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TucsonJim's avatar
TucsonJim
Explorer II
Jan 26, 2015

Dog Owners - Need Your Suggestions

Our last doggie passed away in 2005. He was a Brittany, and we loved him very much. We decided we wouldn't get another dog until we retired. That way the new family member wouldn't be home alone all day while we were working. We retired last year, and the DW has been hinting (a lot) that it's time to adopt.

The problem, is there are SO many breeds to pick from. Here are some of the living conditions they'll be exposed to:

-We travel with our truck and fifth wheel 3-4 months a year.
-We are in good health, and can physically walk and exercise the dog frequently.
-The dog should be friendly to visitors both at home and on the road, but will give us a warning if something is amiss at night.
-Our youngest grandchild is 7, so no babies are in the picture.

We don't want a tiny or huge doggie. Just a good member of our family. I'm kind of thinking along the lines of another Brittany, a Golden Retriever, or something along that line.

I'd like to surprise the DW and let her know she can pick one out. Can you please give me some suggestions on the breeds you prefer, male or female, and where to purchase? I don't want to support some puppy mill or unethical breeder.

Thanks much,

Jim
  • luvmydogs's avatar
    luvmydogs
    Explorer
    Feb 24, 2015
    I guess I came in late here. We too just retired but we are now thinking our age may change what kind of dogs we get next. We are Aussie lovers. No better breed in my mind. Have had 6 of them. So last year when we got down to no dogs, we adopted/rescued 2 bonded girls that had lost there home. My first big peice of advice, RESCUE, RESCUE RESCUE!! Go to any rescue group or shelter and adopt a dog from there. We traveled all over the country with our Aussies, they were great. Actually or Jack Russell was part of that group and he was great too, but I' guessing thats to little for you. I think after the 2 girls we have now, we might go a little smaller. I've had a Springer Spaniel and she was wonderfull. They are a little smaller, and great dogs. But if I could endorse just one thing to you would be RESCUE A DOG, DONT BUY ONE. I can also tell you the mutts/mixes make some of the very best dogs you'll ever find.
  • mabynack's avatar
    mabynack
    Explorer II
    Feb 23, 2015
    Houston Remodeler wrote:
    Whichever breed you choose, my suggestion is to go to the official rescue web site for that breed. As a Jack Russell foster of 11 years I can tell you most rescues will let you return your dog if that particular dog doesn't work out for you. Within the same breed, all dogs will have different personalities. It may take a few tries to find one that fits into your family.

    Another thing to consider; acting as a transport for rescues. We let the JRT rescue know where we are headed ahead of time in case there is a transport we can help with.


    My last foster was a Jack Russell puppy. What a sweet dog!

    I've done transport for rescues here in Florida. There are several "kill Shelters" in the northern part of the panhandle and they have rescue groups that find rescues and shelters willing to take the dogs. They then arrange for people to transport the dogs in 50 mile stretches.
  • toedtoes's avatar
    toedtoes
    Explorer III
    Feb 21, 2015
    TucsonJim wrote:
    Thanks for all the kind suggestions and tips folks. It was very helpful. Ginnie started crying (happy tears) when I told her it was time. We've read all the tips here, studied on line, used breed selecting tools, called different breeders and did our homework.

    So this weekend, we're going to meet with our selected breeder three hours from here and meet the parents and pick out our new family member. They have a litter that was born a few weeks ago, so our new fur kid won't be ready to come home for a while.

    Our selected breed? A Brittany Spaniel!!! Ginnie and I both like to bird hunt and we're quite active. I think this new baby will be a perfect fit for our recently retired lifestyle.

    Thanks Again!


    The OP made his choice over a week ago.
  • Houston_Remodel's avatar
    Houston_Remodel
    Explorer
    Feb 21, 2015
    Whichever breed you choose, my suggestion is to go to the official rescue web site for that breed. As a Jack Russell foster of 11 years I can tell you most rescues will let you return your dog if that particular dog doesn't work out for you. Within the same breed, all dogs will have different personalities. It may take a few tries to find one that fits into your family.

    Another thing to consider; acting as a transport for rescues. We let the JRT rescue know where we are headed ahead of time in case there is a transport we can help with.
  • 2dogtravellin's avatar
    2dogtravellin
    Explorer II
    Feb 21, 2015
    We travelled with 2, now one, collie. Both were males and weighed about 75 pounds. The females are about 10 pounds smaller. They truly are "Lassie". They're easy to train, love their people and will bark and alert to strangers. Most of them are great with kids and other small animals.

    If you don't think you can handle all of that fur, well, they come in a short haired variety. It's the same great dog but with a short coat. Here is a page with some pictures of smoothies: http://www.petyourdog.com/breed/Smooth_Collie
  • down_home's avatar
    down_home
    Explorer II
    Feb 15, 2015
    Go to the Pound or other and see which ones like you. See which have the spirti you want and which ones bark a lot. Take some balls with you and give them and see if they might be taught to play.
  • Pop-Pop_C's avatar
    Pop-Pop_C
    Explorer
    Feb 13, 2015
    IMHO!!!! Go to the shelter and get a rescue!!! "SPCA"!
    I believe multi breed dogs are healthier and better mannered.!
    Our last on came off the streets at 6-8 mo. Old the one before from a
    Shelter. Was with us 14 1/2 years. Going on 7 with this one.
    We fulltime 40 ' MH. IMHO!!!!
  • TucsonJim's avatar
    TucsonJim
    Explorer II
    Feb 13, 2015
    Thanks for all the kind suggestions and tips folks. It was very helpful. Ginnie started crying (happy tears) when I told her it was time. We've read all the tips here, studied on line, used breed selecting tools, called different breeders and did our homework.

    So this weekend, we're going to meet with our selected breeder three hours from here and meet the parents and pick out our new family member. They have a litter that was born a few weeks ago, so our new fur kid won't be ready to come home for a while.

    Our selected breed? A Brittany Spaniel!!! Ginnie and I both like to bird hunt and we're quite active. I think this new baby will be a perfect fit for our recently retired lifestyle.

    Thanks Again!
  • ncrowley's avatar
    ncrowley
    Explorer II
    Feb 05, 2015
    I have had many breeds. Right now I have a cocker spaniel mix but he is pretty much all cocker between the ears and in his coat. He is the most affectionate, bonded dog I have ever had. He just wants to be with you. He is very smart and he does not shed. His coat is easy to clip so I clip him to a short length about every 6 weeks.

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