Puppy for the family

[pjm007]

I have a wife and two young children, (5 & 3) We would like to get a dog as a family pet, we would like to get a puppy so as to train him and get him used to family life from a young age. The breed of dog is yet undecided, we would like one small to medium size, obviously good with children and generally a good companion. Also do we need some sort of license to own a dog ?

[silly moo]

You don't need a licence any more.
Are you sure that a puppy and a 3 yr old will mix well?
I would try dog rescue homes as a first stop.
I think it's much better to save a dog than to pay a fortune for a pedigree.
My rescue mutt (too many breeds but lots of terrier ) is a very loving dog indeed.

[pjm007]

We too think a rescue centre would be a good place to start, we are not bothered whether its a pedigree and agree entirely about saving a dog. Can you suggest any breeds or cross-breeds that might fit in with our family environment ?

[SteveD]

Have a look here:

http://www.ourdogs.chilly-hippo.co.uk/choosingdog.htm

or here:

http://www.darwinvets.plus.com/dogs/chose.htm

or here:

http://www.petnet.com.au/

[pjm007]

Thanks for the links SteveD...I'm sure they will make interesting reading.

[Tweed]

Go for a mongrel, less vet fees and they're smarter.

[mrs.pudding]

We've had three lurchers over the last 25 years, large and small, and they have all adored small children!  My old one (11) still dashes up to prams and toddlers  with great joy.  Mind you, it might be what they've dribbled down their chins that makes her so pleased to see them!

[pjm007]

Mrs.pudding, since reading your answer i have read up about lurchers on the net, they seem to be the perfect sort of dog for a family with children, infact everything about them sounds like just the sort of dog we would be interested in getting. We would really like a smallish one. Is it possible that you could give me anymore infomation on sizes that could be available for this type of dog. I look forward to your reply.

[Solarjunkie]

http://www.ggll.co.uk/

This should help! Warning: all lurchers and sight hounds demand a cosy sofa and a great deal of cuddling.

[pjm007]

Two questions: What are Jack Russels like with young children as a family pet ? What sort of dog is 'Lucky' from the 'More Than' insurance adverts ?

[gibbsse]

Hi there

I have a Jack Russell (from a rescue centre) and he's a Brilliant dog, very good fun but very boisterous! I wouldn't recommend having one with young children though as from experience they have a low tolerance level, he can get very snappy and will growl and nip if you push him too far, ie if he's had enough of playing or if you pull his ears or tail too often! and i know that children love to do that!

[mrs.pudding]

We currently have a bedlington x whippet lurcher (looks a bit like Alfred in Heartbeat but is about the size of a fox terrier.  She's not very bright, loves the sofa as Solarjunkie says, and is the most cheerful, friendly thing you could want.  They are quite a common cross up North but in our part of Gloucestershire she seems to be something of a rarity. - She does chase rabbits but we haven't encouraged her to catch them and she seems to think it's all a game and always leaves them at the last moment! 

I admit I am a lurcher fan but I do think you could do a lot worse.  They love walks but don't seem to mind if one can't be fitted in. 

[pjm007]

Hello mrs.pudding, i've just been looking up Bedlington X Whippets on the net, not too many pictures but thier temprement and attitude towards family life sound appealing. By the way a Bedlington terrier (pedigree) looks more like a lamb than a dog, don't you agree?

[littleoldme]

pjm007 - the trouble with Jack Russells, as with many types of terrier, is that it's really luck of the draw. Many are perfectly lovable, friendly little dogs, but they can have a tendency to be a bit snappy - not fierce or likely to attack a child seriously, but they can sometimes 'forget themselves' if, for instance, a small child should pull its tail, and just turn round and give a quick nip. As I say, nothing serious, but painful for kiddie.

[pjm007]

littleoldme, thanks for the advice.

[mrs.pudding]

Bedlingtons are very lamb-like in looks.  Ours is roughly that shape but a blackish grey and without the curls.  She doesn't moult much which is an advantage but loves muddy puddles which isn't.

Good luck with whatever you get and enjoy it.

[little_miss]

I have a black labrador and he is great with kids and elderly people and basicly anyone who comes along. He is a Pedigree and he is the runt (just a bit smaller). I paid 150 pounds (from a friend) for him and he is so well behaved. He had a wee once inside the house and Never did number 2s in the house.He isn't too big and they are such a loving breed. you should also go to www.the-kennel-club.org.uk It has so much info on breed types and tells you how suitable they are with children, other pets etc. I hope i've been some help!

[SuzySues]

I agree about Labs, Golden Retrievers love children too, but they may be too big for you. They are strong & demand attention & cuddles all the time!!

When I read your first post I immediately thought of a  Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, it is a happy outgoing, loving little dog who will get along well with children, other dogs and cats. would be ideal. They are lovely little dogs & are a great family pet. Very loving & loyal.  Oooh! I am tempted to get one myself!! lol

"Always buy a puppy from a specialist breeder, where you can expect to see the mother and sometimes the father. NEVER obtain a puppy from a Pet Shop, Market or Puppy Dealer. Beware of agreeing to meet people and puppies in public places, always ask to see a puppy in it's home environment."

Please help to stop puppy farms!

[Gem123]

I had a king charler spaniel when i was a little girl and i loved him to bits he was the best dog ever and put up with my childish ways!

I was devostated when he went to doggy heaven!

[Bully2112]

My wife and I had a Boxer for 11 years, the last 4 being with our young childen. She was always very loving and extremely gentle with the kids. She died in November, after much thought we decided to get another dog and again opted for a Boxer. Clearly, we had concerns about having a puppy in the house and also would this one be as good as the last. We are now 2months down the line, and we are absolutely delighted. It seems to me that the temperment of the Boxer breed is very consistent, our new Pup reacts and handles herself in exactly the same way as our previous Boxer.

Boxers are wonderful dogs, but they are not right for everyone. They need a lot of attention and excercise. The best bit of advice I have had from Breeders is to firstly, make absolutely sure you want a dog, they are a real tie and burden upon you and your family - but the rewards are great. Secondly, do your homework on the type of breed, its characteristics and temperment. At this point if you know what you breed you want and are fully in tune with the impact of having a puppy in your family, start contacting breeders/kennel club etc. We were a looking for a red Boxer bitch, I was told it was likely it could take me 9 months to find the right dog, I got really lucky and found one fairly quickly, bred from a Crufts champion.

My personal opinion is to not go for rescue dogs, find a reputable breeder, see the parents, ask all the right questions and dont jump at the first one you see. A reputable breeder should answer any difficult questions you may have, and will also insure your puppy for 8 weeks after you take them.

Good luck with your search.

[willowpup]

HI there, we have a rescue dog from www.freewebs.com/manytearsrescue/ and she is the sweetest, most loving and beautiful dog I have ever known, she is an absolute joy. The people at Many Tears and most reputable rescue centers would only home dogs they were 100% positive were OK if you had kids, plus there are an awful lot of tiny puppy's out there, so the best of both worlds, helping an abandoned pup and also knowing you are going to be bringing her up yourself so can be confident about the kids, good luck X