Is a Welsh Terrier right for me?

Sarah W · 09-02-2010, 05:15 AM

Hi everyone
I'm new to this forum as I've not been a dog owner till now. I'm trying to find advice on a good breed for me. Although it's just me and my husband at home, I want a dog that's good with children and other dogs (and I appreciate a lot of that is to do with early socializing). I also live in the countryside so long walks/cycle rides in the woods will be the order of the day (though I'm not expecting to find a dog who rides a bike!!). Ideally I want a medium size dog, trainable, not yappy and able (eventually) to walk off the lead. At present I'm keen on a Welsh Terrier but I've read they can be stubourn and not easy to walk off the lead. As I'm new to the whole doggie world, any advice would be very gratefully received.

**Cali** · 09-02-2010, 11:36 AM

You seem to be quite active, and that is the main issue with terriers- they NEED that. I don't usually recommend any terrier to a first time dog owner, but you might be alright. I definitely recommend you meet a few first, though- head to a dog show and talk to the people who have them. While breeders love their breed, they are usually quite good about telling you the pitfalls as well.

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Sarah W · 09-02-2010, 11:55 AM

Thanks Cali. I've heard that terriers aren't a great first time breed - and that they can be a bit 'yappy'. What about a schnauzer or schnoodle - someone recommended them to me recently? As I'm in the UK I'm restricted to what I can get here. I really want something

Sarah W · 09-02-2010, 11:56 AM

(oops - I posted my last reply before finished it)
I really want something I can train, is friendly and I can walk off the lead. Something medium size would be good - nothing smaller than the Welshie.

**Cali** · 09-02-2010, 12:06 PM

Schnauzers can be quite tenacious as well. A schnoodle is a good choice as the poodle crossed in makes the dog more easily trained and biddable, however please please please do NOT buy one from a breeder- this is a mutt and people who breed mutts do it for the money no matter what they tell you.

you would probably be able to find one through a rescue.
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**kmes** · 09-02-2010, 12:11 PM

What about a spaniel of some kind??? In particular the English Springer, the Welsh Springer, and Brittany Spaniels...
They might be a bit closer to what you are looking for as far as temperament.

Sarah W · 09-02-2010, 12:17 PM

I have been thinking of a rescue dog but interestingly there are hardly any puppies of any description available. The only one locally that I have found so far is an Otterhound cross who's 6 months old and I have a feeling he's going to be huge (though he DOES look cute on the photograph!). I am not keen on Spaniels - mosly, I think, because every spaniel I've known has been nuts!! And, strangely, I don't like the smooth, shiny fur of a spaniel. Thanks so much for your suggestions - I appreciate all the help I can get at the moment.

pawzaddict · 09-02-2010, 02:16 PM

I have a heinz 57 who is one of the best trained and well behaved dogs I have. He is able to go out front with me and not run off. All my rescues are good off lead

it comes down to relationship and training IMO. Yes a dog from a great breeder with great parents COULD add to it but even then its not guaranteed

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**kmes** · 09-02-2010, 02:29 PM

Puppies are often adopted very quickly.
So if you are having a difficult time finding the perfect puppy, then why not consider an adult?
You could very easily give the shelter or rescue your list of the characterisitcs you would like your dog to have, and they would be able to help match a dog to you.
Also, if you adopt an adult dog (young adult), its joints should already be formed, so you wouldn't have to worry about taking it easy like you would a puppy.

pawzaddict · 09-02-2010, 02:32 PM

Ah good points kmes!! Very good points
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