Lesley Posted February 10, 2006 Share Posted February 10, 2006 That should really read - Help! I have to have a dog I'm not a pet person at all and the thought of a dog pitter-pattering across the floor behind me all day, shedding hair and dribbling just does not appeal I can't see the point of them and they don't lay eggs Carl however has always wanted to have a dog and living on a farm and having a dog is his idea of heaven He's always wanted a chocolate lab. but it will be a rescue dog so can't specify. I have to compromise over this and my suggestion of a farm dog which lived outside did not go down well. I know we'll need one and as I can't find one with no hair, doesn't slobber and which doesn't poo (and no! - Carl would not like a Chinese Hairless Crested! ) I need some help. I need a dog which is fairly quiet and will only bark at strangers. It can't be long haired and I don't want a 'smelly' dog (some seem to smell worse than others?) Do you think I'd get away with one of those big poodles? - they don't shed hair. Would Carl be seen striding around his land with a big poodle? How about a Labradoodle? I'm hyperventilating just thinking about it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Poached Egg Paul Posted February 10, 2006 Share Posted February 10, 2006 Hi Lesley, You could go for the typical farm dogs but as both of mine are pug crossbreeds I would recommend those. They need lots of company and attention. It depends what your husband is like because pugs would probably get under your feet in the kitchen trying to see what you were doing and sleeping in your chair-second thoughts don't get a pug! They 'kiss' you a lot!(they're good with the chickens though- they are gentle) Xena is half jack Russell and my family has had one for 16 years. Good farm dogs if you get one from a puppy I think. They would be good vermin hunters which would be handy on a farm! Just get them used to the other animals first! Mum's dog used be a great ratter when she was younger.(She's deaf and blind now ) They will let you know when strangers are approaching and my mum doesn't think her dog smells. I think she was in the same situation as you as she never wanted a dog and my dad just turned up with her one day! I hope you can find a breed that suits you. (Oh don't get a pekingese-my Hercules is only half peke and he still needs lots of brushing and he gets dirty and smelly very easy!) (ps a Jack Russell would live outside with no problem Pepper lived in the shed for years until maybe last year when she got old suddenly!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted February 10, 2006 Author Share Posted February 10, 2006 Erm..... I think i'll give pugs a miss then Paul - I cen definitely go without doggie kisses Yuk! Perhaps a Jack Russell cross then? I forgot to say - it will be me that has to put up with it most of the time :roll: Carl is 'hoping' to do more work from home - and i've heard that one before Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Murdo Posted February 10, 2006 Share Posted February 10, 2006 How about a Labradoodle? Labradoodle ? I thought you were already going to the financial limit on the farm Unless you're going to steal one I think you might be trying something else. They say wormeries thrive on pet hair Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Poached Egg Paul Posted February 10, 2006 Share Posted February 10, 2006 Actually you should make sure you are happy with the dog because even though he says he will look after it you will do most of it. It always happens like that. When we were younger we desperately wanted a dog but when it's raining etc usually it ends up being mum who walks it and feeds it! Put your foot down! If you could stand it you could get more than one or at least two. That way they will play with each other most of the time and not bother you! But living on a farm would give them plenty of exploring to do! Although they are more work when they are puppies they would adapt to your lifestyle better, and you wouldn't have to worry about the chickens being bothered. Perhaps you should get a sheepdog that you could train to round up the chickens when you need to put them away!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted February 10, 2006 Share Posted February 10, 2006 how about a couple of rescue greyhounds? not typical farm dogs - but many of them desperate for homes - very placid, hardly any hair, and only need a trot - on the lead - around the field to keep them fit.. also - usually good with children Phil Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Poached Egg Paul Posted February 10, 2006 Share Posted February 10, 2006 I've often thought about rescuing some greyhounds as they are in such need. Do you think they would be tempted to chase other pets such as chickens? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted February 10, 2006 Author Share Posted February 10, 2006 Paul! - two dogs? Only if I can train them to dangle their backsides over a 'dogloo' (actually - we Mums manage to train children to use a loo - why not dogs?) Phil - I did suggest a rescue greyhound and Carl went Would a greyhound bark if someone came to the door? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheilaz Posted February 10, 2006 Share Posted February 10, 2006 A dog. Is that a cat & a dog? OK, farm dog, I think you need to clarify with Carl...is it an excuse for a "pet" dog, or is it actually a working dog, who could also of course be a terrific companion? What's wrong with a kennel? We have friends with horses and the dog lives in one of the buildings in the stable yard. But then, they don't cuddle it or anything. I'm sure there must be a middle way there....allowed in part of the house? A jack russell would be a useful ratter, but I prefer border collies. (Then I'd have sheep! ) Bit too much hair though. Or a terrier? Or a labrador! They are great dogs. I do agree that a dog should be part of the dream if Carl's always wanted one. Hope some experienced dog people come along soon, Lesley! Atr least I can stop guessing now! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karen & co. Posted February 10, 2006 Share Posted February 10, 2006 I agree with Phil, rescue greyhounds are fab pets (hardly any walking required!!!) both of my sisters have one, we have rescue muts of the Heinz 57 variety!! Holly is a perfect pooch, never chewed or used the house as a loo Alfie- but cute with it a bit lurchery (sort of!) A friend has a jack russell/poodle sounds odd but he's fab, no moulting reasonable size, from a breeder (£50) not some extortionate designer dog!!! One advantage of having a dog, it doesn't matter what sort of a day you have had they will always be glad to see you - bit like chickens Karen x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ali-s Posted February 10, 2006 Share Posted February 10, 2006 I reccomend a west Highland White terrier. They are small but make a good guard dog. Will bark at strangers but not a yapping all the day bark. Very good with children. Enjoy the outdoor life, will walk for miles or just round the block. They do not shed their fur as it is more like wool. They are intelligent and are good company. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Poached Egg Paul Posted February 10, 2006 Share Posted February 10, 2006 Lesley I m sure you will become just as attached to the dog as your husband will. My neighbour used to have a greyhound now she has a whippet and they are more likely to lick strangers than bark them away! A jack russell cross would be good just watch what it's crossed with! The breeder I got Xena from called them 'Jugs' but then you'd get people asking if they could come and see your Jugs and it gets funny! On petplanet.co.uk there is a breed selector where you answer some questions and it gives you a list of suitable breeds. You could give that a go! http://www.petplanet.co.uk/select_a_breed.asp Good luck anyway. You'll have a zoo by the end of this year! Oh get some monkeys as well-those that sit on your shoulder!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SarahJo Posted February 10, 2006 Share Posted February 10, 2006 The ideal dog maybe right under your nose at an RSPCA rescue home. www.rspca-tameside-glossop.org.uk ..... click on the running dog, and go into the dog gallery "ROXY" 18 weeks old ... wire haired, so good for allergies and smell minimilisation . Also, looks like a bit of a terrier type cross .... good for the rats etc, and would adapt well to a smallholding ( in my humble opinion). . I could "hold" her here for you ...... . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soufflé Posted February 10, 2006 Share Posted February 10, 2006 Instead of a dog, couldn't you persuade Carl to go for geese - they make fabulous guard "dogs". Failing that - try Dogs Trust at Evesham - always loads of needy dogs looking for a home. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popcorn Posted February 10, 2006 Share Posted February 10, 2006 Hi Lesley, Just adding my tempence worth.... My ex used to live on a small farm and had a 'farm' dog. It was a springer spaniel. It had it's own kennel outside which they used to put a warm heated plate under in the winter and the dog was absoloutly fine. They got it from a puppy and trained it extremely well. Springer Spaniels are working dogs are are well suited to the outside environment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sarah h Posted February 10, 2006 Share Posted February 10, 2006 Do not get a dog if you are not prepared to give it 100%. They are living creatures that have needs and basic requirements for their wellbeing. If you have no commitment then do not get a dog. Rescue centres are full of unwanted and abandoned dogs from those people who are for example: bored with the dog, fed up with looking after the dog when the novelty wears off, dog is too big, too small, needs walking, won't pay the vets bills, the list of excuses goes on and on. Most rescue will not home a dog with you unless all the family wants it.As they know it will be returned,/dumped in six months time and will have to pick up the pieces. Dogs deserve much more than that. Sorry to be harsh but having a dog is 14 years + of serious commitment not a whim or compromise which is why hundereds of unwanted dogs are put to sleep every year. Please think very very carefully beofre you get a dog. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karen & co. Posted February 10, 2006 Share Posted February 10, 2006 very true Sarah h, that's why we have 2 rescue dogs from warrington dogs home. Karen x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted February 10, 2006 Author Share Posted February 10, 2006 I do understand your concerns Sarah H, and I agree totally. People on here who know me well will know that my comments are very much 'tongue-in-cheek' and I would never have any animal without being prepared to make a commitment. Sarah Jo - thanks for your link, it will give me something to look through and think about. We have a local dog rescue at Honiley and also the one mentioned by Sue near Evesham. We will have to be assessed first and we cannot do that until we have moved - I just need lots of input Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley-Jean Posted February 10, 2006 Share Posted February 10, 2006 A relative of ours had a rescued greyhound and he was a wonderful dog. except he like to flop down and sleep in the most inconvenient places. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheilaz Posted February 10, 2006 Share Posted February 10, 2006 Yes, Sarah H, you are quite right to raise those concerns. However, in this case, knowing Lesley as I do, please be assured that she would never be undertaking something lightly, nor ever compromising the welfare of an animal in any way. It was sensible to draw attention to the fact that this is a serious subject, so that no one gets the wrong impression. But, I know if Lesley & Carl get a dog, it will be treated with respect & kindness. It's a good idea researching the different breed suitabilities beforehand, and there have been some handy tips for finding out more. But the teasing is just light hearted banter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chocchick Posted February 11, 2006 Share Posted February 11, 2006 Can't you buy a big chicken and disguise it as a dog? How about a babe-style piglet, or a goat instead! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buffie Posted February 11, 2006 Share Posted February 11, 2006 Lesley I understand that dogs aren't your thing but I can honestly say they are great . They all have different characteristics so I suggest you could start to research what breed type you would like. You want a dog good with livestock and children no doubt, I would suggest not terriers or breeds that take a liking to 'poultry' in the negative. Be careful of a cross breed with terrier too. Good luck BBx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Frugal Posted February 11, 2006 Share Posted February 11, 2006 My aunt always had big standard poodles and true, they don't shed but boy do they smell if they get wet ! Maybe it was just her dogs, but you really had to stay downwind of them when it rained or they'd been in the sea!! We had a border collie but you know all about her so I'd steer clear of them too - they need a heck of a lot of exercise and have a habit of rounding everything, including you, up! Lovely, lovely dogs but hard work! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted February 11, 2006 Author Share Posted February 11, 2006 I never realised it could be so difficult We will have to choose a 'type' as opposed to a breed because it will definitely be a rescue dog. It's much easier choosing chickens - "one of everything please" A terrier type would be a good ratter but would also be too 'interested' in the chickens? We daren't visit the kennels until we've had our checks done as we may fall in love with one and then not be able to home it in time I think the big chicken/goat idea is great but do they bark loudly enough to keep burglars away? We did consider geese - but apparently, they have a habit of disappearing in the week before Christmas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Poached Egg Paul Posted February 11, 2006 Share Posted February 11, 2006 If your chickens are anything like mine they will see off anything that annoys them. I was concerned at first when I got them that the dogs would chase them but now it is usually the other way round. They peck at the dog's noses! The dogs are smaller than the chickens though, so that could have something to do with it! One is only half terrier so maybe that's why she's ok with them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
