Help- which breed of dog should I get

[woollyboots]

We are thinking of getting a puppy in New Year and dont really know which type is best with children - 8 6 and 4. We are thinking of a Tibetan terrier or choc lab. Can anyone help?

definately a lab. They are superb family dogs, easy to train and very obedient (in my experience!!)

Lab, but not the choc brown one, highly bread!

Cant get rid of this nickname, arrgghh...

a cuddly soft toy type of dog- see this thread for explanation

staffs are good with kids! although labs are v good as well. depends what sizze dog u want I suppose.

ooh must say thou, that terrier looks like a problem with all that fur, ie/ malting season, keeping the fur well groomed etc... the lad's prob the better bet in that respect.

Bearded collies (I think that's what they're called) are supposed to be good, and good with children, too. Though they look like Toto from Wizard of Oz ... not sure I could put up with that, but apparently very biddable

Labs are quite big but tend to need a little bit less excercise than a bonkers terrier.
Why don't you get a nice cross breed. They tand to live longer than pedigree dogs, and definitely have fewer hereditory type illnesses.
You could go for a terrier cross labe and get the best of both worlds.
If you are buying a lab, do ask for the hip score and if the eyes have been checked by a specialist. There are a number of disease that have eradication schemes that responsible breeders praticipate in.
Good luck!

How much room/time for exercise do you have?

Carla,We have the room for a lab and I chave time to walk the dog each morning.

I have a border terrier and he is LUSH. Fantastic with my boys (7 & 5)They regularly dress him up as a parate/cowboy/spaceman...he is fab with babies.Just rests his head in their lap whilst they pull his whiskers.Doesn't shed coz he's rough haired.Has a wonderful cheeky personality-howls at police sirens every day.Is so loyal that wherever I am he is and he always has to keep me in sight on a walk. Although he does make a bid for freedom if anyone leaves the gates open and is frequently found in Bagelicious.

We have a 2 year old chocolate lab (bitch) and a 17month old and they are great together like partners in crime. I found the breeder through the kennel club website and we were really pleased with them. She(the dog) has boundless energy and would happily be walked all day. She does need exercise everyday and space to run around in while indoors. Although they do tend to calm down a bit the older they get as she is calmer now than she used to be. You need to make sure you get a hip score from the puppies parents as this is a problem area particularly in labs when they get older. I think though if you go with a kennel club breeder you can be sure of getting a healthy dog and know all its family history. They are easy to train as they are very food orientated which if you don't treat them right can be a problem when eating meals as they will beg for food unless you put a stop to it early and don't feed them titbits. Hope this helps

Oh and Chocolate labs shed twice a year.

like twinkle we have a border terrier, they are a nice size and wonderful with the kids. and excellent company.

I love borders, but the ones I've known have been exceedingly naughty.
The big craze here in the States is for poodle crosses (to breed in the non-shedding) - labradoodles, cockapoos, and (my favourite) schnoodles.
Have you considered a schauzer? They don't shed much, are great with kids, and easier to train than a terrier.

tibetan terriers in abundance in brighton and seem lovely family dogs aswell as looking so cute they are like little cuddly bears.I met a guy in the video shop with one and he said it was brilliant with their girls and although he had objected to getting it at first he was mad on it now

read here to make a more informed choice