge issue. I noticed a few people recommending standard poodles, I would not recommend one at all in your situation, they are high intelligence, high maintenance, high drive and are not forgiving with mistakes, they also require a lot of mental stimulation and exercise even as grown adults. Some of them have such a high prey drive they will chase anything that moves. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rebanne Posted July 8, 2015 Share Posted July 8, 2015 why not just keep fostering to you find the one that you can't give back? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hunbun Posted July 8, 2015 Author Share Posted July 8, 2015 Oh I don't think I've ever looked at a Bergamasco before, very interesting! Sounds like a lovely dog, but I have to say I don't really like the flocks... I'll add Airedale to my list. Would you say that if heaviky socialised with other dogs as a pup they would be ok with dogs? I have always thought we would end up with more than one dog.. And also I would like to foster every now and then. Rebanne- I will keep fostering, but majority of the large dogs that need a foster home have a short coat and shed heavily... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purdie Posted July 9, 2015 Share Posted July 9, 2015 This thread has started me doing research again for a dog for me.I also have allergies so it does make it harder. http://www.showdog.c...edselector.aspx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leah82 Posted July 9, 2015 Share Posted July 9, 2015 old english sheepdog? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted July 9, 2015 Share Posted July 9, 2015 <br />why not just keep fostering to you find the one that you can't give back?<br /><br /><br /><br />perfect :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rascalmyshadow Posted July 9, 2015 Share Posted July 9, 2015 (edited) I have found if brought up correctly, taken to a good puppy obedience class and continued training and exposure to other dogs/animals Airedales are ok. Two I used to groom lived with Fox Terriers, one lived with a Petite Bassett, two lived with other Airedales, one lived with a Jack Russell and two Standard Poodles, one was an only dog and another lives with two cats (they are the ones I can think of at the moment but there have been quite a few more over the years). Not sure if your in Vic but here the club does big meet up days where the dogs and owners get to meet and socialise, amazing seeing so many of them romping and having fun together. Edited July 9, 2015 by Rascalmyshadow Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hunbun Posted July 9, 2015 Author Share Posted July 9, 2015 Thanks Rascal, I'm in QLD, but I'm sure I can meet some here as well :) I do like OEL, not sure how much they shed, but will look into it. I also looked at Briards, gorgeous dogs, love their family and don't shed much, but again not the easiest dogs to train and handle.. There's a show on in Samford this Saturday, I'll try and make it to that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cat Posted July 9, 2015 Share Posted July 9, 2015 (edited) 1436399004[/url]' post='6715450']Oh I don't think I've ever looked at a Bergamasco before, very interesting! Sounds like a lovely dog, but I have to say I don't really like the flocks... I'll add Airedale to my list. Would you say that if heaviky socialised with other dogs as a pup they would be ok with dogs? I have always thought we would end up with more than one dog.. And also I would like to foster every now and then. Rebanne- I will keep fostering, but majority of the large dogs that need a foster home have a short coat and shed heavily... I socialised Hamish heavily as a pup and he loves other dogs. I have another dog and most Airedale owners I know do too. If you are on Facebook maybe join the AireNet Australia group to learn more and chat with Airedale people. I don't know where in Qld you are but I know they have get togethers there now and again. It may be a good opportunity to meet some and see what you think. Edited July 9, 2015 by Cat Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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