which breed,lab,german shep,standard schnauzer???

[lucozadd]

Hello.I plan on getting a dog when the time is right and everything is arranged.Until then,i have some time to think about which breed would be most happy living with us,and us with him/her.I have looked at a few breeds,but the ones that have stuck in my mind are:-

~Labradors
~German Shepherds
~Standard Schnauzer
~Italian spinone/spinone italiano
~English Cocker Spaniel
~Any other breeds you recommend

Those aren't the only breeds i am thinking of,I am open to any suggestions.

This will be my first dog.I want the dog to fit in with the family and be loyal. The dog we buy/rescue will be taken for daily walks,and we have a big dog walking park near us.The dog will only be walked/let of the lead in that big dog walking park once a day.The other times during the day we will walk him/her will be in a small nearby feild.

As i said before,we want a dog that will be obedient after some training at home and training at classes.We're not looking for a dog that will be trained to sit etc in about a month,we are willing for it to take more time than that.We preferably want a dog that isn't likly to follow its nose,like a Beagle.

We don't want a dog that needs over 2 hours of excersise.The dog will be walked in the morning,lunch,afternoon,and the evening.Any more time then that the dog will not get and it wont be fair on him/her.We have a medium/big garden that the dog will be able to run around in.

I hope i have given enough information so you can help me choose a dog breed that will be best suited.

We don't mind buying one,or rescuing him/her,but aim to find an under one year old dog.

Please reply with any suggestions or anything to comment on what i have said. Thank you.

 

[Renee750il]

Lots of great dogs that will fit the descriptions of what you need in rescues! I'd strongly suggest looking there, keeping the excellent care plan you've determined you can carry out in mind. If you stick with a dog that's close to a year old you won't get any big surprises on size and temperament.

 

[showpug]

Since you have the time, do your research. Read about the different breeds that you have selected and talk to people who own those breeds. Take the time and dive in...a dog is a family member for a long time and I can tell you want to do what is best for your dog and situation. I would agree that a rescue dog would be a nice choice, even if it is a mixed breed. Just look for a dog that will meet your requirements and go from there. Good luck. Having a dog is so much fun and it takes a lot of work and consistency, but you will love it. I would also recommend that you attend a local dog show. This is a good place to see the different breeds and find out information. Sometimes you will spot a dog and instantly fall in love with that breed. It's fun and can be very educational.

 

[Rose's Gal]

All of those breeds sound good for you. It just depends on more minor things. Like shedding, grooming, possible dog aggresion, prey drive, love of children, etc. Do you have any comment on those?

 

[lucozadd]

I don't mind about shedding or grooming,just aggresion.I don't personaly have young children but do have young children,family members that visit.Are any of those breeds known generaly to be agreesive to children?Like the German Shepherd?
I believe that a dog is only aggresive if he/she has been brought up that way.I don't want to prove myself wrong the hard way if suddenly my dog attacks a young child,or even somebody posing no threat to him/her.
I have been reading up but there is so much brief info out there.
For example : 'Labradors need alot of exercise.' - it doesn't give specific info.Nearly all of those breeds on alot of sites say more or less the same thing.Has anybody got any good books or websites?Either that focus on one breed,or all of them.Thanks.

 

[gaddylovesdogs]

I have a wonderful purebred chocolate Lab named May. She is fully trained, obedient and a great companion. Labs are great dogs.

GSD can be aggressive, but I haven't met one that's aggressive towards kids. The GSD that I have met have been wonderful, loving dogs. Big sweet dogs .

 

[Rose's Gal]

Ok....well, all of the dogs you listed are pretty good with kids. So if that is the only requirement, I can't help you out much. lol

Lab, GSDs, and Schnauzers require a lot of exercise, both mental and physical. But from the exercise plan you were going to give them, they sound ok. Lab pups can be pretty hyper, trust me. lol
Here is a website you might want to check out: www.yourpurebredpuppy.com It has breed profiles for about 200 breeds.

 

[gaddylovesdogs]

Yup. Labs are great with kids. They do shed a lot and require quite a bit of exercise. And yes---most Labs are SUPER hyper as puppies (we hit the jackpot---found May when she was two).