Tor Posted May 25, 2015 Share Posted May 25, 2015 (edited) *UPDATE PAGE 6* Hello everyone, I have been lurking for a while and have already leant so much. I would love some thoughts on our situation regarding our next family member. Three weeks ago, our much-loved rescue Maltese x had to be pts due to worsening congestive heart failure. We got him as an 8 year old and had 3 lovely years with him. He was the first dog I had as an adult, and I leant a lot from him. He was quite nervous and never lost his fear aggression on the leash towards other dogs, although he improved a lot with training. He was also not 100% trustworthy around unfamiliar children, although was easily managed as I learnt his early discomfort signals and was always able to keep him separate when my two girls, 5 and 8, had friends over. He was very much loved and is very much missed. I definitely want to get another dog to share our lives with, but we are not in a hurry. From our last dog, I have learnt a lot about what I am looking for in my next one, and have decided I want a puppy this time so that my daughters can have that experience and so I can bring it up very carefully with good socialisation and training. I also want as many years as possible with him/her. I live with my husband and two daughters in suburban melbourne. We have a medium backyard which is securely fenced up to 1.9m. I homeschool my kids and my husband works from home 1-2 days a week, so our dog would rarely be left alone, although might have two or three stretches of 2-3 hours per week. I definitely want an indoor dog, our last dog was always by my side when I was at home. I took him places that went too busy, he didn't enjoy crowds of strangers or other dogs, so that limited us somewhat. He loved to visit my parents, my sister and her dog, and the beach though. I am a runner and train for half-marathons at the moment, full in the future. I want a dog that can accompany me on long runs, often in the early morning, it would be a bonus if it looked a bit intimidating as I'd feel safer. I know puppies can't run, but when it is 12-18 months, I'd like a dog that could run longish distances happily. We are an active family generally and really want a dog that will be part of most things we do, such as social park days with other homeschooled kids and dogs, visiting markets and festivals, going to the beach all through the year. I was looking forward to dog parks, but I've read some not-so-good things about those here... I would take our puppy to puppy school and then on to obedience classes, there is a club in my suburb. I don't know much about dog sports, but I like the idea of agility, frisbee or flyball. It's definitely something I'd like to get involved with. I am also very interested in becoming a therapy dog team volunteer, so obviously a calm, friendly temperament would be important. So that's what I can offer a dog. I am not a super experienced owner though, and this would be my first puppy. This is what I'm looking for -happy, friendly temperament -reliable with children -generally good with other dogs, at least not aggressive or too reactive -medium to large (not giant) size -prefer short hair -ok as an only dog -can be socialised to be gentle with cats and guinea pigs, possibly chickens at some stage -energetic and able to run long distances I have to say boxers are my heart breed. My husband had them growing up, and I just adored the last one he had when we met. She was so goofy and loving, but also somehow noble. I worry about their health issues though, and we may end up relocating to the U.S. at some point, so I worry about the effect of the aeroplane trip on a boxer's breathing. Other suggestions? Hungarian Viszlas? German Shepherds? Thank you! Edited December 28, 2015 by Tor Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
denali Posted May 25, 2015 Share Posted May 25, 2015 I love all the breeds you have chosen We used to have all of them. -the only thing with the boxer is they are rather boisterous- so while good for the kids to play with, the kids have to be ok maybe being knocked around a bit. I used to love wrestling with ours- they were such good companions. Also their tails knock everything over so clear coffee tables! -GSD's shed, and i wouldn't really call them shorthaired. - Vizslas are great- would happily run, very happy to be with their humans (not called a velcro dog for nothing!) and are a little smaller than the other two breeds, esp. if female. And within the breed there is always individuals so you cant guarantee that they are reliable with other dogs or children. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kavik Posted May 25, 2015 Share Posted May 25, 2015 I would say some suggestions are Boxer, Vizsla, German Shorthaired Pointer German Shepherds have a double coat and the shedding is unbelievable! Lots and lots of hair! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BarbedWire Posted May 25, 2015 Share Posted May 25, 2015 Boxers are not usually good over long distances. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Spotted Devil Posted May 25, 2015 Share Posted May 25, 2015 I think a number of breeds would suit you and finding the right breeder has tipped me towards breeds I wasn't even considering. Just watch the short haired breeds as some can moult like nothing you've ever seen! I always like to tell people the WORST things about my breeds and if they can embrace those aspects they will be fine! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jemmy Posted May 25, 2015 Share Posted May 25, 2015 You sound like you'll be great owners, good luck with your search!! And good on you for doing so much research beforehand. A well chosen GSD *could* be a good fit, but I have to agree with what others have said...the shedding is insane. If by short hair you mean low maintenance, well they fit in with that. But it's not a lot of maintenance on the dog because it just drops itself all over everything. Everything. I love Vizsla's and think they could also fit in very well with your household. I don't know enough about boxers to have much of an opinion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tor Posted May 25, 2015 Author Share Posted May 25, 2015 Boxers are not usually good over long distances. Oh that's interesting, I didn't know that. A normal run for me would be 10/12k or so then when training I might do 3 or 4 15 or 18 k and one 20. I haven't trained for a full marathon yet, the distances would be longer, but I could always look at running half, dropping my dog home and then finishing. I used to do that with my little guy. Coat length isn't a deal breaker, I just like the silky feel of short haired dogs. I definitely don't want a long coat, or anything that mats without daily brushing. Thank you all for the wonderful and quick feedback! Very happy to have found this site. Oh I should have said, we aren't looking at getting a puppy until at least the second half of next year, and am prepared to wait for longer for the right puppy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stressmagnet Posted May 25, 2015 Share Posted May 25, 2015 Oh do get a Labrador... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loving my Oldies Posted May 25, 2015 Share Posted May 25, 2015 Your family sounds just brilliant for any dog. But taking into account you are training for half to full marathon, if you want a dog to come with you, I think you need to look further afield. You'd be running at least 8k 4-5 days a week with a longer one thrown in every so often. I wouldn't be running even an 18 month old those distances unless he/she was Kelpie. Others will be much more experienced than I in terms of suitable dogs for running those distances, but it is a lot of running. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tor Posted May 25, 2015 Author Share Posted May 25, 2015 Oh do get a Labrador... Oh I had not even considered those! I think I've only seen quite overweight ones, and hadn't really thought of one as a running companion. I'll have to do some investigating, and also GSP, which I had never thought of either. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tor Posted May 25, 2015 Author Share Posted May 25, 2015 Your family sounds just brilliant for any dog. But taking into account you are training for half to full marathon, if you want a dog to come with you, I think you need to look further afield. You'd be running at least 8k 4-5 days a week with a longer one thrown in every so often. I wouldn't be running even an 18 month old those distances unless he/she was Kelpie. Others will be much more experienced than I in terms of suitable dogs for running those distances, but it is a lot of running. So much good information. I can split runs, so doing very long ones is not absolutely required. Hmmm, I think I assumed that any largish, muscular dog would easily do those distances...I have a lot to learn! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RuralPug Posted May 25, 2015 Share Posted May 25, 2015 Sounds like you want a smooth coated breed, rather than a short coated breed. For example, the boxer is smooth coated, the labrador is short coated. Please consider the Dalmation which perfectly fts all of your requirements, especially the half marathon running once mature. Like the Boxer, Dallies tend to be very boisterous until they are about 2 years old, so can knock over littlies until mature but are still great for primary school age kids especially. Quite a few of the gundogs that might suit include the already mentioned Vizla, German Shorthaird Pointer and possiibly Weinmaraner and Pointer. Good on you for doing research - it might be best to decide on a few breeds and then let availability and finding a responsible breeder near you narrow the final choice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tor Posted May 25, 2015 Author Share Posted May 25, 2015 Smooth coat! Yes, that's my favourite, but I'm open to short as well. A Dalmation? I think they are beautiful, but I had the impression they were hard to train and maybe not so suitable for children. I know someone who has one actually, I might ask her what she thinks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kavik Posted May 25, 2015 Share Posted May 25, 2015 Hopefully The Spotted Devil will come back to this thread and tell you about Dalmatians! I thought about suggesting them but I don't know as much about them as I do the others. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RuralPug Posted May 25, 2015 Share Posted May 25, 2015 Smooth coat! Yes, that's my favourite, but I'm open to short as well. A Dalmation? I think they are beautiful, but I had the impression they were hard to train and maybe not so suitable for children. I know someone who has one actually, I might ask her what she thinks. Actually they are in the category of very smart dogs that can outsmart a trainer if the trainer isn't firm and consistent but give fantastic results with the right training! Read the Dalmation 101 thread for information aimed at potential owners. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simply Grand Posted May 25, 2015 Share Posted May 25, 2015 Doberman crossed my mind. I don't know a whole lot about them but from what I do know I think they would be suitable. The only thing I'd warn about is to meet the dogs of breeders and find temperaments you like as I have met a couple of timid/nervy ones. I've also met some lovely chilled out confident ones though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tor Posted May 25, 2015 Author Share Posted May 25, 2015 I did think of a Dobermann, but I thought they might be just a bit too big. I do like the slightly smaller Boxers and Vizslas. I know they are a similar size to GSD though. I am trying to be practical, but my heart does yearn for a Boxer. They just seem so sweet and funny. I think I am going to meet with a breeder on Friday who likes to meet all prospective owners even before putting them on her list, so I might get some more ideas then. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sail_Away Posted May 25, 2015 Share Posted May 25, 2015 I own a Vizsla so am bias for the breed... I think they are the best Vizsla's have a single coat and it is velvety smooth - especially their ears! They have very little doggy odour and shed very minimally - although their short red hairs get stuck in clothing! They would do well with your exercise requirements although you can't start running any large breed until they are 18 months. Vizsla's have one of the highest energy levels of any breed.. they will take as much as you can give them, although sometimes they don't know when to stop so it's important not to over exercise them. They are couch potatoes at home, and by couch I mean lap dogs (literally) They don't like to be left alone for long periods, but if well exercised and loved when you are home they will most likely sleep all day when your at work. They are not a dog to be left outside. They MUST be inside with their family. If you like personal space, don't own a Vizsla! I can't remember the last time I went to the bathroom in private! They often have to be touching you too (velcro dog), if not they will only be 1-2m away ... watching your every move! haha. So once again if you don't want a dog to constantly be nagging for your attention, cuddling you, lying ON you, then look for another breed. They can be great with kids although supervision as with any dog is a necessity. I don't have kids but have heard from the Vizsla clubs of many families having to rehome new Vizsla's as they are too much for their kids. As puppies Vizsla's can be extremely unruly. They need a lot of time and consistency put into them and one day the light bulb comes on and they change into the most amazing dog! Have a look on YouTube in the meantime before meeting different breeds - I think it gives a good insight into breeds at home... lots on Vizsla zoomies.... Good luck with your search! Great you are doing the research. If you have any V questions feel free to ask Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pjrt Posted May 25, 2015 Share Posted May 25, 2015 Personally I wouldn't chose a short faced breed with all your running. You may find their tolerance drops off dramatically even in mildly warm weather. I would second Dalmation, and add Rhodesian Ridgeback. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Spotted Devil Posted May 25, 2015 Share Posted May 25, 2015 (edited) Of course I think Dals are SUPER dogs but yes, not for everyone. In my experience they are amazing with kids (and mine has not been raised with kids) or anything weaker than them. Shed a LOT. Love lots of exercise. Will trot all day and that's what they are designed to do. Very intelligent - can be too smart for some!!! Not bred to work closely with you like a Gundog but definitely are capable - my Zig is an Agility Champion - first Dalmatian in Australia. He is a hoot but I put the hard yards in during the first two years...however you will need to do similar for breeds including Viz, GSP, Boxer etc. I also love my soft Spaniels of course but that's a whole other story. Edited May 25, 2015 by The Spotted Devil Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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