Any advice choosing a dog for 1st time owner?

[KellyK74]

Hi - I have finally given in to DD's repeated requests for a dog (having previously fobbed her off with ants, fish and a Hamster (recently deceased)). Trouble is, I've never had a dog before and DH is allergic. Has anyone any ideas for a dog that DH can live with and isn't embarrassed to walk, plus it needs to be easily trained, good with kids (have 10, 12 and 14 year old) and doesn't look like a skinned rabbit?

It really depends what sets off your DH's allergy...

Your dh would need to meet various different breeds and see which ones do and don't set off his allergies. Some breeds are often suggested as hypoallergenic, but different people react to different breeds and the only way to tell is to have contact with some.

I'd suggest doing a bit of research on potential lower allergen breeds, drawing up a list of the ones you might like to have and then arranging some visits to breeders.

Make sure you explain that you are interesting in their breed and would in theory be interested in one of their pups, but are worried about your dh's allergies and would like to see if he reacts before going any further. Any decent breeder would far rather you checked out allergy compatibility first, before allocating a pup to you and ending up having it returned after a few weeks.

Hi Kelly! I think YOU have to really decide if you want a dog. All kids pester for a dog at some point in their lives but they can lose interest quickly and, even if they love the dog, it will not be them who are doing housetraining, picking up poo, walking, taking to vets, sorting out holiday cover, wondering what to do with the dog when you want a full day out at Legoland etc etc. If you and your DH aren't that keen, it's really not a good idea. If you've got 3 children, you're probably already really busy with being a taxi for them, taking them to clubs, football, swimming, dr or dentist when required, friend's houses - does your lifestyle have enough time left to look after a dog??

Can you look after a friend's dog for a week or two, take some for a walk etc etc.

If you're thinking about a puppy, it's a full-time job, think hyperactive toddler who doesn't wear a nappy! They will poo, pee, chew, bite, need time invested in their training etc etc.

Not trying to put you off, but you really need to be realistic about the time you've got, the fact that you'll be doing all the work and that it's a 10-15 year commitment.

I have been to a Discover Dogs once which was very informative. All the KC registered breeds were there, you could meet the dogs, talk to owners and breeders and generally get more idea about exactly WHAT you are looking for (your DH would need to be doped to the eyeballs!)
The only thing I would say is that some breed people seemed dead set on putting people off their breed by listing all their bad points while others were overly enthusiastic and seemed to view their breed through rise tinteds
It would at least allow you to see the dogs in the flesh and then you could come home and do your research on any that seemed promising :)

Portuguese water dog? Meant to be low allergen, but not a poodle?....

Also do realize that even though your daughter is desperate for a dog, ultimately you (and if your lucky DH) will need to be prepared to do everything for it.

Thanks for all your advice - yes, I am the reluctant one in this and feeling a bit worn down after DDs 5 year campaign, research documents, Facebook petition etc etc. However, DH now working p/t from home, so more time, less cash from now on!. Have got him petting the dogs at the school gates as an allergy test - yesterday though he petted a dog and the dog sneezed, so not sure who's allergic to whom? But good idea to get DD out and walking friends dogs. Will also do my own research and go from there - thanks!.