how do we choose what dog to get?

[mckenzie]

puppy?
rescue dog?
what breed?
short haired or long haired?
big dog or small dog?

So much choice we don't really know where to start. Or rather I don't. DH is still a tad against it but if the DCs and I can come up with a proper plan we think we can win him over.

Are there any books that you would recommend we read? I had a dog when I was a child but that was a long time ago

Rescue dog, without a doubt. That way you know that you dog you get is matched to your family and their specific needs. Much less risky than a puppy. And you get that nice tingly feel good factor too.

But I am biased. Having seen the conditions my dog was living in in kennels there is no way on earth I'd ever get a puppy. There are far too many dogs need loving homes not being given the care and attention that they need.

Make an honest list of what's important to you -
how much exercise can you commit to, every day?
How much hair can you stand hoovering up?
Can you make time for grooming?
Do you care about drool on your sofa?
What's your food/insurance/vet budget?
How old are you DCs and are they easily knocked over?
Do you want a little dog that'll fit in your car/garden?
etc

Also consider how 'active' you want your dog to be, and think about what the various breeds were bred to do - eg, collies are really working dogs and need a lot going on, all day, every day.

Be totally honest and realistic, though. It's much easier to get a dog that fits in with your life from the start than it is than the other way round.

I'd generally second the rescue dog route, though if you want to know exactly what you're getting, in terms of a specific breed, pretty much all breed clubs run a rescue, and can put you in touch with purebreed dogs desperately needing new homes. That way you get a support back up too.

We chose a puppy rather than a rescue dog so that we were aware of the history, we knew that she had been well treated from birth.

As to the breed, we wanted a dog that did not shed, as that was the only stumbling block for DH. He would go mad if there were dog hairs all over the house. Plus he is slightly allergic to pet hair.

Small dog suits us as we are often out and about and we can take a small dog with us. Even on a plane, as hand luggage, up to 8kg.

That was us, you have to think about what is important to you.

How much time you have, if you can do 3 long walks a day that some breeds require.

How old are your DC?

Oh, and don't ask MNetters as they will all recommend their own breed of dog.

My rescue centre were able to give me a history of our wonderful Alf, who is quite literally wonderful. I needed that as DD was only 18 months old when we got him. Most rescue centres wont allow dogs to go to homes with children under twelve if they don't know their history. That said it is most certinly worth the time and patience in waiting for the right dog to come into the centres, I have had two rescue dogs and I truly believe they see you as their life line, they are the most loving and loyal dogs you could wish for. My two have given us incredible happiness, they give you so much love and pleasure.

We read New dog by Bruce Fogle - it has a section on the common dog breeds at the beginning and their general characteristics, and was a good place to start. Then having decided on potential breeds we got a pup of fairly unknown parentage from the rescue centre!

I would visit a rescue centre and I feel that with a rescue centre you know exactly what you are getting as the dogs behaviour has been observed!

Puppies are great, love them to bits but you have no idea of what the temperament will be. Calm mother does not mean calm dog!

Look at lots of breeds. If you are free in March go to Crufts and look and talk to the owners of the dogs there.Also a section on Discover Dogs will be there where you can talk and pet all breeds of dogs.

As the others have said really look at your life and what sort of dog would fit into that.

I know the blue cross will not rehome with children under a certain age which is worth bearing in mind. Cannot remember if it is the under 5's.

Not sure about the others though, they may be less strict.

thank you for all the replies. Having chatted more with friends today who have recently taken on a puppy, I am already thinking more of the rescue dog route so I'm glad for the support of that choice. Our children are 4 and 8. Mimimu - great idea to go to Crufts! Thanks for that. I'll look into booking that up right away.

I do think the hair everywhere will be an issue with DH so that needs to be taken into consideration for sure. I'll be the main exerciser and carer and I have the time and the willingness for frequent walks. I love being outdoors, whatever the weather. The DCs will be old enough to have responsibility for daily maintenance I think (brushing and feeding) but not for exercise for a while yet.

DH has a large car so transportation should not be a problem whatever size but as DD is only 4, we'd need to consider size so as not to scare her I assume.

I'll try the library tomorrow for that book nooka. Thanks again everyone.

May I just echo what Shiney said. there are so many lovely dogs in rescue centres desperate for a good home, you are getting the pleasure of a dog and in return you are giving the dog a lovely home.Puppies are cuddly and cute. but the soon grow up.
May I put in a good word for greyhounds who
are undoubtedly the largest group of pedigree dogs seeking homes.THey are short haired, and do not shed very much. they are
not great barkers, they are very socialiazed with humans and housetraining is very easy and quick. plus as they have never been in a house before you see them grow and adapt in front of you as they explore a whole new world. As your youngest is only four, try a small bitch in the 22-25kg range as the size of bigger dogs can be intimidating, Most greyhound tracks have a rehoming centre for their ex racers.

interregnum, a RL friend has been singing the praises of greyhounds too. Would I be correct to assume that would be the sort of dog who would enjoy a long walk or are they more short but fast types?

Greys vary enormously in personality, so I
wouldn't want to over generalize, but they
do like being part of the family , so if you wave their lead and coat at them they are up
for an outing if it is just a car ride or a
4 hour walk.The books usually say that they are happy with two half hour walks a day. and although they won't be bouncing off the walls if that is all they get, in my experience they quite enjoy a couple of hours day and will quite happily cope with longer walks at weekends(even if they are zonked out afterwards)

thank you for the extra information. It seems we have a rehoming place very close to us so I'm going to make a visit there next week.