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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Original poster

So we are thinking about getting a dog - suggestions needed

53 replies

squeaver · 12/09/2010 15:53

Dd and I have finally persuaded dh that it might be a good idea.

My family always had dogs, so I'm not daunted by it at all but I want to be sure we get the right breed for us.

So here's our situation, what are your suggestions, oh wise ones?

  • Dd is 5. No chance of any other dcs.
  • We live in London, near parks but with a very small garden. Can't rely on the garden for outdoor space/exercise.
  • Not a huge house. Do NOT want dog hairs everywhere.
  • Dh and I both work from home, so exercising not a problem but it would be good if, at a push, daily exercise could be the school run (15 mins walk each way), but obviously I'd be looking to do longer walks than this.
  • Don't want anything as big as e.g. a labrador nor a handbag-sized mite.

My parents had standard size poodles, then Kerry Blue Terriers (still do - dd adores their Kerry Blue), if that's any help.

My thoughts so far are: Welsh terrier? Mini schnauzer? Maybe we should just get a kerry blue, like my parents??

OP posts:
ChasingSquirrels · 12/09/2010 15:55

would say a cocker spaniel, but they do shed hair a lot.

nannynobnobs · 12/09/2010 15:59

Please rescue a dog. There are many pedigrees in shelters if that's what you want. We have a rescue mutt and he is such a placid old thing, the kids adore him.

Amanderrr · 12/09/2010 16:07

If does sound like a small to medium sized dog would suit your family and small garden.

If you could put aside your thoughts on choosing a specific breed then your local dog rescue centre would be a great starting place in your search for a dog. Not only would they help you find a dog that is suited to you but you'd have the added satisfaction of knowing that you've given a dog that needed a home a good home.

If you'd prefer a particular breed then have you considered a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel? They're great with children. Always happy and ready to play but not a barky breed. We have one (Four dogs actually but one is a CKC) and we've never been out for a walk with him without being stopped by at least one person wanting to give him a fuss as they have such friendly little faces and characters.

Original poster
squeaver · 12/09/2010 16:07

I did think about that actually, nobnobs. Especially as there are so many over-priced labradoodlewoodles, cockapoopoos round here.

Not bothered about pedigree actually, much more concerned about temperament.

OP posts:
Original poster
squeaver · 12/09/2010 16:09

Are dogs from shelters usually house-trained? (apols if stupid question)

OP posts:
Amanderrr · 12/09/2010 16:22

I suppose it would depend on where the dog has come from. If the dog was a loved family pet that ended up in rescue due to family breakdown or whatever then it probably would be but if it had been picked up off the streets or just living in a barn or lock up for instance then probably not.

An older dog can be housetrained though so it wouldn't put me off re-homing. Our Cavalier was two when we got him and it's thought that he'd been living in a paddock and was used as a stud dog. He didn't know how to walk up or down stairs or to walk on a lead and he certainly wasn't housetrained but he is now so it can be done.

nannynobnobs · 12/09/2010 17:05

Cavs are lovely placid dogs, my nanna has always had them (and Yorkshire terriers). However she has now said that even though she loves them so much her current cav will be her last because they are a breed riddled with health issues.
Yorkies on the other hand are made of steel. Even the one whose pedigree showed that her father was also her great-grandfather (eww!) lived to be 14.

Mutt · 12/09/2010 17:22

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

laurely · 12/09/2010 17:27

Cavs are just wonderful but as mentioned they do have health issues.

I have a 2 year old cav and she is just the sweetest friendliest dog you will ever meet. my children adore her.

Mutt · 12/09/2010 17:29

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
squeaver · 12/09/2010 17:35

My mate has Cairns actually, I'll ask her.

OP posts:
Amanderrr · 12/09/2010 17:45

"Dopey and Dull"

"Dopey" yes but "dull"? How very dare you.

Mutt · 12/09/2010 17:46

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

silentcatastrophe · 12/09/2010 17:59

I think you would do well to talk to people in a rescue centre. They're usually pretty sussed about what kind of dog would suit your life. We spent the entire day in Battersea 10 years ago and I was expecting to adopt something like a gundog. We came home that day with a border collie. We now have 3. Please don't think that small dogs are less bovver. My mum has terriorists.

laurely · 12/09/2010 18:06

Yep, she is deffo dopey, but no way is she dull. :)

Original poster
squeaver · 12/09/2010 20:28

Oh silent I know - I have seen Westies who should have ASBOs.

OP posts:
dilbertina · 12/09/2010 20:39

Another advocate for rescue dogs here, our dog is an ex-stray. He was maybe a year old when we got him, skinny as a rake, fell over when he wagged his tail from weakness, sores all over from sleeping on concrete, not house-trained, terrified of going in car....

all that was sorted out in a few weeks, ten years later he continues to be the most wonderful family pet you could wish for.

darcymum · 12/09/2010 20:45

Don't get a Jack Russell!

I've got a Jack who drives me nuts, we do love her but she is so much work. A friend has five Labs and one Jack and she says the Jack is harder work than all five Labs put together.

They are funny though.

loopyloops · 12/09/2010 20:49

I agree, get a rescue dog.

But have you seen pulis?

MmeLindt · 13/09/2010 08:31

We have a Maltese / Cav and she is just what you are looking for.

Doesn't shed at all, happy with short walk (although she is good for going on longer walk if I have time, or at weekends) is very loyal, very placid and good natured.

She does need a haircut every couple of months.

The other pups from the same and the subsequent litters are the same, 3 of them still live in our village.

Google Maltalier or have a look in my profile for pics.

EccentricaGallumbits · 13/09/2010 08:41

Get a dachshund. no shedding, personality, cuddly but virtually unhousetrainable. their adorableness makes up for it though.

MirandaLuck · 13/09/2010 09:09

Please give a few rescue shelters a try first!

With the financial crisis they have had a real increase in the number of very happy, healthy, house-trained, child friendly dogs that have come in to the heart break of their families who could know longer afford them.

Dogs Trust have a great search site:

www.dogstrust.org.uk/rehoming/searchdogs/default.aspx

Good luck!

Original poster
squeaver · 13/09/2010 11:04

These are all great suggestions - thanks all. Have seen your pup MmeL- gorgeous!

OP posts:
giddly · 13/09/2010 11:12

Do rescue dogs rehome to families with young children though? We're hoping to get a dog in a few years time when out youngest DD is less feral, and a quick search through some of the websites usually suggests they'll consider children over 8 at the youngest.

lyra41 · 13/09/2010 11:14

I would counsel against getting a rescue dog, despite having one myself and I do adore her. I think if you have children, you really do need to know the dog's background and you just never do with a rescue dog. You have to be able to rely on them 100%. Good luck with finding the best dog for your family.

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