What dog to get for DCs 9 and 5 yrs?

[Twinkie1]

Right am going to lots of research into this - we have 18 months before DS starts school - that is when we have promised the kids they can have a dog - may keep me company alone at home all day and will allow me to train it (yeah ha ha) without the help of the kids!

I would like something not too big - can't be a toy dog though - DH thinks he will look gay walking it - so no yorkies or ratty type dogs - something I can over power if it goes on the rampage - something that doesn't slobber too much and something that will need a reasonable amount of exercise but won't want to do a marathon each day!

Ideally also something that doesn;t chew, bark, shit or leave hair everywhere would be great but understand this isn't possible. Just somethin clean would be nice though!

Ideas greatly received - will then draw short list, investigate further and go and view selected breds to make sure thay will never clash with decor or outdoor wear! (Ha ha not really!)

Ta ladies!

Can I keep a springer under these conditions too?

Sorry Ingles, you have actually become my Dog Expert. This quite a responsibility, but you are doing charmingly.

I live in the middle of town (park at end of road)and my springer after his mad 20 minutes off lead bouncing (and they really do bounce like a tigger)through long grass he slobs about the rest of the day - I've had him since he was 2, he's now 7 and is really only bouncy for that 20 minutes.

I really think all dogs need a lot of time and proper puppy training - it's a much bigger commitment than I ever imagined and I've had dogs around me my whole life.

Cockers also adorable and the way they are bred now springers are not like mine (big muscly gun dog weighs 27kg) they are pretty skinny - some cocks are as big as springers now.

Absolutely,...most dogs would be happy with the conditions you're offering. I think I would avoid the big (slightly stupid) bouncy dogs though, and that does include a springer (sorry!), dalmation etc
Thanks for the compliment by the way...my 1st on MN... ...walks away quite chuffed....

Laurie...Sorry for being horrid about springers...

Your not horrid but I do insist (joke) that you go back and read my post about my dog - he is a geeeeniiiiiuuuuuuussss.

you're dog is definitely more geeeeniiuussss than mine! It took me nearly 6 months to teach her to roll over!

we have a wonderful rescue dog, he's a... umm white with brown splodges..

we got him a couple of years pre children but he has coped wonderfully. I would not get a rescue dog with small children however as I think it would be unfair on both.

However (my best dog in world cover your ears)....if I were to go for a "breed" puppy, which I would with young children, I would be very tempted by a beagle.....

Laurie...What do you think about dogs v bitches?

Both fine neutered I think - no preference at all but in springer females much skinnier and smaller and take up less room.

mines not been done (we're going to get her a boyf in April) I think I'd always get a bitch with small kids though...

Can I butt in? We have 2 beagles and they are fab with the kids, and lovely wee dogs. Not so good at coming back, and they do need quite a bit of exercise (which, as someone else pointed out isn't necessarily a bad thing- gets you and the kids out in all weather!!) They are a bit of work, as are most dogs, but if you don't fancy them I would second whoever said retired greyhound- they are gorgeous loving dogs, who don't need much of anything!! Bit of walking, bit of attention. I love my beagles but they are a handful! Think we'll be going for English pointers next.

I soo want to whisper this as its a really naughty generalisation. Boy dogs are like small boys, totally submissive, easily trained, completely devoted. He literally just follows me round waiting for instructions.

The females I've had (a great dane, 2 labs) have always had their own 'agenda' or personality.

beagles look so lovely.....so fun looking

Hi Redjools. I fancied a greyhound too, but they seemed so nervy and shaky.

very very gentle souls - my minister has one - she actually looks really wise (the dog not the minister)

LOL Laurie.... Had to have a female, to many males in my house already! blimey I bet your female dogs did have their own agenda..a great dane!..soooo biggggggg (states the bleedin obvious in awe)

The beagles are sweet- well, the dog is! the bitch is a bit of a ....bitch!! she adores my hubby and wont do abloody thing I tell her, but with him she walks at his heels gazing adoringly up at him!! Grr! I'd go for a dog again!! the bitches are too smart! Greyhounds do seem a bit nervy etc (my hubby doesn't like them, hence the reason we don't have one!) and the only other downside is that they aren't good with cats/ small dogs- tend to attack them like rabbits! But other than that they are lovely- my uncle has a couple and you hardly know they are there, unlike our crazy pair!

My great dane was just the funniest dog. If you didn't walk her enough she would get out a window (in the summer and a bungalow, she wasn't supergran) and take herself for a walk round the village and over the golf course and then come home when she felt like it or when someone would phone from oneof the pubs and say 'your dog's down here again begging crisps'

I'm lucky with my bitch then, she gazes adoringly at everyone (except the postman lol) she's even submissive to my male cat, but then he is bigger than her.

Aha. Good news on the coatless Cairn, thank you DCMH.

I think a springer is looking likely you know, a bitch.

What's the best way to get a dog then? Do we get a puppy? How do you find a dog basically?

Vet?

Morning 100 firstly get a book on springers and read all about them, then either go to kennel club website and look under list of breeders who are advertising pups or look in your local paper, you must see mum and preferably dad too. expect to pay £500

when I'm sizing up their mum and dad what am I looking for?

Good head? Four feet? Bright eyes? Intelligence, clean hobbies, impeccable CV?