I am new to this forum and hopefully someone can help.

I am looking for a puppy to buy in the West Midlands area. It needs to be smallish (terrier-size) , get on well with children (a 12-year old) and also our two Oriental cats.

My preference is for a daschund, my wife's preference a Bichon Frise and my son just wants a dog that he can care for ?

Am willing to travel to anywhere within reason - so any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

Martin

I think you need to be a little more specific when you talk about 'terrrier sized' as an Airedale is a terrier and I think you'd probably find it a little too big.......

Digger

I think Martin has already given us the clue by saying "smallish":D so I take it he means Cairn/Westie poss Border terrier sized.

The dogs you have quoted though Martin are very very different. How much time do you have daily to devote to a dog or is it going to largley your sons responsibility with Mum and Dad helping out as we inevitabley have to:D

Are there any particular traits you are looking for too - lots of grooming or little, lots of exercise or little etc.

Give us a bit more idea and we'll see what we can recommend.

Pam n the boys

Have decided definitely on a Border Terrier(dog , not bitch). My wife will be at hometo look after himbut we'll be 'encouraging' our son to do his fair share.
So far no luck with breeders so any help would be great .

Hi Martin,
Hmm, how to say this politely... your wife is most likely going to be who the dog bonds with the most, so she should have the most say in the matter. She'll be home + she's the adult. Realistically, she's also who is going to be doing all of the hard work raising it.

Your 12 year old, unless he takes over all of the training, cleaning, & feeding without argument, is not who the dog will naturally look to for guidance. He's young and has probably lots of interests. A puppy is fun to play with, but is he really willing to voluntarily do the work too? Dogs do realize that children are human puppies and they don't naturally mind them. He's also going to be away at school for a good chunk of the time. 6-8 hours is eternity in a puppy's day. You'll be away every day too.

That leaves good ole mum for entertaining, correcting, housetraining, feeding, and cleaning up after puppy. I hope she's ready for all this.
good luck with your search
toodles