which breed to choose?

[dbm]

We want a dog! We have lots of space, an enclosed pen of hens, 2 DC aged 6 and 7. What do you recommend? Happy to consider other breeds but I am a big fan of terriers.

I would recommend a Staffie,great with children,very loyal,eager to please and not typical of how they are often portrayed in the press.

I have 2,both dogs,big dog is 18 months and pup is 10 weeks,both make a lot of noise if somebody comes to the door,so a good deterrent for intruders but would probably lick them to death if they got in.

I think everyone will have there own preferences - I would automatically say Rhodesian ridgeback because that is what we have and again from my perspective fab especially with family BUT in the current climate economically I would say look at a rescue first in which case the dog will find you. Many people have had to give up good animals because they can't keep them and if you are able to rehome one it helps so much!
I also think Staffies are lovely much maligned dogs and many in need of rescue!
Sorry that sounds like a rant it's not supposed to be!

Irish Terrier of course .

border terrier, also have chooks. check out profile

Go to a rescue and let the dog/breed choose you.

I agree with the recommendation that you go to rescue, not just so that the dog can choose you but also so you can be guided and advised by experienced staff (with small rescues that's very often the rescue owner themself) as to which of their assessed dogs would suit you. Personaliy and temperament are far, far more important than breed.

Remember that many rescue dogs come from homes so they come with a history and a good rescue will neuter, vaccinate, assess the dog, microchip, homecheck you (for YOUR benefit as well as the dog's), offer lifetime support and advice and take the sog back if ever you could not keep him.

However, if you are in search of a breed and terriers are your thing, then bubbles is right, you will have a dedicated and loving friend for life in a Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

Rescue is crying out for homes for their dogs - you could even foster to start with, whereby you'd get to find out how suited you are not just to that particular dog but to dog owning in general with no major commitments. Of course, as a foster carer, the rescue will cover all necessary expenses such as vet fees and food too.

Please ask if you want to know more, I'm an independent rescuer.

Another recommendation for staffies. :)

I have two and we used to live next door to free roaming chickens with a low wall. The dogs would sometimes watch the chickens over the wall (in wonderment ) but never went so far as to try and jump over and get them.

They are exceptionally good with our guinea pig too. And they are great with young kids.

Obviously all dogs are different and not all will be as calm with chickens (pigeons are a different story with mine!) but just thought I'd share.

Thanks everyone, I will certainly get to the nearest rescue centre and see the dogs they have in and what the rescuers say. I've always thought that best for the reasons Valhalla and others have said. Life is on hold here in central Scotland as the weather has closed in again, roads closed etc. I've only met one Staffie and he was really well natured. Is the nervousness around them because of interbreeding or is it just completely ill-founded? Also do people really still 'get a dog for Christmas' or have they got a grip on reality these days? Enjoy your day.

It's ill-founded scaremongering perpetuated by the Daily Mail!

BSL doesn't help matters when it comes to staffies either.

Nothing to do with inbreeding whatsoever (all breeds are inbred to some degree - I would say it is actually less of a problem in staffies but I'm no expert).

Mostly it is just that people don't know what they're talking about when it comes to staffies - they jump on the bandwagon after hearing horror stories and don't actually have a clue about the breed. If you do a bit of reading and speak to actual owners, you will realise quickly that the tainted reputation is undeserved.

The Kennel Club recommends them as the only dog that are good with children!

Also, no reputable breeder will sell puppies at Christmas and I'm fairly sure rescues have policies in place where they won't let dogs go at Christmas but there are others on here who know more about that.

Rescues are awash with excellent dogs at the moment and will have hundreds more after Christmas. If you want a dog good with kids, livestock etc and to fit with your lifestyle, a properly assessed rescue dog (maybe one that has been fostered) would be a good bet.

Breed is of lesser importance than character and temperament.

Hope you find your perfect match :)

I have a goldie now. Previously had a lab cross mongrel. Both are/were lovely. Mongrel was from a shelter and came to us at 2 years old. Good luck

I too would go for a staffie,they are so lovable.

Another one for Staffies. We had them as kids, my gran had one at the same time and my BIL had one with his kids. Fab dogs but you do attract comments from a certain type of young man when you're out. There will be lots of these in rescue centres too or try a staffie specific rescue centre.