[jacob and Georgina]

Me and my girlfriend are thinking about getting a dog for our smallholding. We would like to get a dog which is good for the family and is quite easy to train so it can be with us whilst we tend to the animals. My girlfriend likes the idea of a cocker spaniel whilst i like beagles and collies. If anyone has any advice about these breeds or other breeds that we have not thought about it would be much appreciated as it is a big decision to make.

[jameslindsay]

I have 3 cockers and have always had cockers, but only as pets and think they are super and friendly. I did have a notion for a Beagle but friends who have one visited the other day and they were forever wiping his slavery mouth which I didn't like.

[Hellybee]

We have a Miniature Dachshund, hes very good with the animals, hes very wary and respectfulof the sheep and lambs (does like to play with them, but then slinks away if they get a bit rowdy lol), good with horses and quite wry of the chooks too.he loves ambling about with our Molly lamb and the goat Kidlids,  he s a brilliantly nosey dog keen to check out new noises and passing walkers, so great for security, even though he is only 3 1/2 inches high, he thinks hes a big dog  Active when out with you, but equally love to snuggle up with you too

However, they are not the most obedient breed, he will listen unless on a scent, then he s got tunnel vision and goes to ground, but hey thats his nature so thats ok.  

So yes id go for a small un

[jacob and Georgina]

thanks so much for ur advice my girlfriends mum has always had cocker's too and i think that is why she loves them. They are very good pets and are very loving. I did not know tht about beagles so tht is very interesting thanks. Thanks Hellybee did not think about a minuture dachshund but they sound a lovely breed my girlfriend definatly prefers smaller breeds and by the sounds of it they are still fine with the animals so thanks for that info.

[jameslindsay]

My cockers are excellent with all my animals, I should have mentioned that and I have hens, ducks, geese, ponies and goats.

[doganjo]

You'll be forever looking for the beagle - they are hounds and follow trails for miles.
The collie will want to herd everything - fine if you have sheep, and being a working breed will be hyper unless it is given work to do.
The cocker depends on they type - a working bred cocker will be as hyper as the collie, a show bred one will be super with all other animals and people - but go for a parti colour not a solid black or a solid golden as they can be very possessive (sometimes aggressive too) They can be very hairy and will need regular grooming/trimming

Try these websites to assess which breed is best for your needs.
http://www.the-kennel-club.org.uk/services/public/breeds/find/
http://hubpages.com/hub/Dog-Breeds-Extinction-Danger
http://www.ehow.co.uk/about_6330123_right-dog-breed-me_.html

[sallyw]

I agree with the last post. Two years ago i was on the forum looking to rehome a working cocker. He was fabulously enthusiastic but from working stock and all he did was chase the chickens and wear them as a nose muff! This made life with the animals and children very stressful. We did rehome him to a shoot and he is having a blast being trained by experts.
Since then we have bought a show cocker who is just great with the chickens and is baffled by the pigs (they multiplied from four to twelve overnight!!). We also recently introduced six sheep and he plays with them in the field. He loves the five children so has been tested on all fronts!
He is a content and happy dog relaxed with the animals but loves the occassional fun. And he is always the one snugged up on the duvet so gets the best of all worlds.

Have fun chosing but don't introduce more stress than you need.

Salx 

[egglady]

we have a large yorkie and he is just the best.  not what we've have chosen if we had the smallholding before the dog, but that's the way it goes sometimes.  he is great.  very respectful of all the animals (horses, sheep, chickens, cats, ducks) and doesnt disturb any of them.

the only thing i'd add is that not only do you need to take breed into account, you also need to consider the dog's personal temperament.

take your time, better to take a while and get it right than jump into a decision and then end up having to try and rehome

[knightquest]

We did rehome him to a shoot and he is having a blast being trained by experts.

Salx 

Shoot and having a blast! - Thats very good 

[doganjo]

Problem is working dogs are bred for just that - and not all puppies can go to working homes, and unless you know how to keep it occupied it can become a nuisance.  That covers gundogs, sheepdogs etc that are bred for work.

[CameronS]

Try your local rescue kennels, alsorts end up as strays and need homes (not just aggressive,ill, hyper).

About 3years ago we had a Leonberger in as a stray, if i have my facts right they are a named rare breed?    

[Teresa]

Lots of breed clubs have rescue dogs looking for homes.

[doganjo]

Lots of breed clubs have rescue dogs looking for homes.

But the question was what breed, not what dog. or where to get a dog .  Decide on the breed first then go to the rescue societies - we have a Brittany on rescue just now but I wouldn't recommend that for a first time dog owner.  I have had them for almost 30 years and still find them hard to control.  They just want to hunt.

[jacob and Georgina]

i would jst like to say thankyou everyone for all ur help and advice it has really helped we will definitely keep researching all possible breeds and take great care in deciding as it is a big responsibility. Thanks again and if anyone has anymore advice it would be great to hear it.

[kirstysmummy]

I have a smallholding.Lambs,a sheep,Pigs,Free Range Chickens and Geese and a pony.I also have Working Cocker spaniels,Dogs and Bitches,Youngesters and Oldies.Never,Never have any of them ever chased any of my livestock.
 Please do consider a Working cocker for your small holding.If you get a pup from genuine working stock that has a FEW Field Trial Champions back in the pedigree.Train it well Go to dog training classes.you should have the most loyal fun loving friend you could wish for.
  Please dont take on someone elses problem !
 If i can help you, or if you have any questions,I will answer them if i can.
 Good luck with what ever pup you get.