Following much persuasion and nagging (!), I'm just coming round to the idea of getting a dog . .. I've never owned a dog before and my main concern is getting the right breed, on the basis that we have 2 kids (7 & 4).

They get on famously with our neighbours West Highland Terrier - if I could clone him, it'd be ideal.

We're not after a big dog or one that requires several marathons each day, a lazy fat old thing that only wants one walk a day and a run around the garden would suit me fine!

I apologise for any obvious mistakes or "no-no's" that I may have inadvertantly written, but any suggestions would be very welcome.

Have you thought about visiting your local rescue kennels and taking on an older dog? So many people want puppies that often the mature dog (who is in there through no fault of his own - elderly owner died etc) gets overlooked. One of these could be ideal for you.
:)

Good idea (and what a quick response!)

Where would I get a listing of those - are there any online that you know of?

What about an older Dane? They love the lazy life and enjoy fuss, are fantastic guard dogs and are very devoted to their owners....

You can try Daneline

But if a Dane is too much, then go look here: Dog Rescue Pages but be warned, there are some sad faces, desperately in need of a good home ;)

A rescue dog is a great idea.
Whereabouts are you? You could try lokoing on a search engine on the web for rescue centres in your local area, organisations like NCDL, RSPCA etc. It might take visiting 2 or 3 but Im sure in one of those, you will find your ideal best friend.
Good luck!

Thanks. I've found a number for the local RSCPA, so I might give them a shout.

Any ideas on a good, family orientated breed? I think a Basset Hound seems to fit my ideal dog at the moment . .!

So, to slightly alter my original question - Is there such a thing as the ideal family dog, bearing in mind the ages of my kiddies (4 & 7).

Probably not :) But a rescue centre may be fairly choosy as to what dog they may let you have, given that you haven't had a dog before and have young children. It would be best if you had one that had been brought up with children :)

Daisy

Would you consider a retired greyhound???

Granted, they will need a little retraining, but most of that isnt rocket science, is just patience, time and understand, and lots of love........the bonuses of the retired grey is that they dont need huge amounts of exercise, they dont eat huge amounts of food, they shed very little (being such short fine hair), are quiet, dignified, tend not to be bouncy and curl up very small if they want to.... (*note, usual greyhound position is upside down on the sofa, legs in air)......

The vast majority of retired greys that go into rescues, go into the rescues that foster their dogs out to people, these people will give you a really good idea of how the dog is, most have kids themselves, and will be far more aware of the dogs character than a dog that has been kept kennelled.....

And i think you will not get much joy ringing the RSPCA because of the age of your kids.........

My Grandma bred bassets, they are VERY strong dogs, dont be fooled by the short legs, the basset is a big chap, as with most hounds, they follow their nose, adn those ears??????? not for hearing with, not if its you calling them, nooooooo, they are merely decorative rags.....though they CAN hear the rattle of food in a bowl.....most odd. lol.

Good luck....please choose a grey.......pleaseeeeeeeee

Em

Would you feel comfortable taking in a rescue dog? I myself have a 7yr old Daughter and purely because of her is why we opted against a rescue dog. Some dogs you dont really have all the information about and I was a bit wary as to if they had been mistreated in the past. I know some dogs from there are brilliant but in the back of my mind I was thinking 'what if it had been neglected a bit', so thats why we decided to get a puppy, I have peace of mind knowing that he his getting brought up with our Daughter.

Ideal family dog(& this is fom a GSD & Border Collie person)the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel fits the bill perfectly-happy to go walking yet happy to lounge around. Gentle yet intelligent & not too big for your chilfren. My father is a "big"person but he adores my little ones

Wherever you get your dog from if it is a puppy make sure the parents have been health checks & if an older rescue make sure that he/she is healthy & used to children before you adopt

Good luck

Hi Tony
try www.pedigreedogs.co.uk. Theres a section for rehoming individual dogs and also you can search for rescue centres
Archer

Hi Tony
try www.pedigreedogs.co.uk. Theres a section for rehoming individual dogs and also you can search for rescue centres on this website
Archer

Boston Terriers are self exercising and get on with children very well. English bulldogs, french bulldogs they like exercise but not plenty and are easy up keep not furry at all. Unless you want a furry dog all sorts of both. I would sugest looking into all breeds and see what will fit into your families life style and go from there. There are all sorts of rescue's for every breed that are in need of a home. Even a cross can make a lovely pet. Just depends on what you are looking for and to narrow down to your ideal dog. Doing this is how I ended up with my boston terriers. In the future we want a Mastiff and a Bordeaux. Just do the research and don't jump into just any puppy/dog because in the end not fair to you/family or the animal.

Good luck

ttfn :)

I have had a Westie and although he was indeed a delightful boy, he was very very energetic and bouncy and needed a lot of training (typical terrier really!) That's the thing about Westies, you have to remember they are terriers deep down! As for Bassetts, well, one of my favourite breeds...used to show them...gorgeous hounds...but very determined, can be very stubborn and just love to go hunting and completely ignoring said owner!

A rescued Greyhound would really get my vote - it's so sad people have such a poor image of them. They really are quite lazy dogs and do only require small walks and love nothing more than snuggling up with loved owners. They adore people and I can honestly say I've never met a nasty natured greyhound.

Good luck with your choice...I'm sure you'll find the dog of your dreams soon.