which breed to buy?

melly_g

Hi,
We sadly lost our cavalier king Charles after 15 years and after much contemplation we have decided to get another dog.
We would like to get a puppy so we can train it ourselves. Also several of my friends have had bad experiences with rescue dogs and having 3 kids I don't want that risk.
Obviously as this is a big commitment I want to do this right.
Can anyone offer me some advice on what are good breeds to have with children please?
Are pedigrees or cross breeds better?
Any help will be much appreciated
Where are the best places to buy from?
Many thanks in advance :j

meritaten

no-one can 'guarantee' a dog as 'good with kids'. I am sorry to hear that the rescue dogs didn't work out for your friends - most people I know who have them are delighted with them.
So I feel I cant advise on 'breeds'. I have known soppy Rottwielers and aggressive Labs. perhaps it is best you have a shortlist of 'preferred breeds' find some breeders with pups for sale and go and investigate and meet the breeders and the mum and pups (and the fathers too if poss), and assess their temperaments for yourself?

comeandgo

I hope you would also consider your home and area and how much time you have to excercise a dog - a collie in a flat to me is not on. Also, when you get used to an older dog you may forget how much excercise a growing dog acually needs, and the mess it can make. Do you not fancy another King Charles?

In-need-of-a-smile

I have 2 Dachshunds and they're great pets, very loving, loyal, obedient but most importantly they have a wonderful temperament when brought up with children.
Although as far as any form of animal goes you can never whole heartedly trust them 100% but my 2 adore my grand daughter and will sit alongside her where ever she goes but I would never leave her alone with them even though I trust them implicitly, if that makes sense.

Depending on the age of your children you have to take into account this breed of dog due to its length cannot be picked up as it can damage their back, mine love the attention, love their cuddles and even have to be put to bed at night and covered over! It's all down to how you rear them.

Hope you find the right breed and enjoy the time together :-)

teddysmum

If you go for another cavalier (I have two left from four) do be very very careful where you buy. Too many people breed, just because their dog/!!!!! is lovely without any regard for the two widespread and devastating disease MVD and SM.

[Deleted User]

Have a look at the retired greyhound trust website you may be surprised to find that these make brilliant pets and are excellent with children as they are so laid back.
We have no problems with our 3 children who are all under 8 years old.

melly_g

Thanks for your replies.
We loved our cavalier king Charles. He was a perfect family pet and we had no health issues with him at all until the last few months. I would be worried about getting another one because there is the risk of health problems with them and as teddysmum said there are bad breeders and would be hard to know what you are getting. It's not a decision we are going to take lightly or rush into. Will do some research.

dandelionclock30

My friend has 2 Long haired dachsounds and my vote would be to get one of these. I never knew that a dog could be so lovely.So friendly and loving and cuddly.Check these out.

meritaten

I couldn't say dachshunds are child friendly - they are the only dog that has ever bitten me. I only went to stroke it and it bit my hand and 50 years later I still have the scar - and the owner told me it was my own fault as the dog 'didn't like kids'! like I was supposed to KNOW that?

teddysmum

Daxi's can also have spinal problems, as an internet friend once told the Queen ! She was a retired vet who did a photoshoot of the Queen's dogs and met one of the dorgis.

JR4

Lowchen are a good breed my mum has 2 and they are great with children and don't suffer many health problems I have a bichon who is lovely but is totally nuts and you have to be careful as they are one of the most farmed breeds. Good luck in finding you new pup.