Hi I have been thinking of buying a dog for six months now and every breed that I look into seems to have problems with health or behavior. Initially was researching Sharpei and have heard lots of bad reports that they are not good with children, I have two small girls 7 and 3.  Then was thinking about English Bulldog and have a friend who states they have all kinds of medical problems with eyes and hips as he owns one. Finally have been looking at Beagles but then got side tracked onto Puggles now I know that the are cross breeds and I am not after a designer dog just a medium sized family pet. Can any one suggest a good breed of dog that will suit my family. I live in a large town house and work part time and am thinking of buying one after Christmas!

Have a look on the homepage of CD, click on guided search, decide what group you would like eg gundog group, Hound Group etc, click on the group then you will have a list of breeds that falls into each group. Research all that you like and phone the relevant breed clubs for more information, health etc and reputable breeders. All of this can be found on Champdogs but ultimately the choice of dog is yours. Do all of your research, make sure that the sire and dam have all the relevant health screening tests and go from there. Good luck with your search

All breeds can be prone to health problems, You are best looking for a reputable breeder of your chosen breed, talk to breed clubs who will be able to put you in touch with breeders who do all relevent health checks for that breed. A three year old would have to be watched very closley around any dog aswell :rolleyes:

All breeeds and cross breeds can have health and temperament problems.  At least with some breeds you can check which breeders do their best to breed healthily by having their dogs health checked then go to them.  Youa re best contacting breed clubs of the breeds that you are interested in and they should put you in touch with suitable breeders.

What you have to remember is that health problems do need to be taken in context.  Some are quite rare and good breeders try their best to avoid them, and bad/casual breeders only avoid them by dumb luck.

Sadly the Vast majority of pups are bred casually for commercial gain or out and out puppy farmed.  A smaller proportion of dedicated breeders act as custodians of their breeders and these strive to only produce the best they can with the current knowledge and science available.

Any breed that is fashionalbel will be prone to exploitation and both temperametn and health will suffer with the poorly bred ones.  Both the first two named breeds come into that category.  That isn't to say they do not have health issues as both are nto exactly of a natural canien conformation, with various typical features that can pre dispose to problems.  Wrinkles can equal skin problems, and interference with breathing and deep set eyes and heavy facial features to eye issues.

As to the ideal family dog I think you will find most people will think their breed of choice the ideal family companion, I know I certainly do and have foudn that to be the case, but this is because my dogs have been brought up to my ways and have excellent temperametns, because I went to a reputable breeder who had such dogs.  In fact heres had little or no dealings with kids yet coped with my pre schooler and toddler without batting an eye lid.

Remember one mans meat is another mans poison.  For example none of the three breeds you mention would suit me.

So go through the relevent breed clubs to check the breeder is reputable.

Have taken what you all have said on board and intend to research more before
going ahead, as I would prefer to wait and make the right choice than jump in and regret it later. Thank you again for all your help.

If you have any time next weekend and can get to London, Discover dogs is an ideal place to start.  You can get to meet the different breeds and talk to experience owners and breeders.
http://www.discover-dogs.org.uk/

would highly recommend this as nothing beats seeing the dogs in person!