Louise Posted February 13, 2006 Share Posted February 13, 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. I would agree about the geese Lesley they are terrific at guarding the place especially if they are free range half a dozen of them are terrifying if you are a stranger On the dog if I was getting one I would go for one white and one black Westie or as mentioned if it wasn't for the cats I would be very tempted by a retired greyhound. I think Old English Sheepdogs have the same sort of hair as Poodles Bit on the large side maybe Poodles can be snappy but i suppose it is like any dog if they are well trained Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted February 13, 2006 Share Posted February 13, 2006 We have a Staffie,& she has turned out to be the most perfect dog for us. They are generally well known to be the best dogs for people with children,& just adore being with people. Millie loved the chickens & the cat, & is a really loyal & hardy little dog. They also have the shortest hair of any dog & are intelligent & easy to train. If all this were not enough they also look the part,keeping Burglar Bill at bay Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buffie Posted February 13, 2006 Share Posted February 13, 2006 Bit like choosing a husband then Found out I was engaged this weekend on the grapevine Strange as me and OH are NOT actually engaged, although probably will at some point in the future. OH is currently doing most of the cooking (and well), so must have him trained well We have a lab lab (a black labrador Hollie and we work in a lab) that visits our office sometimes. I personally would like a retriever or labrador if I ever got a dog. Congrats on the future engagement BBx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chocchick Posted February 13, 2006 Share Posted February 13, 2006 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted February 13, 2006 Author Share Posted February 13, 2006 Thanks Louise and Sarah Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted February 13, 2006 Share Posted February 13, 2006 Just caught up on this thread We had a rescue lurcher until 2 years ago, and she was the most loving and loyal dog ever, guarding Rosie in her pram, and letting her toddle along clutching onto her fur. but lurchers shed hair like mad (I used to hoover her) and love to roll in stinky stuff. Being gypsy dogs and bred for hunting/poaching, they tend to run after anything, especially bunnies and poultry so it's agood job she isn't around now. I know that you can't choose a breed, but Schnauzers come in different sizes, they don't smell at all, or shed hair, and are reliable working dogs with great characters. http://images.google.co.uk/images?q=schnauzer&hl=en&lr=&sa=N&tab=ii&oi=imagest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mel (& Paul) Posted February 14, 2006 Share Posted February 14, 2006 Good grief This is almost like Murdo's request for the best colour for his next eglu - how will you chose Lesley?!?!?! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Louise Posted February 14, 2006 Share Posted February 14, 2006 I spoke to a 'doggy' person yesterday Lesley and her advice was 'Go for a dark dog as you are less likely to notice the hair. On breed she said go for a good working style dog like a labrador as they will be the most biddable' Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mel (& Paul) Posted February 14, 2006 Share Posted February 14, 2006 Unless of course you have cream carpets........... Do what we did - Charlie is a lovely brown dog, so we fitted oak flooring - and ta-daaa - you cant see the hairs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted February 14, 2006 Author Share Posted February 14, 2006 hmmmmmm......... no cream carpet, just pale custard colour sofas - but as it will have to stay on the floor................. The schnauzer is a good size - not too big, do they need a lot of trimming though? (or whatever it is called) I know it looks a bit like Murdo's request for help but in fact all the advice from everyone will help because, hopefully, I'll remember bits when we go to look at the rescue kennels Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mel (& Paul) Posted February 14, 2006 Share Posted February 14, 2006 But whatever you think you want from your dog, you will go to the rescue kennels and the perfect dog for you will just be there - you will know he/she is the right one and they will know you are the right owners. Honest. These things are meant to be Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted February 14, 2006 Author Share Posted February 14, 2006 Thanks Mel - that's how I'm hoping it will happen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mel (& Paul) Posted February 14, 2006 Share Posted February 14, 2006 Or you could have a shih-tzu Go on Please Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted February 14, 2006 Author Share Posted February 14, 2006 errrrrrr...... No thank you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mel (& Paul) Posted February 14, 2006 Share Posted February 14, 2006 oh well, it was worth a try we love him really honestly look, my fingers ARENT crossed Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted February 15, 2006 Share Posted February 15, 2006 Schnauzers come in three sizes, and only need infrequent brushing and trimming just twice a year. They are very biddable and great with children too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chocchick Posted February 15, 2006 Share Posted February 15, 2006 oh well, it was worth a try we love him really honestly look, my fingers ARENT crossed What is wrong with the poor little dog? Is it one of those overly fluffy ones "mop dog" I call them where you can't tell which end is which , I think they look so cute (but wouldn't want to own one). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Louise Posted February 15, 2006 Share Posted February 15, 2006 You will likely end up with a Heinz 57 with the most adorable brown eyes you have ever seen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mel (& Paul) Posted February 15, 2006 Share Posted February 15, 2006 oh well, it was worth a try we love him really honestly look, my fingers ARENT crossed What is wrong with the poor little dog? Is it one of those overly fluffy ones "mop dog" I call them where you can't tell which end is which , I think they look so cute (but wouldn't want to own one). He has issues Its not his fault, hes basically had 6 1/2 years of being spoilt rotten by parents in law and is now with us. Barking, growling, whinging throughout the nigth (whether hes in our room or not ). He is one of those mop dogs but we keep him cut very short as we do quite a lot of muddy walks - he looks more like an Ewok out of Star Wars (with boggly eyes and sticky out teeth, a face only his mother could love ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chocchick Posted February 15, 2006 Share Posted February 15, 2006 He is one of those mop dogs but we keep him cut very short as we do quite a lot of muddy walks - he looks more like an Ewok out of Star Wars (with boggly eyes and sticky out teeth, a face only his mother could love ) Ahhh bless Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted February 15, 2006 Share Posted February 15, 2006 Careful Choccy, don't seem too keen or you'll find him on your doorstep one night! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chocchick Posted February 15, 2006 Share Posted February 15, 2006 OH would never have a small overly fluffy dog. We have big dog, little dog debates. I think it is also about maintaining his manly image, and not walking an ickle fluffy girly dog. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mel (& Paul) Posted February 15, 2006 Share Posted February 15, 2006 ooh, hes not fluffy at all. and he has a big bite I think your OH would love him honest (oh, ok, my fingers are crossed again) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chocchick Posted February 15, 2006 Share Posted February 15, 2006 Not fluffy He sounds small though and OH is about 6'2" so no chance (sorry)........ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mel (& Paul) Posted February 15, 2006 Share Posted February 15, 2006 oh well. worth a try Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
