Hey,
Im going to get a dog hopefully in the next few weeks.
Looking for a bit of help from members that know about dogs

Not sure what type would be best for me...
Im looking for one that isnt cat or rat size
I would rather a middle to large size dog
A breed that wont go mad if left on their own for a few hours during the day (I have known a lot to do it...)

It will be spending time inside and out, a good bit of space for it outside but remember, Ireland is cold
It will have somewhere to go that gives it cover though incase it starts to rain and its not inside.
I also have a cat, so a breed that eats cats would also be preferred

Oh yeah, also has to be good with small children

Thanks
John

I hear Germand Sheppards are very good "mid/large size" dogs. They are good for cold and hot weather and head they are really good protectors around there master and take care of the children.

Labs are good dogs also and think they can handle the cold.

Dolmations are really good around kids but not sure about the cold.

Don't you mean a breed that does NOT eat cats???

God I envy you. I love dogs but I'm allergic and so i can't have one. It really bugs me as I love playing with dogs. My favorite is by far the sheep dog. My aunt in England has had a sheep dog for as long as I can remember.

They are very good guard dogs for their owner but that isnt always a good thing, they can turn on people they think are attacking the owner, I know that from personal experience
Even the best of that breed can do it because they are very protective

I know a few people that have a lab and I think they are great, that will be on the top of my list

Dont know anything about dolmations at all though

Thanks Robert

I have a couple of great dogs, they can be viewed here
http://pickleweed.com/ourpets/beckypuppy.html
She is a Boston Terrier, they are known for not being barkers, but they have tremendous gas
http://pickleweed.com/ourpets/pennypuppy.html
She is the mellow one. Loving to all and Clumsy.

Just had to show them off. Now to answer your questions John.
Not sure what type would be best for me... Only you can decide this one, based on what your lifestyle is. We can't ever go anywhere here in Europe as our dogs can't be handled by anyone but us, they would starve to death. Little one is a biter, big one does what ever little one does.

It will be spending time inside and out, a good bit of space for it outside but remember, Ireland is cold
Just don't get a very short haired breed, Our big dog has short hair and loves the cold but our little dog is very thin skinned and has to sleep under the blankets.

All these last ones are easy to answer, from the moment you get the dog, make sure it is around children and cats, the cat is there first and the dog will learn it's place.
I recommend you take that puppy everywhere with you that you can and let people handle it, especially kids. Also get it plenty of training time in either by you or a professional trainer, that really is the best way. You want the dog to know you are the boss and obey your commands.
If you travel a bit get the dog used to the kennels or you will have a hard time leaving them somewhere as they will tend to get aggressive even with the proper training.

Our dogs obey all our commands, sit, shake, speak all the fun stuff but we never trained them for other people or for out travels without them and so we are limited, but they are our babies and no one to blame but ourselves.

Because your dog will primarily be an outside dog you could probably get any larger dog permitting you have a large yard or plan on talking them to fields so they can run. Some dogs need a lot of exercise, like Shephards, Border Collies etc. Read plenty of books or look at the kennel clubs online, if you don't think the dog will get a lot of exercise then don't get any type of herding or hunting breeds. Some dogs are known to be one owner dogs and though you train them not to be agressive they can get tempermental with age and strike without notice. I had a chow do that once. Make sure you get to see the parents of your puppy, if that dogs shows aggression, it may be an inherited trait. So remember training and knowledge is the key.

Hope this helped you just a little

No, I dont like the cat
:lol:

Thank you VERY much Freckled, thats all great info that Im sure will really help me

I couldnt get the second page of your dog to work but I really like the first one!

How about a wolf. They eat cats but they might eat you as well. Keep plenty of cats around so they don't eat you. I could not resist, lol

I would recomend a German Shepard or a Huskie (lovely white/grey coat with blue eyes). Both get around 50-70lbs in size and are great with kids.

You will need to brush them 3-4 times a week or you're gonna find dog hair all over the place. They are dogs that need exercise too. If you leave them in the house and dont pay attention to them they will become very independant dogs.

I actually want to get a Huskie. They are $400+ though. Then you gotta get the kennel, food and all that good jazz.

Decide on a Dog yet John? If so what breed?

No I havent decided but Im getting someting pretty big with short hair.
Dont know on the actual breed yet though.
Wont be getting it for a few weeks.
Theres a reason for that but will post soon
Plus some pics to do with that

Yeah you have to show some pictures once you get one.

Are you getting a pup or a fully frown dog?

Im looking to get one which isnt a pup but still quite young.
I will be sure to post some pics once I get the dog!
Also have a few other pics I want to post around the same time

I would suggest a Golde retriever

~Francisco

I had an ex-gf who was a bit of a dog. You could look after her

Rus

HAHA Thanks Rus :lol:
Nice of you, but no thanks