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| Kitoper Member Since: 07 Dec 2012 Location: Geneva Posts: 204  
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Having had a German Shepherd, a Lab , a Springer, Fox Terriers, an Old English Sheepdog, wire haired Teckels and now back to German Shepherds, I can only recommend a four legged barking, shedding, hole digging, loving friend as a companion. All the dogs above have had characters that have been great for family, hunting, hiking and general company, but the easiest and most interested in "pleasing" is the German Shepherd and after the loss of
"Herbie" our Teckel, we went back to the Shepherd. "Tango"  Click image to enlarge |
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18th Aug 2015 12:29pm |
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| Swac3 Member Since: 21 Feb 2015 Location: Aberdeen Posts: 363 |
and scroll up to my Post  That's one of our Spins, White and Orange, for a rough size check she's 32Kg and looks me right in the face when stood on her rears. Our Boy is Grey/Brown and already bigger at only 8 months. 3 Landrovers |
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18th Aug 2015 3:47pm |
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| Mr Fox Member Since: 10 Sep 2011 Location: green & pleasant land Posts: 1037  
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No doubt there will be a variety of answers regarding this and you can find a lot of differing information on the net BUT, in my experience, there is no difference in terms of temperament. We currently have a German Shepherd, who is the best dog I've ever had (temperament, intelligence, personality, desire to please); however, she does shed like a Yeti with alopecia. I've had various breeds before but one that suits your criteria would be a Standard Schnauzer. Again, very intelligent and non-shedding; however, they do have the 'terrier' element, which can manifest itself in some 'interesting' quirks. 'Going for a walk...' Click image to enlarge |
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18th Aug 2015 5:32pm |
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| Rickydodah Member Since: 14 Jul 2014 Location: East Sussex Posts: 1091 |
Consider what purpose the dog will serve and how much time you can afford in its training will give you a reasonable indication to what breed, what sex, in my experience the boys are far more affectionate, the girls can be a bit aloof and like most girls bl**dy obstinate and cantankerous. From those that we've seen posted, of which I've either owned, trained or handled, apart from terriers which are a different case altogether then my experience is. Labradors will pretty much be trainable and loving straight out of the box. Cocker spaniels are a brilliant little dog but not for the faint hearted, Springer Spaniels in the main are easier and quicker to train. Retrievers whether Golden or Flat coat are excellent though the flatties take longer to mature. All the hunt, point, retrieve group are a good bet if you've got the time, not so good sometimes if you want a dog to walk with you as they're likely to range and hunt but there are some stunning GSP, Vizlas and ESP. Italian Spinones and Griffons again be a handful if you're not an experienced handler, Setters are fantastic but in my view there are too few litters about to give a good gene pool and many are too inbreed for my liking. I love them all and have no bias but a good Lab, preferably black from working lines which tend to be smaller, quicker and have more natural ability and drive than there show counterparts and easier to train because if this. Re homing also is a realistic option if you fancy an ESS and who wouldn't then there are lots of good rescues such as English Springer Spaniel Welfare up and down the country who would love to help.
 I started with nothing and still have most of it left! |
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18th Aug 2015 6:06pm |
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| Rickydodah Member Since: 14 Jul 2014 Location: East Sussex Posts: 1091 |
Click image to enlarge See, who could resist that face? I started with nothing and still have most of it left! |
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18th Aug 2015 6:11pm |
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| g-mack Member Since: 07 Jan 2014 Location: northumberland Posts: 1967
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from 1982 to 2006 there was 1110 attacks and 104 deaths by pit bulls in the same period there was 2 attacks and one death (bit on lip and infection killed her) by jack russells according to this survey! http://dogbitelaw.com/images/pdf/Dog_Attac...lifton.pdf My 109 thread my youtube channel |
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18th Aug 2015 7:08pm |
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| JWL Member Since: 26 Oct 2011 Location: Hereford Posts: 3443  
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I did rather think that it was a post of passion rather than fact but hey ho, everybody has their preferences
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18th Aug 2015 7:59pm |
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| Birdy Member Since: 07 Oct 2011 Location: Côte d'Azur Posts: 865  
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Passionate? Probably, thinking of eight-day-old Harry Harper with his crushed skull.
Peter |
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18th Aug 2015 8:44pm |
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| JWL Member Since: 26 Oct 2011 Location: Hereford Posts: 3443
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Fair enough, I've just looked up the incident which was tragic. But one point I will make is that people are very quick to condem a breed of dog where there has been a tragedy but often it is down to the individual animal and its owners handling/training that is the major factor.
But enough of apportioning rhyme and reason to why people prefer one breed to another, it's a lot like why some people prefer other brands of four wheel drive vehicles to Land Rovers. |
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18th Aug 2015 9:09pm |
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| ken Member Since: 18 Aug 2009 Location: Banging Birds with my bitches !! Posts: 4328
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There are other brands of 4WD
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19th Aug 2015 5:53am |
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| Jonnie421 Member Since: 12 May 2015 Location: Wales Posts: 116  
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So many thoughts and ideas , as dog owners we all say the dog 'we' have is the best !!
As a retired police dog handler I've worked with and owned quite a few over the last 20 yrs . My German Shepard was a fantastic, fit and loyal dog who could work all day . But having worked and owned Springer spaniels I think they would suit your purpose . Keep them clipped , so less moulting . They are loyal and hard working . Mine would work all day and still come out with me either for a run or on a mountain bike trip in the hills . Not too big , but still big enough !! . And as a previous person said there are plenty about in rescue centres . Both mine were rescue dogs and made exceptional police search dogs , with the proper training . And mine live in a kennel in the garden , they love it, their own space , and no fur and mess in the house ,, But as I said we all think ours are best !!! 
Click image to enlarge Click image to enlarge Defender 90 Tonga green . My 2007 County .2.4Tdci puma . Too many other Discos to mention, including a V8 petrol Disco3 and diesel Disco 3 !! ( All gone) |
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19th Aug 2015 7:20am |
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| tookaphotoof Member Since: 18 Mar 2013 Location: dordrecht Posts: 1279  
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Peter, with all respect to the accident, it could have happened with any dog.
Is there a complete and detailed report of what exactly happened? Might be me, I've got two Airedales which are known as extremely child friendly. Yet, when my son was just born they weren't allowed to come near us. Also, whenever we had to leave the room for even a split second the dogs were locked up. Anyone thinks you can leave your beloved and trusty dog near a newly born? Think again. Jealously of your pet or a wrong uncontrolled move of your child could end up in regrets. No matter what breed... |
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19th Aug 2015 7:38am |
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| Grenadier Member Since: 23 Jul 2014 Location: The foot of Mont Blanc... Posts: 5804 
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Thank you all once again. RickyD especially for all the top tips. My old man had a Springer, but the issue for me was the dog's energy/restlessness. I am looking for a balance between a dog that will run with me when we're out and about, chill and relax when we're home (or with friends etc). The black Lab seems to keep returning as the best option. Also, thanks for the tips on sporting vs show dogs as given where we live and how we live, the former seem the better option. Being self employed and living in so much open space, training should not be an problem. Finally on re-homing, the issue is we have a cat (he himself re-homed) so I am keen to have as young a pup as appropriate (I understand the timelines and vaccinations etc) so that Alfie, the cat, not only feels unthreatened but could possibly establish himself as the boss. Mrs Grenadier would do her nut if a new dog affected the wee man too much. So, based on everything you have all said, a male sporting black Lab it is. RickyD, I may have to invite you for a pint and see your lovely Lab next time I pop over to the UK (normally SW London based...) to say hello and discuss Labs (and dogs in general) in more detail....
Monsieur Le Grenadier
I've not been everywhere, but it's on my list..... 2011 Puma 110DC - Corris Grey |
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19th Aug 2015 8:52am |
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| CE TD5 Member Since: 20 Nov 2014 Location: UK Posts: 51 
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I've forgotten my two boys.
I like any dog but here's another for the labs. The little ones called Alfie too, not so small now though very loyal companions. 
Click image to enlarge Click image to enlarge |
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19th Aug 2015 10:57am |
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