New Dog

[thenettyprofessor]

We have a dog, she is getting on but plenty of life left in her. She is fantastic, and so good with our kids age 5 and 7. She is a large Jack Russell cross rescue dog, absolute heart of gold and wouldn't want to replace just give her a friend.
We are considering getting another and do not mind size or looks but
I want to know what you would consider a real family dog, needs to be:
--great with kids
--not too much walking up to an hour a day, longer on weekends
--happy to be alone/with other dog for 2 hrs in the day
I would love a larger dog but doesn't matter.
Ideas please

Greyhound!

Rescue lurcher

Staffie but probably a male as you have a female terrier already. I rescued a bitch Staffie two years ago, she's now three and I also have an almost 9yr old male retriever. She is the most fun loving, loyal and loving dog and so easy to look after. She would walk 10 miles with me if I wanted her to, likewise she is happy with an hours walk a day. She seems to adapt to our lifestyle and she is great with children. I know you need to be aware of rescuing a Staffie as we can't deny some of them have had a difficult background. Our local dogs trust was a great help to us, ensuring we found a suitable mate for our older retriever

A whippet.

Pomeranian :)

I am trying to convince other half that a Greyhound or lurcher would be lovely, he doesn't want one though.

I'm in the middle of adopting a greyhound. They are the best dogs.

Greyhound rec here too!

I have a Tibetan terrier mix and she's absolutely lovely. I never want another breed.

Check the breeds in any lurcher.

What about a Labrador?

We've got a wonderful German shepherd that fits your criteria

You've not mentioned about grooming though is this some thing you could do daily? The extra hoovering broke a Henry in two years and would rule out several breeds

If you want a dog that can be left for a bit stright away then older is better

Do consider as well if your older dog is getting on will they get left behind on the long weekend walks?
While it's nice to still have a dog in the house when you loose one a new younger dog arriving in your old dogs golden years might make them feel displaced

Labradors need a lot of exercise.

Would you be looking at getting a puppy or an older dog? Greyhound or certain Lurcher/Longdog crosses were also my first thoughts on reading your list. If you're not dead set on looks/breed though then I would go to a good rescue, tell them your requirements and see what they suggest.

I say forget the breed specific recommendations and go for a wander round your nearest non-RSPCA rescue. What tugs your heart strings and what does the rescue recommend given your circumstances?

If you’re set on a puppy, then labs are lovely, often dopey, but ensure you have seen genuine certificates for parents’ hipscores and all other breed recommended health tests (not checks!).

I’ve had a lurcher and labradors. Both are great with kids. Both can be left at home alone as long as they’re well exercised.
I would recommend a slightly older dog than a puppy under the circumstances. Go to a local rescue home and take home a dog that chooses you.

As a teen we had an exceptionally docile 7yo incredibly sociable jack Russell, then Dad brought a 5yo rescue border collie home. BC was twice the size of the JR but JR still enforced her superiority. So basically do what you need to but be aware that a dog can seriously change the dynamic whether you think it will or not

Doesn't have to be a pup. We got our dog and previous from a charity and they are great. I am just in the position to decide.
I would love any breed but OH says no to greyhound, lurcher, whippet.
Thanks all to your replies. Duprasi it is one of my concerns, but she loves other dogs I think It might make her golden years more worthwhile....

Why not go back to the same rescue and see what they have that takes your fancy?

I prefer similar types of dogs together, they often play together better, and similar ages work well too (a couple of years apart perhaps, but not a huge gap).

My lovely Basset Hound was great with my DC and they're definitely not a breed that needs a lot of walking around!

I have a dogue de Boudreaux (turner and hooch) and he ticks all of the boxes above. Big, gentle, lazy and dopey.... not sure I would have another breed now.

Labrador's make fantastic family members once past the puppy stage so if you're happy rescuing an older dog then lab is definitely one at the top of the list.
Lurchers/Greyhounds are another but I don't know enough about them to advise.
I have a lab x beagle who is now almost 10 who we rescued as a pup and a female springer.
We rescued a female Labrador years ago - she had been used for breeding and only ever knew a concrete kennel floor so was in heaven with her own bed and quilt. She was seven at the time and we lost her about 5 years ago but I still miss her xx

Staffy!

Great with kids. Mine is super chilled and so gentle.

Do you think your old pup would welcome a new arrival as a friend?

Would you consider another rescue?
www.terriersos.com/dogs/alba-dawn-wft

Larger breeds generally need more walks to keep them in a decent temperament. I’m not sure if retrievers or labradors or larger breeds (Siberian husky, German Shepard etc) will be okay with an hour walk when they’re young and full of energy, as they might end up being a bit destructive at home

Beagle or cocker spaniel