What kind of puppy would suit..

[SarfEasticated]

DD is 5 - loves dogs - very gentle and caring, and has experience of grandparents cairn terrier.
we live in garden flat in London, so no real change of two hour daily walks
Puppy would be on own one day a week only.

we have had cairn terriers before, but I think our London life wouldn't give a terrier the freedom it would need.

saw a 'tea-cup shitzu' in covent garden yesterday and owner said she was perfect, but I have no experience of toy dog breeds.

Any thoughts?

There are loads of dog breed quiz selectors on websites that ask questions about your lifestyle and suggest breeds of dogs that might suit. Worth a try? It might suggest a breed you hadn't considered.

I wouldn't get a puppy if it would be on its own for a whole day, even if only once a week. Is dog daycare or a dogsitting a possibility?

An older rescue dog might be better?

An older dog would work, we would just need to make sure it didn't have any behavioural problems, but I guess the shelter would know? I have tried those breed selector websites Dilly but thought I wold get some impartial advice here first. I would definitely consider dog daycare, or dog sitter

An older rescue dog would be able to cope with being left one day a week. Leaving a pup for that length of time is something I'd regard as cruel and not to be done. When they are tiny, they need a lot of company and attention, plus very frequent wee breaks.

In general, "teacup" breeds of anything are prone to more health problems - please don't encourage irresponsible breeding by getting one of these.

Several options - either go to a good all breed rescue, set out your circumstances and let them guide you to a suitable match - this could work very, very well. Alternatively, if you have researched your breeds and are determined to have a particular type of dog e.g. a Cairn, then check out breed rescue for the breed. This way, you'll still be getting the dog you want, but at a slightly older age. Many dogs end up in rescue through no fault of their own - common reasons are marriage breakdown, emigration, job loss or the arrival of children.

Another option to help you make up your mind is to take your daughter to a local rescue each week and help out with dog walking. You and she will get a little bit more of a feel for the commitment involved, and it's a great way to learn more about dogs, and support those looking for homes.

Also, don't forget there is a big event called "Discover Dogs" at Earls Court in the autumn. This actually sounds as though it might be perfect for you and DD (especially as you are already in London) - it's run by the Kennel Club, and does what it says on the tin -it's an excellent opportunity to meet lots and lots of different dog breeds, ask questions and have a think about what might suit you. I imagine you and your DD would have a lovely day out too! (Also lots of dog-related shopping opportunities ).

Good luck!

We did go to discover dogs last year actually, not with a view to choosing a breed but just so DD could see the dogs - it was lovely, and how those dogs cope with the crowds and noise is beyond me!
My mother's dog is a rather grumpy 16 yr old cairn and when my DD stays at my mother's she goes on vet visits, throws a ball for her on daily walks, brushes her fur and helps put cream on her paws, she really is very respectful and kind to her.