Dog Community

Which breed?

Posted : 8/28/2006 6:16:06 AM

I want to get a dog for the very first time but i dont know which breed to go for, i would prefer a dog that i could do agility with and a dog that is quite easy to train. I have a pretty large garden and live in the country. If you need to know anything more about me so you could get a better idea just ask

Any one got any tips or ideas for me?
Thanks x

dogslyfe

Posted : 8/28/2006 8:28:56 AM

Hi, and welcome to the board!

Well, why don't we start with you listing for us a few breeds you're considering?? What is your life like... what is a typical day for you? What all activities would you be interested in doing with your dog?

Esther

Posted : 8/28/2006 8:34:57 AM

Well my typical day is mostly school, i get up around 7:00am and leave at about 7:55am to go to school and back at 4:00pm. But the dog wouldn't be left alone all day because my dad would be there more or less all day but might be out for a hour or two. I would be interested in doing quite alot of training with my dog, like
obedience and also agility.Hope that helped

dogslyfe

Posted : 8/28/2006 9:29:32 AM

Ok. So, what breeds are you considering?

Esther

Posted : 8/28/2006 10:11:25 AM

At the moment i havent any, im open to any sugestions. I really don't know, there is so many to choose from, i don't know which one is right for me.

Xerxes

Posted : 8/28/2006 10:21:33 AM

I think you should check out [linkhttp://www.dogbreedinfo.com]www.dogbreedinfo.com[/link] and narrow it down to 3-5 breeds. There are such varieties amongst breeds as far as temperment and exercise requirements, grooming requirements.

First start by considering what size of a dog you want (small, medium, large, giant.) Then narrow it down to a group (Hound, Working, Sporting, Terrier, Non-sporting, Toy-yes some toy sized dogs can be good at agility.) After that you should be able to narrow your choices based upon your interests and the breed specific traits you've researched.

Hope this helps

Esther

Posted : 8/28/2006 11:23:12 AM

Ok, so i have been on the website above and found these breeds that sound good;
Australian Shepherd
Boykin Spaniel
Golden Sheltie which is a Golden Retriever/ Shetland Sheepdog Hybrid
Kooikerhondje
Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever
Is any of those a definitely no for me, and what do you think about those dogs for me.
Thanks x

Melaney B.

Posted : 8/28/2006 11:30:07 AM

If you are wanting an energentic dog for agility, I would go with a spaniel! I have a cocker and she is very full of life and is extremly easy to train and very smart. They are very loyal and love people, i think it would be a good choice considering you have a space for him/her to run!

dogslyfe

Posted : 8/28/2006 12:38:12 PM

I would say that herding breeds often do not make a good dog for first time dog owners, so I would cancel out the Aussie. The other options sound interesting, but please don't be sucked into the whole "designer dog" trap. Go for either an established breed from a good and reputable breeder...

For that matter, maybe you could take a look around your local shelter and see if there are any dogs there that speak to you! You'd be surprised how many wonderful dogs there are in the shelters waiting for someone like you!

Esther

Posted : 8/28/2006 12:47:01 PM

Ok, thanks for all your help.