[Tameautumn]

All,
as a family we are deciding upon a new pet and a dog seems to be winning out. We would want to go for a gun dog variety, because of good temperament, but also need to drive the dog around on family trips, etc...

In your opinions would the following dogs fit easily into an F34 : Labrador, Retriever, Springer Spaniel?

What size would be the largest that could comfortable sit in the back on an F34 for 1-2 hours (max journey time - twice a year)

Thanks all

[Nick the Greek]

I have an English Cocker Spaniel.
Excellent traveller in the car.
Fantastic family dog. Loves playing with the kids which tires them all out

[Billfitz]

Any breed shy of a Great Dane or Bull Mastiff, which would require dropping the rear seats.

[zznalg]

Originally Posted by Billfitz

Any breed shy of a Great Dane or Bull Mastiff, which would require dropping the rear seats.

Agreed. Our two 50 LB mixed breed rescue dogs love the back seat. 8 hour trips are no problem at all. Please consider rescuing dogs from a local shelter.

[kbsilver]

Our terriers use to love riding in the car (Westie and Scottie). Just showing the car keys had them running to the garage door. We thought the back area of our 540iT was the perfect doggie playground while in the car. However they did not agree and insisted on being in the main cabin with their human pets.

Training and getting a new dog use to the back will be important.

[Tameautumn]

would a Labrador fit easily - in the boot area?

[Billfitz]

Originally Posted by Tameautumn

would a Labrador fit easily - in the boot area?

No worries. I can fit in there if need be.

[Tameautumn]

Originally Posted by Billfitz

No worries. I can fit in there if need be.

ha ha

[Perusal]

Depends entirely upon where you want the dog to travel, in the boot or on the back seat. We have a boxer who travels regularly on the back seat, however I'm not sure I would want to put her in the boot. Think with the low rear window that would be too claustrophobic. Might get away with a spaniel or terrier in the boot though.

We also carried two adults plus the dog on the back seat for about 3 hours each way. Consensus opinion was given the excellent rear legroom that nobody felt squashed.

OK, we didn't ask the dog for her opinion but she seemed quite happy.

[Tameautumn]

Originally Posted by Perusal

Depends entirely upon where you want the dog to travel, in the boot or on the back seat. We have a boxer who travels regularly on the back seat, however I'm not sure I would want to put her in the boot. Think with the low rear window that would be too claustrophobic. Might get away with a spaniel or terrier in the boot though.

We also carried two adults plus the dog on the back seat for about 3 hours each way. Consensus opinion was given the excellent rear legroom that nobody felt squashed.

OK, we didn't ask the dog for her opinion but she seemed quite happy.

yeah - not keen on Dog in backseat ... looks like wife may have to go down the Qashqai/X3 route

[markbridge]

My vote would be a spaniel. However, I'm not so sure I would relegate it to the boot. I'm afraid the large glass would act like a magnifying glass. We have four somewhat small dogs, and I always put the rear seats down when they go to the groomers or vet.

[Perusal]

Originally Posted by Tameautumn

yeah - not keen on Dog in backseat ... looks like wife may have to go down the Qashqai/X3 route

You could always put your wife in the boot and the dog on the back seat ...... but don't tell her I said that!!!!

[Tameautumn]

Originally Posted by Perusal

You could always put your wife in the boot and the dog on the back seat ...... but don't tell her I said that!!!!

HA HA

[BrasWien]

In principle, dogs live long, and looking for a dog that will fit your F34 might not be the best aproach. I have two small dogs that are 12 years old now. Of course I had many cars during this time. In my GT they travel in the trunk in short distances (in town) or in the back with the rear seats down (lots of space and better temperature control during long distances). I'd suggest your looking for a dog that fits your level of energy. If you're very active, choose a companion that will go hiking with you. If you're lazy, your best friend will just seat by and look at the infinite.

[Tameautumn]

we are still discussing in the household ... my vote carries very little weight

[Billfitz]

You lost your right to vote when you said "I do". Be prepared for her insisting on a useless lap dog, which women love because they (wrongly) think by owing one they'll no longer be perceived as having the most irritating voice in the household.

[jondaman]

Originally Posted by Tameautumn

we are still discussing in the household ... my vote carries very little weight

Haha, I have an American cocker Spaniel and a Poodle (toy kind that looks like a teddy bear, wife's dog).
Depending on how much maintenance you want, you must take these things into consideration:
1. Level of odor and shed you are willing to tolerate. Obviously the least is better. My cocker spaniel smells really bad after five days of no showering, the poodle barely smells after three weeks. You need to honestly ask yourself how much you are willing to take or how frequent to bath the dog. If the answer is not that often, go for the hypoallergenic dog breeds, they also shed very little, especially poodles, Portuguese Water Dog, and some Terriers.
2. How much exercise do you want. Some dogs will DESTROY your furniture if you don't walk them every day for a mile or more, some will just cuddle up in the corner and sleep. Do you research, be honest, don't try to use a dog to help you exercise. You should already have a routine for running or walking and just take your dog with you. If you don't already exercising, your dog may or may not change that. Do you research, make sure you are okay with the amount of exercise for the breed you pick. Even then, dogs are like kids, each one is a little bit different.
3. Size. where/how you live matters, if you have a gray dane and live in an apartment, your dog will chew its way out and be free. Having a Corgi will make life easier in that case.
That being said, my top pure breeds are:
poodle (smart and hypoallergenic, need decent amount of exercise),
doberman (short hair and very trainable, could be scary to kids though),
french bulldogs (so ugly they are cute but not very smart)
labs (cheap and trainable, but sheds like crazy).
There is a dog for every family. They are really great animals. Make sure you really want one. When I saw some people dump their dogs on the side of the road and drove off, that breaks my heart. They are the most loyal and loving animal for mankind, please treat them like family.

"Any dog less than 30lbs are cats, and cats are useless" - Ron Swanson.

Good luck.

[Slalom]

I have two dogs, they fit in the boot together for shorter trips (1 hour) which is fine for going where we hunt. One of the dogs is 27 1/2 inches at the shoulder, the other 25.

[Tameautumn]

Getting a Labradoodle on the 17th :-)

any tips on how to secure a puppy crate into the boot?

[Tameautumn]

This car never fails to impress





Awesome

[Billfitz]

I guess you'd call it 6 passenger capable.