what breed of dog do you have?

[geoff]

When I was a boy we had a rough haired Jack Russell Terrier, very affectionate, gentle and well behaved. JRTs have a reputation for being snappy and bad tempered, but I think that depends on how you bring them up

Didn't have a dog for a long time, but about 12 months ago we got a German Wire Haired Pointer, male puppy. There's no nastiness in him, but rather the word 'boisterous' was made for him. Now he's fully grown, but needs lots of exercise, and seems to be permanently hungry. We've become very fond of him

[Gwen11ian]

If you work all day, best bet is a 4+ year old rescue. A walk in the morning, a walk at lunch (or a dog walker), then a walk when you get back home. It's not fair to get a puppy, then be out of the house for eight hours of the day. A four year old dog still has buckets of life and love left in them.. but is happy to spend four hours at a time snoozing quietly on the couch.

I work part time (and my husband full time).. we went for a two year old rescue. On the day's I'm working he gets a 30 min run with the husband in the morning, then spends six hours at dog day care in the afternoon/evening. Lots of socializing and exercise for him. On day's off we usually have a two or three hour walk around lunch in the winter.. or two two hour walks morning/afternoon in the summer. It's a great weight loss program.. I've lost a stone in the six months since we got him (and sitting here tucking into a chocolate bar at the moment)!

Local dog rescues will usually let you take the dog home for a trial weekend (don't know about RSPCA though) once you've visited the same dog a couple of times. Lets you get to know the dog under a number of situations before committing. Dogs in the kennel are quite different from dogs in the house.

Attached is a picture of our lovely long dog.

[northepaul]

Used to have a couple of Staffs, but sadly the last of the two passed away 2 years ago, and have not wanted to get anymore.
I always have a soft spot for Staffs, they are so friendly and good with kids.

[DarkCrow]

Ours is a rescue pup too, German Shepherd crossed with muppet I think

My Baby came from Battersea branshatch, Collycross, best dog I have ever been lucky enough to home. Muppet by name Muppet by nature.. Great Dog, sorley missed

[Peter]

Flying German Shorthaired Pointer.

[Creemteez]

flying german shorthaired pointer.

faaaaaabbbbb!!!!:d

[grahama]

Hi all,

nearly got a GSP myself Peter but eventually settled on a Hungarian Vizsla, completely bonkers like GSPs but adorable, loyal, intellegent and a great family pet.

6 months old and she loves helping me in the garden and then running the mud all over the cream rugs Worth every bit of mud though

Regards,

Graham

ps Vizslas fly too !!!

[OverWyreGrower]

We've got 2 mental Boxers....

Max (left) is 4 this month, and Murphy (right) is 3 in June

[Mac]

Stunning dogs - all of them!

[NSB]

I adore Vislas they would certainly be my ultimate dog.

[Pumpkin Becki]

I'm not allowed a dog, OH doesn't like them, but I've always wanted either a Boxer, or a Gordon Setter - just beautiful!

[OverWyreGrower]

I'm not allowed a dog, OH doesn't like them, but I've always wanted either a Boxer, or a Gordon Setter - just beautiful!

You could borrow Murphy for a day! He is the ultimate couch potato dog - happy to snooze on the sofa all day - how could you not like that!

[Pumpkin Becki]

You could borrow Murphy for a day! He is the ultimate couch potato dog - happy to snooze on the sofa all day - how could you not like that!

I'm very envious OWG, they are both so handsome, but he just won't budge

[Hilary B]

My Gemma is probably GSD cross greyhound. Like most GSD croses she is intelligent. Remember that the more brain a dog has the more vital it is to keep that brain busy with what YOU want happening, or they will find their own amusement, and it is usually something you don't want them to do!
If you are short of dog-managing time, I would go for something not-too-bright, not too active, and some small dogs are a LOT more active than some of the big ones!
In theory you can find out about the temperament of a rescue dog by visiting the kennels. OH's dog Lady (misnamed, she's a proper little madam!) was the quiet one in the rescue centre. She's not been quiet since (9 years) except when she's asleep! (slight exaggeration, but she DOES like the sound of her own voice, at half an excuse)
Lady is obviously part border collie, and definitely part terrier (maybe Bedlington).

[grahama]

NSB, they really are lovely dogs, I am biased I know but they're so cute even when they dig up your pot plants !!! Long walks required though, but they leap through the trees and undergrowth like a deer, soo funny. They keep you on your toes though !