Breed suggestions?

J

Jinx94

Well-Known Member
Joined
9 March 2011
Messages
2,771
Location
Somewhere in the middle-ish
Visit site
I won't be getting a dog for a few years yet, and won't start looking to actually buy something until I have time, money etc. But I want to start considering different breeds now so that once I'm ready to buy/rescue I'm all clued up and have a good idea of what would be suitable for my lifestyle/ what I can handle.

When I was little, my family had an Airedale and a Lakeland. Now my folks have a manic but loveable Irish mongrel with a whole lot of terrier in him. I know that I love terriers, and want something with a fair bit of energy (I like bounce and a little madness) and ideally I'd be able to take it to the yard. If I go out walking, I like to just wander and spend a fair bit of time out, so it would need to be able to cope with that. I don't want anything too aloof though, it would need to be good for socialising with dogs, horses and humans though I know that a lot of this would be down to training.

What would you recommend?
 
To be honest, in my experience, if you're going to have a rescue pooch, you'd be better off with no breed ideas at all and just describing your lifestyle and wants to the rescue and if they are worth their salt, they'll do their best to match you up with a suitable dog, even if that means being on a waiting list for a while. It's worth it in the long run, it really is!

I naturally like lab and spaniel types best, but recently had a great session with a staffy that has made me realise that it's the dog in question, not (necessarily) the breed, that the success of the match depends upon. Obviously it also depends upon you too - but I think an open mind is your best asset. I've called off my search at the moment (considering a change of job, so can't guarantee my availability), but when it resumes, I'm open to anything that suits my lifestyle and the life I'm willing to offer, and that has been appreciated by the rescues that I've previously spoken to.
 
Last edited:
I've just bought a mini schnauzer...I'm blown away by how receptive this breed is.Loyal to a fault,a good guardian ...you could go with either the medium or mini size..but the former are very serious dogs and require a good basic training......energy to burn, I bet you'd be very satisfied with one. You MUST go to a breeder who tests for eyes ( PRA) and be specific of your needs.
 
Agree with this.

We looked for months for a second dog, finally found a lovely staffy x boxer through a rescue. He's awesome. His staffy traits are very evident - we have another boxer x - and make him a really sweet, loving lad who is eager to please and really trainable. We'd have a full staffy now without hesitation. The more I meet the more I see what lovely dogs they are.
 
A lot of staffies are put to sleep so try for one of those! There are lovely dogs as long as you remember to discipline them and give them plenty of exercise.
 
I think the Cairn terrier is a great little dog.Lots of personality and energy and full of fun.My 12yr old was still going hiking with me no bother.Mine is great with the grandkids and loves people.He was a bit dopey with the horse and didnt seem to realise he had to move out the way when it came towards him - he was just used to people going round him or stepping over him and presumed a horse would do the same.!
 
I have 2 old Tyme Bulldogs. One rescue and one from a breeder. Wonderful with all animals, kids and have the correct amount of energy. Can walk for hours or just a short walk and couch potatoes in the evenings 😊.

Although I do say go to a rescue and tell the staff your situation and hopefully you'll fall in love, regardless of breed (this is what happened to me!)
 
Another one for staff or staff x. We went to get another small terrier to go with our JRT and came back with a medium sized staff x ??? maybe GSD maybe ACD? Whatever she is, she is mainly staff and a dream. Perfect nature, good with dogs, horses, chickens, cats, small animals and small children. Very very loving and sweet. Easy to train as well because she just wants to please. Brilliant dog and would have another in a heartbeat. OH says 2 dogs is enough though!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top