Help - Which breed of dog?

henm01

I am thinking of getting a dog later in the year (being made redundant) but want some advice on breeds. I am thinking of a rescue dog instead of getting a puppy but I have children (i've heard lots of rescue centres aren't interested if you have kiddies?)

I have 3 children - 14,13,10
Work part time
Like to go for long walks
Have a large garden

Dislikes
Loud barking all the time (my mum's dog barks all the time at children playing in the garden)
A dog who will wish to escape at every opportunity - I guess I mean one I can't train?

Likes
Not worried about fur
Friendly dog
Children plus their noisy friends visiting.

The dog will be loved so much but any suggestions on breeds?
Anybody in a similar position to me? What type of dog do you have?
Any advice on rescue centres? Will they let me have a dog when I have children?

Thank you

suki1964

Rescue centres usually put restrictions on dogs going to homes where there are children below school age. Your children are old enough to take instruction and understand, there should be no problem

Go along to the rescues and see whats there. You need to go yourself and look around. Talk to the staff as they will know the dog and its traits. All dogs are trainable, some are easier then others but mostly its down to how much work the owners put in Take the whole family when you find a rescue centre that you are happy with to meet the dogs and hopefully with the help of the staff you will come to pick the dog thats right for you

foreign_correspondent

Agree with Suki here, let the rescue know as much as possible about your situation and requirements, and see who they have that fits the bill.

A dog like mine would be perfect for you, she is a lovely chilled out mongrel, and a very easy dog, there are planty of all breeds and x's in rescue, and kids over 10 should be no hinderance at all!

mrcol1000

I can recommend Staffordshire Bull Terriers for two reasons.

1) There are so many of them looking for homes that most unwanted ones now are put to sleep without trying to find them a home due to the large volume of the breed looking for a home

2) They are very intelligent quick to learn animals. Require very little matainance and quickly take their place in your family. They will be quite happy running around playing with your children as laying on the sofa watching TV. They will outwalk you. Mine never barks unless a stranger approaches the house.
Ignore the bad publicty the dogs get and like all dogs they shouldn't be left alone with small children and you should make sure your kids respect the dog and don't tease them.
I can vouch for all the above as I have one. Also the Kennel Club put them second or third or something high like that in the list of dogs best to have with children.

adandem

I personally prefer gundog breeds, but that's just me.;)

We have a Cocker who sounds perfect for your family but I am sure there are other breeds/mongrels out there just as suitable. If you do want a specific breed, many have their own rescue.

I'm not a huge fan of terriers such as JRT's etc. and most of the ones I've encountered have been yappy dogs. That said, barking isn't particularly breed specific, dogs bark for many reasons.

I would have thought the rescue centres would be happy to consider you due to your children not being too young.
Make sure you find a reputable rescue though as I have heard a few sad stories where some have been less than honest about a dogs background or where people are posing as rescue when they are not.

UKTigerlily

Hiya! I agree with what the rest have said, I was in your situation of looking for a Dog to fit in with my lifestyle not so long ago. I looked at the breed standards & a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel came out on top (I needed a Dog to get on well with Cats, not bark alot, be Medium size or smaller), I decided I didn't want a full Cav due to the health issues but maybe a x or a Dog with the same characteristics so I called the Rescue & told them the personality I was looking for, so a Dog that's not a huge barker, likes Cats, Medium size or below, not a Pup but an older Dog etc & they matched me to my Staffy, Chaya!

Most Rescues are fine with kids the age of yours, it's just younger ones who may be knocked flying or not understand to respect the Dog, unless the Dog is genuinely child aggressive in which case they'd say no kids of any age but most are just older kids.

Mine very rarely barks & never inside, she's 5 years old but nobody believes she's not younger, she could walk all day but is equally happy lounging about at home, she's great with kids & totally changes around very young ones becoming even quieter & she just doesn't move when they fuss her or even lick them to death she's very gentle!

Staffs are one of the best breeds around kids as has been said & the only breed with totally reliable in the breed standard, they often don't like other Dogs but as you've not got others that wouldn't be an issue & many are fine with others. Of course many Rescues will say the kids aren't to walk the Dog alone but that's something responsible Owners don't let their kids do anyway & so more something they advise than ban on, I don't see any reason Rescues would have an issue with the kids they're all a good age!

I'd say go along with an open mind because if you decide on a breed you can bet you'll come back with something totally different! When you call they may well have an idea of matches for you too!

adandem

UKTigerlily wrote: »

Of course many Rescues will say the kids aren't to walk the Dog alone but that's something responsible Owners don't let their kids do anyway & so more !

Oh dear, I must be irresponsible then:o , my daughter, 14 regulary takes our dog for short trips round the block and sometimes to the park.

She trains him regularly and does agility with him so it never ocurred to me that she shouldn't walk him.

UKTigerlily

adandem wrote: »

Oh dear, I must be irresponsible then:o , my daughter, 14 regulary takes our dog for short trips round the block and sometimes to the park.

She trains him regularly and does agility with him so it never ocurred to me that she shouldn't walk him.

While i'd never let a child walk my Dog, 14 isn't exactly young, if she knows all the safety aspects & can control the Dog both on & off lead. Lots of kids though can't hold the Dog or aren't old enough to realise if it's giving off signals or they don't understand to not let it run up to other Dogs etc. I think anyone in charge of a Dog has to be 16 by law but i'd need to check, not really sure I just think that's something i've read.

I'd never let one walk mine cause mine is Dog aggressive & most kids wouldn't be able to cope or know to be alert all the time, a couple walk Dogs here & they're too busy texting or chatting to focus! If it's a 14yr old though they're almost old enough to marry & have their own kids so to me it's not the same as a 10yr old. So maybe kids isn't the right word!

UKTigerlily

Ahh I think it might be nobody under 16 to walk a Dog on the exempt register sorry! It's good she goes to training with him, maybe she could teach a few adults things (Such as not letting their Dog run up to others on leads!) lol yeah I mean younger kids like 10/11yr olds, any that don't totally focus on the Dog & what's happening around it & either couldn't restrain the Dog physically or mentally wouldn't know what to do say the Dog was in a fight etc. If it's your own kid you'll know how mature they are, the Rescue I got Chaya from always advise not to let children unsupervised with the Dog, whether walking or at home, so I guess the same as never leave them unsupervised at home, younger children.

adandem

My daughter is pretty clued up tbh and if she wasn't there's now way she would go out with him.
That said, I've seen some children who have more of an idea than some adults. Especially those children who have been bought up in 'doggy' homes and have been taught to respect animals.

itsmeagain

I worked on a stall at crufts and had a headache on terrior day - small dog syndrome! The most peaceful was gun dog day and strangely everyone was more friendly!
There are good and bad examples in every dog category. All you can do is choose in favour of a category that increases your chance of a loyal companion, clever, easy to train etc.
I would choose a collie (needs exercise) or gun dog. A labrador is the most popular family dog, guide dog, sniffer for a reason but they can have problems. If you go for a lab then you should check hip score and eyes. You could also try a blind school breeder for a retired stud or a puppy that didn't make the grade.
Crosses of these breeds reduce the chance of genetic problems and are often cheaper to insure.
Credit crunch feeding... Wagg is fine and Chappie for a sensitive tummy.
Good Luck!