Informed choice

Good morning everyone. Can you please help me?
y house is turning into a war zone, why, we are thinking of having another dog, it has to be female, with plenty of life, and a good sense of humour. We are researching our favorite breeds in books and on the web, but have reached a stalemate, my daughter wants a Bearded Collie, she keeps meeting the dogs when they out for a walk when she is on her way home from school. My husband wants an English Springer Spaniel, his family had one when he was younger and he is very passionate about the breed. My preference would be a Welsh Springer, because my family also had one when I was much younger and he brought such joy to the family. My eldest daughter, not wanting to be out done has said she wants a Samoyed, because they look cute, not a good enough reason. You can see the problem. I thought I would ask your opinions as ther must be some owners of the breed mentioned and hopefully you wold be able to give me some insight into the individual breeds personlities and requirements. Hoping you can help.

Sarah

Oh dear!! The good thing is everyone in your family do want a dog!!

How about going together to Discover Dogs or Crufts and visit the different breed stands where each breed will be represented. It would be a fun doggie-day out involving the whole family and then you could discuss together your preferences?

I think what is important when choosing a breed is not only what they look like, but their individual breed needs. Eg, Springers are very energetic and on-the-go and would need lots of exercise and stimulous via training (as I assume would Beardies) - being in the gundogs/pastoral group!

Samoyeds and Beardies would I assume need lots of grooming!!

Perhaps visiting a show would be helpful and you could question breeders/owners about their breed type. Find out how much exercise/training etc they need?

Good luck with your research!!

I've never owned any of these, but the ESS that I have known have always been great personalities, if slightly (or in some cases, very) bonkers. Energy levels can vary greatly between show lines and working lines but they are a dog that likes to be doing things - particularly scent orientated games etc. Most that I have known have been great with other dogs and as long as properly exercised/mentally stimulated, have been superb, loving pets.

Beardies - the ones in my village aren't the best example (or perhaps an example of what they can be like if not properly looked after). Their coats aren't groomed very regularly and they can look very scruffy They're also not that great with other dogs - but I think this is probably down to not being properly socialised rather than a trait of the breed.

The other alternative and I do realise its not for everyone is to consider a rescue. But then perhaps the same thing would happen there - you'd all want a different dog But at least the whole family (including your existing dog) can meet the actual dog rather than purely going on breed characteristics. All mine are rescues and I always keep an open mind when I go to the shelters looking for a new family member (but then so far I have always come back with a border collie )

Good luck in your search and do let us know how you get on

Daughters grow up, move out, leave you with the dog - so ignore them! You and your OH want a Springer so have a lovely time going round to look at them in shows etc. - but remember there are an awful lot of Springers in rescue because people get them without realising how much excercise / work the breed requires. As you and your hubby are going into this with knowledge of the breed, you could give a dog a second chance.

Certainly not the right temperament!! In 18 years of owning Beardies having had 3 dogs and 3 bitches I've never worried about any of mine with other dogs.

Samoyeds are quite high energy divas as puppys and young dogs, but usually settle down as they get older. They take a lot of grooming. not just brushing, their feet need to be trimmed or they look like they're walking of furry saucers and can get knots between their pads. They also get knots behind their ears. Those beautiful pantaloons they are wearing make the perfect poo catchers when puppy has the inevitable runny bum too and I spent quite a bit of puppyhood washing them.
Samoyeds are fabulous and adorable and superb with children, Selkie still visits our local nursery at Chrismas as 'Santa's snow dog'. But not for the feint of heart!

I once rescued a welsh springer spaniel I found wandering the side of the road. Stunning dog I called him Tyler! He lived with me for 3 months while I desperately sought his owner. We had just given up and settled down to live together when his 'owner' turned up. He grabbed my beautiful boy by the scruff beat him mercilessly and threw him into the back of a van. I tried to protest, I tried to get him back, but to no avail. I was told "Stupid dog cost him a fortune, but he's scared of the guns." I often wondered what became of my poor Tyler... er sorry... maudling... what I meant to say was you should get a Welsh Springer!

To me, it would be more important WHO would be doing what around the new dog. The person who wants a particular dog who needs loads of exercise has GOT to be the one who would have the most time to do this? Same with the grooming. If your daughter comes home from school and wants to go out with her friends, etc. etc. then who will be doing the grooming, the walking, etc. etc. YOU!!! Lol! I'm sure it's all going to fall in your lap anyways, so I don't really know why I'm saying all this, I've seen it before with my friend and her dog!! Anyways, that's the criteria I would work on, who's doing what and who has the most time to do it, and if nobody has, then you work your way down the list to find something that suits all and the committments they will have to it. It's all about the dog and it's needs really isn't it, not who likes this and that because?! Good luck!

The most important issue here is who will end up being responsible for the care of the dog in the long run, that is most likely to be you. So I think you should go with your choice of breed, the rest of the family will still love the dog. Especially if you get a pup, nobody can resist a puppy they are so cute. Good luck with your search.

Agree with Claireanddaisy and Helena, it is likely you and your OH who will end up doing the work, walking, training, grooming etc etc. Although your kids view is important the main thing is that they WANT a dog so I'm sure whatever breed you choose they'll love it, especially if it's a puppy.

I have an 18 month old English Springer, since you have expereince of the breed you will know they definitely need plenty exercise, not just walks but working their minds too-scent games etc. Without enough exercise Hamish (our dog) can get himself into mischief! Although otherwise he's just a cuddle monster who thinks he is a lap dog! He has also found how to use his 'spaniel eyes' to try and make people feel sorry for him when they are eating! Hamish is a very happy little dog and is also a PAT dog so we visit care homes etc and he loves getting all the attention from the residents (and the treats and cuddles!)

Slightly biased view...an ESS?! Or you and OH could both submit and get a cocker spaniel?!

Good luck! Hope to hear what you decide!

Deedee