DH and I are relatively experienced dog owners, oldest DC is very used to dogs and other animals DC2 is only 2 but has been around dogs too.
We have not had a dog for 18 months after our last attempt at adoption of a mature Border Terrier ended in disaster - he turned out to be very violent to other dogs and bit DC1 when he (the dog) was attempting to get into another fight we did try training but the bite was the last straw.
We all would like another dog, I am insisting on a puppy (maybe 2?) and preferably a bitch, but we cannot agree on the bread. I would love a Standard wirehaired Daschund but DH thinks they are lapdogs and I cant seem to sway him.
The breed must not be big - no bigger than a Standard Daschund - preferably wire haired, must have a reputation as an excellent family pet, must not be a hunting type dog like a jack russel, must not be overly energetic like a Springer spaniel or a Collie. It should not be too strong for an 11 year old to take on short walks and should be able to put up with a toddler pulling its ears every now and then.
We will consider a cross breed but must be able to see both parents, and I think we would even consider an older dog if we could meet the previous owners and have a good idea of its past and temperament but I wont adopt from the pound again after the last fiasco (I know its a shame to be so biased but I have small children to consider and also I get very attached to my dogs and the last one broke my heart).
Any suggestions welcome please. Also where do you buy a dog from? is there a special classified section somewhere that I just don't know about? The only place I know is the Pets at Home notice board...