Family Dog Suggestions

Rummer

Hello

I am looking for some advice with regards to getting a family dog. First let me fill you in on our circumstances:

Currently I am expecting our second child and we have a 10 year old already. We also have cats and rabbits. Previously we had not been in a position to have a dog due to work commitments however that is going to change soon. Our house is a comfortable size and we have a large garden with plenty of dog walking places around. Both of us have dog owning and training experience. We would like a small to medium breed puppy from a reputable breeder.

Ok so advice wise I would like to know what age our second child should be before we consider getting a dog?

What breeds would be good around children?

I should highlight that we are only in the thinking/discussion stage and are in no rush to get a dog. It is important to us to choose the right dog and at the right time even if that means a 5 year wait

lee111s

Depends on how active you are? If you love walking then spaniels (cocker or springers) make lovely family pets but they do require quite a lot of training and exercise. If you're less active something like a Lassahapso or !!!!'zu maybe?

With regards to age, I don't think you can put a number on it, dogs are often very good around babies knowing they're only young. It wouldn't put me off getting a dog with such a young child.

CC-Warrior

Maybe even consider a local animal charity/RSPCA, especially just after Christmas.

MrsAtobe

I wouldn't trust a springer around small furries, all three of mine have had high prey drives. Doesn't seem to matter whether they are show or working strain either. Yes, they can be trained, but that takes time, and with a little one on the way, that may not be time that Rummer has.

MatyMoo

A miniature schnauzer

OK, I am biased, I have two But they are great dogs, non shedding so good for people with allergies (downside is they need regular grooming), happy with short or long walks, easy to train, very loyal, cheeky, funny dogs.

teddysmum

A new baby and a new puppy will both require a lot of your time, so I would wait until the baby is older; preferably when he/she will be able to understand how a dog should be treated.

I like and own cavaliers, but because of health issues (MVD and SM) it is essential to do research and be very particular about breeder. The really good ones do health tests, have waiting lists and do not sell over the internet.

Rummer

As I have mentioned we are in no rush and could happily wait a number of years before getting a dog, we just want to start thinking about it now

I love Miniature Schnauzers and it is one of the breeds we are considering.

Exercise wise we would walk the dog 2-3 times a day with at least one of them being a long one however a breed that can be settled and happy in the home would be ideal.

I do appreciate that although breeds tend to have character traits that it will come down to the individual dog however a rough guide as to which breeds may be suitable would be great.

teddysmum

Why not go along to a dog show and meet lots owners, who will be pleased to discuss the merits and problems of their breed ? Entry is often free.

anarchied

Please consider adopting.

If you must buy from a breeder:
1. Check if mum is available to see.
2. Ensure that mum and pups are kept inside in a warm and clean house.
3. Ask if mum/dad are health checked and what the results are (some may have certificates; ask to see if they do).
4. If the breeder says or does anything that makes you feel uncomfortable, run a mile.
5. Do your research on the breed.

I definitely wouldn't go for a pup when you have a baby on the way. It will be a lot for you to handle and either the pup, your baby or you will suffer from the amount of effort it takes - after all, a puppy needs just as much attention and love as a baby does, and some dog breeds are often like perpetual toddlers once they've matured. Perhaps an older rescue dog will suit you better, plus you'll be saving a life

Rummer

All of our current and previous animals have come through rescues however our local dog rescue centre have been less than helpful when we have enquired and do not like to re-home dogs to families with children under 12.

There are other rescues further afield which we will consider contacting however having looked at their websites many are again reluctant to rehome to families with children under 12.

teddysmum

Rescues are very varied in their willingness to let families wit children adopt one of their dogs. Some have blanket refusal where children are below a certain age, but others will consider specific circumstances, depending on the future home's experience and the temperament of the particular animal.

There are lots of rescues represented on the Dogpages website, which is set up for rescues , people interested in adopting and those requiring advice.