Please help

We have been considering getting a dog for quite a while now but with the hundreds of breeds it is difficult to decide which one is right for the dog and the family.

We have a moderate sized house with same garden, there is stream at the bottom (very shallow). We are an active family who enjoy being out and about. there are three children one girl aged 11 (who promises she will help look after the dog!!!!!!!) and twin boys aged 4. I (mum) work from home but I do want to be able to leave the house and not worry about leaving the dog for a while.

We holiday in France mainly but would like to be able to kennel the dog once a year if necessary.

Can you suggest some breeds?

Maria Harris.

hi Maria,
how about a springer spaniel...good with kids :) and very energetic.We looked into 4,5 differant dogs before getting it down to the last 2 which i then did loads of reading about to see which sounded the best for us.we decided on a cocker spaniel :)as i wanted a dog that would be good with children and i didnt want a dog that was too big.There are loads of dogs to choose from,do you have any personal favorites?you can join so that you can ask more questions and im sure some of the more exerienced board members can offer you good advise:)
hope to speak to you soon
chrissyxxx

Hi Maria
What a broad question. :)
Have you thought about traditional *family* dogs like Labradors & Golden Retrievers, both are happy, sunny, loving breeds.
Have you got a specific look you are attracted to? Will he/she be pet or do you want to work or show?
The Kennel Club web site has a discover dogs section so you could go on and just start looking at all the different breeds to see what catches your eye, then decide if it is a suitable, size & temperament, for your family.
Good luck, let us know what you decide :D
Nicky

A lot of breeds will make a bee line for that stream, can you cope with a wet dog, if not try and go for a breed that is not so keen on water. Perhaps not a lab or Springer. Jackie H

we are looking for a new addition too. we have decided on a chocolate lab, you are best doing some research for a while first as we did. Labs are good family dogs love companionship, playing field games with the kids and yes they do love water. Given the time they love to learn, so are easy to train. all I have to do now is find one. good luck to you.

Do you think you will have any problems securing your garden with the stream, dogs can wander up them you see. A secure garden is essential no matter what breed you choose. Personally I always think Cockers (of course) and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels go well with children, but I think the Cavalier will be less likely to mess with the stream and is easier to groom. I have never had any problems kennelling my cockers and I don't think Cavaliers would be overly sensitive about it either.

I agree that a Cavalier would be great, but don't bet on it not going in the stream - my cavalier loves water and jumps into any puddles, ponds, lakes, rivers etc. We went away at Easter to a cottage with a tiddler stream in the garden, and Louis was soaking wet a lot of the time as he couldnt resist a plunge!

How about one of the setters? I always like the look of the English and Gordon setters. Plus, they're a bit more unusual than spaniels and labs.

HOW ABOUT A GRAND OR PETIT BASSET GRIFFON VENDEEN. THEY ARE GREAT FAMILY DOGS AND JUST LOVE EVERYONE AND EVERYTHING.