What's the best breed for my family

muffinek

Well I am looking at Pets4Home and Gumtree. I am aware of their reputation and taking steps to avoid thieves and scammers but where else I can look for an adult dog if rescues are not an option. 

sheramber

A rescue may not consider rehoming with children as they do not know the background of the dog  and they may not have the facility to assess it. If a dog was a stray then nothing is known about its past..

A lot of rescues are run by volunteers with limited time so it is more efficient to have a blanket ban.

But there are rescues that will rehome with children.

Contact rescues you are prepared to travel to and ask. Do not  take it personally. They are trying to do the best for both you and the dog. There is no point in rehoming a dog that is not used to children or does not like young children  to a home with a child.

Dog's Trust is a national one who will consider rehoming with children IF they have a suitable  dog.  

There will be others but  without knowing where you are and how far you are prepared to travel it os not possible to help.


Breeding bitches with problems are from back yard breeders and puppy farms where they have no concern for the health of the mother or the pups.

An exbreeder from a  responsible breeder will have had good health care. 

A acquaintance of  mine got a  fantastic  spaniel !!!!!! from a breeder who was giving up her spaniels to concentrate on another breed. This dog adored her 8 year old daughter and the daughter adored the dog.

A responsible breeder will always take  a dog back or help with rehoming if the new owner cannot continue to look after  it. 

So, they can sometimes have an adult to rehome.



Re the border terrier, it would need regular grooming, either hand stripping or clipping. 

If you are set on a particular breed you could contact the secretary of the breed club to enquire if they know of any suitable dog  available. They are usually aware of what is available from registered breeders.

Also, most breeds have a breed rescue who again may be able to help you.

But, remember you may have to wait for a suitable dog to become available

 

Pennylane

I would also go for a cross breed. We had several when my kids were young and they were all lovely dogs.  They were yorkie cross, yorkie/JR cross and border terrier x whippet.  We also had a dalmatian cross which was quite a bit bigger but, again, a lovely dog. 

Pedigree dogs have more health issues and often not so nice natured and are now ridiculously expensive.  My SIL bought a pedigree cocker spaniel and it was really nasty from day one and if it was eating you dare not go in the room.  Horrible dog and when it bit one of the kids it had to be rehomed. 

sheramber

That is the advantage of rehoming an adult from a responsible  rescue . The dog's temperament can be a assessed.

Cocker spaniels  are working dogs and if not given an outlet for that  the frustration can affect their temperament.

ripplyuk

Have a look at your local council pound. In my experience, they will rehome to literally anyone, no matter how unsuitable and with no questions asked. 

Have you considered a staffy? They’re generally robust enough to tolerate a 4yo and there’s plenty of adult dogs available in shelters.