[Blueskybmw]

Jack Russell, no contest.

[blueislander]

We got a a lab, he is coming up to 4 now and is simply the perfect family dog.

He's from a field retrieving family and requires a lot of exercise, so he goes out with other dogs three times a week for a couple of hours and then we as a family pick up the slack on the other days including big walks through country parks. They need a tonne of exercise but you will find your balance with it.

He was so easy to train, never batted an eyelid to our cats (they dominate him!), has been perfect with our newborn who is now 2 years old, and he's my mate, and thank God he's big as I am 6ft4 and needed a decent sized dog to walk!

A few things, hips, hygiene and food have been covered, but also make sure he has toys, playtime with you all, engagement to keep him active. Labs are super-intelligent and need to be challenged to keep their minds active.

Trust me, after a rough day at work, coming home to get covered in yellow lab hair and disgusting licks on your face is a soul-fulfilling experience

*smells may vary *

[AyrshireColin]

Have 2 springer spaniels at home and honestly couldn't recommend enough.

The old one is now 9 and the young one is 2. Have a 6 year old daughter and a 3 year old son (so the older one has been in the family all of their lives) and honestly I couldn't ask for better dogs for the kids - they are fun, they are good natured and great companions.

Also have 2 cats at home and they all get on great (the youngest dog and oldest cat are best pals).

Springer spaniels are both very intelligent and absolutely daft as a brush at the same time - but in the way that you almost want your dogs to be!

Zero issues at all to train and very, very obedient......ours don't go on leads, they just act on commands.

They do require a good walk so if you can't provide that then maybe a no-no, however they're not like collies where they start to get cabin fever if locked up too long.

One thing I would say is that they are absolute grubbers - the pair of them. They eat anything and everything they find on their travels......I've spend many a walk helping that sh*tty tissue get all the way out (bag wrapped round hand over course!).

[sspade]

Pure bred, miniature Poodle. Male.

You'll thank me later.

One of the smartest breeds on the planet and also among the most loyal/loving as well. Very athletic and hypoallergenic too.

We've had them for generations and always will.

[cfm56d7b]

Originally Posted by Tengocity

If I could get a dog it would definitely be a Viszla, however they have absolutely loads of energy and they really need a proper walk every day.
Make sure that you can commit to that before you get one.

Another vote for vizsla echoing the same suggestions to be prepared for lots of exercise. Vizslas are amazing family dogs with a Velcro like ability to stick to the family member. They also like to sleep under blankets - get a separate one for your vizsla. Otherwise, your vizsla will eventually repossess your blanket.

Bernese Mountain dogs are a treasure and do not require a lot of exercise. Known health problems are a concern. Working with a reputable Breeder is a must. Your vacuum cleaner will be working occasional overtime with Bernese in the house.

[F20MAW73]

A quick update and photo. A few days in and 'Alfie' the Labrador puppy is fitting in nicely at home with us. For only 9 weeks old he seems really happy and and content. He has us wrapped around his little finger (paw) for sure. We love him to bits already.

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[Watsey]

Originally Posted by F20MAW73

A quick update and photo. A few days in and 'Alfie' the Labrador puppy is fitting in nicely at home with us. For only 9 weeks old he seems really happy and and content. He has us wrapped around his little finger (paw) for sure. We love him to bits already.

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He looks very at home already

[RENT-A-GOAT]

Gorgeous lab and a great name, glad he's settling in well.

[TouringPleb]

Take plenty of pictures! They grow so quickly and before you know, aren't that cute pup, but a farting, chewing, wall destroying machine

[J306TD]

congratulations on the new puppy

we have a 5yr old Australian Kelpie and she is still mad even after a good day on the beach

[Sasquartch]

Congrats

Please, please do not get into the habit of feeding him titbits and treats - Labs are genetically very prone to putting on excess weight which then can cause extra problems if they have weak hips

A good diet and plenty of exercise and you wont have any problems

[xenon]

I mentioned earlier the problem with Labs and eating. Good news is that because they will eat virtually anything you can give healthy treats like bits of carrot and things like that, does not have to be high calorie. The only thing ours won't eat is cucumber and I can't fault him there.

[AlwynMike]

Ours is on strict Guide Dog diet - puppy food only.
But when unattended will eat anything on the ground, from stones, through wood, to paper, foil, vomit etc.
She will not take her bed time "treat" from our fingers though - we have to drop it on her bed where it gets wolfed down.
Any other time, its "treat" and finger!

Female

[F20MAW73]

Amazon delivery anyone? I'm sending him away for crimes against weeing on my kitchen floor. Unfortunately he is a repeat offender.

Very low mileage.
One careful owner.
Full service history.

[isleaiw1]

Originally Posted by F20MAW73

Amazon delivery anyone? I'm sending him away for crimes against weeing on my kitchen floor. Unfortunately he is a repeat offender.

Very low mileage.
One careful owner.
Full service history.

He will get over that pretty quickly. Next stage is chewing everything in sight...

[TouringPleb]

Originally Posted by isleaiw1

He will get over that pretty quickly. Next stage is chewing everything in sight...

Every one loves puppies but they are hard work.

It's so much easier after about 5 months when they grow out of most of those things and can start to walk them properly.

[AlwynMike]

Not forgetting that a Lab puppy is an absolute Fanny Magnet when out.

I've met soooooo many more women since the dog. Shame I'm (happily) married.....

[F20MAW73]

Originally Posted by AlwynMike

Not forgetting that a Lab puppy is an absolute Fanny Magnet when out.

I've met soooooo many more women since the dog. Shame I'm (happily) married.....

LOL damn too late for me also.

Although I wouldnt describe him as a fanny magnet this morning, in fact far from it. The wife heard him crying around 2am so went down stairs and he had pooded in his crate/bed. He had stepped on it and sat on it so she had to give him and emergency bath and wash everything down. She didn't get back to bed until 4am. A good job the wife doesn't work and I am glad I didn't hear the commotion being such a clean freak.

[xenon]

Yes it's a pain the toilet training phase but it doesn't take long. We had a brief phase of chewing stuff but again it was over pretty quickly too.

[teaston]

Originally Posted by F20MAW73

A quick update and photo. A few days in and 'Alfie' the Labrador puppy is fitting in nicely at home with us. For only 9 weeks old he seems really happy and and content. He has us wrapped around his little finger (paw) for sure. We love him to bits already.

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Congrats on your new family member, Lab is a solid choice of dog! I would say you’re in for some hard work, but after having a child looking after a dog seems extremely easy!

[goodbyalfa]

My sister has a cockapoodle. Amazing loving dog, no trouble whatsoever. Doesn't bark unless pushed and so soft with the kids. Lovely dog.