What dog?

[Tezzabell]

Hi, we live in a small house and have a daughter who is 3 and 2 cats..........we are considering getting a dog. I've never had a dog before but have done research and think i would make a responsible dog owner. Does anyone have any suggestions as to which type of dog, i have a couple of ideas bit would welcome views ideas and experiences, please, x

[craft1948]

I am biased as I have a westie.......lovely little dog, very clever, and great with children but do need stern training

http://s576.photobuck...t=Casper.jpg&newest=1

[tamborine]

Yorkshire terriers are small, need little exercise and minimum grooming.

http://www.welcometot...terrier_wallpaper.jpg

[jules77]

There are a lot of things to consider when buying a dog ie: exercise, grooming etc. But whatever you choose, do your homework and contact a breed club to get a breeder recommendation.

It may help you to look on the KC website at the different breeds.

http://www.the-kennel...eds/find/Default.aspx

[lankeela]

Give us an idea of the breeds you like and I am sure we can guide you as to whether they would be suitable. Think about whether you want a long or short coat (can you be bothered to groom or pay someone regularly to clip it). Exercise - will you be able to give it a lot or only a short walk a couple of times a day. Feeding - the bigger the dog the dearer it costs to feed (and at the other end, the bigger the dog the more poo you have to clean up!). Vets bills tend to be bigger for bigger dogs too.
Lots more to consider but sounds like you are doing the right things.

[madmaggot]

Try this:
http://www.perfectpup.co.uk/index.php5

[lankeela]

Out of interest I tried an online 'selectadog' site, putting in small/medium dog that requires little or no grooming and low level of exercise. Result? They suggested amongst others a Samoyed, a Keeshond, an Afghan Hound and a Hungarian Puli!
Ye gods, what are they thinking about? These breed all need exceptional levels of grooming and exercise, and are hardly small or even medium.

[jules77]

I tried the KC one, medium breed, low exercise, and it came up with no breeds suitable. hmmmmm.

[boxtops]

Don't forget your cats in all this, you are going to need a breed which is good with children and cats. Do your cats like dogs? - you wouldn't want dog + cats = cats leaving home...

[karenmac60]

I have to say, I always had mongrels when I was growing up and I have one now as well as 2 cats and a daughter, and they can't be faulted for temprament. I'm not talking crossbreeds, I mean your genuine heinz 57 mix. I have met a lot of purebred dogs over the years and they all seem a little highly strung and delicate, and can often be a bit nippy wth children. My mongrels have always been pretty laid back and great with kids.

[craft1948]

General consenus among my friends seems to be that one of the nicest all-round small dogs to have is a Bichon Frise.......

[snags]

''Bichon Frise''

Aren't they a bit highly strung? I know someone who had one... vicious little bu88er it was...

[lankeela]

Well I recognised Peggy Mitchell but was the other one Pat Butcher?

[craft1948]

LOL snags...........I have never seen a vicious Bichon.......if anything I personally think they're a bit boring......

[fredpuli47]

Lankeela, how dare you say that we Pulik [Pulik = plural of Puli] require lots of grooming and are not small or medium? We're medium. Grooming? We're not poodles ! Run your fingers through the coat frequently and we're fine.However, we're stubborn and can be right little Bs and are not afraid of a fight (we'll fight anything, if challenged, and spend our lives growling under our breath at other dogs, just being 'friendly' you understand).NOT recommended with young children, who may not understand.

[craft1948]

The nastiest dog I ever had was a chihuahua........it was a rescue dog from the RSPCA and managed to bite 4 people in 3 days.......

[craft1948]

I gave it back to the RSPCA......