What dog for me?

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Tillywilly

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In the new year my OH and I will be getting a dog.

I have had a lab x springer and a mongrel in the past, I have had a lot of interaction with rotties and staffies and working dogs too.

I just cannot decide what breed is for us, I want something energetic enough to go for a long walk, but manageable enough in our reasonably small home. I want something who'd like a cuddle too - nothing snappy or too busy to be bothered!

In return I can offer plenty of walks and he can come to work with me - but on a bad day he might be left for about 4 hours - so would be happy to get two dogs for company.

Any ideas anyone?
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jack russell i have three at present. they to be out on long walks and love nothing more than lying in front of the fire when we get home.
i leave mine for a couple of hours each day and they have never chewed anything and they are very loyal.
all of mine are very friendly too.
 
Tollers!
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(I am very biased though!)

They are renowed for being energetic and excitable, but we have had two so far and both have been lovely.

Rhu is 6 months old now, and he will grow to be the size of a golden retriever, but will not shed his hair as much. He is very easy going and friendly but needs mental stimulation. They are perfect if you like to have interaction with your dogs like teaching them tricks, obedience, agility etc.

He gets left alone with my other dog for 8 hours a day and has never chewed anything or been destructive. He has access to the garden through a dog door. They are very very trainable and form close bonds with their owners. They are also very sociable with other animals (mine likes cuddling the cat) and kids.

They can also be lazy though! Rhu like nothing more than lying in front of the fire and sleeping most of the day!

Here are some pictures:

http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/forums/showflat.php/Cat/0/Number/2473554/an/0/page/1#2473554

http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/forums/showflat.php/Cat/0/Number/2474012/an/0/page/1#2474012
 
I'd love a lab - but Id worry we wouldnt have the space for 2, I would love two jack russels! I would be mortified if my new dogs didn't love cuddles!
 
You could do worse than a greyhound!

contrary to what everyone thinks, they don't need a lot of exercise, though they will be quite prepared to go long distances if you want them to! They are also very affectionate and cuddly, without being mad!
 
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OH MY!
I absolutely want one he is adorable!!!

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Thanks! If you are interested, I can try and put you in touch with a breeder or someone in your area so you can go and meet a few dogs.
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Jack Russell!! Not that I'm biased or anything
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I have three and they'll take as much exercise as I give and love nothing more than curling up with us on the sofa.

Also think something from a rescue centre is a good idea if you know what you're dealing with.
 
If you've had rescues before, then maybe you could go that route again.

How about a Flat-Coat Retriever? My friend's is a big sop, loves to walk, and is enthusiastic in her approach to life, but not hyper.
 
Just to add: it would take a LOT to steer me away from a rescue dog - the Toller is GORGEOUS but I have my heart set on something a bit older (I dont think I have the time or patience for a puppy now) Also nothing beats the warm glow of knowing you've done right!
BUT that doesnt stop me from being a bit breed specific as I dont want to end up with just 'any' dog from a rescue as its still a breed and will have different needs etc.

Would like a greyhound but they are very big! Could look for a medium size though I guess?
 
We have three, Springer, Whippet and Jack Russell, OH had always had Springers until we got the Whippet. The Springer is obsessive, and spends all her time watching you for her next command, the plus of this is that you never lose her on walks, and she is very obedient, walks to heel off leed etc. The Whippet is selectively deaf, and walking him has it's moments, when the sod has disappeared off after deer/squirrels/rabbits etc and may not come back for 10 minutes. 10 mins doesn't sound long, but a long dog can be in the next county in that time! A long dog almost can't NOT chase running things, so bear that in mind. I find I can't relax on a walk with the Whippet, whereas I can with the Springer. The Russell is too young as yet to really judge her, but she is showing selectively deaf tendancies too!

Our dogs run lose in the field where we keep the horses, the Spaniel wouldn't dream of leaving the field, the other two most certainly do!
 
Take a few trips to your local rescue centres - they have a huge range to types looking for love
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They're much cheaper than buying a pedegree which means more money left over for spoiling
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Jack Russell!! Not that I'm biased or anything
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I have three and they'll take as much exercise as I give and love nothing more than curling up with us on the sofa.

Also think something from a rescue centre is a good idea if you know what you're dealing with.

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Ditto... I have small house, he doesn't take up much space, once walked he's happy to snooze for few hours, He walks as if there's no tomorrow and never had tired dog! always up for walks!!!! He also is so friendly (dogs and People with good sociliation as puppy), he goes to work with me. And he is from working jack russells family.
 
jack russells always seem to have loads of energy but lounge around at home too??

my toy dog is perfect for me he lounges around all day, goes for a moderately long walk a few times a week and potters around my stable whilst i do my chores. but does have his mad playful sessions when he knows im in the mood :-)

i think finding the right breed to suit you and your lifestyle if very important.

good luck in your search!!
 
A lurcher!! Love a good walk and outdoorsy life but
when they get home you don't hear a peep. Lots of
lovlies looking for homes in my sig, all are well assesed
and often in a foster home. All are neutered, vaccinated
and wormed before they leave for new homes.
 
Second Mini Schnauzer..... Energetic, lovable, cuddly, dont moult, small enough to fit in the bath!!! What else could you ask for????

Zak for you to oggle at!!

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They keep going all day!!

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Greyhound! Lovely, lovely dogs.
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yes or lurcher or whippet!

lurchers, whippets and greys love walks, and are SOOOOO docile that you dont notice they're there (until you want to sit on your sofa
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)

i would suggest a whippety/terrier type lurcher as they tend to be smaller and more energetic
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my Benny is a bedlington terrier X whippet X grey we have been told (never know for sure as he is a rescue) and he loves his walks, he can go on for ages and is 24" to the shoulder, however gracie is a deerhound X about 25/26" to the shoulder and doesnt really like her walks, she just loves to eat and sleep
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Ben:

GracieBenny037.jpg


Gracie:

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both mine are rescues, but whatever you get please consider a rescue dog before you run to a breeder.

http://www.dogpages.org.uk

http://www.sighthoundsonline.org.uk/forums

http://www.lurcher.org/llink/forum/index.php

http://greyhoundgap.proboards35.com/

lucy xx
 
Yep, greys lurchers & whippets! Wonderful, loyal and loving pets, and so, so many greys & lurchers in rescue waiting for caring homes
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Love a good walk and playtime followed by a nice long sleep. And don't be fooled by the size of a grey, they can curl into the smallest ball....you don't need a huge house
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Lurcher Link list their own and some other rescues' lurchers & greys, and also have a thread on their forum listing sighthound rescues nation wide.
 
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