just wondering what breeders on here feel about homing their pups to peopple who live in flats and have young children? would you sell a puppy to people living in a flat with children under school aged? would you consider it? or would you say no straight away?

IM A NEW BREEDER SO WILL PROBABLY GET MY HEAD RIPPED OFF BE THE OLDER BREEDERS, I HAVE THREE YOUNG KIDS SO THAT WOULDNT BE A PROBLEM FOR ME AS FOR THE FLAT IT WOULD HAVE TO BE LARGE ENOUGH FOR YOUR WANTED BREED TO LIVE SMALL TO MEDIUM SIZES BUT NOT LARGER SIZES ITS NOT FAR

I am not a breeder, but I have 2 young children (3 and 5) and a rather LARGE 7 month old briard puppy! Because I have experience with briards, the breeder was more than happy to let us take him on, despite having young children. My friend, who also has experience with dogs has recently purchased a boxer puppy. She lives in a first floor flat and has a 5 year old daughter. I am not saying that these situations are always suitable, but speak to the breeder and be honest about your sitiuation. If you are turned down, it is only because the breeder has their pups best intentions at heart. I wish you all the best of luck.

Hi Guest,

I think a lot depends on the breed of dog - some breeds are not great with youngsters around (although a lot depends on the parents ability to supervise) and may not have been born to a family environment so breeders could be naturally anxious.

Re the staying in a flat - while ideally most dogs are easier to house train if they have access to a garden, personally I don't think it is an *absolute* essential.  I know people who live in flats and walk their dogs religiously three times a day in all weathers.  Some folks with gardens only let the dog out to relieve itself if it is wet, windy, any month with an "r" in it

There are many things for breeders to consider when homing puppies and while all responsible and caring breeders have to put the puppy's needs as a priority, I think many are prepared to judge individual cases on merit :)   The best advice to give you is be COMPLETELY honest with information requested of you and if you find that your preferred breed is difficult to obtain from a respected breeder at present be prepared to wait until your children are a little older.

Good luck, HTH,
regards Teri ;)

I live in a flat and have a Patterdale Terrier. Although they are only small, the flat is very large. Its in a Massive old Victorian house thats been converted into 6 flats, with Large front and back gardens.

I didnt really find it any harder to house train in the flat, than I did when I had one when I lived at home. 2 Weeks house training, and nothing since.

Gets walked about 1/2 hour in morning (6am) then sleeps until about 2pm with me (I work nights) then we're out for about an hour's free run in the park, a walk early evening then a night walk both for about 20 mins. Plus he gets time in the garden.

I can understand peoples concerns of dogs being cramped up in tiny flats that arent excersised enough though. As Teri has said, each case is different, and he pro's and con's should be weighed up.

Regards
:D