Breed suggestions - family pet

[tootiredtomakeupagoodname]

Our lovely 15 year old crossbreed was PTS in July and we are now contemplating another four legged family member. Scamp was 10 when we got him from local rescue centre he had been there for 3 years. I would have another crossbreed age 2+ but not from a puppy with no history as difficult to guage potential size (prefer a medium sized dog). Am dreading going to a rescue centre as I will come home with the oldest/ugliest dog there are I cannot bear the thought of it being left for years, however I would prefer a younger dog to 'grow up' with DS's. I know that young dogs can have accidents and illness but obviously much more likely with an old dog. DS1 lost scamp and his grandfather with 4 weeks of each other last year, then DS2 was born 3 weeks later so he has had a lot of adjustment.

If we were to have a puppy I don't know where to start with breeds have spent hours online but most breeds seem compatiable with family life if the are given the correct guidance. The only breed I would prefer not to have is a border collie due to personal experience.

Would prefer suggestions for non-kill centres please.

Sorry should have said looking for centres in north west!

What about a staff? great with children, low shedding, medium sized and loads in rescue?

Thanks crawling I have looked at staffs our local rescue has 13 and will not rehome any off them to homes with children! We live in IOM and this is our only rescue centre thats why we are having to look in NW as closest by boat. Am not sure why they are so unwilling to rehome with children

hopefully Vallhalla will be here soon to offer advice

Thanks anyway I am currently on Dogs Trust website getting broody

I would have said speak to Bob at Northern SBT Rescue He really knows his stuff and is a friendly, helpful man.

Also, some distance away but good people are Jan and her son Gareth at Farplace - this comes under a Bishop Auckland postcode but is actually miles out in the sticks from there, very close to the Cumbria border. (Warning, don't visit in bad weather, it's hellish, I know the village and surrounding areas well!).

Further to the East there's Northern German Shepherd Rescue, in the Newcastle area. There are also rescues like Many Tears who have dogs in foster across the whole country and will rehome anywhere. Many breed rescues do so as well.

As for breeds, I can't advise as I know how breed characteristics can be so wrong. I have an arsey, protective Lab who has no interest in food and won't retrieve and 2 German Shepherds, both of whom are scardy cats and not in the least protective and one of whom is a walking dustbin for any food and who retrieves to hand better than any pet Lab I've ever met. :o

If you can get as far as Newcastle, take a look at Adopt-a-Dog North East - this is run by a friend and she is very realistic about homing to people with children, working full time etc. so long as it's the right place for the dog. They tend to have a lot of hairy lurchers and greyhounds in who would slot right in to family life. :)

love greyhounds and great danes

Me too coccyx. Our greyhound is the gentlest, snooziest dog I've ever met and great with our little ones. DH actually thinks that he thinks he's a cat .

Would love a GSD too. Am not allowed to look at rescue websites as sadly I fall in love too easily (sigh).

Thanks for all suggestions will have a look at the various links when the DS are in bed and I have a glass of in hand.

Vallhalla - loads to look at there, wasn't aware of foster dogs and rescue centre rehoming anywhere. As we have had house check by local centre I don't see it being a problem for them to contact centres in UK with their report. Your dogs sound fab DH is a big GSD fan, his twin nephews where brought up by with two!

hephaetus & coccyx or last dog was some sort of greyhound cross he was a big lazy, greedy, grumpy lump - wouldn't have changed him for the world

Presumably you're looking at the Merseyside Dogs Trust (thats where DDs sponsor dog lives)

Good luck!