Advise needed on new dog.

[Hicidycup]

Hi, I have been thinking about getting a dog, a small one, as I have young children. Can anybody tell me what sort of costs would be involved. I want to make sure that I can afford to look after it before making the commitment but to be honest I'm not sure where to start other than food and insurance and I'm not even sure how much these cost.

Thanks

If you'd be happy to consider a larger, short haired dog, then you could consider a rescue greyhound. One of ours is actually an ex racer from the Sittingbourne track. Rescue greys can be great family pets, usually very gentle and laid back. Take a look here at the Kent Greyhound Rescue site - there are lots of lovely family friendly dogs on there.

Many Tears Animal Rescue has literally DOZENS of dogs needing homes right now, and always. After Xmas they will have even more

MTAR

Please seriously consider a rescue before assisting yet more dogs to be born into an overpopulated world.

IMHO Beagles howl too much - I wouldn't want one in an urban or suburban setting.

All the JRTs I've known (incl my own) moult like BillyO - a nightmare all year round.

Chi's can be snappy (small dog syndrome)

Saying 'short haired' doesn't mean clean, in fact my least 'messy' dog was a long haired Collie - because it came off in clumps.

You've got a lot to consider...

Before you look at beagles, search for 'beagles' in the Doghouse threads - they're sweet, but not the easiest breed to live with train. And I'd be very very wary of any 'teacup' chihuahuas that are smaller than normal; they're generally from backyard breeders out to cash in on the fashion for dogs you can stick in a handbag. 'Teacup' dogs are usually bred by mating two undersized dogs which can lead to all sorts of problems; a good breeder should only have a litter to improve their bloodlines and would be trying to make the dog fitter, not smaller!

I'd second grimma's dachshund suggestion. A lot of smaller dogs have a lot of terrier energy that needs to be burned off, and that's not always compatible with small children. Dachsies aren't so manic but still have a lot of personality and are sturdy dogs who'll walk for miles and snooze happily. Breed clubs/breed rescue is the best place to start, or an experienced rescue who could match you with a mature dog whose temperament (and capacity for shedding) you can see from the outset.

apols for a lot of repetition there

Glad someone has recommended Many Tears.

OP, great that you're asking these questions now. I would definitely recommend a rescue like Many Tears as they will match you with the right dog for you - that dog will have been assessed on how it is with children etc and they will home check you in order to advise you on any changes you need to make (e.g. garden fencing) in order to keep doggie safe.

They will also take the dog back AT ANY TIME during the dog's life if you are unable to keep it for any reason.

Lots of us on here will push the rescue route because we know the problems that puppy farms, backyard breeders etc cause. There are soooo many great dogs in rescue who have only been given up due to the personality flaws of their owners - people who DIDN'T properly consider all the implications of getting a dog first - UNLIKE you.

And every day, healthy dogs are 'put to sleep' (also known as 'killed') as there are not enough homes for all the dogs who need one. SO that's why some of us are so passionate about taking a rescue dog.

Hope you'll consider it! And if you do get a dog, come back here and post pictures please!

They will also take the dog back AT ANY TIME during the dog's life if you are unable to keep it for any reason.

that's one of the tests to apply to any rescue or breeder. Anyone who wouldn't take the dog back, don't touch them.

I agree you may not need such a tiny dog as you think. In terms of suitability for children and space at home, temperament can matter a lot more than size, e.g. a bigger but calm/lazy dog might well be more suitable than a small but hyper one. We have a big but very laid-back dog in a small house, he gets plenty of walks/exercise/play outside and is generally happy to lounge about indoors.

It seems like a bit of a doghouse cliche to mention rescue Staffies :) But they're medium-sized, short-haired, often good with kids and make great family dogs. This is one breed where it would be worth approaching rescue rather than going to a breeder, not least because you won't find many (any?) reputable breeders still breeding Staffies due to the rescue/over-breeding problem.

Thinking of costs - our biggest one is probably the dog walker! Presumably this isn't an issue for you if you're at home and don't think your working patterns are likely to change. And the weekly hydrotherapy sessions (dog has a bit of arthritis and this is doing him a world of good, but at £20 a session it really adds up). After that it would be insurance and vet bills, and of course this can get more expensive as the dog gets older. Food is the one everyone thinks of, but honestly this is the least of our expenses really. I do think it's worth paying the bit extra for a good-quality food.

Ephiny - DO NOT mention rescue staffies, don't you realise you're making DH unwelcoming and you'll be banned?

I think everyone has covered all bases here for you OP.

I take exception to laurie saying she was pleased when the dog died. For gods sake, what an awful thing to say.

Personally I wouldnt get a chihuahua, how about a yorkshire terrier or similar? My Parents have one and he is lovely, doesnt moult but needs regular clipping and little walking.

If you have a small dog be prepared to pay out for coats for Winter too. They need them to keep them warm and dry.

What about a schnauzer? They come in small sizes, I believe, and are low shedding (I think). Plus, they have wonderful comedy Groucho Marx faces and mobile eyebrows. That said, we now have a cocker/springer cross (more cocker than springer, mind) and he seems alright. Our house isn't huge, either, but a curled up snoozing dog doesn't really take up much space.

The OP said a spaniel would be too big in the house and she wants a small dog as she has small children.

Some of the arsiest dogs I have ever encountered are those little ones who seem terrified they are going to get stepped on.
I did know a lovely Pommeranian -like a little fox- very good with children but that's how she was raised (in a family)

I would also second a small female staffie. They can be quite dinky but are proper dogs IYKWIM.

And before their bad media press they were The Nanny Dog.

Thunderbolt - seriously? Are you the self-appointed thread police now? Are sarcasm and in-jokes not allowed now?

You obviously have an axe to grind with me so could I just ask you to maybe explain exactly what it is, or to just shut up maybe.

Rhinestone - no,that's me and I rule that your remark was clearly a joke and your serious contributions have been nicely put.

Grimma - oh yes, I was throwing it to you for a treat! Not hard at your head!

They are v expensive and according to my dog, extremely delicious and she's actually a bit pissed off that I gave you one!

A treat for your nice comment - to clarify!

wow - someone knew of a nice pomeranian. I have never, ever come across one that wasnt about to eat me/bite me/snap at me.

But seriously OP a staffie can be cuddly. They are so nice to stroke, feel like velvet and they sleep upside down. (My sisters did)

Is it weird that my dog likes bran? He snubs dog treats, but wolfs down bran flakes.

MuttDog was from Many Tears, she is a Springer / Collie / Something else mongrel Cross. She is absolutely fabulous - the best natured dog I have ever had.

She is about knee height and perfect for my 6 yr old to play with (and dress up - poor mutt)

I agree that Staffies are generally lovely, but I find them a bit too 'strong' when you've got small children about - not in a biting sense, just when playing with tuggies etc.

I think you couldn't do much better than a Mutt!
(There is a lovely Cockerpoo mutt on MTAR at the moment, she wouldn't be suitable for the OP, but oooh how my DD wants her )

DP bought some organic vegan dog treats the other day (only in Waitrose!). Amazingly the dog seems to actually quite like them .

I think Staffies are cuddly too :)

Wow lots of replies. I will sit down tonight and read them properly and look at said mentioned threads. Thank you for all the replies, just haven't got time to read them all properly at the moment. Just to add, I thought Staffies were a bit vicious, is that not the case? What sort of dogs are not family type dogs/known for being dangerous?

Hicidycup - a lot of people confuse Staffies with pit bulls. Easy to do, they do look vaguely similar. Obviously pit bulls have a bad reputation which is both deserved AND undeserved - I WILL explain this seemingly odd comment if you would like but have to rush out now but please ask if you'd like me to!

Staffies are not pit bulls though and are actually recommended by the kennel club as being a wonderful family dog. But in any case, a rescue will assess all their dogs anyway, and they'll assess you too! And they'll advise on the dog most suited to you and your family because ulitimately....

ALL DOGS ARE INDIVIDUALS.

I have handled loads of pit bulls and NEVER had one show the slightest bit of aggression. The worst bite I've ever had is from a Shih Tzu.