We lost our lovely Yorkshire Terrier, Benji, last April at the ripe old age of 17 and have only just reached the point where we could consider having another dog. However, we dont really want another Yorkie, we would like a larger dog. I am married, at home all day everyday more or less and have two daughters, 15 and 13, who both adore dogs. My 15 year old keeps on and on about having another dog.She loves all animals and wants to be a vet.

Our idea of a perfect dog is a bright, intelligent, happy and easy going dog.We wouldnt want one that only likes its owners and mistrusts everyone else, or one that hates other dogs and animals as we have 4 guinea pigs! I have been searching websites, including www.dogbreedinfo.com and www.petplanet.co.uk. I have come across a breed called Havanese and they seem to fit the bill.Has anyone got this type of dog? Are they the happy,loving, easy going dog that is described on the dogbreedinfo site? I am not going to rush into anything and would like opinions from people with different breeds.

Hi,
not to be biased (well not really) but have you considered a mini schnauzer?
We have a 15 week old, but I know a little more about the breed than that as I have also have a 2 (f) & 5 (m) year old mini schnauzers next door!!
They all seem to have a loving, VERY friendly but mischeivous personality..they also are beautiful looking dogs that shed NO HAIR!!

Sometimes I think Rufus has been a human in a past life, as he is so intelligent - and nosey like his mum!! ha ha

He was fullytoilet trained at 12 weeks and sits etc to command (well in the house away from distractions anyway!!)

I think he is totally fab - bet your all fed of me going on about him over the last few weeks - sorry:-)

He loves to play, wlak but also likes his own bit of time...and is a BIG SLEEPYHEAD...it takes him around 15 mins to wake up properly:-)

babbling now, let us know how you get on anyway
Louise x

You wont go wrong with a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.They are loving and gentle,easy to train ,highly intelligent,sociable,excellent with children and other pets(we have other dogs,ferrets ad rabbits).We loved ours so much when we got her we just had to get another

Well I have huskies........beautiful dogs but not for every one, they are very exciteable, great with kids and other pets, not so good with cats. But can be a handful.....there well at least I was honest :)

Hi I have a Bullmastiff, she is nearley 3 now. She is a great companian and very loyal. We have young children and she is great with them. It seems that nothing in the world will get her excited, she has always been very calm and gentle. But I have seen her sister and she is a nut case :D.
Good Luck
Kelly

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or a Lab. I have had both breeds over the years. First we had a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel just as a pet, and now we breed Labradors. Both breeds are wonderful with children. Labradors can be a bit excitable, but if trained from a young age, they become wonderful housedogs!

I hope you find your ideal breed.

Kind Regards

Pam

I too think I have the ideal breed:D They get on great with other dogs, cats and even though they are a hunting dog, haven't that terrier type drive to kill. It is right for me and my family.

I always say one mans meat is another mans poison. So I would write down more on your list of what you do and don't want. Then go through which breeds appeal by look, and get to meet, and go for a walk with some real live ones.

Crufts is coming up in March, and the Discover Dogs part of the show would be a great place to look. You should get warts and all descriptions of living with the breed from the advisors.

Ive heard about the Havenese, they to are lttle dogs. Don't shed, I believe they were made by breeding the maltese with the Bichon (sp's). Same type of personality I believe, friendly, good natured all around little dog. My inlaws have a poodle maltese cross and if they are anything like him well just an all loving little dog (non shedding).

What about a rough collie (the lassie dog), they too are suppose to be very good with children and people. They do require alot of grooming, but are beautiful dogs, much bigger then the Havenese though.

I have Boston Terriers and they too are lovely little dogs, great with kids (the ones that look more like the bulldog then the terrier I find are much more laid back). I have both looks and u really see the difference in the personality (maybe just me).
Good luck with ur search.
ttfn :)

only you will know which breed will suit you! If it is at all possible take a look at the kennel club website, discover dogs section, where you will find concise information on each of many breeds. then, if it is possible, you could even visit crufts "discover dogs" section between march 6th and 9th, where you can chat to owners about their breed, and ask them about suitability. No other place lets you see so many breeds to gether, it's great!

You must definitely visit Discover Dogs. This is the only place where you will see examples of (almost) every KC recognised breed, and be able to discuss the good and bad points of each. (If you don't get told the bad points, walk away - they all have them!)

Nobody can tell you what breed to get, just as nobody can tell you what your child should be like, or what car to buy. It's a personal thing.

We have a German Shepherd. They are great but it seems that it might be too big and ours, doesn't like littler kids. However our Welsh Springer Spaniel, which passed away two years ago, was a real sweetie. She loved the cat, and Waya our German Shepherd, and especially my ten year old sister and I. She wasn't too big, the only problem we had with her was that she had ear problems, but it was probably because she had floppy ears. We would have to clean her ears every week, but it was worth every minute of it, because she was such a sweetie. Well I hope you consider a Welsh Springer Spaniel as one of your choices. Good Luck :)

waya_luver

What about a Beagle, they are a medium sized dog they love everybody, they are not as bad as a lot make out to house train and they will walk for miles. They are a great challenge and brilliant companions.
David.

This is a classic example what different people understand by the same description. To me a Beagle is a small breed, as are most Terriers, and I think of Medium up to Labrador and Golden size. I don't hink of large until we are talking GSD etc :D:D:D:D

My breed (Norwegian Elkhound) is double coated, but the coat is close lying. At exemption shows they often have a novelty class for best long coated dog, and best short coated dog. Now answers on a postage stamp, which do you think they are???

I will say after which class I think they go in.