SA Footy

On the hunt for a family dog. Ideally mid-large sized, placid, great with kids and able to entertain itself for 8 hours a day until I get home.

Missus wants a Ridgeback, but they seem too big and strong. I was thinking Lab but have been told they hate being outside by themselves during the day.

Any suggestions?

Golden Retriever perhaps.

Say goodbye to your garden if you get a Lab.

Boxer

Collies are great with kids. Very loyal and obedient. Like all dogs, you need to train them and set down behavioural expectations.

MW wrote:On the hunt for a family dog. Ideally mid-large sized, placid, great with kids and able to entertain itself for 8 hours a day until I get home.

No such thing, next.....

cracka wrote:Say goodbye to your garden if you get a Lab.

This is true. First 2 years they are crazy and do dig alot. after that period of time though they are amzing dogs. My lab is outside 8am-5pm everyday and has not caused one problem from the age of 2 until now (he is 10) he will bark once very loudly when someone walks past which is a good security thing, but as a rule doesnt bark, doesnt cry, and is a v happy dog. we have kids and he is absolutely beautiful with them

cracka wrote:Say goodbye to your garden if you get a Lab.

I have a lab and i disagree with this. I can leave shoes outside during the day and he wont touch them at all, and has dug maybe 1 hole in his life, and thats when we gave him a bone that was so huge he could hardly pick it up.

Having said that, I think my Lab may be in the minority.

Best dog though.

Stumps wrote:

cracka wrote:Say goodbye to your garden if you get a Lab.

This is true. First 2 years they are crazy and do dig alot. after that period of time though they are amzing dogs. My lab is outside 8am-5pm everyday and has not caused one problem from the age of 2 until now (he is 10) he will bark once very loudly when someone walks past which is a good security thing, but as a rule doesnt bark, doesnt cry, and is a v happy dog. we have kids and he is absolutely beautiful with them

Agree with the barking - Only if someone parks out the front of our house or comes to the door.

Also sometimes barks when the dog behind our house does, but that is rare.

One thing i would say is you really really have to put time into training them, as an unruly lab would be terrible imo

I have a Weimaraner. Very placid, easily entertained and great with my little fella.

Stumps wrote:

cracka wrote:Say goodbye to your garden if you get a Lab.

This is true. First 2 years they are crazy and do dig alot. after that period of time though they are amzing dogs. My lab is outside 8am-5pm everyday and has not caused one problem from the age of 2 until now (he is 10) he will bark once very loudly when someone walks past which is a good security thing, but as a rule doesnt bark, doesnt cry, and is a v happy dog. we have kids and he is absolutely beautiful with them

Yeah, probably should have added they are fantastic dogs to have & great with the kids. We also have a boxer x bull terrier that is awesome, can be grumpy/unsociable if he doesn't get his afternoon nap or if there's too many people over for dinner & it's past his bedtime but other than that he loves people, not so much other dogs though.

Greyhound. End of Thread. Awesome dogs.

go to the pound...

bennymacca wrote:

Stumps wrote:

cracka wrote:Say goodbye to your garden if you get a Lab.

This is true. First 2 years they are crazy and do dig alot. after that period of time though they are amzing dogs. My lab is outside 8am-5pm everyday and has not caused one problem from the age of 2 until now (he is 10) he will bark once very loudly when someone walks past which is a good security thing, but as a rule doesnt bark, doesnt cry, and is a v happy dog. we have kids and he is absolutely beautiful with them

Agree with the barking - Only if someone parks out the front of our house or comes to the door.

Also sometimes barks when the dog behind our house does, but that is rare.

One thing i would say is you really really have to put time into training them, as an unruly lab would be terrible imo

Will third this, our Lab was a pain til she was probably 18months-2 years, but being consistent with behaviour for that whole time eventually turns them into beauties. We leave our girl outside all day and she has no problems, barks at doorknockers all day, has a walk in the arvo and lays on her bed in the lounge room at night. Perfection.

Yep the only reason I have to tell my lab off for getting off his bed at night time is when he tries to come and sit on the rug next to the couch. Or on the couch haha. But just wants a cuddle

Missus is against a lab cause of the early behavioural issues but I agree with any dog you need to put the time in to train them. Argh hard decision.

A Samoyed. Very Hypoallergenic. A fair bit work in regards to grooming, but a very family orientated dog and kids absolutely love them. As do I.

Border collie no doubt!

helicopterking wrote:A Samoyed. Very Hypoallergenic. A fair bit work in regards to grooming, but a very family orientated dog and kids absolutely love them. As do I.

I have an Akita and like the samoyed is a lot of work grooming wise but is super loyal and intelligent. Great with the 2 littlies and is very protective. Only time he barks is when someone comes to the door, is otherwise silent. Doesn't need much attention and they arent super active like a collie or the like. Yogi weighs in at about 50-55kgs which is apparently about average, you can get some monsters which grow up atound the 80kg mark but i haven't seen any that big. Watch 'hachiko' to see a great story on this breed.

MW wrote:On the hunt for a family dog. Ideally mid-large sized, placid, great with kids and able to entertain itself for 8 hours a day until I get home.

Missus wants a Ridgeback, but they seem too big and strong. I was thinking Lab but have been told they hate being outside by themselves during the day.

Any suggestions?

Ridgeys are beautiful Dogs mate, had one as a kid and she was always my favourite (until I bought my own Mastif - Another beautiful dog, but fair to say he was on the large side).

They have wonderful temperaments, are fiercely protective of family, and brilliantly natured. Probably require a bit of exercise though.