Recommend me a breed

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brown tack

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Hello my first post here!

I've grown up with dogs but never as an adult had one of my own. And now I want to start thinking about getting one. Not going to be a rash decision, just in the early thinking stages ATM

Here's what I'm looking for (I know every dog is different, but I guide line would be nice)

I like the look of a few breeds but don't know if they fit into my way if living
So like springers, spaniels, labs, beagles

Would like to do some agility with the dog
Want something that trainable but not hyper
Not a ratter breed as got two cats and don't want them pestered all the time
Got a small child
Will be with horses 2x a day, plus a walk
Will be home with the cats for around 6hrs max, don't work ATM but looking for part time.
Must get on well with other dogs as I deal with a lot in day to day living.

So what do you suggest?
 
- Ubiquitous mention of trying a rescue or breed rescue when you have decided on breed! :p
Good rescues will have proofed their dogs with kids and cats. Also some breeders may have returns or older pups who have not made the grade for show or work.

Standard or mini Schnauzer?
 
We have a 14month old collie bitch in need of rehoming, She is to quiet for a farm dog and doesnt like sheep. She would make a lovely pet as she loves people.

She fits the criteria that you have listed
 
CaveCanem said:
- Ubiquitous mention of trying a rescue or breed rescue when you have decided on breed!
:p
Standard or mini Schnauzer?
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I am planning on getting a rescue, all my animals are. But just after different breed types that will fit with my life style.

Proberly end up with the cuddlest looking dog there, knowing me, but want something that's going to happy living with me plus going out and doing some agility to meet some new friends.
 
burness_21 said:
We have a 14month old collie bitch in need of rehoming, She is to quiet for a farm dog and doesnt like sheep. She would make a lovely pet as she loves people.
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Agh bless, I'm not ready to take one ATM, want to be sensible and get some other things in place first ie new job :)
 
CaveCanem said:
Sweeping assumption I know and Salukis are lovely, but would they be cat safe, as a rule?
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I tend to think chasing cats is more to do with training than breed. We have a gorgeous rescue saluki and have rabbits and cats in the household, he prefers to paw them than chase them :rolleyes:

But with the breed chasing cats thing I stand be corrected :D
 
burness_21 said:
That's a shame as we are having trouble rehoming her as no one around here wants a collie that doesn't work.
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Have you thought of contacting someone who does agility, there are a lot of people on here who do agility and have Collies and perhaps they could point you in the right direction.

Op what about a Poodle, underneath those stupid hair cuts is a very intelligent fun loving dog family dog who also is very good at agility.
 
Love the look of Berry, I'd bet there is some Malinois or GSD, or both, in there! She actually looks like a Dutch herder but there are very few of those in the UK, never mind chuck-outs.

OP, can't believe I haven't mentioned this before :p but what about a GSD?
 
At the risk of banging the same drum again... have a look at a stafford. There are a lot now doing agility and my youngest has done it too. Mine ( all 3 of them) spend a huge amount of time at the yard with a lot of different dogs. My first 2 are cat chasers having never been cat proofed but latest addition couldn't give a monkey's as she was brought up with cats. If you go to a rescue, with your criteria then they can suggest a number of dogs who would fit in with your lifestyle. Just be warned that staffords are notorious cuddle hogs and attention seekers and if you are in Surrey - you are very welcome to see mine! Just expect a full on welcome as though you are their long lost best ever friend!
 
A rescue lurcher, I have a JRT & Cat and Suzy my lurcher joined us in April from GRWE, she's absolutely fab, gets on with my other dog and completely ignores the cat. She had been fully Cat tested before I took her on, and although like any rescue dog has required a lot of training off lead she has been well worth it. We've just sarted agility and flyball and she's loving it!
 
I would suggest a Border Collie as they seem to fit your requirements .They do need stimulation and exercise but never found Collies any where near as hyper as Spaniels.Collies are so trainable,and just love learning.They do make good family pets,but like any dog they could react to very young children who may not have been taught to respect dogs.Labs are another good breed,but you do need a good sense of humour with them.
 
Thank you all, there's a few to think about in that lot ESP the gsd, poodle (would never of thought of that breed) staffie and collies.

Going to do some research and call up my dog agitly group to go and a teaster session, borrowing my mums lab's.
 
Naryafluffy said:
Do you think the cats get paid extra for this job, how do they cat test (is it like a cat scan which costs a fortune:)) or is it something that the antis would love to start protesting :)
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hahaha! I love the thought of cats clocking in and out of work!!

As an aside, I'm going back to one of the GRWE kennels this weekend with my two dogs to do some volunteering, Millie (the JRT) is going to do some small dog testing for them!! she's getting paid in treats and hugs!
 
My German Shorthaired Pointer would tick all those boxes

Mucky Shavings said:
Would like to do some agility with the dog - my agility trainer loves my boy. they love to learn and are very focused! About to start competing him. He's very quick, but yet to see up against a collie if he can turn tight enough!! :)

Want something that trainable but not hyper - love to learn. Easy to train. They are active and when out and about run and run, but when at home just sleep!

Not a ratter breed as got two cats and don't want them pestered all the time. Mine will chase a cat if they run. But was brought up around the yard cats that bolt when they see a dog! He doesn't chase at my friends house, but they only walk or sit, so not interesting. Sure if brought up with them in the house would not be a problem.


Got a small child - absolutely brilliant with children! Loves them!

Will be with horses 2x a day, plus a walk - great around horses. Not an overly brave breed, so keep their distance! Woud stay out the house and be active as long as you are!


Will be home with the cats for around 6hrs max, don't work ATM but looking for part time. - HPRs take training to leave. They can get seperation anxiety. But my boy can easily be left for 6 hours now, no problems.


Must get on well with other dogs as I deal with a lot in day to day living. - very social, playful breed.
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CaveCanem said:
- Ubiquitous mention of trying a rescue or breed rescue when you have decided on breed! :p
Good rescues will have proofed their dogs with kids and cats. Also some breeders may have returns or older pups who have not made the grade for show or work.
Click to expand...

100% support this suggestion. Why buy when you can rescue?
 
A Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla would tick all of those boxes. They're so easy to train and live with and can turn a paw to most things. I've grown up with them and have 2, although at the moment they live with my mum, not supposed to have dogs in our house (rented) and already smuggled in the 4 JRTs!! :p

They're fab family dogs and always eager to please. There's a breed rescue too
 
definitely a rescue as you have already pointed out, but I think you'd be great with a lab, yes I am biased but mine is great with all animals, could do agility if we wanted to and generally is just such a lovely person, and great with kids :)
 
sorry OP got side tracked by thoughts of a BC!!

If you like spaniels I would recommend a working cocker spaniel. I've worked with a few and they seem a bit more focussed and less manic than the springers. Very trainable and energetic and I think suitable for your lifestyle. Definitely go breed rescue if you go for a breed. Otherwise Dogs Trust are pretty good at pre assessment and after care/help!
 
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