Which Breed?

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Bex7

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The OH and I are thinking of getting a dog (not a litght decision and will not be for a while) but are unsure which dog would be best suited to us......any suggestions on breeds?

We live in an average size house but with a small garden, looking for a medium sized breed, good with a cat and that does not mind being at home for a few hours at a time on it's own (with cat) Obviously we have time to walk it daily and care for it, also would like it to be sheep safe so that it can come up the yard with me and also be taken off lead in the countryside. I know every dog is different but just wanted to be sensible about breed choice. We love the GS and malamute dogs but are also positive these are not for us LOL also same applies for collies.
I was thinking Basset Hound or Labradoodle/spaniel types... any thoughts?
 
Cavalier King Charles spaniel! I cannot reccomend these dog's enough! Loyal, happy to go for long walks and can go for hours or they're happy to stay at home curled up asleep (I have never known of one thats been destructive when left alone), temperaments to die for (they're very affectionate), they're characters are just fantastic, and they don't get bored.....they just sleep when your not there! They're large toy types so they're the ideal size for anybody (not too big but not too dinky either) and they're just gorgeous! I love my dear little dog to bits and would have another in a heartbeat
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(Sorry for all of the photos, I just adore showing people my piglet
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ahhhhh, i want one - so cute!

Just don't make the mistake so many people make and buy a small terrier thinking that they're easier to deal with....and the majority eat cats!

x
 
Basset hound will just put its nose to the ground and turn a deaf ear like most hounds?
Why a Labradoddle(Latest fashion dog) Why not a labrador or a poodle?
I have Giant Schnauzers and love them,used to have Australian Terriers and Lowchens which I did obediance with
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honest to god I am not following a trend!!! LOL

I am terribly allergic to labs and retrievers (not sure why those two specifically) and TBH I do not like poodles at all. *hides* the new mix em up types seem to look like labs (bit smaller if x with a toy poodle) but with a non shedding coat which I should be OK with.

x
 
how cute!!!

I had ruled out the cavalier spaniel and was looking at the other types of spaniel but after seeing yours I may have changed my mind! I have only met fat ones which is why I think I was put off, silly really as it is the owner that makes them that way!
 
I am not a small dog fan at all.....however I do adore Cavaliers and Border Terriers.
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For the OP's situation I would say go for a small yellow Labrador - they are such great dogs and fit into any lifestyle as they are generally so easy-going.
 
Like you say it depends onhow the dog is brought up! I have 4 staffies (2 are still pups we bred looking for new homes!) but my boy used to come to work with me before i moved he loved it playin all down down the yard mixing with the horses. They are all great with cats and other dogs! although the boy doean't really like them just tolerates them! They are always outside and can't remember the lst time they were on a lead! Don't shed hair, and big enough to see and sleep on the bed!
 
I'd worry about leaving a bassett on it's own. An old next door neighbour of mine got one and it howled its head off whenever they left it. Hounds that are bred to work in packs generally aren't so happy being left on their own.

If you want a relatively non-allergic dog then the Tibetan Terrier is one of the best to get. They don't shed and their hair is more like human hair than dog hair... plus they don't even smell of dogs when they get wet. However they are also not keen being left on their own... okay being left with another dog if you could get two!

A great compromise might be a Scottish Terrier. They are wirehaired and don't shed much so good for the allergy. Plus they are very independent and quite happy being left to do their own thing. As long as you get from a good breeder and socialise them properly (which applies to any breed) they are fab with other dogs/kids/cats/sheep etc. They're not yappy like some terriers can be - in fact they've got the bark of a GSD or some other big breed. My Scottie was the best dog in the world and the hugest character. He died a couple of years ago but I'm planning on getting a new Scottie in the next year as he really was a super little dog.
 
Boston Terrier
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Only a terrier in name, they are the absolute big dog in a small package (the breed standard is to 25lbs but you do see them bigger). They love to play tug of war, fetch, nap when you do, go for an active hike when you do. Best of all they shed little and rarely bark (mine can go weeks without letting out a pip). They do very well at flyball over here in the States. Good with strangers, dogs, cats, kids, horses... what more can I say? (Btw, she beat that Border Collie to the ball
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Greyhound!
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If you get a bitch they are only small - about the same size as a lab - lovely clean dogs, short coated and non smelly, and loads of rescue cases wanting homes. If you go to a good charity (www.grwe.co.uk) they will match your exact needs with a particular dog.

They are fine about being left, mix well with other dogs etc - the only thing you need to make sure is that the one you have is cat safe but if you specify that then it isnt a problem
 
awwwww love Cavalier king charles spaniels just got to watch out for heart and eye problems with them but they are soo cute i love all types of spaniels oh and love dalmatians but they need alot of exersise and i have found that the bitches are normally calmer
 
Border terriers are lovely dogs. Ours were quite happy in the house while we were at work/school as long as they had some toys to play with. They are a nice size dog as well to keep in the house and they don't moult either
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