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[xChicken04x]

Hi Everyone, we are in the very early stages of considering whether we should get another dog, as a playmate for Zara, our 18 month old German Shepherd.

We were having problems with her behaviour a few months ago, but she seems to have settled now, although she is still not 100% trustworthy around new people, but is perfect with dogs .

 

We are looking for some breeds that would go well with Zara, any ideas? Our main priority is getting Zara's training perfect, before looking into getting another dog, the last thing we want is for Zara to influence another dog, especially if it is a pup.

 

Here are some characteristics of Zara, to give you a better idea of her nature:

 

She is still very puppy like and VERY bouncy.

Quite dominent.

Very friendly.

Generly very gentle, but easily excited.

She weights roughly five and a half stone.

She is 25 inches from the ground to her shoulder (standing up)

 

Unfortunately a very small dog (such as a Yorkie) is out of the question, as she is too big. Although she is very sweet and gentle with smaller dogs she meets, she has been known to go running past, unintentially knocking the poor things flying!

We would like a breed that is not HUGE (e.g a Great Dane), something Zara's size of a bit smaller would be perfect, but it would also need to be strong as an adult and able to play with her, without Zara accidently squashing it!

A breed that is by nature people and dog friendly (although I understand that individual dogs are different and their temperment has a lot to do with their socialisaton) would be good too.

We can provide 3 walks daily, roughly two 30 minutes walks on lead and an hour - two hours off lead at the park. Plus plenty of active playtime.

 

Any ideas please? We would consider all breeds, your personal experience on the breeds would be helpfull too and also how you find having more than one dog.

 

Thanks Guys, will look forward to any replies.

 

Edited: Sorry, just read that back, it sounds like we want another dog to soley keep Zara company. That's not the case, she is hardly ever left alone as someone is here for her all day ect, hope this helps!

[Snowy]

We are also looking for company for Candy. Can't really advise re breeds as i think that is a lot to do with personal preference, but several people have said a boy dog is better company for a girl dog, rather than another girl dog as the girl will always dominate the boy. Two girls may have dominance issues as may two boys (although may be less of an issue if you get another pup).

OK, I will comment on breeds You can't beat labs or golden retrievers for being easy to train and people friendly and not quite as loopy as spaniels

[Rhapsody]

If you go to your local rescue they will help you with this. When we were looking for a friend for Zeus Battersea Old Windsor were very thorough. Unfortunately they couldnt find anything suitable, but I respected how they didnt just foist a dog on me that they wanted to get out of the home.

[Lesley]

I agree with Rhapsody - try starting with rescue dogs first, it may be that Zara needs a strong charactered dog and that won't always be immediately apparent in a puppy.

 

We did try that route first but our two local Dogs Trust centres were just so unhelpful, and the manager of one was soooooo unfriendly!, that we ended up looking at labrador puppies which was the best decision for us.

 

As a breed......I would have to say labs ........maybe a lab cross?

[tom123]

Labradoodle

 

Harry is also 18 months and is still very bouncy when he wants too, but most of the time he is lovely and calm. He is very cuddly! And would be a little smaller than Zara. I would say a Labradoodle would be perfect as they are very playful yet calm with people. Harry absolutely loves other dogs!!

 

 

 

Awww!

 

If you want any more info or breeders then just PM me

 

Tom

[Goff]

English Bull Terrier - without a doubt!

 

They are not the scary beasties folk think they are. Ours is an 8 month old female and she is ADORABLE.

 

She is fantastic with the kids and other dogs, but is very playful! She isn't at all vicious, and is one of the most loving and loyal dogs i have ever had (but very stubborn! )

 

 

And who could resist this face!

 

[xChicken04x]

Hi Guys, thanks for your replies.

I've been trawling rescue sites in our area, but I can only find two: RSPCA and The Dog's Trust. All of the others are too far away . Anyone local know of any?

The sites I have looked at don't have any dogs suitable, I know it's going to be hard finding a rescue dog that suits our criteria, it has to be fairly large, two years old or under, good with cats and other dogs as well as the chickens and ducks etc. I'm slightly doubtfull at this stage...

 

I love all the breeds you all mentioned. Labs and retrievers are two of my favorite breeds, Zara seems to like them too (although, having said that, we haven't come across a dog Zara doesn't like!)

 

Tom- Harry is just gorgeous!!! A friend of ours has a Labradoodle, he is a stunner. I must admit, I adore the breed. I would be interested in any breeders that you know of, could you PM me when you have time?

 

Goff- Interesting that you reccomended the English Bull Terrier, again, another beed I love. Although height-wise they aren't huge, they are very strong, so could be a possibility. Unfortunately, this is a breed that some people don't 'approve' of, but with having a German Shepherd I know all about this . Personally, I think their great, yours is absolutely beautiful!

 

Thanks again guys, keep the suggestions coming!

[Snowy]

For a rescue dog you are sometimes better to register with a breed specific rescue - the golden retriever rescue has co-ordinators around the country, I know the ESS rescue has and I'm sure there must be a lab rescue that does the same. They will keep your details, chat to you about what you are looking for in a dog and contact you when a suitable dog comes in. Even then there will be careful introductions and they won't expect you to take a dog if you are not happy. You do need to be patient though!

North West Retriever Rescue

North West Labrador Rescue

They do like you to contact them and be homechecked before you can apply for a dog though. Good luck! We are going throught the same waiting for a springer

[Sunshine]

We have got our 3 dogs(past and present-never had two dogs together) from Windyways nr Macclesfield. Not sure whereabouts you are based in Cheshire though. When we were looking for a puppy we put our name down there if any came in. The other place that was suggested to us was Manchester dogs home. A few people i know got there dogs from Stiles Medow, Bosley.

 

We have always had pups from Windyways but did look around the older dogs there before Lola came to them. I guess its just a waiting game and trial and error. A dog might sound perfect on paper but then when you meet it with Zara they won't get on.

 

I hadn't thought of specific dog rescues. I'm guessing there must be ones for each breed.

 

Let us know how you get on

 

Emma

 

p.s Tom i have fallen in love with Harry!!! We were looking at getting a labradoodle pup but then decided they were a bit big for us. A friend told us about one that was for sale (i think it was about 6months), we have since heard that at its new home it jumps on the sideboard and on the table when they are eating!!

[Rhapsody]

Can I also put in a word for the American Bulldog Rescue? They are based in NE and have a whole kennel full of big soppy ugly so-and so's looking for a home.

 

http://americanbulldogsneedinghomes.blogspot.com/

[chelsea]

Why not another German Shepherd?

 

http://www.germanshepherdrescue.co.uk/find-german-shepherd-dog.html

 

When we got Bracken as a pup she learnt so much from our older resuce GSD Fern, you won't have the worry of the size/squashing problems and they should have the same characteristics which come with the breed. Another female would be good for a size match and the GSD rescue have them all over the country needing a loving home like yours.

[Goff]

I'm a member of a dog site that also has rescue dogs looking for homes. If you want, PM me and i'll send you the website address

 

People have crossed the street when we have been out walking Dolcie, and others have backed off in fear, but they are soooooooo wrong. The EBT is not a dangerous dog - its the same as any other, in the wrong hands they can be lethal, but they truly are amazing dogs. Dolcie is fabulous with the kids, and more scared of the chooks than they are of her! They are VERY intelligent, and you can't beat a Bully hug when you feel fed up!

[theherd123]

Goff!!!

 

I adore your EBT!

 

I have 2 and my parents live near to you and have my little boys daughter.

 

My terrible twosome are called Poppy & Teddy and I agree they are adorable pets, obstinate but adorable!