We are considering getting a dog. It doesn't need to be a puppy so rescue dogs are very much an option but I personally have very little experience of dogs and am not sure where to start. We have 3 kids (6, 4 and 1) and I don't work so no concerns there. We have a small garden and parks etc nearby. We don't have a very big house though so needs to be a fairly small dog although nothing daft looking which needs to go in a handbag. I can't seem to find much online about the best small dogs for families, can anyone offer any suggestions? I was thinking of a Westie but that's only because I knew a lovely one years ago. Family have/ had entirely unsuitable dogs such a springer (too bouncy and mad), a shizhu cross (badly looked after so fat and horrid) , a Labrador (too huge), a Labradoodle (ditto, a Dalmatian (ditto...). I definitely think that a rescue dog will be our preference so I guess we might be guided by what they have suitable for kids. But if anyone could make any recommendations of breeds or general useful sources info for me as a dog novice (DH has had dogs most his life) I would be very grateful.
If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.
The doghouse
As a novice dog owner I would seriously think about waiting a couple of years until your youngest DC is 3/4. Dogs and crawlers/toddlers can be a difficult mix.
Don't underestimate the amount of work a new dog will be. You'll have to take it out everyday, whatever the weather, so although your older 2 will be at school the youngest will have to go, what if they're poorly or when the older ones are sick? The dog will still need a walk. And in the school holidays remember there will be no more impromptu days out as you will have to make arrangements for the dog.
From personal experience my Youngest DC had just turned 4 when we got DDog1, she is a Mini Schnauzer, often recommended as a good first time, family friendly dog. We thought of rescue but it's quite hard to find a reputable rescue (not a pound) that will rehome to a family with children below the age of about 10.
Our Mini was a complete land shark when she was a puppy and I did wonder if I had done the right thing, but she grew out of that and has the sweetest nature and excellent bite inhibition. She is, however, the most excitable, nosiest, independent, confident mare of a dog with unreliable recall and a love of exploring - she's going to be 9 this year and showing no signs of calming down... (I believe she is not typical of the breed 
trust my luck to get a lemon 
)
Think hard but good luck whatever you decide!
Most rescues will not rehome to you if you have young children. As a result we ended up with a puppy. Our youngest child was just coming up to a year at the time, but I had worked out how to fit in walking the dog with the school run and all of that end of things worked out very well. It did mean I had to sacrifice half an hour of my evening down-time to give her an evening run, but the fresh air did me good.
What I didn't allow for was enough time to train her. Luckily she was very easy-going with the DC and developed a decent recall, but her lead manners are still rubbish (she is 12 
). However, if you are not in paid employment, you should be able to find the time you'll need.
As a PP said, focus on activity level more than size - a Jack Russell terrier might look tempting due to being small, but they cram a lot of dog into a small body, and need a lot of walking and activity and can be little sods A small lurcher might suit you - perky enough to come on a long walk, but not manic enough to require an hour round the woods every morning. In my experience of them, most lurcher/whippet/greyhound type dogs are bone idle when at home.
Good luck with your decision. Lay in a stock of training treats and poo bags and prepare for a combination of fun and frustration.
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