Hi,

I'm new here and am currently thinking about getting a dog. I have been doing research into the different breeds for about 3 years and have been to a number of breeders and dog shows. I'm after some advice from dog owners/breeders out there if that is possible.

I have been looking at Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Scottish Terriers, Miniature Schnauzers, English/American Cockers & Golden Retrievers. I know there is quite a few differences between each breed but I'm hoping to do grooming myself and if possible to show the puppy. I have a few questions though about a puppy generally. Is there much difference between the behaviours/Characteristics of each breed? (e.g. Separation Anxiety, Aggression etc) On average how much a month would it cost to maintain each breed? I would like to feed the BARF diet if possible and have read that it would cost around £3 a week for a Cavalier.

I have also considered an older dog as I work Part Time 4 days a week, 5 & 1/2 hours/6 hours but my son has just finished his GCSE's and is home. I live in a semi -detached house with a good sized rear garden and a friend is getting a Golden Retriever puppy in the summer. I have never owned a dog before and have only had them around me when my parents owned Poodles.

I'd appreciate all opinions/views. Thank You.

goodness where to start.

Yes puppies of different breeds and adults can vary hugely in their behaviour, reactivity/placidity/destructiveness, dependence and independence.  size will have an effect on the ability to cause damage and ease of management.

You really need to spend time with a given breed to decide if that is what you can live with.

for example there are some breeds I couldn't live with (for me most terriers and Spaniels and some herding breeds are too much).  I live with an independent hunting spitz breed and they are right for me, other people couldn't live with a dog that questioned/ignored commands as readily as mien can.

Really is one mans meat is another's poison.

Original use will often give a clue as to the level of human interaction the breed craves.

Thanks.  I have visited breeders but I find some just want to to book a puppy and pay for it! I'm going to Windsor this year  so may get time to chat with breeders but not of every breed :(

If you have visited such breeders then I wouldn't bother with them.

The best breeders will not be looking to sell you a puppy, but seeing if the breed and you are suited.

It would be better to visit breeders that do not have litters at present but do have dogs of all ages including possibly a pup they have kept from a litter just sold.

I often have people visit either wehn I don't have pups or while Mum is expecting so that potential owners are not swayed by the cute factor a pup, as all pups are appealing, but theya re like that for maybe less than 6 months.

When we got Tara we visited a breeder that did have a few puppies - but she made it perfectly clear before we got there that they weren't for sale. She and her husband also did their best to put us off the breed :D :D :D It was very informative and gave us plenty to think about before making the decision to carry on looking :)

Daisy

Oh I also take my lot out for a walk with potential owners so they can see the level of Obedience (or not) reaction to people and other dogs etc ,and also how strong they are for their size.

Pretty sure I put of a former champdogger that was considering having one, after such a walk.  On the other hand I took another couple on a strnuous walk all up hill not knowing that the lady only had one lung.

They are now champdoggers and fellow breed enthusiasts and breeders :D

May I suggest you visit a few  Local Dog Shows and seek out the breeds  you are interested in and speak to the exhibitors/breeders there  to find out   more about the breeds.  Any reputable breeder   will be only too  pleased to help you and   will point out the  bad as well as the good  in their breed,  This is in their interest as well as yours  but more importantly in the puppies interest as they do not want  a puppy returned a few months or so down the line, because you find it is not the breed for you.   You could also google the breeds and read up on them,  but there  is nothing better than  speaking to breeders face to face.  If more people researched a breed  before   just buying  what appeals and  looks cute to them  less puppies would end up in  rescue in my opinion.     I like boxers and I also like Irish Setters to name  but as few but I could not live  with them as they are too engergetic for me I need the more laid  back  type like  the Borzoi.  Its  like ths saying one man's meat is another man's poison.   In other words what suit one person may not necessarily suit another Lol Hope this helps  and do keep us posted on  which breed you decide to   have and how   you are progressing with your new puppy.

Thank You all for your positive feedback. With regards to my hours do you think this is suitable?

By the time that you get a puppy your son will probably be back at school :) If you are out of the house for more than just a little while each day it will be difficult to housetrain a puppy quickly and reliably :) :) I would think that a young adult rescue dog might be more suitable :) This is what we did for our first dog in similar circumstances to yourself :) If you do go for a rescue dog, make sure that you go to a reputable rescue that will match you to a suitable dog, providing some backup in case of any problems :) Many rescue dogs are not suitable for first time dog owners :)

Daisy

Blue_Skies.....i have PM'd you
Pauline

Yes. I'm going to chat to some breeders later to see if they have a docked dog available for rehoming. Bishop, I'll PM you :)