Help me pick a dog
13 January 2009, 04:14 PM
#31
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I wouldn't go for any of the status / fighting dogs mentioned. The weimeraner and Vizla are ok choices but as said will need lots of exercise and often aren't great if left on their own. I've got a German Wirehaired pointer so very similar in size and an HPR and she is great, cleanest dog I've owned soppy as anything with children and genuinely not an ounce of malice in her. But does like to be with people all the time and used to whine if left alone, now seems to be ok with company from the cats but a long way off being left at home for long
Also how much exercise do you give it? Any pics?
13 January 2009, 04:18 PM
#32
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you'll be in a pretty exclusive club if you have one from memory there are only something like 200 pups a year registered. Hair hasn't been a problem so far and she is now 18 months old, only photos I've got are one as a pup and one in the garden at the local.
13 January 2009, 04:23 PM
#33
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oh and exercise wise she gets about 40 minutes walk in the morning and then gets let out and exercises herself in the garden a fair bit. They are mostly from working stock so will go all day without a problem, I'm just starting to work mine a bit and she comes out shooting and never stops but on the other side she is very calm round the house even with just the one walk a day
13 January 2009, 04:24 PM
#34
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I wouldn't go for any of the status / fighting dogs mentioned. The weimeraner and Vizla are ok choices but as said will need lots of exercise and often aren't great if left on their own. I've got a German Wirehaired pointer so very similar in size and an HPR and she is great, cleanest dog I've owned soppy as anything with children and genuinely not an ounce of malice in her. But does like to be with people all the time and used to whine if left alone, now seems to be ok with company from the cats but a long way off being left at home for long
which of the breeds mentioned do you consider to be a 'status / fighting dog'.
13 January 2009, 04:28 PM
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That German Wirehaired pointer is a gorgeous dog 
Can we give the breed bashing a rest please. Most people dont even know what theyre talking about when that topic gets raised.
Can we give the breed bashing a rest please. Most people dont even know what theyre talking about when that topic gets raised.
13 January 2009, 04:31 PM
#38
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Like all `hard` dogs, if provoked or they see there owner/family (kids) being attacked, then they will protect their family. The tear them a new @rsehole quip was purely meant in a way than when they do attack they can do serious damage.
13 January 2009, 04:32 PM
#39
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so why wouldn't you recommend the dogs bred for fighting bulls. unless of course you have a bull and are worried about it being bated.
Last edited by stara; 13 January 2009 at 04:34 PM. Reason: can't spell
13 January 2009, 04:35 PM
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If you are going to spout **** go somewhere else and do it please
13 January 2009, 04:37 PM
#42
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Why not? So called fighting dogs are bought by owners that train them to fight.
Buying a so called hard dog does require good training. I've been bitten several times over the years, all by Jack russels type dogs. Never once off a so called hard dog.
My staffie is very well trained. Does what I say when I say it. Has never bitten or gone to bite anyone. I've had people straining to hold their dogs back on the lead to attack my dog. I've simply told mine to sit (off the lead) and stay. He does. Doesn't move, flinch. Training is key to any dog. Just powerful dogs need serious training.
Buying a so called hard dog does require good training. I've been bitten several times over the years, all by Jack russels type dogs. Never once off a so called hard dog.
My staffie is very well trained. Does what I say when I say it. Has never bitten or gone to bite anyone. I've had people straining to hold their dogs back on the lead to attack my dog. I've simply told mine to sit (off the lead) and stay. He does. Doesn't move, flinch. Training is key to any dog. Just powerful dogs need serious training.
13 January 2009, 04:40 PM
#43
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dont have a go at me pal. i'm not the one with problem witht staffs
you know exactly what i meant and why i said it, so why don't you go and post **** somewhere else. fking attitude problem mate.
Last edited by stara; 13 January 2009 at 04:46 PM.
13 January 2009, 04:42 PM
#44
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Lets not turn this tread into a "Bash the bull terrior thread"
They are not to everyones taste, but are a cracking dog with a bad rep due to people using them as status dogs.
The pics of the German Pointer are great! lovely looking dog
They are not to everyones taste, but are a cracking dog with a bad rep due to people using them as status dogs.
The pics of the German Pointer are great! lovely looking dog
13 January 2009, 04:46 PM
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the breeds that were bred for fighting are hardy and have attributes suited to doing so, in domestic circumstances this means that most of the time they are fine but if one flips then the damage they do is far greater than a breed not built for it. As you said a Jack russel will bite but it won't usually kill a child. Whatever you believe about it not being in built to the dog to fight or kill I believe it is, I've never had to teach a Jack Russel to kill rats or in my current case with my pointer I didn't have to teach her to point she just does it. On the same basis I believe you have to hope your staffie etc won't bite and work towards teaching it not to rather than having a dog that naturally doesn't do it.
as for the Bull terrier comment I got picked up on they may not be the dog used for Bull baiting but they are a direct cross from it so have it in the history.
Anyway i'll not argue the point as its a differing of opinion and not relevant to OP
as for the Bull terrier comment I got picked up on they may not be the dog used for Bull baiting but they are a direct cross from it so have it in the history.
Anyway i'll not argue the point as its a differing of opinion and not relevant to OP
13 January 2009, 04:55 PM
#47
13 January 2009, 04:56 PM
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you are right matteboy because most peoples dogs are members of their family and people get quite offended when their family member is referred to as status symbol or to fight other dogs
13 January 2009, 05:01 PM
#49
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Another vote for Staffordshire bull terrier. Had mine for 9 years and he is a treasure. Great with all people, especially kids and small enough to throw in the car etc.
I can't be doing with big smelly dogs that eat eveything in sight, but we can't all favour the same things.
I can't be doing with big smelly dogs that eat eveything in sight, but we can't all favour the same things.
13 January 2009, 05:23 PM
#51
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We have a 4 year old weimaraner they are hard work and most breeder's will tell you that children under 5 aren't a good idea they are quite boisterous and tend to knock toddler's flying which has happened in my house.
On the plus side they are very loving and good temperament, but do suffer from separation anxiety so a crate is a must.
I would have one again they don't moult much eat anything and will have as much excercise as you give them,relatively easy to train as long as they know whose boss,good luck with your choice
On the plus side they are very loving and good temperament, but do suffer from separation anxiety so a crate is a must.
I would have one again they don't moult much eat anything and will have as much excercise as you give them,relatively easy to train as long as they know whose boss,good luck with your choice
13 January 2009, 05:47 PM
#52
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Getting back track a little-i have owned a Vizsla for 9 years and i also have a lab.
I would strongly reccommend going to the breeders section of crufts where you can look at and speak to owners of more or less every breed going.
Failing that,if you decide on a vizsla,before you buy, read 'the hungarian vizsla' by gay gottlieb as it will give you a good idea of what you are getting into.
With gundogs,you need to decide what you want out of your dog ie a pet,show or worker and choose your breeder accordingly.
Working dogs and their stock are not good pets and will wreck your house.
Vizslas are great companion pets and tend to choose one person(not just the Alpha) in the family to cling to-they are very tactile animals!
As mentioned,they need lots of exercise,are very clever and easy to train.I trained mine to the gun relatively easy.
They are clean animals and seeing them working is fantastic...
At the moment,they seem to be the trendy dog to have and unfortunately are bought (average prices-£700ish )by people who know nothing about the breed and unfortunately end up with a dog that dominates them as they get bored very easily.
My dog is very wary of children and as such,i am very wary of him around them.This is probably due to me not having any kids and as such,he has associated with them.
The lab is a good,docile dog and i would reccommend them as a family dog.Just be prepared for their in-built ability to find mud,water and fox cack,which they love to roll in.
Hope this helps...
I would strongly reccommend going to the breeders section of crufts where you can look at and speak to owners of more or less every breed going.
Failing that,if you decide on a vizsla,before you buy, read 'the hungarian vizsla' by gay gottlieb as it will give you a good idea of what you are getting into.
With gundogs,you need to decide what you want out of your dog ie a pet,show or worker and choose your breeder accordingly.
Working dogs and their stock are not good pets and will wreck your house.
Vizslas are great companion pets and tend to choose one person(not just the Alpha) in the family to cling to-they are very tactile animals!
As mentioned,they need lots of exercise,are very clever and easy to train.I trained mine to the gun relatively easy.
They are clean animals and seeing them working is fantastic...
At the moment,they seem to be the trendy dog to have and unfortunately are bought (average prices-£700ish )by people who know nothing about the breed and unfortunately end up with a dog that dominates them as they get bored very easily.
My dog is very wary of children and as such,i am very wary of him around them.This is probably due to me not having any kids and as such,he has associated with them.
The lab is a good,docile dog and i would reccommend them as a family dog.Just be prepared for their in-built ability to find mud,water and fox cack,which they love to roll in.
Hope this helps...
13 January 2009, 06:57 PM
#53
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Well said about the "trendy" aspect of Vizzy's, alas Weims have this unwanted attention too. "oooh, look at that beautiful dog, let's get one" says the preppy couple, not knowing how willful and energetic the hound will be, and sadly they do the breeds no favors by being unable to control the hound, and no doubt the poor thing will end up having to be re-homed 
(well, maybe 
if they find a great new home)
On the subject of books and Weims, I highly recommend "The Essential Weimaraner" by Patsy Hollings (She's a breeder and show judge) and it's nothing to do with my beloved Maggie's great grandmother being on the cover either
It's a very good book and we found it very helpful. I'm sure there are other great ones out there too.
I would also recommend chatting to a Breeder as well, they'll be more personable than a book, and can offer all kinds of handy hints and suggestions. One other thought, if you look at getting from a breeder, don't be surprised if they want to check you out before they let you have a puppy. I know my friend checks over any potential buyers to make sure they know what they are getting into and appear to be able to offer a good home to one of her pups. She has had a few of the "trendy" types offer over the odds for a puppy, but she's refused, as a dog is not a fashion accessory.
billyray, a quick, but silly question for you. Does your Vizzy "sing". I've heard that they talk/sing, as in making different kinds of sounds at various pitches. I did ask my friend to ask her friend who breeds vizzy's about it, but I got laughed at
(well, maybe if they find a great new home)On the subject of books and Weims, I highly recommend "The Essential Weimaraner" by Patsy Hollings (She's a breeder and show judge) and it's nothing to do with my beloved Maggie's great grandmother being on the cover either
It's a very good book and we found it very helpful. I'm sure there are other great ones out there too.I would also recommend chatting to a Breeder as well, they'll be more personable than a book, and can offer all kinds of handy hints and suggestions. One other thought, if you look at getting from a breeder, don't be surprised if they want to check you out before they let you have a puppy. I know my friend checks over any potential buyers to make sure they know what they are getting into and appear to be able to offer a good home to one of her pups. She has had a few of the "trendy" types offer over the odds for a puppy, but she's refused, as a dog is not a fashion accessory.
billyray, a quick, but silly question for you. Does your Vizzy "sing". I've heard that they talk/sing, as in making different kinds of sounds at various pitches. I did ask my friend to ask her friend who breeds vizzy's about it, but I got laughed at
13 January 2009, 08:07 PM
#54
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Markus..
Sings???,yes would be an understatement.When 'cyrus' hears my engine,he sings and barks and unfortunately my lab 'blue' has copied this in her own style.
When i walk into the house,he stands on the top of the stairs and tells me off by a mixture of growling and,er singing!
When i was originally vetted for the vizsla -i went to a shoot and i remember asking the question about how much noise they make.The chap laughed and didn't say anything.
I don't think i'll ever buy another breed now
Sings???,yes would be an understatement.When 'cyrus' hears my engine,he sings and barks and unfortunately my lab 'blue' has copied this in her own style.
When i walk into the house,he stands on the top of the stairs and tells me off by a mixture of growling and,er singing!
When i was originally vetted for the vizsla -i went to a shoot and i remember asking the question about how much noise they make.The chap laughed and didn't say anything.
I don't think i'll ever buy another breed now
13 January 2009, 08:08 PM
#55
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Well said about the "trendy" aspect of Vizzy's, alas Weims have this unwanted attention too. "oooh, look at that beautiful dog, let's get one" says the preppy couple, not knowing how willful and energetic the hound will be, and sadly they do the breeds no favors by being unable to control the hound, and no doubt the poor thing will end up having to be re-homed (well, maybe if they find a great new home)
billyray, a quick, but silly question for you. Does your Vizzy "sing". I've heard that they talk/sing, as in making different kinds of sounds at various pitches. I did ask my friend to ask her friend who breeds vizzy's about it, but I got laughed at
(well, maybe if they find a great new home)billyray, a quick, but silly question for you. Does your Vizzy "sing". I've heard that they talk/sing, as in making different kinds of sounds at various pitches. I did ask my friend to ask her friend who breeds vizzy's about it, but I got laughed at
Get so many people asking where to get one from, and the whole conversation is based on how cute they look. One guy it hell bent on buying one, every time I see him he is getting one. The other day we saw him again and had both dogs with us. On introducing him to the lil girly, he completly ignored her. Which just goes to show, he wants one for the size and image of Tuvaaq.
As for the singing...... Mals are great for that too. Some of the video's and recordings I have of Tuv and Aana are simply hilarious.
So Brave, when are you gonna know the final ok on getting one ? eh eh eh
13 January 2009, 08:09 PM
#56
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Markus..
Sings???,yes would be an understatement.When 'cyrus' hears my engine,he sings and barks and unfortunately my lab 'blue' has copied this in her own style.
When i walk into the house,he stands on the top of the stairs and tells me off by a mixture of growling and,er singing!
When i was originally vetted for the vizsla -i went to a shoot and i remember asking the question about how much noise they make.The chap laughed and didn't say anything.
I don't think i'll ever buy another breed now
Sings???,yes would be an understatement.When 'cyrus' hears my engine,he sings and barks and unfortunately my lab 'blue' has copied this in her own style.
When i walk into the house,he stands on the top of the stairs and tells me off by a mixture of growling and,er singing!
When i was originally vetted for the vizsla -i went to a shoot and i remember asking the question about how much noise they make.The chap laughed and didn't say anything.
I don't think i'll ever buy another breed now
13 January 2009, 08:26 PM
#57
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Me too
I have to say they are brilliant dogs. They do take some looking after though, high maintenance comes to mind
I would'nt have it any other way though.Snazy.....Do you go to any of the AMWA events? Into racing at all?
For the op here are some pics
13 January 2009, 08:31 PM
#59
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just had a quick flick through and not sure if been mentioned so far but we have an english bull terrier, not as common as a staffie and a bit bigger (height and build).
our little girl was 2 when we got him, he is a tri colour so a bit different from the usual white ones, but is the best temperament dog we have had.
as he has grown up, he has had kids jumping all over him and has been great, and just wants to play.
when i am workig away, it is a bit of piece of mind for me having him in the house, he looks pretty mean but is the biggest softey you could meet and will be anyones friend for some food, any food.
the only down side we have found with the breed is 'wind' which still makes me laugh but my other half and little girl have to vacate he area! i would never get another breed now.
our little girl was 2 when we got him, he is a tri colour so a bit different from the usual white ones, but is the best temperament dog we have had.
as he has grown up, he has had kids jumping all over him and has been great, and just wants to play.
when i am workig away, it is a bit of piece of mind for me having him in the house, he looks pretty mean but is the biggest softey you could meet and will be anyones friend for some food, any food.
the only down side we have found with the breed is 'wind' which still makes me laugh but my other half and little girl have to vacate he area! i would never get another breed now.
13 January 2009, 08:32 PM
#60
Labs do moult but not to bad. Ours is a completely useless guard dog .
Loves everyone hardly barks.Great with all the kids and a super temperament. Needs plenty of exercise though.Shes a chocolate one and is a super family pet.
Ive had other dogs springers,collies and a rotti but labs are just so trustworthy with the kids and that counted a lot for me.
They do need company though so no great if they are left for a long time . I think most dogs could be the same though
Loves everyone hardly barks.Great with all the kids and a super temperament. Needs plenty of exercise though.Shes a chocolate one and is a super family pet.
Ive had other dogs springers,collies and a rotti but labs are just so trustworthy with the kids and that counted a lot for me.
They do need company though so no great if they are left for a long time . I think most dogs could be the same though