So me and OH are actually talking about getting another dog. Uh ohhhhh A puppy for one night and this is the outcome! We're definitely not rushing into anything like we did with Stanley and we're considering a different breed. We want something a bit smaller or the same size as Stanley. Not a designer dog - a normal family pet. So far we're considering cocker spaniels and border terriers. We're also considering rescue. If anyone has any thoughts on any breeds let me have them please. You're all an amazing fountain of knowledge!
My boss had a border terrier she was lovely, very placid and loving. She gor run over in a horrible accident. My sister groomed dogs for 3 years and said borders were her favorite breed. I am not the biggest fan of spaniels but not from any actual knowledge just every spaniel ive met (and i cant differe tiate between cocker and Springer) has been agressive toward me or my dogs, and I know thats more owner than breed. But just my 2pence worth. Im not making assumptions or trying to offend. Just a little chime of my opinion
If I had all the energy and time in the world, I'd love a working cocker. Show cockers do nothing for me. I'm sure they're lovely but - meh. There was a lovely little border terrier at one of the beaches I went to in Cornwall. We saw her quite a few times. She was a feisty little thing, absolutely lovely. I don't know anything about them, but she was sweet. I'm not generally a fan of small dogs because of "little dog syndrome", which is obviously generally a lack of training because it's fine if a little dog jumps up at you, or growls and barks at you because it's funny, right? What about a JRT? I was always very anti, after my first family dog was attacked by one when I was a kid, but I then visited friends of J and it seemed everyone in this village in Wales had one (or more) and they were all fabulous little things! Full of character and so smart. If I wanted a small dog, that's probably the route I'd go.
My dog-before-last was a cocker spaniel (not working lines) and she was gorgeous -sweet tempered, full of fun, loved to play and very easy to train. After she died I did look for another cocker but couldn't find one I liked near enough and ended up with a chocolate Lab (who I also loved to bits of course!)
I don't know the difference between working/show cocker spaniels - all of them here look the same and I find them quite cute and friendly for the most part. They are a good size! I had to google border terriers - never ever see those around my area. I would go lab!! But for something smaller, I do like Australian Shepherds - they are getting extremely popular here and have to be careful to look into the breeders, but I love how smart they are.
@JenBainbridge My best advice is to research the breeds you're interested in and then try and decide what is the best match for you and your family. All too often people ignore the specific drives of a breed of dogs and their suitability for their life style because they like the look of the puppies/dog. Have fun researching
If you want a cocker you need to be really happy with the temperament of both parents to try and get one with an off switch and appreciate that you may still end up with a hunting machine which will need a lot of work to establish control out and about. They're not the most health tested breed around but they should have certain things done like AMS. They can be utterly fab though You will need to do your research in my view. I don't know any border terriers personally.
I've looked a a few breeds borders included . Always came back to the labs. Terriers can be fun but also can be troublesome knowing a few and walking one I decided their independent nature and their ability to disappear down the smallest hole was not for me. I looking for another dog I'd like something smaller than a lab but realistically I know I'll end up with a lab. It's just the way it is I like em best dogs I've had. I just hope for the time and physical strength for another. Just one more fine black dog.
Australian Shepherds are not necessarily easy going dogs... If you want a placid family pet I'd look more widely than the herding breeds. I always recommend a Whippet if people want a smaller, non-hyper, family pet kind of dog Or a Bichon Frise (though then you have to commit to regular clipping...).
My previous dog was a Border Collie/Aussie X. Not for a person that isn't prepared to put in some work and keep the dog busy, but they are very smart and great for agility or flyball or other such activities.
Oh dear Jen, oh dear Hehe There are a lot of sheltie's at our dog club and they seem like a nice, versatile breed. Definitely smaller than the labs but a bit more hair
Miniature Schnauzers are extremely popular, and I think for good reason: easy to train, fine around big dogs (if socialized of course), and small enough to pick up. Some do shriek though - awful!!! You'll also need to take them to the groomers. I'm not a fan of JRT just because they're very busy and need a lot of work from what I've seen around here. The ones we see are also usually be very growly, and we come across a fair number - they make a whirring sound! But... if you're happy with a Lab, why change??? And Stanley would be so happy! Or, if you wanted a slightly lighter weight dog, you could get a Golden Retriever.
I had a Border terrier with my first Lab. They were great together. We had our Lab first and around 18mths got our Border terrier. I love our two Lab we have now and they are great together.
You are nuts! No, actually, two dogs are a lot of fun and if I could do it, I'd totally have one big dog and one little dog. After fostering quite a few of them, I'm a huge fan of chihuahua mixes (8-12 lbs). Sassy personality, smart, tough as nails and can play/hike for hours even with the big dogs. Medium size (which is what I think you're talking about) is not really my thing, so I don't have tons of ideas. I know a couple people have recommended them above, but every JRT I've ever known was a complete psycho who needed a ton of work and vigilance from their humans. I've seen ones in Ireland that I thought were lovely, so maybe temperaments in the UK are also better. Don't get me wrong, they are cool little dogs - lots of personality - but the ones I've known had hair triggers when it came to going after other dogs and small animals. My landlord here in Spain (who lives in the UK - confusing) has working cockers and they are really fun. Way too much energy for me (and the grooming - yikes!) but so very sweet and funny. If you like spaniels, I've never met a Cavalier King Charles who wasn't a total doll. @Boogie had them before Labs, so she could tell you more. If you are more into terriers, have a look at Boston terriers. I've met a lot of them and they always seem to love everyone and get along with other dogs great. Not quite as "terrier" as most terrier breeds. I've also known some really neat Rat Terriers, another American breed. They come in very different and interesting colours and are funny, tough little dogs. I've only known one border terrier as they are pretty rare in California, where I'm originally from. But the one I did know was the marvellous Scooter, who was my favourite dog trainer of all time's dog. Scooter could learn...and do...anything, and his little face looked like a cross between a wise old man and a sea otter. And just to completely freak you out, here's another one of my favorite breeds: Xoloitzcuintli. They are one of longest-lived medium/large size breeds, very interesting temperament (placid, loyal, curious) and I guarantee no one else in your neighbourhood would have one. No shedding ever (they don't have any fur/hair), but just be sure to buy lots of sunscreen. Tons and tons of rescue dogs (mixes) are the size you want, so no lack of choice there either. Whatever you decide, exciting times! Can't wait to hear what you do next!
I think it's a brilliant idea! I'd love to do the same but the puppy memories are still a little too clear. Maybe in a year or two! I initially wanted a lab but ended up with my working cocker instead and she's wonderful. She's a great character, intelligent, playful and oh so friendly to humans, dogs, children etc. I also love the size of cockers (Jess curls up like a little cat to sleep and it's adorable!) but they're not exactly a "small dog". They take up a lot of space and have so much energy. And there are lots of totally mental cockers around so choose very, very carefully. (I knew both parents of my pup, which definitely helped with my confidence that she would grow into a sensible adult). There is a saying about working cockers and inexperienced spaniel trainers/pet owners that you've bought a ferrari when you don't know how to drive. That's definitely how I've felt at times - but now I'm starting to get somewhere with her training that's incredibly rewarding. And she's great fun. No regrets here about owning a working cocker, but definitely research the dog that you buy and don't be fooled by their cuteness. They are a lot of work!
