Breed recommendations

superpony

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Hi everyone. :) I was wondering if I could ask for some advice? I am looking at getting a dog this summer and I am currently undecided on which breed so was wondering if you could help?!! I have a shortlist of three... but cant decide on which breed to go for!

I would like a dog to take to the yard with me, so want something fairly hardy! We already have a cavalier, she isnt the most outgoing dog so wouldnt want something thats going to scary/upset/annoy her too much!!

1) Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
A cavvie is probably top of my list at the moment!!! I do love them, they are a nice size and I love their I love you more than anything in the world temperment!! However the one we have has had alot of vet bills, lots of stomach upsets and I wouldn't dare take her to the stables as I am sure she would pick something up and get ill again!! Is this typical for all cavaliers do you think?

2) Toller
I met these at crufts and they seem lovely dogs! They seem like they would be good for going to the yard with and they are a nice size, however I have heard they are need alot of work to keep them busy. I will obviously walk her a fair bit but dont want something that is crazy the whole time unless they have a 4hour walk everyday!!

3) Golden Retriever
I love these dogs and I love their laid back, friendly temp. However they are rather big, which is the only offputting thing, as I only have a vauxhall corsa at the moment which could be interesting! And I also sometimes go away with my parents in the caravan.. which again could be difficult!!

Any input/advice/help would be appreciated!!
 

galaxy

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I know a few Tollers, one very well and she is BONKERS!!! She also will ONLY listen to her owner and no one else... At all!

There is a lot on the agility circuit.

Lovely dogs, but a bit manic for me! Lol!
 

Dobiegirl

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I think if you go on the Kennel Club website they will give you info on your breeds but not the Toller as I dont think its registered with the KC. Look at the health issues for those breeds and make sure any breed you chose has come from parents which are health tested.
 

emma21

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With the corsa comment... I have a corsa and fit my German shepherd x old English and my Bracco Italiano in easily lol! They love cuddling so always sleep in each other even if there is enough space for them both...!
I love tollers gorgeous dogs!
 

CAYLA

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A cavi seems to fit your requirements, and making sure you go through a recommended breeder that health tests you should get a healthy little dog, mine is a little hunter, very well socialised and a very hardy little dog, her temperament is of course fab (as they all generally are) mine is pretty high energy outdoors but happy to chill inside, but she is now used to daily hunting and pheasant flushing and more than 2 hours of exercise at a time, so also loves swimming, if you allow these little dog to use their energy and exercise their natural instinct they make fan little all round dogs and can be kept fit and healthy but now making them into a couch potatoe;).
She is also in fab health and very slender, mine is a rescue;)
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horsemadsarah

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Hi. I've got a Cavvie and he comes up the yard with me. He's 6 this year and has never (touch wood!) had any tummy problems. The only issue I have with him is he hoovers up rabbit poo like smarties (least its not horse poo I guess!) and makes a fuss when he's in the clubroom when I ride.

Wouldn't change him for the world! I've also got a second dog (4 month Dogue De Bordeaux)- she's learning loads from him and he likes the company.
 

The Original Kao

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I had a nova scotian duck tolling retriever about 10 years ago. He was nice natured but a bit aloof, was very high energy and a bit brainless. Mental about water and once he was in it, was a nightmare to get him back out.
Not a breed I'd get again TBH not since having various other breeds since :)
Maybe don't go for a specific breed but just keep an eye out for a rescue dog that fits what you're looking for.
Best dog I ever had was a retriever cross whippet called Tess and my current pup Storm is fantastic too but so very different. Storm might come close to Tess 1 day I hope. Storm's 1/2 border collie x dalmatian/whippet.
 

Ranyhyn

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We have a GR, however lovely he's BIG and it's hard when taking my two JRTs places, he can't come simply because he's too big :(

May I suggest a JRT? ;) :D
 

Wiz201

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Me and my mum share two golden retriever bitches.
They travelled together in the Honda Jazz very well so a Corsa would be no problem, especially if you're just starting out with one for now.
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They have their quirks but I love the breed and will find it very difficult to find another I like.
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Elle123

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I would steer clear of a toller to be honest. My brother has one and he is difficult. They are not a small ginger golden retriever as someone once tried to tell me. More like a collie in behaviour. They need to be stimulated and I don't think would gel well with your cavie. This particular dog is the one dog I cannot trust. Especially after he grabbed Pixel by the head when she was 10weeks old. Even now is difficult at family occasions as he will go for her without warning. He normally ends up staying in another room or the car. Saying that in his normal situation, with my brother and his wife, at home and out and about. Along with gundog training it works.

I absolutely love our golden! He is a one in million dog so I'd be swayed towards either and goldie or a spaniel or a schnauz! Every cavvie I have met has had some health issue tbh. Of course all breeds have the good and the bad though.

As far as the car goes. Our large lab and golden used to fit in the back of my Peugeot 206 with the back seats down. Pixel currently goes on the back seat of my polo in her bed with her doggie seat belt :)
 
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