Best Suited

[Whoopit]

We are finally in the lucky position where my other half can work from home and after four years of us wanting a dog and not getting one because we aren't at home enough, this seems like a good time to get a puppy.

We have a large garden (4,000sq feet) with high perimeter fencing and a large detached house with just the two of us in it. We both have active lifestyles - I'm obviously up with the horse everyday and at weekends, my partner cycles and runs (for things like the Great North Run). I drive a Discovery3 so transport is adequate for travelling anywhere.

We'd love something like a Springer Spaniel but I genuinely think they just have too much energy even though I'd take it with me hacking out for 1 - 2 hours a day on weekends (average 10mph??) and it would come up to the stables on an evening with me as well. Equally it needs to keep up with a runner and a mountain bike (on rough terrain so not flying about!) to some extent.

It would be nice to have something that can keep up within reason with a good canter on a hack but equally not go demented and chew my oak furniture if it doesn't get taken out on a massive walk!

Does anybody have any recommendations or am I looking for the impossible? Both our families have always had dogs so this isn't an air-headed consideration. I've had a Dalmatian before but didn't have a horse at the time so no idea if he'd have kept up on hack out (but was a dizzy and not easy to recall if off the lead so probably not a dog is get again even though he was a babe) & would like something of a similar sized really. Needs to be short haired and good with children and other dogs. Must be easily trained as there are sheep about and he would be off the lead on the moors.


Thanks

Em

 

[Clodagh]

I'm afraid I am very boring but there is a reason that labradors are the most popular dog in England. Working labs are very active and energetic but also so trainable it is a doddle. They do moult terribly but I expect all dogs do!

 

[Whoopit]

Oohhhh would love a Labrador - chocolate one so I can call it Branston or a black called Bovril 😄

 

[Clodagh]

Oh no not chocolate! They are show type (mainly!). Black is good...or yellow (we have both)

My first trained worker, here after a morning dogging in. Worship that dog!

Here she is with older black, when yellow was a pup.

 

[abb123]

Dalmatians were originally carriage dogs and so are known for their stamina and affinity to horses. I think they will definitely keep up on hack with no problems. The only thing that I would say is that the Dalmatians I have known have not been what I would consider good family dogs and are more suited to homes without kids. But that maybe just have been the dogs that I have known!

Springers would be fine and with enough exercise are not as excitable as the Cockers. Fab little dogs although I have found that they can be quite sensitive.

A Lab or a Golden Retriever would also be good. These are both working breeds and have great stamina and athleticism if allowed. They are also amazing family dogs. Either of those would be my suggestion.

 

[abb123]

Oohhhh would love a Labrador - chocolate one so I can call it Branston or a black called Bovril ��

Don't get a chocolate!

Almost exclusively show bred and known for being a bit dim. Have you ever seen a working chocolate!!

Lovely colour though

 

[Clodagh]

I would add if possible look into the type of worker as well, The black bitch we have was bred as an allrounder and is calm sensible and easy. The yellow is full on trials bred and it was like learning to ride on an old riding school cob then buying a 4 year old warmblood. A steep learning curve! She is great fun and very trainable still but so quick!

 

[Whoopit]

I'd rather a black lab or a springer or a well spotted Dalmation. I had a show standard dally - my family pet but shown by his breeder - with no run spots at all and the most beautiful marble effect colouring on his ears!

Other half would rather a chocolate lab or a springer. Probs still gunna be a Springer then but thought they still might be mental but the ones I've known don't get near the exercise one would get with us. We live out on Saddleworth Moor so are not short of exercising options!

Thanks for the opinions and advise 😊

 

[87whistle]

I second an dalmation. I had a bitch she was amazing sadly passed now but kept up with horses would walk miles but not crazy. Best breed ever...will get another when time is right!!

 

[Equi]

Dalmatians are literally bred to run after horses...sooooooo

(they are loyal, with a hunting instinct, so will follow their owner on a horse thinking thats the chase lol)

They do need a firm home life, or they can get a bit big for their boots. But a lovely dog none the less.

Another similar, is a wiemeraner. Our yard has two...best dogs ever

 

[Nt9]

We are in the same position it's a very exciting time isn't it. We have decided on a flatcoat retriever, just need to speak to the breed society to check it is the right fit for us and to see what breeding is happening at the moment.