Seeking Advice On Selecting A Puppy

[Gemelo]

My Aussies don't require heaps of exercise. When we were in town they got a walk most days....around 30-45 minutes....but if were working the mushroom hours I'm working now, sunup til dark, they wouldn't get walked all week and they didn't seem to mind.

They do love a good run, play, chase of the frisbee, they adore a long sniffy walk and they both love running alongside the bike, but if they don't get it they don't take it out on the house, garden, our belongings etc.

Mine need more exercise than yours Gayle! After 3-4 days without going anywhere they are climbing the walls, the yard gets destroyed and if they are kept inside, anything in their reach cops it too.. But mine are younger than yours, so maybe they will outgrow it, doubt it, but I can dream

[poodlefan]

whippets may look scrawny but they are quite strong, trust me an untrained whippet can drag you over easily! They are a sighthound, their body is built for speed. They do have fabulous personalities I say go meet a few you may be surprised!

They may be lean but they don't lack muscle. Lambo I have poodles and a Whippet - the Whippet gave me two fat lips and a black eye until I learned to respect the strength in that elegant neck - when you rev them up and they throw their head around, you learn to keep yours out of the way.

They are bouncy pups - Bryan Mannix has stressed the importance of putting time and effort into training and socialising them. My Whippet Howard was a confident boy the day I got him and that hasn't changed. He's very friendly to dogs and people.

I was on the brink of recommending a Whippet to you. They are a great family dog and deserve to be more popular than they are. Be warned, if you go down that route, you'll find, that like Tim Tams, its hard to stop at one!

Here's Howard having a plunge into my friend's dam. Nothing timid about him!!

Edited June 2, 2010 by poodlefan

[Gayle.]

Our cats are far more destructive than our dogs. The cats have destroyed thousands of dollars worth of furniture by clawing it or peeing on it, the dogs have destroyed a few dog beds (benson as a puppy), chewed up some toys and shies (benson as a puppy) and dug a few holes in the lawn........yep benson as a puppy again.

I always find it amazing in these type of threads when people try and steer the OP away from their own breed due to them being too much work. If they are so much work and so unenjoyable, why does anyone own them?

[Bubitty]

I always find it amazing in these type of threads when people try and steer the OP away from their own breed due to them being too much work. If they are so much work and so unenjoyable, why does anyone own them?

Just because they are a lot of work does not mean they are not enjoyable. I'd do it all over again in a heartbeat! I am super puppy clucky and would be thrilled to get a third dog. Just pointing out the realities of life with a puppy. Some people like the idea of a breed but may not be so thrilled with the idea of waking up at 5.30am in the morning to go for a walk in the rain.

[Kavik]

Mine are work, but very enjoyable

My breeds would be unsuitable for the OP as:

They shed (GSD copious amounts, the Kelpies not too bad in comparison)

They are not quiet breeds

They require lots of work/training/stimulation - with all this rain it is hard to get them out as much atm and they are full of energy!

They are not 'calm' breeds. They are good in the house but can be exciteable when out.

But this is what I like about them

I am not interested in a calm breed that likes to hang out around the house. I like dogs with lots of drive and 'tude. I like to exercise and train them.

[Sophieandgracie]

I think Lambo is doing an amazing job of really researching and being very open-minded when it comes to their choice! I do agree that many of the issues such as destructiveness barking when alome etc are actually training issues more than breed issues (I know breed type has an influence but it is not the sole determinant!)

Maybe they should go for a Wei (seems like their first choice) but look for an older pup rather than a baby puppy?

[Monah]

another whippet/grey fan here. Lovely. sighthounds are usually not as needy as some other breeds (usually :D ) and clean and lovely

My friend has a gorgeous foster atm, she, the dog! is about 12 months old, could have ACD staffy etc. and is really lovely both in looks (almost a 'tiger' coat ) and temperament. I'd have her in an instant if I could. I know it's not a pup, but there are many fantastic 'tested' fosters out there waiting for a great home, who are over the destructive, nippy, chewey, toileting digging stuff. These are the problems that your wife, as a dog liker, but maybe not lover, will find really irritating in a pup. Yes it is training, but training can be exhausting and a daily ongoing consistent thing. Most owners are fine with it, but if you are not sure about having a dog in the first place, it would be really draining.

Also, your eldest child may want to help care for the dog etc., but in reality it will fall to you (probably). With school, homework, sports etc. not many kids have the time to spend on training and caring for a pup but yours may be the exception.

A socialised ACD is a great family, jogging, protective dog who would be fine on their own. They are a fantastic companion which is probably why you see many with tradies etc. going off to work They are very happy to just sit and wait and look around. Also very loyal, not a dog who will be best friends with anyone and everyone.

It is great you are asking so many questions. very difficult to really make a suggestion as all dogs even in one breed are different. sometimes you can meet a dog you never thought of owning and fall in love with it and it will change your mind about what breeds you like. Puppies of most breeds are really hard work sometimes even worse by the time they are about 9 to 15 months!!! Many are given away before 2 years of age because of this which is a shame as normally by about 2 yrs of age they start to settle down and be 'sensible'

As long as you have realistic expectations, I think any dog will have a lovely hoome at your place

[Monah]

PF. HOWARD He is adorable!!! Love him. :D How do the poodles cope!

[Gayle.]

I always find it amazing in these type of threads when people try and steer the OP away from their own breed due to them being too much work. If they are so much work and so unenjoyable, why does anyone own them?

Just because they are a lot of work does not mean they are not enjoyable. I'd do it all over again in a heartbeat! I am super puppy clucky and would be thrilled to get a third dog. Just pointing out the realities of life with a puppy. Some people like the idea of a breed but may not be so thrilled with the idea of waking up at 5.30am in the morning to go for a walk in the rain.

and yet you said you would definitely not recommend your breed due to the amount of work involved. If you enjoy it, why wouldn't someone else enjoy it as well?

[Sophieandgracie]

Just had a quick look at the What's good about them? What's Bad about them?

My gosh - not one single breed seems like a good choice for anyone LOL

I agree it is great to point out the possible downsides but it is really important to remember not ALL those traits apply to EVERY dog in that breed!!

[Monah]

People have different expectations though

Not one of my friends ever want a vizsla they love the look, but can see that a viz is more demanding? than most breeds, and this is not what they want, and her loving personality puts them right off.

the spin is more laid back, so she is more popular, but has a beard so this puts them off of her as a pet.

It's just a matter of finding the right match for each person. I enjoy demanding animals, even the cats I have are that way. Others prefer a more independent animal. All are lovely, all can also have their times :D xxx

[Lambo]

I've gone and done one of those online select-a-pet questionairres (the pedigree.com.au one). I've done this before, but I thought I do it again just to fill in the picture a bit. For this purpose, I specifically indicated that the dog will be home alone for at least 40 hours per week - although strictly speaking that would not be true since my other half would be around. I also had chat with her about some of the things that have been raised in the responses to date and stressed that whilst I do not expect her to be responsible for the dog, she does have to accept that any animal we select will be a member of the family and can't simply be ignored or isolated. I'm thinking that provided the dog doesn't eat her huge collection of handbags or shoes, or shed its coat on her clothes, everything will work itself out. But methinks that if the littled dude/dudette so much as thinks of even licking a high-heel it will literally be in the doghouse.

Anyways, the recommendations from pedigree.com.au and my (immediate) reactions are:

1. Airedale Terrier - cute but probably too small for my liking;

2. Whippet - still mulling over this one, but I'm still thinking it looks anorexic (no offence to Whippet lovers);

3. Beagle - If I was going to get a smaller dog (which I still have not fully ruled out), it'd probably be a beagle or king charles (or a staffy);

4. Fox Terrier (Wire & Smooth) - not sure;

5. Hungarian Vizsla - Still thinking about this one, but am starting to lean against it in light of the advices I have received so far;

6. German Shepherd Dog - I like this dog, but its definitely ruled out at this time;

7. Weimaraner - This is still my preferred breed - but I'm still not entirely convinced that my family could satisfy all its needs.

Given that the two breeds at the top of my list are the Weim and the Lab, I'm actually starting to wonder if I'd be better off seeking a mix of the two? Presumably this would provide the best of both worlds - the intelligence and independence of a Lab coupled with the grace beauty of a Weim. (I take on board though that some folks have highlighted that Labs don't necessarily like being left on their own all that much).

I have also been tempted to get two dogs at once, or at least within a few months of each other. But that just seems like asking for a double dose of drama - not to mention issues like my other half not being thrilled by the possibility, the dogs bonding more with each other than the family, and double the cost of everything. Hence, this is definitely out of the question for me.

[poodlefan]

PF. HOWARD He is adorable!!! Love him. :D How do the poodles cope!

Very well. They boss him about.

[Bjelkier]

I've gone and done one of those online select-a-pet questionairres (the pedigree.com.au one). I've done this before, but I thought I do it again just to fill in the picture a bit. For this purpose, I specifically indicated that the dog will be home alone for at least 40 hours per week - although strictly speaking that would not be true since my other half would be around. I also had chat with her about some of the things that have been raised in the responses to date and stressed that whilst I do not expect her to be responsible for the dog, she does have to accept that any animal we select will be a member of the family and can't simply be ignored or isolated. I'm thinking that provided the dog doesn't eat her huge collection of handbags or shoes, or shed its coat on her clothes, everything will work itself out. But methinks that if the littled dude/dudette so much as thinks of even licking a high-heel it will literally be in the doghouse.

Anyways, the recommendations from pedigree.com.au and my (immediate) reactions are:

1. Airedale Terrier - cute but probably too small for my liking;

2. Whippet - still mulling over this one, but I'm still thinking it looks anorexic (no offence to Whippet lovers);

3. Beagle - If I was going to get a smaller dog (which I still have not fully ruled out), it'd probably be a beagle or king charles (or a staffy);

4. Fox Terrier (Wire & Smooth) - not sure;

5. Hungarian Vizsla - Still thinking about this one, but am starting to lean against it in light of the advices I have received so far;

6. German Shepherd Dog - I like this dog, but its definitely ruled out at this time;

7. Weimaraner - This is still my preferred breed - but I'm still not entirely convinced that my family could satisfy all its needs.

Given that the two breeds at the top of my list are the Weim and the Lab, I'm actually starting to wonder if I'd be better off seeking a mix of the two? Presumably this would provide the best of both worlds - the intelligence and independence of a Lab coupled with the grace beauty of a Weim. (I take on board though that some folks have highlighted that Labs don't necessarily like being left on their own all that much).

I have also been tempted to get two dogs at once, or at least within a few months of each other. But that just seems like asking for a double dose of drama - not to mention issues like my other half not being thrilled by the possibility, the dogs bonding more with each other than the family, and double the cost of everything. Hence, this is definitely out of the question for me.

Oh no, not a good idea at all!

Just because you mix two dogs together does not mean w=you will get the traits you like of both breeds. What happens if you get the traits you don't like, then youhave a dog you arn't happy with and it's neither fair on the dog or yourself and family.

[poodlefan]

Lambo:

Given that the two breeds at the top of my list are the Weim and the Lab, I'm actually starting to wonder if I'd be better off seeking a mix of the two? Presumably this would provide the best of both worlds - the intelligence and independence of a Lab coupled with the grace beauty of a Weim. (I take on board though that some folks have highlighted that Labs don't necessarily like being left on their own all that much).

A mixed breed might also be the worst of both breeds, is virtually impossible to find from any kind of responsible breeder and even less possible to find from appropriately health tested parents. Its definitely impossible to predict which characteristics of each breed the dog will inherit.

Weimaraners are more prone than Labradors (as I understand it) to separation anxiety.

I don't know why you think Labs are "independent". They are a dog bred to live and work side by side with people and to look to them for direction.

[Bubitty]

I always find it amazing in these type of threads when people try and steer the OP away from their own breed due to them being too much work. If they are so much work and so unenjoyable, why does anyone own them?

Just because they are a lot of work does not mean they are not enjoyable. I'd do it all over again in a heartbeat! I am super puppy clucky and would be thrilled to get a third dog. Just pointing out the realities of life with a puppy. Some people like the idea of a breed but may not be so thrilled with the idea of waking up at 5.30am in the morning to go for a walk in the rain.

and yet you said you would definitely not recommend your breed due to the amount of work involved. If you enjoy it, why wouldn't someone else enjoy it as well?

Someone might read my post and think “Ohh goodie! Can’t wait to get a golden and do all these activities!” or they might run.

In this case, I don’t think goldens are suited to what the OP is looking for. If the OP reads my post and thinks they will enjoy all these activities then good for them!

[Gayle.]

Airedale terriers are big. Much bigger than beagles, whippets etc. They are a breed with a strong personality though and can require special handling.

[macka]

Labs are not independent IMO. They bond very closely to their handlers and love nothing more than to be by your side. Mine copes just fine while we are at work, however he does have another dog for company.

You'd be crazy to think that crossing two breeds would give you the best of both worlds. What it will give you is uncertainty about just exactly what sort of dog you are getting.

If you like Labs and you like Weims, why don't you talk to some breeders to get a better idea of which one would be best?

Puppies chew things and just about any breed would be quite capable of chewing up a pair of shoes or a handbag, so if you don't want things chewed, you're going to have to A)keep them out of reach, and B)teach your puppy not to chew your things and C)give the puppy appropriate things that it is allowed to chew.

With regards to shedding, labs shed like crazy, so if you want a lab you just have to accept there will be dog hair around, and yes (gasp!) it does get on your clothes.

[dogdayz]

I own a weim but i never recommend them to anyone i dont know extremely well, was experienced with active dogs, used to training, doesnt worry about their kids being knocked over, doesnt like to feed birds in their garden and isnt going to find it the end of the world if their belongings get destroyed . Yes there are exceptions, and yes all breeds can do those things, but given the OPs partner isnt fully convinced of needing a dog i would consider a weim a little too much of a challenge.

If i was the OP i would consider a collie smooth, less grooming than the rough though they do shed, but generally they are gentle unobtrusive puppies who weedle their way into peoples hearts...just get on top of the territorial barking before it starts.

[Crazy Daisy]

Definitely don't go for a cross breed if you want an indication of temperament. You have no idea what will come out of a cross.

I will have to strongly disagree about all Golden's being barkers. I can only go from experience but mine have never been very vocal. Barking at nothing is one thing I can't stand. I'm happy for my dogs to give a warning bark when someone comes to the door or if another dog wanders on to the property but to bark at nothing is a definite no no. My golden's have always been quiet most of the time.

My Golden's have also never been too destructive. Unless you count destroying sticks and making a mess with them in the backyard. As long as they have heaps of toys and a reasonable amount of exercise they are great. Freddy has heaps of soft toys and has never destroyed one of them. He does have one hole though. It was the same with my last Golden, they find a place, dig a hole and lie in it to keep cool. One hole is fine with me, they are dogs after all.

If you don't want to deal with a puppy, and let's face it, most puppies will chew and destroy things. Then maybe look at an older ex-show/breeding dog. Or a rescue.