I am looking at getting a new dog for the family as we lost our dog last year after12 good years. I am not overly keen on getting a pup and am happy to rescue or pick up an older dog. The issue is what type of dog. I want a dog that is good with kids (have two youngsters), is great off the lead (doesn't run away or try to fight every dog it sees), is easy enough to train and doesn't require constant grooming.
Given all the breeds and mixes out there, would love to here of others experiences with their breeds of dogs.
Obviously there are always factors with owning a dog like time spent with training etc. However some dogs do lend themselves to being a cool easy going dog than others.
Cheers for any feedback!
From personal experience border kelpie crosses are good dogs. They usually have a gentle nature as well as being energetic dogs. They are also pretty tough and can handle tougher environments without getting sick, injured or dying.
My dad picked up one from the local pound a few years ago and its been a good dog.
Hi mate, firstly I recommend getting one from Gumtree for free that has had all its injections etc. Give an unwanted dog a second go...
I'd go for a 1.5 to 2 year old dog so it's past the puppy/naughty stage but still playful and impressionable/trainable.
I got my kelpie x border from gumtree he was around that age, after having him for only 2 months I could walk him offlead anywhere, he is eager to do my bidding and very obedient and loyal.
I would highly recommend getting a kelpie (short hair easy to groom) very easy to train and extremely good natured. Have not come across an aggressive kelpie yet.
Perhaps something you may not have thought about is picking up a retired greyhound.
Having spent my life with them I can vouch that the are excellent with kids, probably dealt with 300+ as a kid and not a drama. Short hair = low maintenance. Don't need alot of excercise. And you might even get to take the kids to watch it race before you take it home.
Having said that they are not the best breed in terms of training them to sit, stay etc. they are easily trained into habits but not so much commands.
Rescuing a dog is a fantastic idea. The biggest tip I can give you is to do it through the proper channels as they will have done lots of tests to check the dogs compatibility with children/other dogs ect ect so you get a dog that really fits into your family.
Mate,
go out to your local dog rescue (RSPCA, YAPS etc) walk quietly and calmly......Your New Dog will pick you.
Then it is up to you and the family to instil the attributes you want.
It worked for me, my dog chose me and I loved him for it.
Golder Retriever - I know, long hair but doesn't require that much grooming. Weekly brush and you need to vacuum the carpet once a week as well. But they are just awesome dogs. Mine is the best behaved, gentle boy.
I don't have kids but I know they are great with kids too. Very patient and playful. I also have a little cross and the two of them play like idiots every day chasing each other through bushes or wrestling in the backyard.
Very easy to train. Very intelligent. And since you are on seabreeze it's safe to assume you are into water sports. Goldens love water.
Go to a shelter or give them a call and try and find a dog with the temperament you are after. The staff at these places usually have a good idea for what dog suits different lifestyles.
Does the breed matter, or do you just want a dog that is good?
I got a cattledog from a local shelter a few years ago. She's very friendly, but apparently was a bit of an escape artist in the past. Doesn't seem like she had any training, but has now calmed down and is much more settled.
If you are like me, it is very hard to be objective in choosing a dog when you are there, as the first time a dog is friendly to you, you want to take them home. So, if you can sort out what you really want before hand, it might make things easier.
We got a Labrador x Kelpie nine years ago when the kids were still young and she is a great dog. Her father was a full blood Labrador and her mother was a 50/50 Lab x Kelpie. Got her from the RSPCA at 8 weeks. Been great with the kids who are now young adults or late teens.
Being a cross breed she has characteristics of both breeds and is a very good looking dog. Also a very good dog with kids and people generally, does not bark unless there is something in the yard that should not be there (like a cat). A medium sized dog.
Very smart, very loving and loyal. Not a problem to walk usually on the lead but sometimes off lead as well. Keeps near to us and will not run off. Comes when called.
Passers-by have commented on how nice a dog she looks. Her name is Sandy because she is the colour of sand.
My last dog was a Staffy. He was 12 years old when he died. Obedient, extremely friendly and very good with my two young children and pretty much became another member of the family.
I have also had Jack Russels, lot of pluck for such a little dog. great watch dogs and excellent with kids also (at least that has been my experience.).
next dog will be a staffy (American or English) from pet rescue. so many dogs that need loving homes.
I have had no experience with other dog breeds.
try : www.petrescue.com.au
you need either a labrador, retriever or kelpie.
you have 2 kids.....but you are worried about the mess a dog will make!
[the dog will be the least of your worries]
stephen
We got a free dog off Gumtree. It is a Irish wolfhound X Pointer, the guy bred it for pigging but she was too sooky. Beautiful nature.
If it wasn't for your issue with grooming I would highly recommend getting a Newfoundland. Best temperament and amazing dogs.
But, they shed, drool, and you will have a very hard time finding one to adopt.
Go a spoodle my girl is 11 has three legs and is a legend of a dog. Or a rotti , they are actually a great family dog , and easy to train and good natured , they just look mean
So awesome so see so many people happy to give a homeless dog a chance. The euthanasia rates in Australia are frightening - there are so many loving, loyal friends out there desperate for a second chance. It's just a matter of finding your perfect match
I agree with teabag, rotti's are a awesome family dog, (dispite popular opinion) they're super smart and can learn things quickly. Good to hang out with because they're mellow, and have a nice soft coat that makes em fun to cuddle.(and no one will break in to your house either)
Get a pup, you will bond better and the 10 or so years of good times outweighs the naughty stage!
Happy dogging
We had a pair of Kelpie Xs for 14 years. Very protective of us and our children and very intelligent. Had them both from pups.
We now have a SA Ridgeback/boxer cross who is just gorgeous. She was abandoned and on the stray and lobbed on our door step one night at 9 pm about 5 years ago when she was about 18 months old.
If we had young children at the time I am sure she would have been perfect with them. Ridgebacks have a very good reputation with being around children.
Whatever breed you choose, you need to understand "dog talk". Dogs have the "pack mentality" and will usually accept their place in the pecking order. What is most important is to establish with the dog what the pecking order is.
Putting the dog through a dog obedience course is highly recommended. If your children are old enough (say 5 or 6) one or both of them should do it with the dog.
It is not for the sake of teaching the dog tricks or being totally subjected. It is about establishing a better relationship with the dog and the rules under which it will operate.
My 2 cents worth.
Edit:- I think popular opinion is that a Labrador is the safest dog to have around young children and that is probably right.
My boy is a german shepard/ridgeback. BEST $80 I've ever spent. Great with the family. Hates anyone coming near the place without us around. I would recommend any sort of cross breed over a pure bred. The gene pool in Australia is quite limited and is probably one of the main causes of problems like hip displasure.
have had Border Collie X in the past,as well as a kelpie/bullterrier X,which were both great dogs although very active..
Current animal is a Hungarian Vizsla,very smart and trains well,short hair and loves the beach.
He was expensive,but worth it!
Agree with Kelpie x Border.
Our is 3yo. Energeric, yet not flat out - needs a walk at least once a day.
Not too big/large. Not too small either.
Not food obsessed (labs/bassets). Good temperament with my boys (15+).
Easy to train and obedient - except when a ball is involved - ball obsessed.
Issue is that the running will affect their knees/tendons. Hates swimming - not a lab.
Brother has a small lap dog (pomeranian) - great nature - loves food - not so good for a smalldog. It broke its leg as puppy - someone tripped over it - lucky he's a vet.
Sister has twin female fox terriers - they are great with her adolescent girls - a real bundle of energy - two speeds.
We have a westie...hes great with kids they pull his tail/hair and he hardly bats an eye...hates cats and is surprisingly good guard dog for a little bloke