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Getting a family puppy

  • 30-10-2014 09:54AM
    #1
    Msrob
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 62 ✭✭


    I'm on the look out for a new family pet I am looking for something small but not snappy we live in the countryside but in a cottage and we have two hyper boys I would love a golden retriever but I think it may be too big! I also love the Bassett hounds but my partner isn't too keen on them 😭 anyone any suggestions?


Comments

  • #2
    sillysmiles
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,170 ✭✭✭sillysmiles


    Are you looking for a rescue dog?
    What age are the kids? (small hyper people may not be a good combination with a small puppy)
    What kind of experience do you have with dogs?
    What way to do see the dog fitting into your lifestyle?


  • #3
    Msrob
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 62 ✭✭Msrob


    sillysmiles wrote: »
    Are you looking for a rescue dog?
    What age are the kids? (small hyper people may not be a good combination with a small puppy)
    What kind of experience do you have with dogs?
    What way to do see the dog fitting into your lifestyle?
    I'm not keen on a rescue dog as I'm afraid of it snapping at the kids?! They are 5&6 were outdoorsy people


  • #4
    zef
    Closed Accounts Posts: 947 ✭✭✭zef


    Any dog or pup could snap at the kids realistically.


  • #5
    seefin
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,079 ✭✭✭seefin


    If you go to a good animal rescue(where in country are you? ) they've usually had the dog in foster and woo know how suitable if is for your family. They assess temperament of dog beforehand. if they're a decent rescue, they'll insist on your having a secure garden and allowing dog to live indoors and be part of the family.


  • #6
    Msrob
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 62 ✭✭Msrob


    I realise any dog can snap thanks

    Thanks for the info regarding rescues I live close to one but we are more keen on getting a pup


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  • #7
    borderlinemeath
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,358 ✭✭✭borderlinemeath


    Msrob wrote: »
    I'm not keen on a rescue dog as I'm afraid of it snapping at the kids?! They are 5&6 were outdoorsy people

    There's a misconception that because a dog has a past that it was automatically bad and will have behavioural issues. The truth is that good reputable rescues place dogs with foster homes to get a frank and honest assessment of the dog, any traits it might show and whether it is suitable for a home with children, or cats, or anything that might possibly lead the dog to be fearful and possibly aggressive.

    A nippy puppy with needle sharp teeth around children can be just as hard to manage, if not harder than a properly assessed rescue dog. And it needs housetraining too. :)

    TBH I'm not a fan of many of the "small" dog breeds around children, unless they've been born and reared around kids and been lifted and handled since the day they were born. Most dogs aren't fans of being lifted, but their small size makes them irresistible to kids who want to pick them up and cuddle them and this is what tends to make them a bit snappy when they've had enough.

    Nothing wrong with a well bred goldie once the hard work and training is put in from puppyhood, in particular loose lead walking and discouragment of jumping up. All very cute when they're pups but a 30kg dog jumping on a 6yr old could do damage. And while basset hounds look fab they are a breed I wouldn't be a huge fan of for a couple of reasons. Scenthounds in general can be much harder to train, but I think bassets are one of the most stubborn of the hounds and can be harder still! Plus they can have terrible health issues, ears, eyes, a myriad of joint problems, obesity, epilepsy...the list goes on. A very expensive breed to maintain and insurance would be a necessity.


  • #8
    andreac
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,000 ✭✭✭andreac


    I def would not recommend a Bassett hound as a family pet. They are very stubborn and head strong and can have awful issues with their ears, health wise.


  • #9
    kylith
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,739 ✭✭✭✭kylith


    I wouldn't recommend small dogs for children, they can be easily hurt by accident and some terrier breeds will take no nonsense or rough handling, even if raised with kids from puppyhood.

    Why do you think a goldie would be too big? If I were you I'd go to your local rescue, tell them what you're looking for, and they'll be able to match you with the best dog for you.


  • #10
    tk123
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13,970 ✭✭✭✭tk123


    Msrob wrote: »
    I would love a golden retriever but I think it may be too big

    For your house or the kids...or you comfort level? :o I have 2 retrievers. Who are fine with kids and will sit and be petted with them or if the kids are a bit afraid I'll have them do some tricks and they warm up to them straight away. My youngest one came from a house with 3 boys so was well used when she came to me!! They can be nippy like any other pup and you'll have to educate both the kids and the pup on what's expected around each other.

    Baldy bred retrievers can resource guard and be fearful so if you're thinking of buying one or any breed of pup really you need to go to a reputable breeder who does all the relevant health tests and socialises the puppies in their home.

    NO reputable breeder will have puppies fir Christmas so if you were maybe thinking of a present from Santa hold off until the new year with maybe a present to the boys for the puppy at Christmas.


  • #11
    cocker5
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,274 ✭✭✭cocker5


    OP,

    Just a couple of questions if you don’t mind, the answers may help narrow down a breed

    Do you have a secure garden?
    Where will the dog be sleeping?
    Realistically how much exercise will the dog get per day?
    How long will the dog be alone each day?

    On the puppy / dog snapping thing my sister got the most beautiful cocker pup, female 4 months ago, from an excellent breeder at 10 weeks old, she has 2 kids 8/6 and the dog has snapped and growled at the kids, when she was trying to sleep in fairness so totally the kids fault, so rescue dogs are no more of a risk than puppies or dogs from breeders – if a puppy / dog is pushed hard enough it WILL snap and bite…. it’s all about teaching your kids boundaries with the dog and respect and vice versa giving the dog rules and its own space - it’s not one way street im afraid– regardless of what age the dog is and where it came from.


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  • #12
    sillysmiles
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,170 ✭✭✭sillysmiles


    I currently have a black lab that was originally rescued from the pound (no background information) and lived with my sister for a few months. He is a softie and great with kids and cats.
    In my family (siblings) there is a golden lab, a lab x, a spaniel, a shetland, and a husky x - all rescues and all great with kids and no snapping.
    Not saying you have to get a rescue, but going to a rescue you have an idea of the personality of the dog, where as a pup can be a bit of an unknown. (I think). There is also a lot of puppies in rescues at the moment.
    If you are looking at buying a puppy please read the sticky about puppy farming first so you know what to look for and please avoid the likes of donedeal etc for buying a puppy.


  • #13
    ShaShaBear
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,528 ✭✭✭ShaShaBear


    The important thing to be aware of is that nomatter where you get a puppy from... they all bite.
    Seriously, go play with someone's puppy and you will see. They nip and bite, gnaw and scratch as part of developmental learning. Don't be fooled into thinking only aggressive dogs with a bad past are capable of biting. Every single puppy will bite, and the tendency for a parent or child to slap a pup after it has bitten only makes them fearful of your hand and more likely to bite it the next time it comes close to protect themselves. If your kids are particularly hyperactive a puppy is probably the worst pet you could get. And very few of the small breeds are known for being good with children. They notoriously have shorter tempers (most likely due to their small size in comparison to children) than bigger dogs. Not that it matters if you get a puppy, because like I said (am I getting this across), all puppies bite.


  • #14
    ABajaninCork
    Closed Accounts Posts: 8,411 ✭✭✭ABajaninCork


    Why are people trying to push the OP towards a rescue? I don't remember them asking for one. Only three posters have given advice more in line with what the OP wants...


  • #15
    ShaShaBear
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,528 ✭✭✭ShaShaBear


    ABajaninCork wrote: »
    Why are people trying to push the OP towards a rescue? I don't remember them asking for one. Only three posters have given advice more in line with what the OP wants...

    I think its more frustration at the OPs obvious misconception that buying a puppy will mean she will get a safe, well-adjusted family pet and getting a dog out of a rescue will undoubtedly bite her children. Like I said, a puppy is not a good idea for someone who is trying to avoid a biting dog, and in most instances, a rescue dog (or puppy, plenty of those in rescue too) will have been seen by a vet, behaviourally-anazlysed, properly supervised and studied in a home setting and usually neutered to prevent another unwanted litter. This is aeons more than the OP can expect from the bog-standard DoneDeal puppy, although again like I said, it doesn't solve her problem of not wanting a biting dog.


  • #16
    looking_around
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,491 ✭✭✭looking_around


    ABajaninCork wrote: »
    Why are people trying to push the OP towards a rescue? I don't remember them asking for one. Only three posters have given advice more in line with what the OP wants...

    because alot of people here have seen, first hand, the harm of puppy farming. Many here will also be connected to rescues, with personal experience of just how many dogs get looked over because "they're not a cute adorable puppy".

    There's also the worry that it's just another christmas puppy. ):

    And lastly because a rescue is the best way to get a dog at a temperament/behaviour that suits the family.
    _____
    OP, why do you want a dog?

    Small dogs are known for being snappy, although like any dog they can be good too but it's more common for larger dogs to be calm and patient with kids.

    Here's a thread with a similar question, that might be worth reading through OP.
    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055775242


  • #17
    ABajaninCork
    Closed Accounts Posts: 8,411 ✭✭✭ABajaninCork


    But like you say SSB- ALL puppies bite!! Come to think of it, ALL dogs will bite if pushed hard enough. My tuppence worth? The OP needs to educate her children how to behave around a dog and not tease it...


  • #18
    ShaShaBear
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,528 ✭✭✭ShaShaBear


    ABajaninCork wrote: »
    But like you say SSB- ALL puppies bite!! Come to think of it, ALL dogs will bite if pushed hard enough. My tuppence worth? The OP needs to educate her children how to behave around a dog and not tease it...

    I fully agree with you. Not pushing for rescue either as I am fully of the opinion (believe it or not as many on here actually are) that there is nothing wrong with buying a fantastically-bred, properly socialised and vet-treated puppy off a reputable IKC-registered breeder who strictly follows protocol and only produces top notch puppies. But at the same time I feel it's important to point out that these puppies are just as likely to bite as the puppy that is in rescue because that breeder couldn't sell it.
    Without sounding rude, being of the opinion that you can't adopt a rescue dog because it might bite usually suggests ignorance on dog behaviour and characteristics in general, which would suggest a person needs to do a lot more research on their choice of getting a dog as a pet. And you are right, if she has hyperactive kids, she will probably spend more time training them than she will training a dog - and if she is expecting no bites, the puppy she ends up with could unfortunately end up taking a trip to rescue very quick :(


  • #19
    Karen91
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 115 ✭✭Karen91


    If you get a puppy it will bite, puppies explore with their mouth and its part of their learning. I have one year old pomeranian and I know how much it hurts when they nip small breeds have teeth like needles. Small breeds are short fused and will not tolerate a child handling them rough. Small breeds are not good for outdoor people unless your talking a terrier which i would not trust with hyper children. Small breeds get tired on long walks, I know my one does, we go to the beach alot to walk and I had to get her a pet stroller so she could sit in and take rests because after an hour she gets tired. A larger breed like a golden retriever would be best but it still does not mean it wont snap when provoked, children must be educated on respecting animals. And no matter what breed you get if you get a puppy prepare for nipping and biting especially when they are teething!


  • #20
    dockleaf
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 158 ✭✭dockleaf


    We got a mongrel puppy from a local farm, she's a mix of a cocker and neighbours sheep dog. Like the other posters said, she was nippy as a puppy, but it's more play biting like any puppy. You have to train them not to bite by endlessly saying ah ah, no biting, gently holding their muzzle closed when they nip or giving them something they are allowed to bite on. She's six months now, and still play biting from time to time, but much less and much more gentle. I know it's great to rehome a dog from a rescue too, but it is nice to see kids with a puppy and teaching them how to train the dog. Kids go very well with puppies, they both have loads of energy, and endless capacity to play. Having a puppy has meant our kids, already pretty outdoorsy, have spent the entire summer and autumn outdoors, sun or rain. It's a learning process though, when you first get a puppy, although they seem to have loads of energy you can't actually bring them for long walks, our vet gave us loads of advice and no doubt, yours will too. She is very much part of the family now, but you get out of a dog what you are willing to put into it- lots of hard work and training will give you a loving, biddable dog. We have loads still to train- she'll sit and give the paw, still working on straining on the lead, and she'll fetch but still reluctant to give up her prize! We got our girl at the very start of the summer, which I think is a nice time of year to get a dog too, this time of year it's more mucky outdoors and you will be in and out a lot, training, so expect a doggy smelling, mucky area around the back door if you get a dog now!


  • #21
    The Bishop Basher
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,279 ✭✭✭The Bishop Basher


    I stopped reading and posting in this forum some time ago because I found it to be very preachy when people post looking for advice about bringing the joy of a dog into their lives. I clicked on this from the front page by chance and sorry to see nothing has changed :-(

    OP - well done on deciding to get a dog. It's one of the greatest joys in life next to kids and will
    give you and your family years of enjoyment. Unfortunately small tends to equal snappy and yappy so might be better to look at some of the mid sized breeds.

    From a biased standpoint I would recommend a boxer given their kind and easy nature particularly around children. They can have health problems just like any breed but the risk of this can be minimised by buying from a well established and reputable breeder. They never really grow up which can make them hard work but equally fun to be around.

    There are plenty of other mid sized breed out there you can pick from. Have a look for the sites online where you can input all your preferences and requirements and it will give you a list of suitable choices. Might be a good starting point.

    Anyway, best of luck with your search. It's an exciting time and your kids will be forever grateful as the pooch will become a massive part of their lives and will never be forgotten.


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  • #22
    ShaShaBear
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,528 ✭✭✭ShaShaBear


    Swanner wrote: »
    I stopped reading and posting in this forum some time ago because I found it to be very preachy when people post looking for advice about bringing the joy of a dog into their lives. I clicked on this from the front page by chance and sorry to see nothing has changed :-(

    OP - well done on deciding to get a dog. It's one of the greatest joys in life next to kids and will
    give you and your family years of enjoyment. Unfortunately small tends to equal snappy and yappy so might be better to look at some of the mid sized breeds.

    From a biased standpoint I would recommend a boxer given their kind and easy nature particularly around children. They can have health problems just like any breed but the risk of this can be minimised by buying from a well established and reputable breeder. They never really grow up which can make them hard work but equally fun to be around.

    There are plenty of other mid sized breed out there you can pick from. Have a look for the sites online where you can input all your preferences and requirements and it will give you a list of suitable choices. Might be a good starting point.

    Anyway, best of luck with your search. It's an exciting time and your kids will be forever grateful as the pooch will become a massive part of their lives and will never be forgotten.

    I don't see what is preachy about enlightening someone who says they want a dog that won't bite and a puppy in the same sentence? :rolleyes:


  • #23
    Msrob
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 62 ✭✭Msrob


    Thanks for all the replies!! I will not be buying a pup from a puppy farm I plan on buying a reg ikc dog/pup. I am not ignorant about pups biting I know every pup bites I came on here for people's advice about a breed to get. Thank you to those that answered my question.


  • #24
    ShaShaBear
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,528 ✭✭✭ShaShaBear


    Msrob wrote: »
    Thanks for all the replies!! I will not be buying a pup from a puppy farm I plan on buying a reg ikc dog/pup. I am not ignorant about pups biting I know every pup bites I came on here for people's advice about a breed to get. Thank you to those that answered my question.

    You do know that puppy farmers can register their pups with the IKC as well right?


  • #25
    Msrob
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 62 ✭✭Msrob


    Great! Thanks for that info!


  • #26
    ShaShaBear
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,528 ✭✭✭ShaShaBear


    Msrob wrote: »
    Great! Thanks for that info!

    You need to be very, very careful where you go to get a IKC registered puppy. Pretty much any ad you might have been looking at on DoneDeal is a no already. You need to contact the Club for the breed you are interested in, get in touch with one of their registered breeders and possibly go on a waiting list for their next litter of puppies. Expect to pay roughly double, or even triple the price you might have seen online.


  • #27
    cocker5
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,274 ✭✭✭cocker5


    Msrob wrote: »
    Thanks for all the replies!! I will not be buying a pup from a puppy farm I plan on buying a reg ikc dog/pup. I am not ignorant about pups biting I know every pup bites I came on here for people's advice about a breed to get. Thank you to those that answered my question.

    In order to help you pick a breed I posted and asked you some questions that might help make the choice easier - none were answered so without such info it's hard to recommend a breed.


  • #28
    Msrob
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 62 ✭✭Msrob


    cocker5 wrote: »
    OP,

    Just a couple of questions if you don’t mind, the answers may help narrow down a breed

    Do you have a secure garden?
    Where will the dog be sleeping?
    Realistically how much exercise will the dog get per day?
    How long will the dog be alone each day?

    On the puppy / dog snapping thing my sister got the most beautiful cocker pup, female 4 months ago, from an excellent breeder at 10 weeks old, she has 2 kids 8/6 and the dog has snapped and growled at the kids, when she was trying to sleep in fairness so totally the kids fault, so rescue dogs are no more of a risk than puppies or dogs from breeders – if a puppy / dog is pushed hard enough it WILL snap and bite…. it’s all about teaching your kids boundaries with the dog and respect and vice versa giving the dog rules and its own space - it’s not one way street im afraid– regardless of what age the dog is and where it came from.

    Yes I have a secure garden, at the moment I'm in college kids in school I have 2 long days 3 short and here all weekend, we are outdoorsy family and can walk the dog when my partner gets home, I plan for the dog to sleep in doors


  • #29
    tk123
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13,970 ✭✭✭✭tk123


    ShaShaBear wrote: »
    I don't see what is preachy about enlightening someone who says they want a dog that won't bite and a puppy in the same sentence? :rolleyes:

    I find it preachy tbh but accept that posts here are going to have the rescue agenda pushed at them from all sides so didn't bother replying again once it started. The OP had a misconception about rescue dogs which was addressed in one reply yet everyone else had to tell them exactly the same thing.

    My dog was bought from a breeder who I sourced via the breed club. She was picky with prospective owners and turned 3 away because they hinted that the dog would be a garden dog left outside all day. She was spayed yesterday at 17 months. Her hip and cruciate X-rays came back perfect and she's in perfect health and has a perfect temperament.

    Funnily enough she never bit anyone in the house as a pup because Bailey thought her what was acceptable behaviour from day one - Something the OP could possibly achieve by having their pup around a friend/family member's adult dog or having the puppy in socialisation classes as soon as possible. The classes I went to welcomed kids and had sections of the classes explaining what the kids should do if the pup was jumping up or nipping etc


  • #30
    DBB
    Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators Posts: 9,805 Mod ✭✭✭✭DBB


    Swanner wrote: »
    I stopped reading and posting in this forum some time ago because I found it to be very preachy when people post looking for advice about bringing the joy of a dog into their lives. I clicked on this from the front page by chance and sorry to see nothing has changed :-(

    This is not an appropriate comment to make on-thread. There are preachy people in every single forum on this website, and there are also people who give good advice but, because the op or other readers don't like what they're being told, are accused of being preachy too.
    Mods here have significantly cut down on the preachiness over the past couple of years
    But like I say, bringing such things up in a thread is entirely inappropriate. If you want to comment, either report preachy posts that you see (I haven't seen a reported post complaining of preachiness for some time, I might add), or pm the mod or cat mod team, or bring your concerns to the help desk forum. Plenty of ways for you to make your concerns felt, rather than back-handed comments which will drag the thread off topic.
    Do not reply to this post on thread.
    Thanks,
    DBB


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  • #31
    DBB
    Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators Posts: 9,805 Mod ✭✭✭✭DBB


    Now, to get back to this thread, which has generated no reported posts.
    I have no problem with posters addressing the op's misconceptions about rescued dogs. But there is no need for more than one person to suggest they try the rescue route, otherwise it turns into a haranguing session. Suggest it, then leave it be. If the op consequently expresses an interest in pursuing the rescue route, fine. It's open for discussion. But not unless the op expressly states it.
    If they expressly state they don't want a rescue dog, now that their concerns have been addressed, just leave the rescue route be.
    Do not reply to this post on thread.
    Thanks,
    DBB


  • #32
    NSAman
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,472 ✭✭✭NSAman


    Msrob wrote: »
    I'm not keen on a rescue dog as I'm afraid of it snapping at the kids?! They are 5&6 were outdoorsy people

    My last dog was a rescue. A labrador, a more loyal dog you could never find. Ok he had separation anxiety was horribly abused as a puppy and I got him along with stitches all over his face at a year old. He was absolutely fantastic, a real lover of people. Never snapped was a fantastic guard dog, and loved to simply snuggle with anyone on the couch. He had boundless energy and only wanted to please. Was brilliant with other dogs and animals. A more gentle and loving soul you could not find. Alas he developed brain cancer.

    I now have two labs who are very very similar, loving puppies two totally different personalities who are brilliant with kids and other dogs (still getting used to the cats).

    It all depends on how you treat dogs, how they develop. Smaller dogs IMO tend to have less tolerance, but it is all about training and knowing that they are part of the family dynamic.


  • #33
    muddypaws
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,614 ✭✭✭muddypaws


    Msrob wrote: »
    Yes I have a secure garden, at the moment I'm in college kids in school I have 2 long days 3 short and here all weekend, we are outdoorsy family and can walk the dog when my partner gets home, I plan for the dog to sleep in doors


    One thing that strikes me is that the pup will be on its own a lot during term time, 2 days a week is a long time for a small puppy. You could actually encounter problems with lack of socialisation because of it, and so you could end up with a pup that does bite the children.

    A school holiday seems to be an ideal time for you to introduce a new pup into your family, however, the next one, Christmas isn't a good time for a family with children to get a pup, due to the high excitement levels, extra noise etc, but if you could wait until Easter, you and the children would be at home for a couple of weeks, which could help. If you could wait until next summer, it would be even better. Or, if there is a good doggy day care near you that the pup could go to for the 2 long days at least. The other alternatives would be for a family member or friend to have the pup for those days, or have a dog walker pop in a couple of times during the day to play with the pup, short walk etc.

    With regards to a breed, would you consider going along to a dog show, seeing the different breeds, chatting to the owners, or Pet Expo is on in Dublin this month and there will be a breed village there, with owners more than willing to chat about their dogs.

    The other alternative, and I'm not pushing the rescue agenda, is to go to a local rescue and have a chat with them, they will have a lot of experience of all different breeds that have been through their doors, and could give you some good advice.


  • #34
    sillysmiles
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,170 ✭✭✭sillysmiles


    ABajaninCork wrote: »
    Why are people trying to push the OP towards a rescue? I don't remember them asking for one. Only three posters have given advice more in line with what the OP wants...
    The OP asked about getting a dog as a family pet and didn't mention buying or rescueing.
    The point is there is no one breed that will suit all families and I think if you read most of the posts they give advice on how to find a dog to suit a family. And ask a lot of questions because the up had given very little information.


  • #35
    Dirty Dingus McGee
    Closed Accounts Posts: 7,631 ✭✭✭Dirty Dingus McGee


    I'd recommend a Basset Hound.They are incredibly loveable and friendly dogs its like having a new baby in the house .


  • #36
    peasant
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,819 ✭✭✭✭peasant


    Maybe we should rule out a few dogs you shouldn't get as a family dog:

    - Chihuahuas, Poms, Yorkies or any other tiny/teacup dog ...the kids will simply break them, they are so delicate

    - herd protection dogs like Great Pyrenees, Komondor, Ovtcharka etc ...way too much to handle for a busy family and not for the novice

    - sheep / cattle dogs from working strains and their mixes. They need a job, their job ...without it they'll drive you bonkers

    - Any dog that is on the restricted breeds list. Not that these dogs are inherently dangerous (because they aren't) but all it takes is one grumpy neighbour and they'll make your life hell for not having them under control / not wearing a muzzle etc.

    - Any dog that is over-bred. Too many breeds to mention but generally speaking bulging eyes, very short noses, excessive skin, exaggerations in the general proportions, etc are all bound to make your dog sick, unfit for purpose and expensive when it comes to vet bills.


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  • #37
    micar
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,920 ✭✭✭micar


    We had a black lab cross as a family pet for just over 13 years. she was wonderful. Incidentally, she was a rescue dog. She was less than a year old when my dad got her. She was very quite to begin with. Whoever had her before did not treat her very well.

    My parents then got a red setter pup. She'd be now only be 8 1/2 months now and fully grown. She'd be a little taller than the black lab but equally as wonderful. She'd need more exercise.

    If I get a dog for myself I may go for a beagle.


  • #38
    borderlinemeath
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,358 ✭✭✭borderlinemeath


    micar wrote: »
    We had a black lab cross as a family pet for just over 13 years. she was wonderful. Incidentally, she was a rescue dog. She was less than a year old when my dad got her. She was very quite to begin with. Whoever had her before did not treat her very well.

    My parents then got a red setter pup. She'd be now only be 8 1/2 months now and fully grown. She'd be a little taller than the black lab but equally as wonderful. She'd need more exercise.

    If I get a dog for myself I may go for a beagle.

    Beagles aren't for the faint hearted! As I mentioned before, scenthounds in general are harder to train, and beagles fall into that category. They are easily distracted, follow their nose, and generally have terrible recall. Lead walking can also be troublesome as they will just follow their nose and walking to heel can be a huge challenge with a beagle. They truly are a pack animal and need almost constant company, and they love to make noise! A beagle barking isn't so much of a bark, moreso a howl/foghorn/baying sound! :D

    That said, I've met some beagles bred from show lines and they are a lot less work than some I know that have come from working lines, so again it's all about the breeder. I have Irish setters, and mine, from working lines, need a good deal of exercise, they really enjoy getting down into ditches and getting filthy dirty like most gundogs. But their recall is excellent so I can let them off lead to tire themselves out with a good run.


  • #39
    Msrob
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 62 ✭✭Msrob


    Thanks for all the replies! I have decided to leave it until the summer to get either a rescue or pup I am grateful for all views it gave me a lot to think about!!


  • #40
    sillysmiles
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,170 ✭✭✭sillysmiles


    Msrob wrote: »
    Thanks for all the replies! I have decided to leave it until the summer to get either a rescue or pup I am grateful for all views it gave me a lot to think about!!

    I know what you mean. I got a dog two weeks ago but had planned to wait until after Christmas. Nights like tonight when it's lashing rain reminds me why I wanted to wait!!
    Good luck with your search. I have found this forum to have a lot of information on behaviour/training/food/socialisation.
    Have you gotten any closer to deciding on a breed?


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