Which Dog Should We Get?
OK, so you'll have learned from the last podcast that the Delingpoles have finally moved to the sticks: a gorgeous old estate in rural Northamptonshire with three lakes for swimming in, 2,500 acres of Capability Brown-designed landscape and miles of beautiful country to explore.
But there's something missing in our lives and that something is a dog. We've never had a dog before and Boy especially is totally desperate. Which one, though, should we get?
Here are a few pointers: We have a family history of pug keeping. We do like pugs. Problem is, they're not really suited to long walks and we'd like a dog that can keep up with us, maybe run ahead and fetch sticks, chase the odd hare if it so feels.
At the same time, though we'd like an active dog we don't want one that's too big and unmanageable. There are lots of sheep round where we are and the poor mutt would have to spend most of his time on the leash.
Also, we don't want too noisy a dog. Right opposite our new house is a bed and breakfast and I don't think nocturnal barking would make us too popular with the guests.
So, we'd ideally like: small to medium size; active; good-natured; friendly; fun; not too noisy; and probably not prone to too much moulting either.
We're thinking, maybe, of a puggle. Is that a good call? Or are there others you can suggest?
Over to you, dog experts.
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Comments:
Jul '10
Re: Which Dog Should We Get?
I was going to suggest a Labrador Retriever, sweetest, smartest, most protective and loyal dog you'll ever own. But they do shed big time in the spring.
Mar '11
Re: Which Dog Should We Get?
Australian cattle dog, if you take time to train it.
Very loyal will protect you and your family but has lots of energy so get the tennis ball ready if you get one.
Dec '11
Re: Which Dog Should We Get?
A Labradoodle would be wonderful. Full of energy, born to run, a hunter, loving, playful, smart, gentle, and a great watch dog. They don't shed.
May '10
Re: Which Dog Should We Get?
2500 acres in Northamptonshire! No wonder the Telegraph has had to fire a bunch of bloggers (including Worstall) to reduce costs!
A just reward for fighting the good fight, I think.
Sep '12
Re: Which Dog Should We Get?
We have a pair of springer spaniel/jack russell crosses - huge energy and loyalty, great with the kids, very entertaining and generally obedient .... until they get on the scent of a rabbit/fox/cat/rabbit/anything else with feather or fur - which can be embarassing. They are even known to chase bats/swallows/gulls. Fantastic dogs if you are up for the challenge. A more sensible choice to meet your criteria might be a straight spaniel.
Do consider whether your prospective breed is within your tolerance zone for odiferousness though!
May '10
Re: Which Dog Should We Get?
I saw a puggle yesterday. It was the ugliest, stupidest (is that a word?) dog I have ever seen in my life. NO! Any of the hunting breeds/hounds are good for energy and long walks. Please invest the time and money in training, you and all the family. All of you, pup included, will be much happier. When I was dog-shopping I found a wonderful book discussing many of the breeds' characteristics and personality traits. It helped me find a breed that fit my lifestyle. Keep us informed!
Nov '10
Re: Which Dog Should We Get?
We live in rural, eastern North Carolina and have always enjoyed Weimaraners. They may be a little larger than what you have in mind, but we have found them to be nice dogs that get along well. We have had about 5 of these dogs over our 33 years of marriage and find them to be bright dogs. One of our two Weimaraners died recently and we replaced him with a standard poodle. The poodle seems to be working out well too. They do not shed, but you have to cut their hair or pay someone to cut their hair every couple of months. That is a little aggravating, but not too much.
Jul '12
Re: Which Dog Should We Get?
I'd vote for a beagle, but that's only because it's the dog I've always wanted for myself! :)
Jun '12
Re: Which Dog Should We Get?
I would second Tom Davis' nomination of a Weimaraner if it will get LOTS and LOTS of running time. They are wonderful dogs, but also very large, powerful and full of energy that need to be burned. Beautiful, silver/grey short hair coats. I would also strongly urge checking out the German Short-Haired Pointer. Similar to a Weimaraner, but different coloring and about 2/3 the size and in my experience a bit less high strung in temperament. If that still is too large, then a Viszla-- again similar body style, and short hair, different color again (caramel) but about a 1/4 to a 1/3 smaller than the German Short Hair. I realize that this list may be a bit too Germanic for the UK, but I really dont think you can go wrong with a short haired hunter.
Jun '12
Re: Which Dog Should We Get?
Get yourself a staffy great with kids, smart and fit however mine while he never picked a fight he would never knock one back
Btw did you know that a puggle is a new born platypus ?
Cheers
Malcolm
Mar '11
Re: Which Dog Should We Get?
we are the exact same circumstances you describe. we have had dalmations, weimaraner's and have fostered/kept about 7 springer spaniels. All are way too active and large for what you describe. they all need miles of activity every day or they'll drive you and themselves crazy. we now have two cocker spaniels we got on petfinder.com which must have something similar in Britain. One is clearly purebred the other must have some pooodle (doesn't shed at all). both just showed up at farm houses and were kept for months before we adopted them. one is 22 lbs. the other 18 lbs. absolutely ideal. active and can go for miles, but easy to care for indoors or out and family/friends don't mind visits or visiting because they are small. really would recommend some kind of 'mutt' as they just seem healthier and more stable. There are thousands of great dogs out there need a home that you can get for minimal 'donation' to help out the foster parents rather than buy pure or the new 'puggle' type of combos that cost a fortune.
May '10
Re: Which Dog Should We Get?
How about a Corgi? Ones I've seen do just fine on the run.
Nov '11
Re: Which Dog Should We Get?
I never liked dogs and have found them to be unpleasant.
The exception were the two Samoyeds my grandmother owned, one then another. (She so liked the first that she only wanted another Samoyed.)
The Samoyed is medium sized, full of energy, and very mellow. They are Siberian by nature and therefore white and very fluffy.
They engage in two behaviors that I know are common to the breed. One is herding, including small children. They'll keep watch over a child and keep them where they're supposed to be.
The second is escape artist behavior. They are energetic and if not walked regularly (as happened in my grandmother's later years) they will attempt to escape from the yard where they are kept. This can be problematic in the suburbs, but less so on a larger rural estate, and it only happens if you don't walk them enough.
They're mellow, friendly and non aggressive. And unlike many other breeds (pugs, for example) they are beautiful.
Sep '10
Re: Which Dog Should We Get?
Don't try and reinvent the wheel. There's a reason Labrador Retrievers are the most popular dogs in the world.
Jun '10
Re: Which Dog Should We Get?
Beagle
May '11
Re: Which Dog Should We Get?
Fred Cole's comments about Samoyds apply equally to Malmutes. They are smart, loving, and really enjoy their walks (although they don't actually know they are on a walk -- they think they are pulling a sled, so if you use a leash be prepared to be dragged along).
Apr '11
Re: Which Dog Should We Get?
I know you don't want a large-ish dog but they really would be ideal for what you are describing. We have always had Golden retrievers and you just can't go wrong with them. They are born good. If you wont be good to yourself and get a Golden, I'd look at Wheaton terriers. They seem like they might fit your criteria. PS This is my latest, Steve.
Apr '12
Re: Which Dog Should We Get?
If a Portuguese Water Dog is good enough for President Obama than it should be adequate for an English libertarian pundit. Smart dogs, 40 pounds or so, good with kids, & loves water.
Jul '12
Re: Which Dog Should We Get?
I'm with Centurion Cornelius Sebastion on this one. 'Nuff said.
Edited on September 3, 2012 at 3:17pmMay '11
Re: Which Dog Should We Get?
You're not going to get just one dog are you ?
Hardly fitting for the 1st Viscount Delingpole !
I assume you'll be spending your weekends shooting with the Duke, so look into retrievers, pointers etc. (And it's considered bad form to shoot the beaters btw, even accidentally. It's hard enough to find good staff these days without discouraging them even more).
Edited on September 3, 2012 at 2:46pm