Hi there,

I just wondered if I could get some advice about a second dog. Kobi is now 15 months old and hopefully this time next year we would like to get another dog (I know it is ages away but we want the right dog), I was wondering if anyone here has a labrador and what other breeds mix well with them? Before we bought Kobi I was looking into norwegian elkhounds as I think they are amazing dogs but I'm not sure they would get on, I have the impression they can be quite aloof and our lab would annoy one to death!

My in-laws have a Kerry Blue terrier and bought a giant schnauzer as a second dog and they can't stand each other, it's total personality clash!And I don't want a repeat of that in our house. Also would it be better to get another dog or a bitch (we are planning the snip for Kobi shortly)
Any ideas would be welcomed as I want to start my research!

Thanks in advance
Sarah

Oh dear, aloof and not wanting to play, it would be the Labrador that might end up having enough of a young Elkhound :D :D :D

Were the Elkhounds you met overweight and/or elderly perhaps??

Certainly if my own and friends Elkhounds are anything to go by they are a very sociable and tolerant breed where other canine pals are concerned.

Adults will not be put upon, but rarely have to resort to anything more than a hard stare if being pestered by youngsters with no manners.

Mature males of course won't take insults without a bit of posturing, but usually happy to leave it at that.

I notice you live in Cardiff, so you could easily visti me, or there are two older Elkhounds (7 and 8) I bred (male and female half brother and sister) whose owners I am sure woudln't mind you visiting or meeting for a walk.

Hi brainless,

you may be right, the elkhound I have met here, in the park is quite old (7 I think) and the elkhound I saw at discover dogs this year at Crufts I think was a little fed up with the whole thing, it was the end of the day!

It would be great if I could come and have a chat and a walk, would it be OK if I emailed you in a couple of months (as all my weekends are booked till May at the mo') about coming and having a visit? Are you in Cardiff too then?

Thankyou, that is a really kind offer.

Sarah

Which day did you go to Discover dogs.  I did the Thursday and my girl was alone, but managed to keep greeting everyone to the bitter end.

On another day there was a very overweight dog that seemed years older than his barely 3 years, and his owner did get a few words from folk about it and now has him on a diet.

Discover dogs gets very warm, and it is a long day for a dog that may have left home at 5am and is expected to stay at it's post until 5pm.

In prevous years I have taken 3 or 4 dogs and found this worked much better as people could see a variety of ages and they could take turns and rest.

No I am in Bristol, but it isn't a difficult journey.  Also kepot fit an Elkhound won't seem old at all until well over 10 years old.

hi i have a lovely big yellow lab who is nearly 2 she is excellent never had a snarl of the lip or anything she loves to play with our great dane and also loves to play with the chihuahuas she mixes very very well with any breed

Thankyou for the replies,
I think I am just worried that Kobi is boisterous (which is a polite way of saying nutty) and I wanted to make sure I didn't get a dog that would be intimidated, shy or easily squished! He is calming down alot though (hopefully out of the teenage nightmare soon) which is why we are waiting at least another year.

Thanks for your reply brainless, no Bristol is only 40 mins away so no problem. I was at Crufts on Saturday so I'm not sure who I saw. I can understand dogs and owners getting grouchy under those conditions, I was grouchy by the time I left! Would it be OK if I emailed you in a few weeks to see if you have any free time? I want to go into second time dog ownership with my eyes much more open than last time!

Sarah

Email away I am only at shows Good Friday and last weekend in April.

If nothing else it will either exclude or include the breed for you, taking your time is a good idea.

As my girls main playmates ahve always been big dogs (dobes and to a leser extent Goldne Retrievers) I ahve never thought of any breed being too much for them, so yoru psot amused me somewhat