Hi everyone, i am in the early stages of Dog Ownership and this is basically to gage some opinions of other people who know dogs really well.

I am considering Medium breeds to Large breeds, nothing smaller than a Cavalier and nothing bigger than a Rottweilier. I dislike herding dogs and am not to keen on many hounds. I want a stocky fun family dogs, what do you suggest?

Hi there, well you have quite a open search but i will firstly suggest the number one dog in my eyes, the fantasitc Staffordshire Bull Terrier, there really is no breed quite like it, they are fun wonderful dogs that are companions for life. I would also suggest Bulldogs, Boxers, French Bulldogs and Pugs although you may find them slightly small. I like you dont like the hearding dogs, Border Collies, YAWN, lol. I know you say you dislike many hounds but Bassetts are wonderful dogs too, why not look at them, many of the working dogs would suit you too, Rottweilers and Dobbs are both nice but id you say you wont stocky and fun id say either Staffie, Bulldog, French Bulldog or Boxer as i said before, Bull Terriers also.

Have you tried a golden retrevier?  Very laid back normally and loyal family pets.  Personly I wouldn't want one but I do like the breed and would never say no to handling one!!!!  lol  Also what about a labardor, fun, energetic dog, also loyal.  Would have suggested a border collie but if you don't like herding dogs....(we all have our taste) also what about a caviler?  again they make ideal family pets.  there are many breeds to choose from, and if you really do want a dog and not sure which breed then Discover Dogs is coming up soon (13th and 14th of november) at earls court.  If you don't no about Discover dogs then it has every breed there (nearly) on show with someone to talk to about the breed.  Would suggest you go and have a look if your free and its not to far, see what breeds you like the look of and then talk to the people and ask questions and find out if the breed is suitable for you.

Good luck in your search

Hi, just out of interest, why do you dislike herding dogs? For what reason?? And how on earth can you differentiate between characteristics? As they all have totally different personalities!

Maybe he doesn't like the herding dogs because they are all very much one person dogs and most of them all have the herding trait....My mum doesn't like herding breeds for that reason, yet thats why I do love them myself!  My mum wants a dog that will do things on its own...for example a setter.....

Hi,
I have recently taken home my first dog and he's a standard poodle. I really think they are brilliant dogs - very smart, therefore easy to train, good with kids and have a very affectionate nature. Ours was a dream to toilet train which I was very worried about given he was my first dog. I know that poodles are often thought of as prissy dogs but they get a bad image because of the terrible things people do to them in grooming parlours. They are beautiful and noble dogs and with a simple groom, ie just clipped without pom poms and all that - they look great. Also, they don't shed hair which is a major bonus. They are medium sized dogs, ours is about 26" to the shoulder and not likely to grow too much more though he's only 9 months.
Whatever you decide to go for in the end, I'm sure you'll just love having a dog.