want a spaniel, but which one?

[trailhogg]

Well the wife and I will be closing on our first home next week and we have been talking about getting a pup. She isnt the dog-lover that i am so we agreed that I could choose the breed.

I grew up with cockers, but not wanting another one (wife is prego with our first child, cockers can be snappy) so the choice for me is either Springer or Brittany.

The house is quite small, and the backyard is even smaller. I do not plan on hunting the dog. Your thoughts please

Brittany or Springer?

 

[Andrew Homan]

If you aren't going to hunt it why get a bird dog? Go rescue a dog from the pound if you want a good family dog. If your set on a Spaniel I say go Brittany.

 

[DougG]

Springer! My family had five over the years. Only one was a little snippy, but only after having puppies. All the others were great, loveable dogs. They require a lot of grooming though.

 

[rover4x4]

Springers can get the rage. Brittany no question. Easy going, easy to train and really aim to please. Ive met a few springers not bad dogs, I am sold on the brittanys. There are a few people that own them on the BB I am sure they will chime in. I am on my 2nd Brittany, he is almost two. I doubt I will ever own another dog. My cousin had her two year old over, Casey was gentle and easy going with the baby. He has never been around children either. He will outswim a buddies 6 month old Cheaspeake. Seeing as how you have a small house and yard I wouldnt advise a hunting breed. They are high energy and need a good deal of physical and mental exercise. My dog has an underground fence the yard is ~ an acre and he has worn out most of the grass. People are attracted to hunting breeds I guess but its like having a Land Rover whats the point to own it if you dont wheel? THere are tons of nice dogs that need homes, one showed up at my house on Friday, he went to the pound... Good luck with your search.

 

[MUSKYMAN]

grew up with a kennel full of Springers...they are intence hunters and if your not going to hunt them they will hunt thier way through the gardens of yours and your neighbors houses to thier heart content.

great dogs but they need a outlet for the energy.

I have a neighbor with Brittany and he has a huge ring around his yard from the electric fence and the dog runs lapsnon stop so you better be ready to entertain either breed.

You may want to consider a Boykin Spanial http://www.boykinspaniel.org/ they are similar to a Springer but are known to be much more calm and some are even known to be relaxed. Our next door neighbors up at the lake house have had them for the last 20 years and I have been very impressed with the breed. They are very well manored dogs and the all liver colored coat is very cool.

 

[rover4x4]

I knew a breeder, he called them barkin spaniels. Ive met one it was kind of an asshole.

 

[garrett]

I too vote for a rescue dog. We have two Aussie's (from ARPH http://www.aussierescue.org/) and they are great, but every breed has a rescue and the local SPCA has plenty to offer too. Typically mixed breeds have better resistance to disease and health issues with all the over breeding that has happened with pure breds. Not saying all pure breds, but many of the "popular" breeds.

 

[trailhogg]

I did actually plan on adopting a rescue dog, just trying to decide which breed.

those Boykin's are quite interesting, non near me though.

Also, I dont plan to hunt the dog, but i will be running him/her plenty if we decide on a spaniel or retriever

thanks guys

 

[garrett]

You can also sign up to be a foster for ARPH dogs (and other rescues too). We've done that a bunch and that way you can keep a dog for a few weeks and see what that breed is like. If you like one, you can keep it. If not you can wait until someone adopts it.

 

[MUSKYMAN]

I too vote for a rescue dog. We have two Aussie's (from ARPH http://www.aussierescue.org/) and they are great, but every breed has a rescue and the local SPCA has plenty to offer too. Typically mixed breeds have better resistance to disease and health issues with all the over breeding that has happened with pure breds. Not saying all pure breds, but many of the "popular" breeds.

Thats the point with Boykins...they are muts...springers ,chessies, cockers all rolled into a tough strong little spanial.

I agree with the adoption thing for sure, its a great way to get a family dog

 

[road1will]

I've got a Boykin Spaniel. Shes 13 years old now and i've had her since she was a pup. She has been an excellent dog. She gets along great with my other dogs and cats, and has always been great with children.

Shes a great old girl and all she wants to do in life is please me. Unfortunately shes getting pretty old and sick. Shes getting to the point where she isnt eating to much and is pretty weak. I'm afraid the end is getting pretty near for her .

 

[sean]

Brittanys are not spaniels, they are pointers and have been since the AKC changed it in the early 80's. the only brittany spaniels are some french dogs with corrupt blood lines that the AKC doesn't recognize.

 

[rover4x4]

you mean setter.

 

[trailhogg]

ok, since i started this thread i guess i can change it:

I am now open for suggestions, what breed should we get? This is your chance to chime in with what you have and why they are the best breed.

FYI,
we will be living in town
1/3 acre lot, quiet street, back yard will soon be completely fenced in
dog must be somewhat athletic (like to run in the woods, fetch, and go rovering)
I dont want dog hair everywhere
must be good with strangers and small children
the dog is not needed for home defense
would prefer something 25-50 lbs

 

[rover4x4]

boston terrier

 

[sean]

you mean setter.

they are a setter/spaniel cross that was breed for pointing. but the class was changed from spaniel to sporting because they are pointing dogs not flushing dogs.

brittanies are great dogs but they need a lot of time to hunt or they get frustrated. mine is a monster if she doesn't get enough run time to keep her worn out, but she is still small enough to tuck under my arm and carry around.

 

[marc olivares]

i understand there are a bunch of dogs in nicaragua that could use a good home...

 

[trailhogg]

i understand there are a bunch of dogs in nicaragua that could use a good home...

nah, it seems like they are doing fine in the "art" museums, right marc?

 

[p m]

Ive met one it was kind of an asshole.

I've met a great many spaniels in my life, and remember just one that wasn't...

 

[RovingRiesensCubed]

ok, since i started this thread i guess i can change it:

I am now open for suggestions, what breed should we get? This is your chance to chime in with what you have and why they are the best breed.

FYI,
we will be living in town
1/3 acre lot, quiet street, back yard will soon be completely fenced in
dog must be somewhat athletic (like to run in the woods, fetch, and go rovering)
I dont want dog hair everywhere
must be good with strangers and small children
the dog is not needed for home defense
would prefer something 25-50 lbs

Given your preferences, I'd recommend a Standard Schnauzer. Here's the breed standard from the SSCA website:

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]Sociable... Alert... Comedian... Guard... Companion... [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]The Standard Schnauzer is a handsome, robust, squarely built, medium sized dog with aristocratic bearing. The original of the 3 sizes of Schnauzers, he is pepper and salt or solid black in color with a wiry minimal-shedding coat. Standard Schnauzers are noted for guarding the home and for their affectionate devotion.

Known as excellent family companions, the Standard Schnauzer also is outstanding as a working dog excelling in conformation, obedience, agility, tracking, herding and therapy. Please explore our site and see our Standard Schnauzers at work and play.[/FONT]
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[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]THE STANDARD SCHNAUZER[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular] is a squarely-built, very energetic, medium-sized dog with a stiff, wiry coat. It is a robust and sturdy working dog, yet small enough in stature not to be overwhelming. These traits, combined with a coat which has minimal shedding and "doggy" odor, would lead some to believe this is the ideal dog. However, it is what is on the inside of this extremely agile body that has intrigued fanciers for centuries. This sometimes mischievous, quick and active dog is in reality a reliable working dog with a superbly intelligent mind. This is the dog that is often called "the dog with the human brain".
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[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]
[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]A FAMILY DOG[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular] that thrives best on close interaction with his human family, it needs the proper outlet for its above-average intelligence that only living as a family dog can provide. The Standard Schnauzer possesses a very clever, inquisitive, creative and sometimes stubbornly determined mind along with a great sense of self-dignity. Properly and carefully raised, they make an affectionate friend and confidante for the children of the immediate family.
[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]HOME GUARDIAN[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular] is the Standard Schnauzer's middle name. It is very territorial, and the family home is its castle. The arrival of each new stranger is announced with a deep bark that belies its mid-sized stature. Properly introduced, the Standard Schnauzer will accept close family friends into the home but warn away strangers with a deep bark and strong vigor that inspires respect from all.

[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]MEDIUM-SIZED[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular] in stature, males ideally are 18-20 inches high at the shoulders and weigh 35-50 pounds. The females ideally are 17-19 inches high at the shoulders and generally weigh 30-45 pounds.

[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]LEARNING VERY QUICKLY[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular], the Standard Schnauzer can ideally excel in all performance dog sports. Like a mischievous and very bright child, they need consistent rules and a firm, but not rough, hand. They will get away with whatever they can and will "rule the roost" before you know it, if allowed. One cannot ever forget there is a Standard Schnauzer in the house.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]REQUIREMENTS:
[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]THE STANDARD SCHNAUZER is a very adaptable dog. Although some breeders will not sell a puppy to anyone who does not have a fenced yard and others will require at least one non-working family member, the truth is that the Standard Schnauzer fits into almost any lifestyle or environment. Many Standard Schnauzers will accept sharing the house with cats, especially if introduced to them at an early age. However, small members of the rodent family kept as pets should always be kept in secure cages to ensure their safety. The hereditary instincts of their origins as a rat-catcher are extremely strong in many of today's Standard Schnauzers.

The Standard Schnauzer is considered a high-energy dog. They need ample exercise not only for physical well-being, but for emotional well-being. The minimum amount an adult dog should get is the equivalent of a one-mile walk at least three times a day. These walks should be brisk enough to keep the dog at a steady trotting pace in order to keep the dog in prime physical condition. The Standard Schnauzer puppy is constantly exploring, learning and testing his limits. As adults, they are always ready for a walk in the woods, a ride in the car, a training session or any other activity that allows them to be with their owner. This is a breed that knows how to be on the alert, even when relaxing by the feet of their owner.
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