Breed advice

[Littlepurpledog]

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Hi everyone

My partner and I are looking at buying a puppy. We are looking for something with medium level of exercise requirements, medium size, although we are probably willing to go slightly bigger than medium as long as its not huge and trainable. This is just for a family pet. We have a reasonable sized detached house and a large, fully enclosed garden. We are fully aware of the responsibilities, time and financial commitments of a puppy.

Any suggestions on breed? We would be more than happy with a mixed breed or even a good old mongrel but mongrels seem to be quite hard to find these days.

Thanks in advance

 

[merlina]

Congratulations- dog ownership is enhancing life for most of us! You're being very responsible asking questions and getting advice wherever. As someone who's volunteered for various rescues I would consider approaching any reputable ones near you- Blue Cross, Dog's Trust etc. They will talk you through what may suit you and the dog. With the possible exception of wolf crosses all dogs are trainable but some have instincts that make them a challenge. (Afghan hound, say though I'm sure they have lots of fans.) A working dog (Lab or springer) crossed with something smaller can produce some lovely dogs. Sorry to say there are no guarantees. Our fourth spaniel was the biggest problem dog we'd ever had! He's fine now but if he'd been our first dog he may have been our last! One thing to really be careful about is inbreeding in pedigrees. If you look on the Kennel Club website they have info on COI- it's number to do with the puppy's genetics. The simple rule is Keep It Low. Ask any breeder you consider buying from about this number. Of course if you buy a crossbreed the number is 0- which is good. But not failsafe - a King Charles Spaniel x poodle can have 0 score and still bring a hideous brain problem from one parent. So read up on what certain breeds carry. Other biggie is find out about puppy farming and avoid. Do ask questions of whoever you deal with- if they are honest they'll be happy to talk to you- you'll make a good owner so why wouldn't they? Best of luck!

 

[JoanneF]

Great advice above, I'd just like to add some reading on how to avoid puppy farms (which can be very well disguised as family breedes)

What Does a Puppy Farm REALLY Look Like? Could YOU tell?

Animal Welfare Site

 

[JudyN]

When you say 'medium exercise requirements', what's that in hours a day - both for walks and general 'entertainment'? Are there any particular activities you enjoy, such as dog agility? And when you say 'trainable' - just manageable, as in decent recall? All breeds are trainable, but some are naturally more biddable whereas others are more independent and like to have more of a say in what they do.

 

[Littlepurpledog]

When you say 'medium exercise requirements', what's that in hours a day - both for walks and general 'entertainment'? Are there any particular activities you enjoy, such as dog agility? And when you say 'trainable' - just manageable, as in decent recall? All breeds are trainable, but some are naturally more biddable whereas others are more independent and like to have more of a say in what they do.

When I say medium exercise, I mean up to an hour a day walk during the week although more will be possible over the weekend. Plus playing games like fetch and tug o' war etc. I suppose when I say trainable I possibly mean more biddable although if I could have any dog in the world I would have a border collie, in no small part because of their intelligence. Unfortunately I know I don't have time for a collie. I have never done any activities along the lines of agility etc. The idea does appeal but I have no idea what's involved in terms of time, cost etc.

 

[Littlepurpledog]

Great advice above, I'd just like to add some reading on how to avoid puppy farms (which can be very well disguised as family breedes)

What Does a Puppy Farm REALLY Look Like? Could YOU tell?

Animal Welfare Site

Thank you for this. Very useful

 

[Finsky]

Hour a day...hmm...that I would class as on the more 'lower' end of the exercise category, particularly if you are looking for a medium size dogs. I cannot think a single breed that would not benefit physically and mentally more than that...unless you were to run an hour with it or play physically active games. First few years all dogs tend be bursting with energy and that is when you set good start for the life. If your dog would already start piling the pounds and not use its muscles at that stage, it would probably have lasting effect to its health and court up with it later on the life when it starts naturally slow down.
First breed that came to my mind that is rather easy going and very family oriented breed is Staffordshire bull terrier. They are medium size, in 'medium activity' range although if needs to be, it is very happy to plough on..or they are more of 'plodders', trotting on as long as their owners are moving. They are very family orientated and and generally very laid back and loving dogs. They have bit of a bad reputation, but it is not their fault...they were used and abused as fighting dogs and most of the reputations is their owners fault. They are terriers on their own right but far less stubborn and much pliably natured than many other terriers in their group. They are not stupid dogs neither..providing their owners give staffy enough mental stimulation and interaction, but they can get bored easily, hence they like company and playing...rope games really are their thing...using their jaws and muscles.
Any Staffies I've come across and known have been absolutely lovely natured and often their first time owners carry on keeping the breed because of their lovely nature.
BUT...they don't tend to like being left alone for long periods and separation anxiety can become issue with some.
I suggest you to have google more about them..

 

[Biker John]

Another vote for Staffies, same as Finsky the ones I have known have been lovely friendly happy dogs. My son has two and you couldn't wish to meet a more easy going dog than either of them. Another breed to consider is a Whippet, once past the puppy stage they are lazy dogs only needing a short time of free running although they can go for a long walk if you want. If you do get one have a look to see if their is a Whippet racing club near you. It's a brilliant day out for you and the dog.

 

[Ari_RR]

I think 1 hr a day is very low... but I also think that given a choice between more walking and having a medium or larger size ball of energy bouncing off the walls inside the house - humans will find a way to walk more
I can’t suggest a breed which would be happy with 1 hour a day, but a large enclosed garden is a huge asset, I only wish I could have a fence. Good luck!

 

[niamh123]

I also think a Staffy would be a great choice all the ones I know are very laid back and friendly