Getting a dog

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Ceifer

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My partner and I have taken the big decision to get a dog.
I’ve wanted one for years. I grew up with family dogs but haven’t owned my own.
My work life changed from Jan this year. I’ve gone from an office based job back to an outdoors/equine job 5 days a week so ideally the dog would come with me. My boss has agreed to this as they have dogs also at work.
My partners job has also changed so he can be away 2-4 nights a week. He does always work one day from home and has weekends off. So the dog would be great company for me
I’m not in a great hurry to get a dog and would rather wait for lockdown to ease before getting one.
The big question is - what do I get and where from?
Definitely needs to be small/medium sized as I don’t have a big car for transporting.
We lead an active life, I walk anywhere from 5-10 miles a day at work. Although the dog is welcome to stay in the house At work if it’s too hot, or a puppy that’s not ready to be active etc.
We live out in the country, have a good sized secure garden and a paddock (the paddock is only secured by hedge)

I’m really open to breed suggestions. I really fancied a basset hound. But this is based on living next to a women who bred traditional and french bassets. They were permanently escaping though and off on hunting missions on their own so maybe that’s not a good idea.

I’ve thought about rescue dog but the only thing that puts me off is having tried to help a friend rehome from charities and she had an utter nightmare being messed around.
Suggestions welcomed!
 
Are there any breeds you lean towards aesthetically? It sounds as though you could provide a great home for a dog. How about something like a Border Terrier or cocker/springer spaniel?
 
If there's a breed or type you like, make contacts with breed societies, rescues, breeders etc, there are always slightly older dogs/youngsters looking for homes, for whatever reason, and these people are generally more sensible than the major/mainstream rescues/charities.

I am currently trying to help find homes for three (free) older GSDs privately.
 
@Moobli I do like terriers. Having a quick google I like the look of
Wire or smooth fox terrier
Norwich terrier
Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen
Or maybe a cocker spaniel.
A friend through my partners work breeds Jack Russell’s but not sure if she’ll have another litter this year.
@CorvusCorax thats a really good idea. Will have to see what partner says and what he is leaning towards.
we always had mongrels when I was little that seemed to come into our family by chance.
I would really like to re-home if I could.
 
Breed rescues are usually less stupid than the small one person jobs. Ive no experience of the big set ups.
Spaniel Aid have loads of spanners at the moment but they mainly seem to have bitten someone. Not necessarily a deal breaker but they probably need an experienced home. Might be worth a trawl though, there are some nice ones.
 
Clodagh said:
Breed rescues are usually less stupid than the small one person jobs. Ive no experience of the big set ups.
Spaniel Aid have loads of spanners at the moment but they mainly seem to have bitten someone. Not necessarily a deal breaker but they probably need an experienced home. Might be worth a trawl though, there are some nice ones.
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Yeah I don’t think I’m experienced enough to take on something that’s bitten. Will have a look though and maybe contact to see what they say ?
 
CorvusCorax said:
Peebs are smashing dogs and have less health issues than Bassets as a rule, but can be pretty stubborn/headstrong/Franch ;)
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Lol. Well I used to live in as a groom next to someone who bred them and they were always wandering off on their own missions. I encountered one merrily making its way to the main road when I was hacking back. It sure as hell wasnt going to follow me home so I had to ride and plop him infront of me on the saddle. It was no mean feat to get him up there but he had a great time. Got him back to the stables where he promptly rolled in the wax sand arena and horse poo. Took him back covered in sand and poo. The owners hadn’t noticed he’d escaped.
 
Ceifer, have a look at St Giles Animal Rescue in Taunton. They are lovely and have a lurcher there to die for at the moment!!?? but they have all sorts of sizes and breeds. I think they take in the strays from the Taunton area dog warden. Whitehouse Kennels in Lympsham take in the Sedgemoor strays I think.

Vanessa Linnel who runs St Giles boarding kennels and her son, who runs the rescue kennels, came and helped me to search for my missing terrier many years ago, just before they took the kennels over. I didn't know her at all, somebody suggested I ring her for advice and out she came, cheerfully giving up a day to search a riverbank!! I seem to remember she was once a horse person, so that always helps ...
 
I have a rescue bagle - Bassett Beagle Cross - he's adorable and 80% of the time his recall is perfect - up from 0% on arrival thanks to my Sprollie's help in training him ?

I love him to bits - he's affectionate cuddly & gentle but he isn't the easiest dog we've ever had as he does occasionally take himself on adventures when he gets a good scent in the fields ?
 
Ceifer said:
So maybe not the dog for me. We are quite open and don’t fancy something that’s going to roam
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You dont want a Griffon Basset then. They are hounds and once their noses are on a scent they are off! We had one for a while but even when we thought the bounderies were secure the little sod found a gap and disappeared!
 
I have a smooth haired fox terrier - fantastic little dog. Very energetic, intelligent and full of character. He often goes to work with my OH (farrier) and loves being out and about.

Our other dog is a whippet, which may also suit your lifestyle. Less energetic than the terrier but lower maintenance because of this, and a lovely companion (very soppy and wants to be with you all the time).

Neither are escape artists but maybe just hit lucky, coupled with a large and secure garden, so have little need to break out.

Both came from private breeders that we found via Pets 4 homes.
 
Sorry to resurrect this thread but wondered whether anybody would be up for giving some advice via PM?
Would be helpful if the person had experience of spaniels or JRT’s. ?
 
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