Heloooooo everybody!

[firewatch]

Im back been a manic crap few weeks so not been on sowee :(
Motor bikes blown its alternator to oblivion so had to fix that, all of us have had flu, changing tablets and feeling rubbish because of it but at least im sleeping, ok some seriously weird dreams but meh im sleeping!
Other half is thinking of getting a dog only in the very early stages as we have to yet get the green light from the landlord, plus we dont know what to get, so heres my question. Which sort of dog is best for a family with a two year old child, would be able to get out in the garden and be taken for regular walks (we have some fab woods behind us, and Cwmcan up the road). We are thinking of going to crufts this year as I am more of a cat person, so dogs are a grey area my husbands parents have bred show staffs and akitas, but they just are not for me.

[sunny-dave]

Go to the local Dogs Trust - take mini-firewatch with you - find a medium sized cross-breed that likes children and that min-fw isn't scared of.

Something that is about 50% lab/retriever would probably be good - collie crosses are very bright and good fun (I've got a lovely one) but can be a bit jumpy with small people sometimes.

[sunny-dave]

... oh, and it's lovely to see you back again :+)

d xx

[Psybbo]

Just look at my avatar , schnausers are lovely

[firewatch]

lol thanks SD mr F wants a collie cross or a springer, cocker or lab. We have 2 dog pounds near us we can go too she is not good with smaller dogs or staffs (in laws had one not thinking of little f and it used her a as a launch pad leaving her with deep scratches)

[starone]

Don't misunderstand - I love animals, but still believe they are not good where there are children. I know some are, but I wouldn't care to take the chance with my precious little one.

[tenrec]

Nice to see you bak. Agree with Starbuckone

[tenrec]

back!

[firewatch]

thats just it-i think shes still a little to young but hubby insists shes the right age. Yes i do love the Schnauzer but they are nooot cheap!

[sunny-dave]

Gizmo

http://oi44.tinypic.com/10d5bao.jpg

[seadogg]

I'm biased too sibton

[firewatch]

can i nick?? Hes loverly! Going to convince my hubby to go to cardiff dogs home as there website has some loverly mature family dogs up for adoption mostly mutts but meh, they have a beautiful collie cross beagle (head beagle body collie) on there.

[seadogg]

A wise and handsome beast dave.

If you have room, rescue greyhounds can be incredibly laid back and good with children

[boxtops]

those dogs you thinking of need loads of exercise - our neighbours have an assortment of those, and they say the dogs get bored quite quickly without lots of entertainment.

[firewatch]

theres a loopy old wolf hound next door, and i love grey hounds, as does mini f but my husband seems to think they need walking miles, I cant get it into him that they are 40 mile an hour couch potatoes, AND there is a lurcher/wolf hound rescue group in our city my sofa is crying out for a woofer!

[cazzz1975]

I hope you are not buying the dog for the daughter? dogs are a big commitment, you have to devote time daily to long walks (the bigger the dog the more exercise) labs and spaniels are working dogs and get bored easily, they need lots of attention and lots of opportunity for long runs.

also be aware that with a youngster around the house make sure you scoop the poop

[seadogg]

You are dead right about greyhounds. They need little walking, just enough to keep the claws nice and short. Spend a while each day with one whose people not very fit and he is great.

[firewatch]

No the dog is as much for the family as it is for her, would get us out more doign what we love and thats walking simply havnr done enough for a while. We used to walk the malvern every weekend!

[nungate]

I've heard that retired racing greyhounds make lovely pets, and don't need too much in the way of exercise as they are nice lazy lumps - maybe you could check out websites that deal with them. I grew up with dogs, mostly terriers - life is definitely merrier with a terrier but they can be hard work as can most dogs. We are now the hostages of four cats, and despite it being a bit like living in a Tom and Jerry cartoon at times the cats are definitely easier and less hard work than a dog (as much as I want one). Having said all that I think introducing a dog into a home with a 2 year old is a bit premature. I hope you are all feeling much better now

[firewatch]

there are pardon my french-Sugar loads of grey hounds in need of homes! think mr f is being talked into a grey hound, and most have been fostered with smaller children.