First Family dog

[wizzler]

Guidance please !
DH has just stopped work so is now a SAHD. DC are 5 and 7, sensible ( as sensible as 5 and 7 can be ), and we feel we are now ready for a dog. Planning to start the search in earnest in the new year.

I dont really care whether its a pedigree or a mutt, but I want it to be kind, and good natured with the kids. I dont want it to do tricks, but would like it to be trainable to some extent!

Cursory glance at local rescue centre internet sites show lots of Staffies etc, and I know they probably get a bad press but I dont trust them ( please don't flame me!!) and DD has been frightened by one in the past when it rushed her on one of our walks.

Preference is for a dog that doesnt moult as DH has some history of allergy. Am happy to have a hybrid ( say a poodle cross), but I dont want to use a puppy farmer, and not sure how to find a breeder that isn't as it seems only pedigree breeders are KC registered.

I am leaning towards a puppy as then I would know its history..

Anyway.. ramble over : what sort of dog would you recommend, and would you recommend dog/ bitch?.

Any brilliant ideas on where to find such a creature?

I live in Yorkshire if it helps.

[multipoodles]

If you're looking for a dog that does not moult then a crossbred is not what you are after, coats vary and breeders will tell you they don't moult just to sell a puppy.

Here are a selection of poodles, the ideal non moulting breed, don't have to keep them in a poodle trim, lots of people let them grow wild'n'hairy lol

poodlesinneed.com/DOGSFORREHOMING.aspx

[Lyftiduft]

or Bedlington terriers- also non-moulting. The ones we know are great family dogs, ours (bitch) is lovely, very sweet and good natured with DS (almost 1yo) but will still defend the house when she needs to! She's currently curled up next to me on a fleece :)

Re. getting one, try contacting the club for the breed (when you work out what you want), they'll have a list of breeders/might know of people with pups in your area.

[batsintheroof]

On the allergy front- I have asthma and have found

yorkshire terriers and poodles are great
am also ok with lhasa apsos
fine with my greyhound (she does shed a little, hardly any compared to most dogs)

NOT ok with

labs
dalmations
collies
setters


That's most of the dogs I've come into contact with for any period of time.
Look at many tears for rescue puppies

[scrappydoodah]

Avoid working breeds, especially those that come from working stock. They are bred for a working lifestyle hence need a huge amount of exercise and brain work. Herding dogs are not good with small children as if they see anyone running they have a very strong instinct to herd and nip.

If you get a pup, make sure you meet the mum. If she is totally nuts, her pups probably will be too! If she isn't around, they are dodgy puppy brokers and you should run for the hills.

With respect to a litter, some say avoid the most dominant and the most submissive pups. Both will give you specific challenges.

Dogs are cheaper than bitches to neuter if that is an issue.

Puppies are really hard work, so a rescue dog may be an easier option.

[Elibean]

We were in very very similar situation - dc 7 and 5, dh history of allergies.

We found our forever mutt (aged 5 months: no house training to do!) on Many Tears website, and discovered that if a dog is in foster care (via a reputable rescue) you get the equivalent of very accurate history - in that he is tried and tested with kids, cats, dogs, chickens, etc etc. Its in the rescue's interest for re-homing to work, so they are very honest about the pup...and our Mouse is exactly as described on the tin

He is a very short-haired lab cross, hardly moults at all, adores people and dogs and gets petted left right and centre on walks.

Many Tears is in Wales - not at all local to us, but they foster nationwide so maybe worth a look?

[Scuttlebutter]

Have you considered a greyhound? Ex racers are usually calm, gentle dogs. They have very short, fine hair, and while it does shed a little, my DH has asthma and copes brilliantly with our three. Have a look here or here for two rescues in your area. Many greys are very good with children, and one of ours has done his Gold Kennel Club certificate, so although they will never be as trainable as a BC you can do a surprising amount with them. Generally ex racers are good in cars, and good on the lead, and will colonise your sofa. They are also very addictive..

[ditavonteesed]

if you are anywhere near sheffield go and visit the sheffield greyhound rescue, I went up there when we were first looking for a dog and they were lovely, let me look round meet the dogs and walk them. I dint end up with a grey as have cats and chickens, although you can get greys that are ok with cts and chickens. I found it really helpful to cement whther or not I really wanted a dog. wire haired dogs although they do moult are quite good with allergies as the hair is differetn and doesnt get stuck in the furniture/carpets etc. I would second not getting a working breed unless you are ready to spend a lot of time walking and training.

[PlasticFlamingo]

We have a minature schnauzer, he doesn't moult so good for allergies, but does need a haircut every 4-6 weeks.
He is a great size too, the older children can walk him (supervised) as even if he tried to take off, they have the strength to hold him. (Older kids aged 8 and 10)

He is a lovely family dog.

Growing up we had working dogs, border collies and labradors. Collies need loads of exercise, not always so great with kids and the labradors moult a lot, a lot, but are wonderful and friendly.

[saintmerryweather]

We've got tibetan terriers - one is a very quiet couch potato that we rescued and the other is our 8 month old puppy who is an absolute nutter (in a good way!). They are long haired but don't shed/moult and you can clip their hair of course if you don't want to groom it. They are brilliant little dogs but they can suffer from seperation anxiety so you'd have to get them used to being alone from an early age. They can be a bit stubborn and definately know their own minds but our bitch is as soft as butter, and tries her heart out at agility for me!

[Ringo81]

If you don't want a dog that moults and is brilliant with kids its got be a Bedlington terrier. Mine is brilliant with my kids, highly intelligent and easy to train. They are high energy dogs though that require a fair bit of exercise and can become destructive if left for long periods of time.

P.s they don't all look like the fluffy ones in crufts, especially if you get one from working parents as they're bred to have different coats. Make sure the parents have been tested clear for copper toxicosis as well.

[Ringo81]

Sorry that should be - if you want a dog that doesn't moult and is brilliant!!!!!

[MissBetsyTrotwood]

We are nearly 4 weeks in with our greyhound and he's super; placid, affectionate and all round good company.

Be prepared for a bit of a moult when you get them home though, as they are acclimatising to living in a home (having lived in chilly kennels up until then) and as a result of the general stress of moving. DH has had a bit of an itchy reaction but it is calming down now.

[wizzler]

Thanks for all the sage responses... ( although the Many Tears link made me cry)...

I am very tempted by Poodles and Bedlingtons.... , and will look into contacting one of the rescue centres.

I will let you know how I get on...