wot dog?

[superswally]

We would like to buy a wee dog in the near future but are unsure which breed would suit our family best. A small dog would be prefered as we live in a flat but not a rug rat. I like the look of Buster Paul OGrady's dog but dont know the breed. We have two children aged 9 and 6 and also my partners children 10 and 13 at weekends so a good nature and patience is a must. Any suggestions would be appreciated cheers.

[horsestache1]

Try a rescue centre, get a mongrel, great pets, little or no vets bills and they live a long time, they are inteligent and kind. AND they relly need homes

[electricblue]

Paul o'gradys dog buster is a lhaso apso/shiht tzu cross!
I agree with horsetache,a rescue centre would be a great way to go,and theres some lovely little personalities in there,have you got anything to lose?

[janetsflower]

Rescue centre is a great idea, they are full of animals in need of homes. Otherwise what about something like a west highland terrier. They are sturdy little dogs with big personalities though not as aggressive as many other terrier breeds, small enough to pick up and cuddle without being rat like!

[janeo]

Jacc Russells, Border Terriers & Cavaliar King Charles Spaniels all make great pets.

[kittenlittle]

I got a rescue dog in May, he looks like tiny labrador, we think we see labrador/ smooth black white collie/ whippet/ staffordshire terrier in him!! He is an absolute ANGEL. He doesn't mess in the house, or chew and is SOOOO loving, he is always wagging and coming for cuddles. Apparently staffordshire terriers are known as 'nanny dogs' as they are so good with children. I would definitely go for a mongrel as they aren't prone to breed specific illnesses (I've had 2 pure bred golden retrievers). Also, consider a short coat as it dries quicker, less shedding, less clipping/ grooming.
Enjoy your new dog, mine was the best decision I've ever made.

[maggie01]

As you live in a flat I don't think some of the dogs mentioned would be suitable. Paul 0'Grady's dog I believe was a rescue dog and I don't think you can go far wrong with a Shi-tzu. (I have two). They don't need masses of excercise and are quite happy snoozing. They are very friendly, lovable dogs who just adore people. Of course like all dogs therer may be one who is an exception but I have never seen one. One thing to remember though, is that they do need trimming every 8 weeks or so unless you intend to keep them long coated which is hard work especially if you have children. Good luck with whatever breed you choose.

[Carakeel]

I have a Shih-Tzu and must tell you that they are the greatest fun to have around. Shih-Tzus and Lh. Apsos are no trouble at all! I do really like Terriers, but people tend to forget that most Terrier breeds are often happier working (as this is what they were initially bred for), going underground and chasing. So, they can be extremely energetic, barky and demanding. I have had large breeds in the past as well and will some day have them again- i.e. Irish Setter and Irish Wolfhounds - all wonderful. But you are right to look for a dog that suits both your lifestyle and your surroundings at present. I wish more people would be so sensible! Shih-Tzus and Lhasa Apsos are wonderful to keep as they are cheerful, happy, intelligent, easy to train and can be taken practically anywhere. The only thing you must consider is that they do have very long coats, which if you are not showing them, are best kept short. Looks much cuter and makes for a far happier dog. This only needs to be done ever 4-6 months though and costs around �25. I clip my dog's coat myself and so it costs me nothing. I am sure you already know this, but in the end, it is how you treat your dog and how you train it that will make it either your ideal dog and best friend or your worst nightmare. If you get the chance, take your pup to puppy training classes (prefereably clicker training). You will both have a fabulous time with loads of laughs and you will end up with a well behaved, safe and happy little dog. If you can't , you can get clicker training videos and books for little money at most book shops and some pet shops. My little Sammy is actually an excellent watch dog too. All of my dogs (including my present one, a Shih-Tzu) have alerted me to anyone coming to my door, which is great. We are the only house in our terrace that has not been broken in to in the past 20 years. Whatever dog you end up with, I wish you loads of fun, health and happiness with it.

[maggie01]

Carkeel. My shih-tzus have to be clipped every eight weeks and it cost �45. each.

[maggie01]

Sorry Carakeel

[Carakeel]

No problem maggie01 ... shame you have to pay so much though. But don't you love the little fellows? They are such marvelous characters. Maybe I am just lucky with mine. He does have an extremely thick, beautiful coat, but I do clip him very short each time I do it. Our vet has a great groomer, who is very experienced and only charges �25, but this is probably cheaper than most as we live in the country. I would imagine that city groomers do charge far more. Although it does take me a fairly long time to clip Sammy, he loves it and looks great when finished. So, well worth learning to do it yourself if you can. Our Sammy will be joined by an Irish Wolfhound sometime in the future, as I have had several and do miss my Wolfies. The two breeds go together very well, despite the size difference. Oh, by the way superswally, I have five grandchildren (ages 1-13) and our Sammy is incredibly gentle with all of them, even when playing rugh with the older kids. Mind you, I have always taught my puppies that gentle mouthing is ok, but anything more than gentle mouthing is NOT accepted. This way the dogs are extremely safe and calm when small children go exploring doggies' mouths and children are safe giving the dogs treats. My vets always appreciate this a lot as the dogs don't mind having their mouth/teeth checked or cleaned. If a dog has no fear of a human's hand, it is unlikely to ever bite it. An old vet and animal trainer taught me that many years ago.

[dohnutdic]

I have a 2 year old Border Terrier, and twochildren aged 10 and 5. The dog is more attached to the youngest child than anyone else in the house, he likes to kiss him all the time and play with him constantly. When we got the dog as a pup he never bit our youngest even though he would always be mythering the dog (pulling his tail and chasing him). He is a very loyal dog who enjoys curling up for a cuddle at night time, but when he goes out for a walk he is a real adventurer. Borders like long walks but are just as happy with a quick walk round the block, ideal after coming home from work!! I would choose another border tommorow.

[bubbly girly]

cairn terriers rule!