Please talk to me about dog breeds!

[PullMeOutTrainwreck]

I've decided after a lot of thought to introduce a puppy into our family, it's the right time, my children are desperate and I have all the time in the world to but into him (would like a boy).

I love staffs, dachshunds and pugs but I would like to hear from others which breed do you think would be best with a 8yo and a 10yo.

Open for suggestions and advice, thank you!

Sausages and pugs come with a lot of issues - I’d seriously look into the breed deficiencies for both of these. I wouldn’t touch with a barge pole.

I’ve got a Jack Russell and had a Lab who died last year.

What do you want to do with the dog? Will you keep it busy? Do you want a dog that doesn’t do very much?

I'm certainly going to be active with him, walks, training and company is not a problem.

I'm sorry to hear about your lab, thank you for the advice about pugs and dachshunds I will definitely look into that.

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/4067933-Why-did-you-chose-the-breed-of-dog-you-did

That thread may be of some help

I've got a staffie. She's about 13/14 now so getting on, but still really sprightly, no major health issues whatsoever. She has been the best dog. Younger DD who is now 10 was born after we'd got her and she was never anything but tolerant, shes good fun, daft, a bit batty and clownish, but gentle and loves people. Nowadays she is often found in older DD's bed with her. She's not that bothered about other dogs although not aggressive (prefers humans), has been everywhere with us and generally added a lot to our lives. I don't care what anyone says about staffies, they can be amazing family dogs!

I've got a 7yo Jack Russell and he's totally bonkers but I wouldn't change him. He's strangely lazy for a terrier and he's a real diva - he won't walk in the rain or go near puddles

He's a proper little lapdog but also up for playing at the drop of a hat. A good mixture of energy and chilling out.

Our staffy is a wonderful girl. Amazing with toddler DD, loves all humans, dogs, cats, etc.

Enjoys a walk but spends the rest of her time snoozing next to us on the sofa. She's a dream really.

As above Pugs and Dachshunds often have a lot of medical issues, definitely worth looking in to and taking possible costs into consideration for them.

I would highly recommend Staffies. I grew up with them and we currently have a 7y/o boy and a 10 month old pup. Both are so friendly, affectionate, love other dogs and brilliant with babies/children!

They do love long walks so definitely worth thinking about. Need minimal grooming and are very obedient, although are very hyper as pups! But if you're willing to put in the time they make really good dogs!

Labs are prone to hip dysplasia; see if the parents have been checked for it. They're also bottomless pits, so watch that the kids don't overfeed him. They can get fat very easily.
Personally, I adore spaniels. We're on our third English Springer, and also have her Sprocker son. They're lunatics, but very loving.

Pugs and dachshunds have huge amounts of medical issues - I really wouldn't recommend either until the breeds improve, sadly.

Staffies are absolutely lovely dogs but they're strong, which is something to be prepared for with young children.

I have a dachshund and a dachshund x jrt.

Both have wonderful temperaments and fit in well with our family.

No health issues so far and both insured just in case.

I have a pug. She is my 2nd, both were rescues adopted as young adults. Our first we had from being 11 months and our second was 4 when we adopted her.

Pugs are lively, sweet, gorgeous little dogs with cracking personalities but they are also riddled with health problems and are not by any means an easy dog. A pug will need someone with them the vast majority of the day and they are more than a little high maintenance, insurance is essential, as is knowledge of breathing issues, eye issues, knee problems, hip and spinal issues and no end of dental problems.

We lost our first pug to a condition called Necrotising Meningoencephalitis. It was once thought to be a condition exclusive to pugs and went by the name pug dog encephalitis or PDE. PDE is an autoimmune condition that causes the dogs immune system to start attacking and killing the brain, leading to seizures that increase in length and severity and eventually death. Without prompt and expensive veterinary treatment this is usually quite quick with the dog dying within weeks, often days of the seizures starting. I literally went to bed one night with what I thought was a healthy dog and woke up the next morning to my worst nightmare. She died when she was 5 years old.

I would urge anyone considering a pug to really look into this condition and all the other issues pugs face and really, really think about whether or not they want to take that on. And if you do (as I have done, despite their issues I adore them and I'm willing to adjust my life to their needs) I implore you to please rescue a pug, there are dedicated pug rescues, please don't support the continued breeding of these animals, they are being bred to suffer.

Staffing definitely. They are one of the best of the terrier breeds for a family.

I had a Doberman who grew his weeks last year age 11. Not sure if you would like a big dog but he was the most gentle loving soul and amazing with my kids. A bit naughty with chewing stuff and needed lots of exercise as he was quite hectic, but great fun and very loyal xx

I grew up with staffies and they were the most beautiful and gentle clowns. Obviously training is really important (they are strong and you definitely don't want them pulling on the lead!).

Dachshunds are gorgeous but can be a little temperamental (in my experience anyway).

I'm not that familiar with pugs...

Enjoy your new family member

I absolutely love dogs and have had rescues and now have a pedigreed large breed boy who is nearly 2. I agree with everyone saying that you need to be careful about all the genetic diseases that pugs and other flat nosed breeds get, as well as the health problems of dachshunds. I grew up in South Africa where staffies are extremely popular and all the ones I knew were healthy, friendly and loyal dogs.

DD has a sausage. A more loveable little scamp I'm yet to find. He is insured to his eyeballs though.
He's also true to his hound self being stubborn and taking lots of extra work to train.