Looking for our first dog!

dannyjebb

mon1o wrote: »

Thank you I do love the king Charles spaniel but haven't looked at poodles or shelties as yet x

If you do gt a KCS make sure you be really careful about the breeder you go to. They have one of the worst health records. As do alot of pure breeds. Have you looked on the kennel club website they have all the traits of all the different breeds. Terriers need alot of exercise and stimulation and can be quite stubborn for a first time dog owner. Theyre bred to chase small animals so could be a problems chasing the children whilst playing and nipping them. Personally I dont think you can beat getting a puppy and bonding with it form the word go, also you can teach him all "your rules" and wont have to try and break any bad habbits he has picked up. If you would like an older dog have you looked into a rescue centre? they will also help and give advice into which dog would suit your situation. Although they may be sceptical about having such a young baby.

I think everyone has there own favourite breed (Bearded Collie) but aslong as you do the proper research and take your time to find the right dog you will find one that will enrich your life

Good luck

Caroline_a

I've been thinking about this since I saw your thread earlier. I've had purebreds and mongrels too, currently have a 2 year old German Shepherd who finally has lost all his ASBO traits and is now remembering all the stuff he got taught as a pup at dog school!

With young children I personally would go to a rescue centre and look at a mongrel. The staff should have assessed the personality of the dog and will be able to advise you on what would be best for you. You will then have the advantage of a neutered dog (you don't want litters of puppies or a rampant male dog!) Good rescue centres will be able to help and support you with your new dog too, and point you in the right direction for training classes, vets etc.

I wish you luck with your first dog, I have had so much pleasure from my dogs over the years, from when my children were tiny until now when they (the kids, not the dogs :rotfl:) have left home and now i spend my evenings with my soppy Shep watching tv with me. One word of caution - if you get a young dog, be prepared for him/her to behave like a naughty child then teenager in the first year or 2. It's hard but it passes, and then you will have a lovely dog for your family if you have spent time and effort with training him/her.

mon1o

Hi all thanks so much for your replies not had chance to read them thoroughly as yet but am going to now (we've been out visiting and I've just got home and logged on!)

I have looked at the kennel club website and at owners clubs for the breeds that have them along with other sites.

I thought rescue dogs weren't rehomed where there are children under 5? Or am I mistaken? I certainly wouldnt rule out an older dog or a rescue dog. Our dog will be with us for life and as long as he/she will fit with our family whether the dog is 7 weeks or 7 years doesn't matter.

Going to read replies properly now thanks so much, very much appreciated

gemmalouanna

What area are you in?

I cannot recommend Manchester dogs home enough - we got our wonderful girl from there (£60 came with lead, bag of food, injections, chipped, and something like a months insurance)

My friend who has 2 young children went a week later and got a perfect match for their family x

Definitely consider a rescue when we went there were 3 dogs in most of the cages - so sad, shame I couldn't have taken more

mon1o

I'm in Yorkshire so Manchester is definitely doable for us thank you xx

heretolearn_2

I wouldn't recommend a cross of two terriers to either a first time owner or a family with small children. Terriers are terrific dogs but not easy to train/handle as they are full of themselves, full of hunting instincts, very smart, easily bored and need lots of work and exercise. They can also be nippy in a self-defence way, and with small children around it might not be the best mix. Having said that, I used to have a JR !!!!! who was very calm and laid back, and good with children visiting, but I'm not sure how well she would have coped with three small children permanently bothering her.

On the whole bigger dogs are best with small children. They are more robust, less likely to get squashed/trodden on/bullied by the kids (even by accident), won't be nervous of this unpredictable 'giants' around them, and can be a lot more patient of being pulled around a bit. Even with supervision, stuff happens, and you want a dog that doesn't feel like the smallest weakest most at risk of getting hurt thing in the house when it's been poked in the eye for the tenth time that day.

Labs/golden retrievers have amazing temprements with children.

WolfSong2000

I'll second what others have said about terriers not being a good idea - they can be rather snappy, require a lot of exercise and are generally less tolerant of children's behaviour than some other breeds (I should know, I grew up with one. lol).

I'm with heretolearn about getting a slightly bigger dog, as well. Small dogs can feel very threatened by kids, which can lead to aggression due to nervousness. For me, the first choice for a family dog will always be a (well bred) Golden Retriever. To me, they're simply the best family dog you can get (this is all personal opinion). I've had dealings with many, many different breeds of dogs over the years and seen some wonderful family dogs come from breeds such as Dobermans (would only recommend them for experienced owners, but they can be fantastic with kids).

If you're looking for a first time dog, though, seriously look at the Golden. Yes, they're working dogs, but a well bred golden with the proper breed characteristics is just ideal for a family. They adore people, get on well with children and put up with a lot in terms of "abuse" from kids, and when things do go a little too far most will just get up and move away rather than snap as say, a terrier would do. These dogs loved to be involved in family activities, and just enjoy becoming part of the family in general. They're protective of their family, intelligent, easy to train (they love to please!) and very versatile if you wanted to do say agility with them.

I have so many happy memories from my childhood of growing up with our Golden (who passed away just recently). We had other dogs (a terrier and a lurcher), but he really stood out because of his commitment to his family and his friendliness.

All I will say, is if you're looking into getting a Golde, do a *lot* of research. They're such a popular breed that they've been bred indiscriminately, without thought to health or personality, which is why you see so many pale goldens with aggressive tendencies about now. That's *not* how the breed should be! If you want any advice on which bloodlines to avoid, what to look out for, etc, just give me a shout via PM

Padstow

WolfSong2000 wrote: »

I'll second what others have said about terriers not being a good idea - they can be rather snappy, require a lot of exercise and are generally less tolerant of children's behaviour than some other breeds (I should know, I grew up with one. lol).

I'm with heretolearn about getting a slightly bigger dog, as well. Small dogs can feel very threatened by kids, which can lead to aggression due to nervousness. For me, the first choice for a family dog will always be a (well bred) Golden Retriever. To me, they're simply the best family dog you can get (this is all personal opinion). I've had dealings with many, many different breeds of dogs over the years and seen some wonderful family dogs come from breeds such as Dobermans (would only recommend them for experienced owners, but they can be fantastic with kids).

If you're looking for a first time dog, though, seriously look at the Golden. Yes, they're working dogs, but a well bred golden with the proper breed characteristics is just ideal for a family. They adore people, get on well with children and put up with a lot in terms of "abuse" from kids, and when things do go a little too far most will just get up and move away rather than snap as say, a terrier would do. These dogs loved to be involved in family activities, and just enjoy becoming part of the family in general. They're protective of their family, intelligent, easy to train (they love to please!) and very versatile if you wanted to do say agility with them.

I have so many happy memories from my childhood of growing up with our Golden (who passed away just recently). We had other dogs (a terrier and a lurcher), but he really stood out because of his commitment to his family and his friendliness.

All I will say, is if you're looking into getting a Golde, do a *lot* of research. They're such a popular breed that they've been bred indiscriminately, without thought to health or personality, which is why you see so many pale goldens with aggressive tendencies about now. That's *not* how the breed should be! If you want any advice on which bloodlines to avoid, what to look out for, etc, just give me a shout via PM

I second WolfSong's post. Although I have never owned a Golden Retriever, I have know a lot owned by friends/parents of daughter's friends. They have been in homes on sleepovers etc and I've never known a bad one. They are adorable and love being hugged.
All gun dogs are soft mouthed, they are not bred to bite as they need to carry the kill without damage. So you've already got a head start with them.

Terriers on the other hand, wonderful characters though they are, are bred to bite. Watch a JR catch a rat!

foxymum1977_2

we have a jack russell x yorkie, we have had her for 18 mths now when we first got her my youngest son was 3 and they get on great together, she has never ever shown any sort of agression to any of the children, but she is an exceptionally good dog
they are growing up together which i think is lovely, very big responsibility though, you have to work out what will happen in the future as to holidays and if you go to work one day, ie who will have the dog for you, lovely addition to any family though.good luck x

mon1o

Hi just an update thank you so so much for all your replies! My husband is really not a fan of large dogs (even though his parents have a GS and she is the biggest softie you could ever meet!) so a Labrador, golden retriever and the like were all out of the question.

We went to see the 16mth old patterjack today and he is just lovely. As soon as we went in to the house his tail was wagging. He didn't bark or jump just sniffed us all and then brought us one of his toys. He didn't bother with the kids much, sniffed at the baby, she gave him a slight clout (as babies do!) and he just walked away from her. I knew then I had to have him. He tolerated the hours drive Home very well. Since we got home he's been very inquisitive, very active in the garden and we've taken him around to introduce him to his new surroundings. We also introduced him to the inlaws GS and they got on very well. He's happily sat next to me snuggled on the sofa and now the kids are in bed he's retired to his bed. I think he's the most gorgeous dog I've ever met (appearance and temperament wise!) but then I'm biased. I actually
think he's a patterdale x staffy because of his facial structure and temperament - there's no mistaking the patterdale side of him though he loves to follow a scent, dig and explore and has had his mad 5 mins indoors :rotfl:

Im smitten as are the kids and hubby. Thank you for all your input no doubt I'll be back on as we get used to our new addition!