Getting a puppy - but can't decide on a breed?!

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Mlini

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I recently rehomed a 1 year old JRT but after a few months, decided she wasn't for me. She didn't like horses/cats/chickens... and couldn't be trusted off the lead, so was left at home (or in her cage) most of the time while I was at the yard. I thought she would be better off in a family environment where they had lots of time for her, so I have just rehomed her to a lovely family that have a patterdale terrier to keep her company. They are doing brilliantly and I am very pleased that she has gone to live with them, although I miss her I know it is for the best (she is now VERY spoilt) :)

So, I have realised that it may be difficult to 'teach an old dog new tricks' and all that and have decided to look at getting a puppy that will fit in with my lifestyle and be more of a blank canvas than an older dog that has behavioural issues/hasn't been around horses before. But the only problem is that I can't decide on what breed I want. :confused: Ideally I want a small or medium sized dog, but keep finding myself looking through adverts for the likes of Dogue de Bordeaux and Huskies! :rolleyes:

I have a budget of around £400 but that might be stretched for the right dog. I am not bothered about papers or sex as I do not want to breed the dog, he/she will just be a pet :D There's so much choice, I really don't know where to start!!

Whats your favourite breed, and why? :D
 
I wouldn't get a DDB or a Husky - you'd be choosing purely on looks and there are a lot of poorly bred specimens out there on the free ad sites aimed at...people choosing dogs for looks and not suitability for their lifestyle x

Just because you only want a pet, do not rule out pups which are registered as the parents are much likely to have been health tested in breeds prone to hereditary illnesses.

I am a GSD person but they are not for everyone and need lots of socialisation/can be very prey-driven.
 
A husky cannot be let off the lead or trusted around horses/cats/chickens - well, one of mine is fine with my horse but would chase strange ones and certainly can't be left to roam the yard or come hacking with me. The other one is terrified of horses and they would both slaughter cats or chickens which is typical for the breed.

I had a JRT when I was growing up (short legged non KC type) and he would have been the perfect yard dog, extremely trainable, fine with cats/chickens/people/dogs/children/horses, followed me on a bike everywhere and could easily have been taught to come hacking, portable enough that you wouldn't have to change your car or house or anything to accommodate. :)
 
CaveCanem said:
Just because you only want a pet, do not rule out pups which are registered as the parents are much likely to have been health tested in breeds prone to hereditary illnesses.
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That's a fair point actually, I didn't think of that. Thank you
 
If you’re looking along those lines (DDB/Husky) why not a Rottweiler? We bought ours at 9 weeks and from 10/11 weeks onwards he was at the farm everyday with me … he’s now 8 months and is brilliant with the horses and if we’re out on the moors and my fiancé is with us he’ll happily trot next to us off the lead … nice big dog and loves nothing better than a good roll in the ‘shite’ but beware, once they get bigger, big harder to lift them into the bath for a shower!!! :eek:
 
Our gorgeous Parson Russell was fab around the yard and with cats and chickens but was sadly stolen back in Feb :(

We're still trying to find her but in the meantime have located a litter of Working Cocker pups (we'd always planned to get a 2nd dog) and will be collecting Thea in just over a weeks time :D

For your budget I'd definitely go for a terrier, as you'll still be able to find well bred / raised / planned pups for that price.
 
Don't take this the wrong way and I appreciate the work in taking on a rehomed dog (have done so myself) but if you've not had the time to put into the JR have you got time for a puppy? Only ask as wouldn't like you to be in the same situation a few months/a year down the line.
 
echodomino said:
Don't take this the wrong way and I appreciate the work in taking on a rehomed dog (have done so myself) but if you've not had the time to put into the JR have you got time for a puppy? Only ask as wouldn't like you to be in the same situation a few months/a year down the line.
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I totally understand your view, but it wasn't a lack of time why I chose to rehome the JRT, it was because she couldn't be trusted near the other animals and because of that she would have to stay at home or sit in her cage (where she would growl/bark at everything) - which I didn't think was very nice for her. Believe me, we did try to train her out of it but she wouldn't have any of it. I think she may have been used for ratting/poaching in the past so that would explain her aggression towards the other animals.) She was fine with dogs though and has gone to a lovely home with a little terrier for company. A much more suitable home for her than mine was. We have lots of time for the a dog that is suitable for us. One that can come on hacks (OH walks with me), one that can come to the yard and not eat all the chickens, and obviously go on walks and puppy training classes, picnics etc.
 
You could have a look for a pup in rescue if your not too fussy on the breed and don't have large budget. Were you told the JRT was good around other animals and offlead before you took her on or did you just take a chance on her?

May help to narrow down breeds if you can tell us more about what you'd like from the dog and a bit about your lifestyle.

I have greyhounds, i love their calm affectionate nature and they're as lazy as me so were a harmonious match. Prey drive varies between individuals, some are good around small animals ,but if you wanted a dog to hack with and very obedient then probably not best on that score.
 
I'm a first time dog owner and before I agreed to having a pup, we researched breeds and traits very carefully.

We went for a lab puppy (chocolate) and she is great for our lives. Well behaved, great nature and obviously very trainable. She is quite a small lab too so great in the house.

My sister took a black bitch from the same litter and she is very similar to my pup nature wise.
 
Newfoundland every time. They are wonderful, loyal dogs that will get on with all animals if starting from a pup....plus they'll lay around in the yard when needed. I fell in love with Newfoundlands when I met two a
 
I had a nice mongrel (maybe collie x lab) which was great with horses, my JRTs and retriever are good with all the animals here (sheep, lambs, horses, chickens) my old lab springer was good too.
In short I think most breeds CAN be, it's all about the training, upbringing really :)
 
Victoria25 said:
If you’re looking along those lines (DDB/Husky) why not a Rottweiler? We bought ours at 9 weeks and from 10/11 weeks onwards he was at the farm everyday with me … he’s now 8 months and is brilliant with the horses and if we’re out on the moors and my fiancé is with us he’ll happily trot next to us off the lead … nice big dog and loves nothing better than a good roll in the ‘shite’ but beware, once they get bigger, big harder to lift them into the bath for a shower!!! :eek:
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All the Rotties I've known have been wonderfully chilled out and with a 'sensible' brain. I'm almost tempted myself and I like my hounds!:D
 
I have had my little JRT for 6 years now since she was 10 weeks old. She is perfect with cats, chickens, horses and other dogs (though as she is small she can be nervous of large dogs). She does however kill squirrels and rabbits so I think it is how you bring them up. She was brought up with cats, horses and chickens and from the word go was never allowed to chase any domestic animal. Rightly or wrongly I have not tried to stop her chasing vermin/rabbits etc. She has excellent recall and used to trot behind my daughters horse on hacks quite happily. She is lovely with small children belonging to other members of our family. Our sons JRT is similar though her recall is less good:rolleyes:
 
Get yourself to a rescue, most generally have puppies if that's what you want and it'll cost you a lot less than £400!!! I got my 9mth old in Dec, she has SOME issues but I knew those when I got her and I think she'll actually turn out to be a lovely dog (her issues are nervous ones). She has got used to the horses and is not longer terrifed. The stable cat has sussed out she's all mouth and no trousers so has her sorted and put in her place!

Personally I always go for rescues BUT if you're wanting a pure bred, small dog how about a border terrier? They always seem to be a favourite with horsey peeps so they must have something!? I always think they're pretty cool and hardy - they just look to have an attitude! Lol. I always quite like the bedlington terriers and schnauzers
 
We have a black labrador and she is a fab yard dog! We have the horses at home and let her out when mucking out the field/ stables/ mum walking while on a hack etc and she is very obedient and good with the horses. My dad is also teaching her as a gundog and he often shoots pigeons and she just runs and picks them up and brings the back to dad. She is also so cuddly and friendly. When inside she likes to lie on your lap lol! I would say though that labradors have very different temperments. Our last one was MAD so definitely look at the parents and see what their temp is.

We also have a cockapoo and while she is gorgeous, she is a little mad and can run off sometimes if she catches a whiff of some animal. Though as long as she has a stick to chew she is usually happy :P

I have also known dobermans to be very good yard dogs (and they are GORGEOUS!) and even the boxer at the old yard I kept my horse at was good.
I think if you get any dog from a young age and bring it up around a certain environment it will be good. Just don;t pick a hyperactive breed unless you want to spend a lot of time training it, or a pathetic, non energetic dog like my sheltie (even though I think shes a one off as have seen a few energetic shelties doing agility and the likes).
 
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Mlini said:
I totally understand your view, but it wasn't a lack of time why I chose to rehome the JRT, it was because she couldn't be trusted near the other animals and because of that she would have to stay at home or sit in her cage (where she would growl/bark at everything) - which I didn't think was very nice for her. Believe me, we did try to train her out of it but she wouldn't have any of it. I think she may have been used for ratting/poaching in the past so that would explain her aggression towards the other animals.) She was fine with dogs though and has gone to a lovely home with a little terrier for company. A much more suitable home for her than mine was. We have lots of time for the a dog that is suitable for us. One that can come on hacks (OH walks with me), one that can come to the yard and not eat all the chickens, and obviously go on walks and puppy training classes, picnics etc.
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I see :)

Don't rule another Jack out, if you have one from a pup it can be all the things you're looking for. Ok mine aren't good with cats or chickens, that's my fault though not theirs, but they're great with the horses and love coming out hacking. Mouse and Jim used to come with me regularly and run alongside, killed two birds with one stone as I didn't then have to walk them lol
 
From a personal view point I like pyreneans, Irish wolfhounds, rotties, dobermans, westies & border terriers. I'm not sure that the bigger breeds would suit you tho, so I'd say either a terrier or spaniel, or if you want a bigger dog a lab or golden retriever. Or even a cross of some of the breeds you like from a dogs home.
 
Or go to a smaller rescue with an honest description of your lifestyle. When I decided to go for another Stafford, I described my circumstances (similar to yours) and they suggested a different dog from the one I had originally looked for.
 
Border Terrier. Every single time :D

They really believe they're a big dog in a small body. Incredibly brave and plucky, mine has 3 legs and is quite happy coming on 4 hour hacks with us, but equally as content snoozing on the sofa all day. Tilly has her ears pulled by kids, gets batted by the cat, is an excellent mouser and has taken to tripod life (unfortunate accident with a car) like a duck to water. I know losing a limb is extreme but the attitude she's had throughout has been fab. Perfect size to just scoop up too!

Plus my dad doesn't feel wimpy walking her - she's not too fluffy for him :D
 
The yard dog is a Jrt, totally ignores the horses, brilliant little dog but the YO had him from a pup.

Two of mine are fab at the yard, the other (brother of very sane, well behaved dog) is crazy, can't be trusted not to hunt and go miles away and will chase everything, including the horses. It totally depends on temperament and regardless of parents!

Go to a rescue and find a calm dog: you can usually tell which is calm despite the kennel environment. Alternatively, find a litter of anything and choose the quiet one!
 
Can I throw Corgi into the mix? Small enough to be lap dogs, love a snooze but will spend all day at the yard too. Mine literally go all day if I ask them to. Easy enough to train if you have food lol.
 
I'm a first time dog owner, and have a now 13 week old cocker spaniel. He is just gorgeous, completely over friendly and happy, and has been to the yard and wasn't phased at all. He's a clever little chap he's already really good off the lead and had learnt plenty of tricks :)
 
I definitely would go down the rescue route as there are many many puppies looking for the right home. The rescues will generally work with you to find the correct woofer given your lifestyle, what you want to do with the dog etc. and it won't cost 400 quid.

Given we've worked with a few (fostering etc) it would be good to know your location so I could point you in the right direction if that helps.

However if it were me in your position it would be a new zealand huntaway every time without fail. Extremely loyal, dead easy to train, about the same energy as a collie but way more controllable and our last one was great around horses. One of those "breeds" no one has heard of. He's the beige coloured guy in my banner.
 
Mlini said:
I recently rehomed a 1 year old JRT but after a few months, decided she wasn't for me. She didn't like horses/cats/chickens... and couldn't be trusted off the lead, so was left at home (or in her cage) most of the time while I was at the yard. I thought she would be better off in a family environment where they had lots of time for her, so I have just rehomed her to a lovely family that have a patterdale terrier to keep her company. They are doing brilliantly and I am very pleased that she has gone to live with them, although I miss her I know it is for the best (she is now VERY spoilt) :)

So, I have realised that it may be difficult to 'teach an old dog new tricks' and all that and have decided to look at getting a puppy that will fit in with my lifestyle and be more of a blank canvas than an older dog that has behavioural issues/hasn't been around horses before. But the only problem is that I can't decide on what breed I want. :confused: Ideally I want a small or medium sized dog, but keep finding myself looking through adverts for the likes of Dogue de Bordeaux and Huskies! :rolleyes:

I have a budget of around £400 but that might be stretched for the right dog. I am not bothered about papers or sex as I do not want to breed the dog, he/she will just be a pet :D There's so much choice, I really don't know where to start!!

Whats your favourite breed, and why? :D
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So, you want a dog that can safely go off lead and be trusted with Chickens / Cats / Horses???

STOP LOOKING AT HUSKIES!!! Possibly the WORST breed you could consider.

1) They can't be let off lead as they have zero reliable recall (despite what 'instant experts' may tell you).
2) They WILL kill cats & chickens, and chase Horses.
3) They are NOT impressed about being kept on their own as they are a pack animal.
4) They are a working breed and really need to be worked in harness.
5) Unfortunately, they are 'fashionable' which means there are heaps of shocking examples being bred and a resulting large welfare issue.
6) You won't find a well bred one for less than £600 and unfortunately the same goes for the poorly bred ones as well (yet people still pay that).

We have 11 of them....and also a collie who we bought for £80. We bought him so we could have a dog that we could let off the lead and throw a ball for. He's ok with Cats / Chickens / Horses and as an added bonus also likes to run in harness :-).

I don't know much about other breeds but I know 2 people with Cocker Spaniels in a similar environment with no issues so that would be my vote - as well as rescue kennels. But please, if that's your demand list, don't buy a Husky!! Yes they are pretty but they are absolutely not what you are looking for.
 
Whippet!!!! We've got a 15 week old puppy who is a delight. The only naughty thing she's done is dig up my seedlings in the garden (can't really complain). She's a quick learner, not phased by anything and we live in the city but near the beach so has met dogs, cats, horses, cars, buses, trams, bikes etc and has not be scared or bothered by anything. We also have a cat and they get on totally fine. A happy little dog who wants to be friends with everybody, yet when we need to go out, she'll curl up in her crate and sleep till we get back. I haven't had a puppy in about 16 years so was prepared for the worst... I've been hugely pleasantly surprised :D

Here are some pictures to tempt you.... go on, you know you want to.

From our walk yesterday in the woods:
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DSCN5023.jpg


Mad dog!!
DSCN5019.jpg
 
Awww katikins... She's so gorgeous.
OP, I'd also recommend a lab. Mines an angel, is obedient (with very little effort from me), loyal, although a rubbish guard dog as she loves people and is very sociable.
I quietly hanker after a whippet too, which will make my family complete at some point in the future :D
 
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