We are considering adding a dog to our family within the next year. Background - son is obsessed with dogs and has been for 3 years - he has been consistently asking for a dog for that long but we were not in suitable accommodation. But now we are moving to a fairly large house with a medium sized garden. We have 2, soon to be 3 young children. I have always wanted a dog but was not allowed as a child. Husband more of a cat person but open to dog ownership. I am a SAHM and will be for the next 5 years at least so have time to devote to training etc.
I understand the importance of buying from a registered breeder, and have been looking at breeds that are suitable for families with children, and also I am mildly asthmatic (I used to have a slight allergy to a relatives labrador as a child but do not notice this so much now) so given this as a precaution I think it best to get a less allergenic type of dog. I prefer medium sized and large dogs and don't particularly like small ones.
So, I was thinking about getting a giant schnauzer, as a puppy, when my baby is around 8 months old. - Is this breed a good choice - My husband says he will take the dog out running with him and we will walk to school each day as well? is this timing a really bad idea? Do I need to wait until baby is older?
My final question is - what do I need to read as a novice dog owner? I really am very ignorant but keen to make sure that the dog has excellent training and a happy life with us.