Dear doggy people, can you advice me? Our first dog

[FiscalCliffRocksThisTown]

DH has always and dogs as a child, and had his own puppy as a teen, so he knows about dogs.

But I know nothing! Currently trawling the net...

We have thought about having a dog for years, and now that our work situation has changed (DH works shorter hours in his new career, and I can work from home) we would LOVE to get a puppy/young dog.

We have 2 DC, 9 and 11, they would absolutely love a dog in the house too.

Now, where to start? I was thinking a rescue dog, some kind of mix.

But would the rescue centre give us a dog? (they seem to ask mainly for experienced dog owners). Is it a bad idea to get a rescue pup as…you don't really know what they'll be like when bigger? Would a collie-cross be very un-sensible for example? (is anything collie too nervous\ tricky with kids? I have such a weak spot for them, love intelligent dogs)

I really need to know a bit more about what would work for us as a family before we choose…

Anyone had rescue puppy/young dog, and did it work out well? Is a young dog a bad idea, in case they are "damaged" psychologically for ever/might turn on you?

Any advice by experienced dog owners much appreciated!

I might have a part collie lurcher when I've retired... perhaps a bit of sighthound will calm it down enough apart from the odd mad half hour!

I've met two collie lurchers now Mistlethrush, and they have all the speed and all the endurance of their different breeds! Not sure whether they are calmer, but watching them leaping through the woods is impressive

Mine has coursing speed but cannot match the saluki crosses for straight line speed - and she can carry on all day. We think she's probably bedlington / greyhound but are not at all sure - although she's not very clever so we don't think there's any collie in there!

My lurcher collie lived until she was 18 and was a bossy, mad as hatter type
I remember the week before died she jumped ,6ft in the air from a standing still position

My dog was a rescue pup and he is absolutely amazing He was 10 weeks old when we got him from Many Tears and my DCs were 3, 8 and 10. Hes our first family dog and I would never consider buying from a breeder now, rescue all the way for us.

He is a Springer and not at all interested in chasing deer or anything else. There are reindeer on a regular walk of ours and he ignores them.