My brother is going to get a puppy!

[Selina27]

I do realise that Carbon may be an "11" on the food motivation scale, even compared to the average Lab!

He and Cassie both -- except, as we have seen, where rabbits/pheasants are concerned! (sorry @JES72, going off topic here)

 

[MrChew]

I've heard that Viszlas can be prone to anxiety and need a LOT of attention compared to Labs. They are gorgeous dogs though and we considered one before settling on a Lab. We spoke to a woman from the Viszla club and she gently suggested that they are a bit too sensitive for a house with a baby/toddler. They should be okay with primary school age kids though.

Goldie's are just gorgeous. Don't love the hair though.

 

[HAH]

Ditto on the viszlas; we seriously considered them before plumping on a lab. We spoke to people from the breed club, and several experienced owners who we accosted as we saw them. Consensus was that they are fairly consistently 'velcro dogs', often literally wanting to lean on you as long as possible; high maintenance, prone to nervousness and not comfortable with being left alone. Also often attaching to one main person in the family. Also fab in many ways (high energy, softies, funny) but 'not for novices' is something we heard a lot.

 

[kateincornwall]

I am also partial to a Rhodesian Ridgeback , lovely dogs . Mia , who goes to playgroup with Reubs is a Ridgeback/Lab , a fabulous nature , good with children x

 

[Emily_Babbelhund]

I looked at Giant Schnauzers when I was trying to find a breed similar to Rotties without the legal problems. I didn't find them similar in temperament - seemed much more serious dogs without the goofball side I love in Rotties, but still found them to be really lovely. You've got the grooming issue like the doodles, but if you don't mind that, a really noble-looking, intelligent and versatile dog.

 

[SwampDonkey]

I really like rotties they are nothing like their reputations. Met some really nice ones over the years

 

[JES72]

My brother lives in Stellenbosch South Africa, I'm not sure if SA has legal issues with Rotties, when I was a kid there were quite a lot around, many like many German shepherds, are trained and treated as guard dogs although there are many lovely family Rotties too.

There are quite a few lovely Vizlas, here in Putney who are often with families with younger primary school aged kids. They are all quite chilled and good with the kids except for the wired haired Visla who is a bit of hard work for her owner.

 

[Jen]

I love Weimaraner’s. Absolutely beautiful. I would definitely consider them for our next dog.

 

[JES72]

My brother has just sent a pic of a 4 week old Vizla pup. (To be collected in 4 week's time) I do think a Vizla would suit him and his family. Although a new pup for them as a family both my brother and my sister in law have grown up with dogs and my brother had his own staff x as a teenager and they will have my dad and his farther in law and of course me for support. He's already made a toilet area like I made for Homer and is going to get a crate. I've sent him info about crates but need to send him something about crate training (or actually should let him find out himself and stop being a bossy sister!)

 

[JES72]

I love Weimaraner’s. Absolutely beautiful. I would definitely consider them for our next dog.

There's a Weinarama x golden retriever one year old across the road from us. He is stunning, shiny black coat and long legs.

 

[Stacia]

@JES72, there are Vizslas and Vizslas! I hope they are choosing a bitch. A friend of mine is a dog training and she often has Vizslas in as the owners cannot handle them, they don't let them off the lead, they are hunting dogs and are meant to range. The one she has at the moment is so strong! However, you can get quieter ones who are very sensitive.

 

[JES72]

I think my brother will have this all in hand. I know he's done quite a bit of research and is prepared. He'll be going to see the pup soon and I've given him a list of questions to ask. (not that I'm sticking my nose in or anything!) There are many Vizlas here where I live and they are all chilled family dogs. We thought a Labrador would be the easy choice until we got Homer .

 

[kateincornwall]

I am always wary of labelling breeds as easy or not so easy and firmly believe that the handling of all breeds from an early age has more to do with behaviour . We have owned several terriers , not known for their ease of ownership but only one of them was a challenge . Well done to your brother for his homework and good luck x

 

[Selina27]

not that I'm sticking my nose in or anything!)

Sounds exciting @JES72, I don't know much about them but of course there were several when I took Cassie gundog training. I really admired their athleticism and they always seemed to enjoy the training and were attentive to their owners.
I'll look forward to hearing more!

 

[Emily_Babbelhund]

Vizla's are lovely - congratulations to your brother (and you as 'auntie')! Like @HAH I looked at them, talked to breeders and owners at shows and all that and decided they weren't right for me as a service dog (I didn't think they'd be happy doing the work I needed), but they are beautiful and I would love that 'velcro' quality.

 

[JES72]

Just had a call from my brother. He will be collecting the pup in 4 weeks time. Met mum and dad and granny and said they were all calm and elegant very much family dogs. He sent a pic but the quality isn’t great. I’m going to be another puppy Aunty (other brother has an older dog) and Homer will have another cousin. Although sad thing is Homer will never get to meet the pup.

 

[Jacqui-S]

I’m going to be another puppy

I misread that first time round.
Be=Buy

 

[JES72]

I misread that first time round.
Be=Buy

Shhh don’t tell Hubby. I’d love another pup, although not at the moment.

 

[JES72]

Here are some pics of little Plato. My brother took his family to meet the puppy. He’s six weeks old, two more weeks before he comes home.

 

[Emily_Babbelhund]

Aaaaaack! That is an ADORABLE wrinkly-faced puppy!