Wanted: The Dog Search Continues

Well, we are in a bit of a pickle. The family can't agree on a) what kind of dog to get and b) where to go and find one. We've also discovered that we are a somewhat difficult bunch to place a rescue dog with, being novices and having children under sixteen years of age. We have discovered that none of us is very keen on Staffordshire Bull Terriers and the rehoming centres seem to be full of them, which suggests that no-one else loves them either. They are the marginalised of the dog world. We like the idea of a retired greyhound, but that means having a dog which probably can't be let off the lead (being a sight dog) and will have to be muzzled, which one of us is not too happy about. We've looked at Malamutes (someone here loves huskies), but they aren't really suitable for novices. So, we are now beginning to think about puppies.  Which will be a lot more work, but everyone is saying they will put the necessary work in.

We are still looking for the appropriate dog. Which probably means not letting everyone have a say, and just bringing one home. A Labrador would be my choice.......

Comments

[Tim]

If I were hunting at the moment, it would be a flat-coat retriever, Sheltie (gorgeous!) or labrador.

I take it you're aware there are `halties' which aren't muzzles?

[Chris]

Well my uncle and Aunty where in a very similar situation a year ago. They look after their grand child on a permanent now and therefore required a dog that was suitable for a youngster.
He, of course, wanted a huge dog that barked and looked terrifying but that was never oing to be suitable.
So they eventually went for a wee dog called Buster who is a Laso Apso. These are wee ankle biters but he is amazing. At a young age they are very active (if you look at the history, they where used by the Japanese as look out dogs, to then waken up the bigger dogs in an event who woulddo the biting). He is hyper and barks a lot, but as soft as a sponge - and very cuddly with children.
The only problem with him is that my wee cuz refuses to take him out a walk - because he is frightened of getting slagged from his pals.

Apart from that I would strongly recommend a Laso Apso.

[Allan]

Well worth getting a pup - yes it can be hard work for the first few months, but the effort is well worth it. A Lab would be good for a first dog, generally very biddable and well behaved but they can get overweight later in life - but hey can't we all!!!
A cautionary note though...as Labs are very popular do your research on where you get one.

[Cathy Wilson]

Staffies would be my dog of choice - they are cool: loyal, obedient, fun-loving and with loads of energy. You'd certainly be safe with a staff. however they don't like other dogs that much ... ,,,, especially yapping ones who annoy them.

You could do worse that a staffi - as long as the blood lines are OK and they haven't previously been used for fighting.

Cathy

[Tim]

Chris: http://www.dogsindepth.com/nonsporting_dog_breeds/images/lhasa_apso_h03.jpg ? I'm presuming it's called Dougal? ;)

[Lynsey]

Hi David,

I know a couple who are trying to find a home for a 5-month old West Highland puppy - who is already poop-trained. Westies are very cute and intelligent wee terriers. Interested? Lynsey

[GadgetVicar]

Thanks, Lynsey. I'd love a Westie, but unfortunately the smaller members of the GV community don't want a small dog. Something wrong there, I feel.

[(notorious) ryan]

My vote : poodle or a Paris Hilton style minidog. They'd so suit a pisky priest.

[Kenny Macaulay]

Have a look at my blog http://frkenny.blog.co.uk/2009/03/19/archie-surpasses-himself-5788130/ and see the obvious disadvantages of Labs/Golden Retrievers. Or maybe it's just mine? Seriously, both are brilliant family pets, so loving, trusting and biddable. Just keep them away from mud!

[Jenni Vater]

Border terriers every time! They don't leave hair everywhere are great with kids and are laid back!

Jenni

[rona of www.iwanttobeavicar.com]

Can I put another bid in for greyhounds? The retired greyhound charities are so keen for homes that they are less rule-driven, and will rehome a greyhound with a family with children if they think the greyhound will be OK. Also, we had babies AND cats, and our two greyhounds were fantastic!
We didn't muzzle them - didn't need to, however, I think they are just so relieved to be treated well that they will happily put up with a muzzle.
We use a Haltie on our golden retriever, but only because she pulls on the lead - she could easily wolf a bunny with the haltie on should she be so inclined! AND Greyhounds don't leave loads of fur everywhere. AND there is nothing like the joy of watching a greyhound run in a field, just for the pleasure of running. When we lived on the Downs in Guildford all other dogwalkers would stop and stare at them running. Make the decision! Rescue a greyhound!!!

[Math Campbell]

Just thought I'd note in passing that breed isn't as important as some make out with regards temperament. Socialisation is more important if you get a puppy tbh. This refers to socialising the dog to other dogs, children etc. in the first 6-8 weeks after birth, else they can have issues...
Whatever dog you get, try and get a rescue do if you can, be it from a shelter or even a free-to-good-home advert in the newsagent's. Don't pay a breeder, too many are disreputable, and you could instead give that money to charity not a business (not to mention be saving the life of a dog that could otherwise get killed. Breeders will almost always make their money anyway).
Malamut's are definitely not for amateurs; I have a friend with one; they are big, loud energetic dogs.
Good luck with whatever you get....

[SARAH]

HI THERE I AM SELLING MY LABS CHOCOLATE BROWN 6 YEARS OLD BOTH FEMALE AND MUST GO TO GETHER PLEASE GET IN TOUCH [email protected]