Choosing a dog

toffee'n'tom

My two (now 21 and 19) are desperate for a dog. I like dogs - but I have owned them in the distant past (a large one) and know how much work and responsibility they are and have tried to pass this on.

If it does happen I think I have narrowed it down to either a bichon or a minuature schnauzer. Does anyone have any comments on the breeds for a first time dog.

[Deleted User]

My only comment is that if your two are 19 and 21, how long are they going to be 'desperate' for? What breeds do they prefer? Will they be responsible and look after 'their' dog? When they flee the nest, will mum / dad be lumbered?

About the specific breeds mentioned, no knowledge - I just don't like them.

toffee'n'tom

ok - let's not comment on the responsibility thing. I've done that to death. All I'm asking is which breed would be the best.

ohreally

I have a mini schnauzer so may be biased. They are superb little dogs, they can be very vocal at times (someone approaching the house) and stubborn as hell but I wouldn't have him any other way.

elsien

Best for what?
They're two breeds I don't know a lot about, but any choice of dog depends on all sorts of lifestyle factors we don't know about.
What are your priorities and how/why have you narrowed it down to these two?

toffee'n'tom

I guess best for our house and lifestyle? Average sized house with garden. We all love pets. don't want a big dog. Want a dog that is easy to train. Loveable. doesn't shed. not bothered about the cost of maintaining coat etc. average exercise needed. full of fun.

Owain_Moneysaver

I would be looking at something in the vaguely-terrier department of the local dogs' home.

And you could consider getting two siblings, then they can have one each so no arguments over whose dog it is or who it lives with when circumstances change.

Mojisola

toffeentom wrote: »

My two (now 21 and 19) are desperate for a dog.

They can't be so desperate that they can't wait until they have their own places to live.

Get them to volunteer for the Cinnamon Trust or the local dogs' rehoming centre so that they can have plenty of contact with dogs, learn what breeds appeal to them and so you won't get landed with all the responsibility for the next 10-15 years while they move on with their lives.

amibovvered

toffeentom wrote: »

doesn't shed.

Good luck with that one!

Person_one

I've had bichons all my life, they are as close to non-shedding as its possible to be. They do lose some fur each day but its more like how a human does rather than the crazy amounts that some shedding breeds lose.

Because of this, bichons and schnauzers both need daily grooming, not just a trip to the groomers every couple of months, you will have to brush them every single day, for 20 minutes up to an hour depending on how long you keep the coats.

Bichons tend to be good-natured, relatively easy to train little dogs, they're happy with about an hour's walk each day and they won't suffer too much if you have to miss a day here and there for unavoidable reasons.

My main warning with bichons would be that they are sadly one of the most puppy farmed breeds in the country. A crazy percentage of the ones currently alive were born in grim conditions in Wales, usually. You will have to be very very very careful to avoid lining the pockets pf a puppy farmer, and please don't be tempted to 'rescue' a farmed pup by buying it, that only helps them stay in business.

There are some health issues too, as with many white dogs they can be prone to skin problems, and if you're going to a breeder you should do the usual checks to make sure both parents have had all the health tests and checks recommended by the breed club. My bichons have always been rescues, lots are available in rescue as they are so popular as puppies but people still get fed up of them and abandon them sadly.

I would ask though, do you want a dog? Your children are nearly adults, my parents got a pup when I was still living at home after finishing uni when the previous family dog died, I love that dog and I helped with his initial training but I moved out fairly soon and he is very definitely their dog, their responsibility, and has been for nearly 10 years and probably will be for a few more to come.

If you do want a dog, to be yours for many years after your children have grown up and moved on, what is it that has made you think these two breeds are the most suitable? Do you work? Will you be living alone after the kids have gone?

twiglet98

Owain_Moneysaver wrote: »

I would be looking at something in the vaguely-terrier department of the local dogs' home.

And you could consider getting two siblings, then they can have one each so no arguments over whose dog it is or who it lives with when circumstances change.

Google "sibling puppies". It is not an easy option and almost all professionals advise against it.