[Marches Farmer]

Still umming and ahhing about which breed to get.  Want something cheerful and friendly that's OK around guests staying in the farm holiday cottage (our two Border Collies don't fit the bill).  The more research I do the more confused I get!

[waterbuffalofarmer]

i have an aunt who keeps a cocker spaniel, he is gorgeous and very bright. golden retrievers, labs, springers and cocker spaniels come highly reccommended. Hope this helps and sll the best with whatever you decide

[harmony]

I have had a springer. And I have labs and a german wire haired pointer.

Spaniels need plenty of exercise and brain stimulation.  Happy dogs but also like to be wet, muddy and can't resist undergrowth so their coats needs a fair bit of attention. I rather like the Clumber, decent size and possibly more laid back.


Labs also don't mind wet and muddy but their smooth coats are easier to keep on top of.  Generally laid back and a gun dog that likes to stay close to you.


GWP - generally strong willed but mine spends a lot of time out and is fairly chilled. She was not good at being left on her own and has broken out of most kennels. Anxiety does seem to be an issue with the ones for rescue. I think I have been lucky with mine but I am not sure I would have another.


If you are struggling to make up your mind then maybe decide what size of dog and go from there.

[trish.farm]

If its just going to be a pet, Labrador would be perfect.  We have cockers, sprockers, labs and springers.  All of which work.  If any of the spaniels weren't working and out on the farm all day they would be climbing the walls.  The labs are more than happy to laze around when not out shooting or out on the farm with me. 

[Rosemary]

Does it have to be a gundog? If not, corgi 

[pgkevet]

Just find a happy mongrel.
The ideal dog is medium sized, short coated, with everything average: no short noses, hairy ears, whippy tails, stubby legs or sloping backs or heavy build or inbred.

If you want a breed and can cope with grooming, excercise, problems etc and want a 'statement' dog then personal cheerful favorites to consider: dalmatian, english setter, retriever, nova scotia duck tolling retriever, border terrier, standard poodle, airdale, english pointer....

[Jukes Mum]

Just find a happy mongrel.
The ideal dog is medium sized, short coated, with everything average: no short noses, hairy ears, whippy tails, stubby legs or sloping backs or heavy build or inbred.

[Marches Farmer]

Got one of those and he's great but too submissive to be a pal (and, mysteriously, gets really freaked out at the sight of a broom ....?)

[honeyend]

I would go to a small rescue an get an older dog so you have a good idea of its basic temperament and take out some of the risk. There are so many to choose from, a small rescue often has them fostered so they know what they are like with people and other animals. I have had two puppies and really they never turn out how you think.

[Faye.Lear]

I have a GSD - very friendly, JRT - very friendly, Pomeranian - very friendly until you put her down!
My sister has a Liver, working cocker spaniel - very friendly and at 18 weeks, already very obedient.

Have been good around my farm, and as introductory dogs when I have had customers (both human and furry) come to kennel. 

To be honest after working at a local kennels for 6 years, ironically the most human aggressive dogs I ever came across were Cocker Spaniels, Collies and Jack Russells, it just shows how the media portray certain breeds in a bad way, and those three breeds I have listed are among the most popular in the country.

I say - its not about the breed, its how you are going to treat it

[doganjo]

Bet the bad cockers were black or golden.  They should be euthanised.  Never rehome a human aggressive dog.  Not fair on either.  Plenty of good natured dogs in the world, far too many in fact.  and too few good homes for them. Over breeding is the reason.  Time there was more control on that.
Rant over 

[pgkevet]

Just a quick thought about gundogs:

The Smith & Westie... popular in the westcountry
The Cross afghan.. known as the AK47
The Colt 45.. a bit large.. like a small horse
or keep pigs and get twelve boars

[Marches Farmer]

Very droll!  Got one boar, but his recall is rubbish.

[pgkevet]

Very droll!  Got one boar, but his recall is rubbish.

Wrong breed. Forget the landrace and saddlebacks .. get a Pelmanist...

[shygirl]

I love working cockers. never had one but would love one.

what about a beardie? our working beardie is amazing, she bounces on the trampoline with the kids and plucks the chooks with me. she is something else. she gives the most amazing belly hugs aswell.