Me and my husband have recently after much thought decided to get a puppy. I have two small children, acat and 2 budgies! I'm now in the midst of research on which breeds might suit us best and the more research i do the more confused i get as there seems to be a lot of contradictory advice out there. I really love bulldogs, shar-pei's, miniature bull terriers and staffies but after reading up on them none of them seem to be suitable. All the advice seems to be that they are very stubborn and difficult to train and can be aggressive particularly to other dogs. Bulldogs I'm told are too unhealthy to go for proper walks and you can't take them out in the sun at all and shap-peis are not that good with kids. So, I widened my research and several books suggested that a poodle is the perfect family dog, very bright and easy to train, doesn't moult, doesn't need hours and hours of exercise a day but at the same time has enough energy to play ball in the park. Then just as i was deciding I read a whole article on the net about how they bark excessively and are mentally unstable and prone to being very neurotic! So then decided maybe it would be best to get a crossbreed that may be more level headed so have looked into rehoming one. I have checked out pretty much all the animal shelters in the south west and the dogs I've seen are either unsuitable (they say not me) for young children or cats or both. I can't seem to find any mongrels for sale in the papers only pure breeds. I don't know which way to go now. All I want is a small to medium sized dog that will (eventually) be quite sensible in the house and not too hyper, won't need tons of exercise but will be able to go out for a hour in the sunshine with the kids, won't be impossible to train and won't bark all day. i work from home so have plenty of time to spend with it. What breeds do people suggest? Any help or advice at all would be great!!

If you go for a mongrel you do need to be a little careful as it's not so easy to judge how good they are with children etc, pedigree dogs are easier because the main traits are common to the whole breed.  You could look at Labs or GRs they are easy to train great with children although they may be a bit big for you, Springers are the other dogs I have experiance of but they need a lot of excercise.

Steve

It's rare that you'll find a dog that scores 10/10 on a list of wants - you might be better dividing your requirements into 'must haves' and 'desirables' - I'm surprised you've discounted a Staffie......

I only discounted a staffie because I read in my "choosing the right dog for you" book that "they tend to be aggressive to other dogs" and that they have a "hard play bite" something that concerned me as my kids are 3 and 5. Also it says they have very high exercise requirements. Is this not the case? It would be good to know other viewpoints. Are all these traits just a result of badly brought up dogs?
I know they're will never be a dog that scores 10/10 I'm just a bit lost as one day a breed seems to score 7/10 and the next day it scores 2/10. I'm just trying to do the responsible thing and do as much research as possible so i don't make any really stupid mistakes.
I had thought about GR's and labs but think they are a bit big for us...and don't think I'll have quite enough time to exercise a springer...they need hours and hours don't they??

oooh they do have a hard play bite but not all staffies are aggressive to other dogs depends on if they are well socialised i have a sbt pup and he does play bite more so than any of my other dogs i have had but he is very good with my kids

Why not look at the Border Terrier, they are a small dog but have a great attitude
and are normally a friendly dog. There are some junior handlers (children) that handle
the Border Terriers so I should imagine that they are good with children.

The Cavalier King Charles also seem to be the choice of families with children, if they want a small dog.
Not really sure of them as a breed though.

Basically any breed of dog is what you make it. I.E. what you put in in training as a youngster you'll
reap the rewards as they grow older.
Any puppy will basically = the same as having another young child....
That's why some people won't sell puppies to families with young children, a puppy is very demanding
with training and it's upkeep. Some families can't cope with the work that's involved in bringing up a well rounded pup
as well as the demands of a young family (and that's not meant as a criticism).
I find I have enough hard work with my 3 Boxers and 2 cats to consider having children ;) :D
Instead I have a children fix when I visit my nephews and neices.

Best to suggest that you visit a dog show all breed champ show (these are held over 4 days with different breeds each day)or even better if you can wait that long
visit Discover dogs in London in November. Here you will get to meet and greet all the KC recognised breeds.
The booths are manned by people experienced within their breed and should give you a warts an, all description
of what it's like living with that breed etc.
This may help you decide which breed is right for you.

Best Of Luck in your puppy search.

the discover dogs event sounds like a great idea. We were thinking of getting a puppy in the new year anyway so that would fit in well.
I was brought up with dogs from a baby (Collie's, and lab crosses as we lived in the country) and think it's great for kids to grow up with dogs. It seems a shame to me that some breeders don't sell to families with small children. After all parents have experience of looking after babies and it sounds like puppies have a lot in common, also we never go out! So I think the huge committment of a puppy probably doesn't come as big of a shock as it might to those who are used to being responsibility free. Also I don't want to wait till the kids are older and then scared of dogs before i get one and kids who don't grow up with dogs do tend to be scared of them in my experience.
Border terrier sounds like a nice idea. Once again my "choosing the right puppy for you" book does them down but maybe I should just throw this book away! Thanks for the suggestions!

Trouble is that many of us especially those who have the dog that is the perfect fit for us think out bred the ideal dog.  I coulsn't wish for a better family dog than my Norwegian Elkhounds, but jnow their negative traits too, but these I can deal with, but others may not.

Some of the breeds popular with families and posters would be my worst nightmare.  Couldn't live with any slobbery dogs (but my five can leave enough hair to fill a dyson daily, just from the living room!).  I too couldn't cope with dogs that tend towards being dog aggressive/dominant.

Some of the dogs that are popular for their versatility in training woudl just drive me up the wall as being too busy and needy (Spaniels and Herdign breeds for example) yet these are the traits their owners most prize.

I advise meeting the breeds you most like from a shortlist.  Once you ahve met a representative sample say at shows, arrange to visit breeders/pwners for soem hours, and include going for a walk so that you can see how they are when out and about, around other dogs and people and their level of general manners and obedience bearing in mind upbringin and training will ahve a major impact.

I cant see a massive problem with a mini bull terrier (or even a normal sized one) .. yes you DO have to go a bit more overboard with socialisation, but then if you mess that up, pretty much ANY dog can become dog to dog aggressive.

As a dog to go with a busy household, you need something a bit more robust than some of the other smaller breeds.

That said, a sense of humour where a bullterrier is concerned is a must!!!

My advice though, is to go through a book of dog breeds, with a list of your MUST HAVES, and your WOULD LIKES and your DONT MINDS..., short list some breeds, and then find people who have experience of those breeds to chat to. Then you can narrow down the list further and when you get to two or three, go and meet those breeds and spend time with them.

If you get a copy of dogs today magazine, in the back ther eis a list of breed advisors which would be a good place to start.

Em

Hi Ms

I agree with all the others work out what you deffinately dont want to have or them to do etc.  In my past experience i have always found the bigger the dog the easier it seemed to be, but thats just my opinion as after all theres is hundreds of breeds out there that all suit different people.  I also have a 3 year daughter but then i had two of my dogs before she was born but they have got on great with her.( irish setters) but if you dont really like hiking out for long walks and a bit of funny madness not a good breed to pick hehehehe.  But i love them.  Good luck in your puppy search and hope you find something to adore for ever.
Hayley + the gang

Thanks everyone for all the replies, some really good advice. I would like quite a robust dog as it is a busy house and a very sensitive dog might find it a bit much to cope with.

Cavaliers are gorgeous and one of my favourite breeds.  In all the years I have been grooming never met a nasty one.  They dont require excessive amounts of excercise although to keep in shape as with all animals they need some.  I dont think I have ever seen one have a bundle with another dog although I am sure if it came to live with me it would. ;)

In your years of grooming what other breeds do you like?
I like Cavaliers but unfortunately my husband hates them as a nasty relative of his used to breed them when he was a kid...so can't persuade him on this breed...a non starter!
Would be nice to hear from people on their favourite breeds and why they like them.

Caveleir king charles are superb with kids and very affectionate loving and loyal i had a little boy years ago he was the best breed i found for me anyway staffies are just as loyal but require a lot of excersise very active i think the word im looking for is but loving all the same good luck :)

What can I say ... a blue roan cocker spaniel !!

We have a puppy.  We've also got a labrador (amazing dogs but v.hard work for first two years), 2 cats and 3 kids, youngest of whom is 4.  The puppy and breed are naughty and stubborn but incredibly funny with it, gentle, relatively easy to train I believe, playful, able to do the things kids like like retrieve a ball, usually fine with other animals and dogs etc.etc.  I'd suggest you read up a bit about them, but if you do go for a cocker spaniel, just remember that there are 2 types, worker types and show types, and the worker types need a *lot* more stimulation and exercise than the *show* types.

i agree with the border terrier idea!
or maybe a beagle?
or one of those PGVB

Definately dont get a beagle.  They do require daily excercise and I would say are not ideal for the first time dog owner.  Although my one is not a looney I have been told I am in the minority.  They have lovely natures (except when having phantoms) but a lot of owners wont let them off the lead when they get older because of them not returning.  Somebody on here as got the gold good citizen so they can be trained.

I still think a cavalier but if not what about a miniature schnauzer.  They are hardy, got lots of personality and are usually quite good with dogs.  A whippet or greyhounds are lovely as well.  Lovely natured and only require short bursts of excercise.

I personally wouldnt have a border terrier either as being a terrier they are sometimes not the greatest with other dogs and that does seem to one of your concerns. 

i agree with the border terrier idea!
or maybe a beagle?
or one of those PGVB

of course the best dog is a BC,but may not be suitable for your situation

Excuse my ignorance but what's a PGVB? And I'm guessing a BC is a border collie? Don't think we have enough space for a collie.

My brother had a cocker and it was totally insane...all over the place, totally scatty and absolutely no amount of exercise seemed to tire it out! Maybe it was from working stock. They are gorgeous though i agree and are on my huge list of possibles.

If it was that nutty, it does sound as though it was from working stock.  They are very different.

My friend has got a working cocker puppy and he's a lot more exciteable and energetic than my show type, although equally gorgeous.

Personally I would not get a collie or other herding type dog because of the ages of your children.
If you get a hound type like a Beagle or similar as suggested by someone, to bear in mind that if you let them off the lead and they get a scent, they can be off and gone and deaf to recall.  I know that I'd find that difficult with children, and also difficult if I had to always have the dog on the lead.

For me, I wanted a dog that could play with my children and enjoy their company not just tolerate them.

Another suggestion to you would be to contact your local rescue, or look on a few of the dog rescue boards for a dog that has been assessed by someone experienced and that would be being suitable for your family.  My 7yo labrador was a rescue and we had her when she was 4.  She is the easiest most loving dog, fab with the kids, and because she was a bit older, had grown out of all the nuttiness, chewing etc. 

I would like to get a rescue dog and am actively looking but rescue centres seem very unwilling to home dogs with young children, whether it be for the good of the children or dog I don't know. Also the added complication of having a cat and 2 budgies isn't helping but I'll keep looking. a friend told me yesterday that 150 homeless dogs are put down each day so it seems madness in some ways to go and buy a dog from a breeder when there are so many looking for homes.

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http://www.iams.com/en_US/jhtmls/breed_selector/sw_BreedSelector_page.jhtml;jsessionid=TNCNUXGMDCN3NQFIAJ2IYCQ?li=en_US&bc=I&pti=BS

Not sure if the link above is going to work so if not try a google search for:

Iams dog breed selector

Has a very detailed quiz and links to info. on the breeds

Have you ever tried the Iams facility?

I've just done it and put in all the characteristics of my breed, guess what?  the breed most recommended was one I'd never live with in a million years, the rest of them were just as bad, what on earth is the criteria for the breeds as they have no resemblance to what i typed in :rolleyes:  I really wouldn't recommend using this to choose the dog you will live with for the next 12 - 16 years!!

try here ;)

http://www.the-kennel-club.org.uk/

click on breed standards and be amazed at the number of de=ifferent breeds :D  all you have to do then is make a shortlist and contact the breed clubs to try and arrange to meet some of your favoured breeds - and of course there's discover dogs ;)

I agree with Border Terriers - ours is now 12 months old and fabulous - can take her anywhere :)
Well same iwth my other dogs - Lab, BC and Malamute but I think they'd be too big.

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievr could be ideal but not easy to get hold of.

Yes, I did use the Iams site, putting in the characteristics of my Lab and Labs came out as the top recommendation.  It seemed to be a lot more specific than some other such sites I've seen and I thought the breed descriptions were pretty good too.  I don't think it's too bad as a place to start looking to find out what breeds you should investigate further.  "Investigate further" being key words.  What is your breed?

You do get pups in rescue as well :)

I think lots of rescues are unwilling to home to families with very young children, more for the dogs sake than the childrens, because children can be the cause of the dog learning bad behaviour, getting hurt, getting yelled at etc.

Sometimes parents find it hard to see their toddlers covered in scratch marks, to watch a dog jump up and lick a 3yo's face, to pinch biscuits and other food from a childs hand.  Sometimes the 'mouthing' period with a puppy is something that whilst completely normal and natural, becomes a problem, because when the puppy chews a toddlers ankle, it hurts. etc.etc.

Personally, I think it's fine having a dog with young children, but you do need to be careful of what puppy or dog you get, and of how you teach your children to behave around it.

http://www.dogpages.org.uk

Pop a note in the homes offered on the forum on this site too, and see what reactions you get.

What ???

You haven't thought about a dalmatian !!

Wow !! I can't believe it

Maybe I'm a liitle bit biased

Good luck in whatever you decide upon

We've had our little ball of spots for 3 weeks and all has been fine, well until today ... see my own posting

From what the OP says, a dalmatian would be one of the last breeds I'd suggest! (And I have 4 ...) Look at the criteria - not too much exercise, non-moulting - a dalmatian's a non-starter! ;)

Hi, I wasn't really being serious ... in fact I didn't even the complete original posting .. it's just that I like dalmatians, so thought I'd add a quick comment.

Thanks anyway ... I'll make sure I read everything in future before adding a comment. Yes I do agree, a dalmatian won't be right for everyone, in fact not right for a lot of people really

No worries! It's more that most people aren't right for a dalmatian, not the other way about! ;) :D :D

Scottie :-D

Sturdy (known as the big dog on little legs, built like a tank but only take up small amount of space), low exercise requirement - if you walk them for an hour they will happily walk for an hour, if you only have ten minutes, they'll be just as happy with 10 minutes, so very adaptable.

Loves training sessions and learning tricks (totally focused, I get bored before she does), not hyper, barks at noise when someone is outside only (and barks at the back door once for a wee, because I taught her to, but only ever one short sharp bark, is quiet the rest of the day).

But then of course I'm biased and recommending my own breed:-D

Would you really suggest a dalmation to someone in the posters position with 2 young children and not a whole lot of doggy experience?  I thought they were actually quite difficult dogs, not to mention quite hyper and prone to deafness which would need even more experience to manage.