Breed ideas?

[prosefullstop]

My SIL is looking for a family dog. She lives on a house with four acres, adjacent to a 1000-acre wood, so the dog will get plenty of walks. She has two boys--one aged eight, one four--and my BIL works from home most of the time. They have lots of visitors to their home, so nothing with uber guarding tendencies.

They are thinking Lab, but want to consider the less conventional as well. A rescue may be an option, though my SIL is aware that rescues are often reluctant to consider houses with small children.

So, besides a Lab, what would you choose?

 

[FestiveSpirit]

I dont really need to say, do I

I am guessing that you might also possibly get spaniel and GSD suggestions from the other obsessives on here

 

[samstar]

[ QUOTE ]
I dont really need to say, do I

I am guessing that you might also possibly get spaniel and GSD suggestions from the other obsessives on here

[/ QUOTE ]


or JRT'S

 

[ofcourseyoucan]

lots of x s in the rescue centres looking for kind patient owners. you could make one dog very happy.

 

[prosefullstop]

[ QUOTE ]
I dont really need to say, do I

I am guessing that you might also possibly get spaniel and GSD suggestions from the other obsessives on here

[/ QUOTE ]

She has good memories of Spaniels; my husband and his siblings had a Cocker growing up. Also, a much-loved Rough Collie that everyone talks about to this day, a slightly dim but sweet Basset, and a rather unpredictable and growly Fox Terrier. So I think she's a bit cautious re: terriers.

In any case, it has to be a big dog--spaniel size at a bare minimum.

How are Viszlas with small children?

 

[Slinkyunicorn]

Cocker spangle or a lab of course!!!!

The rescues will of course have lots of different mutts who will be just as good I'm sure - they may of course have trouble stopping at one if they go to see them...........

 

[rema]

[ QUOTE ]
I am guessing that you might also possibly get spaniel and GSD suggestions from the other obsessives on here

[/ QUOTE ]

Are you forgetting the Border Collie Clan??.

 

[prosefullstop]

[ QUOTE ]
lots of x s in the rescue centres looking for kind patient owners. you could make one dog very happy.

[/ QUOTE ]

It's certainly a possibility. Crow (my other SIL's dog) has been a resounding success. Terrible flirt that she is, my Stella is just hoping the newbie will be a boy dog.

Here's Crow, the JRT/Basset/Border Collie.

 

[1275gta]

What about a retired greyhound.

 

[FestiveSpirit]

[ QUOTE ]
What about a retired greyhound.

[/ QUOTE ]

I've already indirectly suggested that above

One thing I would say is how fantastic greyhounds are with kids, my two are so patient and understanding with my niece (6) and nephew (1) which is amazing considering they just never encounter kids normally

 

[FestiveSpirit]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
I am guessing that you might also possibly get spaniel and GSD suggestions from the other obsessives on here

[/ QUOTE ]

Are you forgetting the Border Collie Clan??.

[/ QUOTE ]

How could I have forgotten you all

Many apologies

 

[GinaB]

If there already considering a lab they should stick with that idea

Or a mini schnauzer, mini schnauzers are the best

 

[prosefullstop]

[ QUOTE ]
If there already considering a lab they should stick with that idea

Or a mini schnauzer, mini schnauzers are the best

[/ QUOTE ]

Okies. If they don't go through a rescue, should I tell her to look for a working Lab breeder or a show breeder? Either way I have already emphasised the hip/elbow dysplasia thing.

 

[CorvusCorax]

[ QUOTE ]
I dont really need to say, do I

I am guessing that you might also possibly get spaniel and GSD suggestions from the other obsessives on here

[/ QUOTE ]


You called?

 

[GinaB]

Well, I'm biased but working bred labs are soooo much nicer

Lean, mean, working machines instead of little tubsters

 

[prosefullstop]

[ QUOTE ]
Well, I'm biased but working bred labs are soooo much nicer

Lean, mean, working machines instead of little tubsters

[/ QUOTE ]

And healthier, you reckon?

 

[GinaB]

I find they aren't as prone to weight gain as a normal lab but in saying that mine are worked hard every weekend and some evenings as well

As you said previously though, ensure parents have hip/elbow scores and eye health tests done

 

[Slinkyunicorn]

I would agree with GinaB - our old lab was a working lab and she stayed skinny and fit and healthy until she was 15! Max my new boy is also from working stock and is a skinny too!! My sisters lab (also form Lab rescue) is built like a tank and on a permanent diet. She is more then twice Max's size and despite her diet and lots of excercise it is incredibly difficult to get her to shift weight - especially as she will steal at any opportunity!

 

[BuzzLightyear]

Boxer dog!

Mine loves children and would certainly enjoy all that space to run round in!

 

[prosefullstop]

[ QUOTE ]
Boxer dog!

Mine loves children and would certainly enjoy all that space to run round in!

[/ QUOTE ]

My uncle had Boxers, so that's what I grew up around. They're one of my favourites, and definitely the reason I chose a Boston terrier (Boxer in miniature, but better for city living).

I shall put that on the list!

I shall

 

[KarynK]

Cattle Dog - No Contest!!!!

There are a couple in for Rescue at the moment http://www.acdsocietyofgb.com/AvailableRescue.htm

OOPS sorry you are across the pond aren't you!
http://www.newhopecattledogs.com/

 

[kirstyhen]

[ QUOTE ]
Well, I'm biased but working bred labs are soooo much nicer

Lean, mean, working machines instead of little tubsters

[/ QUOTE ]

Ah, but don't forget the American Working Lab is a different dog to the English Working - much rangier and nutty

You know I'm going to say Springer Spaniel, as they've had Spaniels before and have so much room

Get a nice big stocky one and you can't go wrong - My old Springer used to get walked by my 5 year old nephew, he was the safest dog ever, and even the loony that is Otto is a big softy with kids!

 

[prosefullstop]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Well, I'm biased but working bred labs are soooo much nicer

Lean, mean, working machines instead of little tubsters

[/ QUOTE ]

Ah, but don't forget the American Working Lab is a different dog to the English Working - much rangier and nutty

You know I'm going to say Springer Spaniel, as they've had Spaniels before and have so much room

Get a nice big stocky one and you can't go wrong - My old Springer used to get walked by my 5 year old nephew, he was the safest dog ever, and even the loony that is Otto is a big softy with kids!

[/ QUOTE ]

Makes me want more space. I'd love a spaniel.

And you're so right about American Labs. They're off the wall, built like foxhounds, have legs that go on forever, and you rarely see a plump one.

 

[kirstyhen]

I am currently at my Parent's and surrounded by 7 Spaniels

I always think about other breeds I'd like, but I think I'll always have Spaniels, they're addictive

I have a shameful secret... I only know American Labs are differrent because of "Marley and Me"...

 

[Starbucks]

What about a pointer??