Considering a puppy, but what breed and from where?

dirtysexymonkey

Chakani wrote: »

Our children are 3 and nearly one. I have found that rescues generally are not willing to rehome younger or more energetic dogs where there are children. I have really gone down all the avenues I can find, and every rescue I've spoken to that says they do rehome "suitable" dogs, seem to view elderly or very sedentary dogs as the only suitable ones. If anyone is aware of a specific rescue, particularly in the South East, that will rehome pups or young adult dogs with young children, provided the adults are competent, I would be glad to know about it.

I am not lacking time to deal with and train a pup, as I am at home all the time, I am aware of the workload, and restrictions but I have to be realistic in that I don't have the available time to exercise the brain of a collie every day for the next 15 years - I know how demanding they are, and they really do take hours of work. That would be my breed of personal choice, but not the right one for us, now.

have you considered a labrodoodle then? i think youre right to get a puppy with such young children. and actually if you can manage two under fives then a puppy will be comparatively a walk in the park! and it will enrich all your lives so much.:)

Kittendreich

What about a Bearded Collie (or Beardie cross)? Depends whether you can cope with the hair... although lots of Borders seem just about as hairy. We have a rescue Beardie Cross (not sure what crossed with) - he can happily exercise forever (walks, agility, etc) but is fine if he only gets basic walks for a few days (e.g. when we had the very bad snow last year for a week he could only get short walks and he didn't show many signs of frustration until over a week of not getting a proper run about). Very lazy in the house & great with kids - although I know many beardies (particularly those with working lines) can be more intense like BCs.

Good Luck in your search!

Chakani

Person_one wrote: »

Three and nearly one?

May I respectfully suggest that you hold off until your youngest is at least walking confidently? I know many people manage really well with dogs and babies but most of the people I know who are doing it are clear that its very very hard work and if they hadn't already had the dog when the baby was born they' have waited a few years.

A puppy especially seems like you'd be putting an awful lot on your plate! In 3 or 4 years you'll be able to enjoy the dog so much more!

Actually, having always had dogs, I feel the hole of not having one far more than the work of having one. I do appreciate and remember the work of having a dog, but equally, I appreciate and remember the joy of having a friendly doggy face about the place, or trotting along companionably. We have thought it through very carefully, and will continue to do so

Also, I anticipate that finding the right dog is going to take some time, as it is going to take me a lot of research to be sure I am making the right choice, so the little one most likely will be somewhat older by the time we find the right puppy to bring home.

MatyMoo

How about a miniature schnauzer?

Smallish dogs with a big personality, non shedding, eager to please. Can be a little stubborn at times though!

Caroline_a

Before I got my Spin I went to Crufts to meet a few. It was Gundog day and Spinones were everywhere - not that there were lots of them compared with some of the other breeds, more that they were such happy dogs that their owners took them (en masse!) with them to look round. My friend calls them the Great British Dog Secret - cute, funny, very trainable, loves everyone, just adorable!

Chakani

Just off to look up Spinones, I've never met one

Chakani

Ah! I have met one! In fact I used to know several rather well, I just didn't know what they were called - my old vet used to breed and show them, and they used to follow us out on the horses, they were lovely dogs. I will add them to the (long, and ever-increasing) list of breeds to think about, thank you.

Jojo_the_Tightfisted

Caroline_a wrote: »

Spinone.. run forever, fab temperament, lovely breed!

Just so long as you don't leave your flour unattended in the same room as the dog's water bowl..........:whistle:

Mara69

Jojo_the_Tightfisted wrote: »

They are very soft, gentle natured, tolerant and, in my opinion, the best friend a kid could have. You're at home during the day, so the often mentioned problems about them not liking being left all day is gone. You are also a very experienced handler - rescue dogs have more issues than a Beagle that has been brought up well - so there is no reason why one wouldn't be ideal for you.


They are also a convenient size, look lovely and aren't as a rule prone to any great diseases/conditions. (Oh, and as a kid, mine would go offlead and recall no problem - and I trained him to beg, sit, lay down, roll over, stay put whilst I dressed him up as a fairy :whistle: and pretend to be an evil child murdering monster making horrid noises whilst pretending to bite me, but never putting the slightest bit of pressure on my hands or arms)

There has to be a reason why they are the breed of choice for animal experimentation. Healthy, gentle and tolerant of things other dogs wouldn't stand for.


Look into it. See what you think.

See now I want one. This is enough to melt the hardest of hearts.

Jojo_the_Tightfisted

Awwwww. Beagles just have the faces that do that.