Its a long story I wont bore you with but we are in the early stages of getting a dog! I know, can you believe it! Anyway we want some advice from you dog owners out there (of the constructive variety). We have narrowed the choice down to two breeds - a Lakeland Terrier or a miniature Schnauzer. I think they look cool and would make a great pet but if you know anything we don't then please let us know. Also, have you any experience of other breeds that might be worth considering? They have to be non-malting, no bigger than 30/40cm (18"), fun and lively, not poncy and good with kids.

Holla

 


Comments

JP

Thu, 08 May 2008 02:47:50

Don't get a male dog, get a bitch, they are far more loyal and in the JP world of dog owning over the years a lot easier to train.

The above two dogs look pretty much interchangable to me. No fur shedding is obviously a bonus I would imagine.

Other than that Paul. If you get a puppy you're going to needs lots patience, consistency, the abilty to positive reinforce while ignoring the negative, and lastly understanding. As you obviously have all these characteritistics in spades you'll be fine.

 

Kay

Thu, 08 May 2008 02:54:34

Shitzu's all the way...and funnily enough I happen to have one going spare, she's well trained, good with kids and not remotely spoilt...right I'm off to the post office, she should be with you in a couple of days if I send her 1st class, recorded delivery - enjoy!

 

Kay

Thu, 08 May 2008 03:00:20

Why dont you get one of each...they can keep each other company and it saves on the guilt trip you get when you leave one on its own.

 

Copley

Thu, 08 May 2008 05:30:22

PJ...

You do realise that it's going to crap everywhere at first, and not do what it's told, and eat things it shouldn't, and bite Buster when he annoys it...? And you know that, as Jon says, you'll have to take the time to teach it right from wrong, and not just kick it about and rub its nose in poo...

If you don't, you'll end up with a ill-trained mutt that you'll hate, and you'll have to give it away because you'll kill it otherwise.

Just checking...


 

jem

Thu, 08 May 2008 05:51:56

My parents have a mini schnauzer that they adore...have sent them the link to here so they can tell you how great he is.
I imagine he ticks all the boxes and he is super cute and funny and has regular mad 5 mins around the house.
If I was to choose I might go for the lakeland though because its a bit taller and the fur round its mouth is meant to be brownish instead of just being stained that way. I only know about the character of the schnauzer though and its 10 out of 10

 

Susan (Jems mum)

Thu, 08 May 2008 08:25:42

I could talk all day on the good things about mini shnauzers. They are cheerful happy go lucky dogs who will snuggle up on the settee all day and do nothing or they will follow you up a mountain and back.
Dogs of all kinds need careful managment where children are concerned. We had a Paterdale terrier who was of indeterminate age when we got him. In order to be able to trust him we had to make sure he never felt in charge. In the end he would let Megan dress him in shorts and teashirt and then pose for photgraphs.
I think what I am saying is the dog you choose should be calm and reliable, not the one in the litter who is grabbing all the attention. but the gentle quiet one, the one that grabs your heart.........
By the way, both of these breeds need to be clipped every couple of months in order to retain their shape. It may be a pain if the nearest Poodle palour is 2o miles away

 

Celia

Thu, 15 May 2008 14:48:32



Is the garden all fenced in and dog-safe, otherwise it'll be a nightmare trying to prevent a dog from getting out/running away/getting lost/stolen etc. So that is my No. 1 point.

Secondly, I agree that getting a female dog is the best, as long as you get it speyed as soon as recommended.....they are more loyal and don't try to get out, and they don't get fat and lazy!

The other recommendation, is that you study carefully the behaviour of the parent animal, to see what sort of temperament the offspring may have (doesn't always work, look at human families!!).
Have you considered getting a rescue dog aged around 1 year, that is already trained to be clean etc. Quite often, elderly people have to give their family pet away to a good home, when they can't look after them any more... you can go to your local vet and ask about that.
Whatever, we shall look forward to meeting the Family Pet in due course. XXX

 

Kay

Fri, 16 May 2008 03:30:39

More loyal and dont try to get out?? Do you want to let Molly Brown that? (I wish someone would!)

 

Wendy & Simon

Fri, 16 May 2008 12:50:53

We have two fabulous non-malting female Weimeraners up for grabs - very friendly (fight almost to the death with each other, but great with humans and kids) just happen to be arriving in Melbourne on 4th June - should we just send them on to New Zealand - free of charge......

 

PJ

Sun, 18 May 2008 14:00:14

I've decided not to be a lightwieght and get a dog but to have more children. maybe 3 or 4 more boys. i miss the challenge of getting up in the middle of the night and i'm a bit bored with nothing to do here but look at lovely scenery. Buster can sleep in the outhouse and keep my bikes clean.

 

jemma

Mon, 19 May 2008 20:06:02

did you decide on a rottweiler that has bitten your typing fingers off?

 

PJ

Mon, 02 Jun 2008 00:20:16

Thanks everyone (and no thanks Wend!) - Susan has us pretty much sold on a Schnauzer but loads to think about first like fencing off the garden etc. I'll keep you posted.

 



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