Choosing a dog

[LizBmumof3]

Hi I have 3 young children 6,6 and 4. I see a lot of breeds but have not had a dog with kids so want to choose the right one in our very noisy household.
I am very up for a crossbreed but not sure where tofu d one other than rescues
The kids want a smaller dog as they don't like larger dogs eg labs being in their face. Asi am the main dog walker a smaller dog would be easier for me to Hold as I am quite small.
Our top choice is probably border terrier. I've never owned a terrier and although I've met loads of borders was concerned about how they'd be in our lovely household.
My son is v keen on a cocker pop but I'm u sure that we'd get the right cross from it and also again interaction with kids.
I have also looked at whippet X lurchers
Any opinions and advice great fully received

[user1476027851]

Hi
Anyone know anything about Sussex Spaniels? I know they are a rare breed etc, and have the usual health problems, but, at the moment, they seem front-runners!

[ninjapants]

We have a Border Terrier, she's the loveliest little dog, very friendly towards people, and her and DS, age 3, get on brilliantly. She can be snappy with other dogs she meets, but it's all just noise (a bit like she's saying 'who are you looking at?!')

We also have a Jack Russell, he's completely different personality wise; he's clingy to me and can be quite grumpy, he is old though. He was snappy with other dogs in his younger days but I don't think he can be bothered any longer!

We've previously owned a rescue dog (a terrier cross) they can make great pets but you often don't know their background. That can lead to issues with training, behaviour and unknown health problems, as in our dog's case, sadly.

So terriers are great little dogs, full of personality, love people, can take lots or little exercise, but they are headstrong and can be snappy with other dogs (small dog syndrome). Contrary to what people will tell you, they are fine with their own cats, but they will chase stranger cats and I would not trust them with small furries. I would not let a child walk either of mine, but I don't think children should be walking dogs anyway (in case they meet a terrier )

We had labs when we were young, they were great family pets, good with people, children and other pets. No aggression and can be as active or lazy as you want them to be.
In my extended family their are a whippet and a lurcher X. The whippet is friendly but loves to run (think lots of off lead exercise), and is a bit of a scaredy dog. The lurcher is a rescue dog and again loves to run but is terrible at coming back.

All dogs are different, study breed traits and meet the pups parents when you decide to see what their temperaments are like. Be prepared to do all the work yourselves as children of all ages lose interest quickly. A dog is something the whole household must want in their lives, and is very much part of the family.

[katemess12]

Boston terriers are gorgeous, and don't have a typical "terrier" personality.

Pugs and pug crosses are great, and good with children. They do have the "squished nose" thing, but as long as they can keep cool and you clean their nose folds, they're generally fine (and as long as they don't become overweight, but that's common in all dogs!)

Otherwise, I don't have much to offer in the way of advice. I'm not really a small dog person, and the only small dogs I've had have been a Jack Russell x Cocker Spaniel with all of the Jack Russell personality (not particularly kid or other dog friendly), and some bizarre breed mix we think may have been a Kelpie x Terrier of some description who was an absolute gem.

We have a Beagle at the moment and he's been my favourite dog ever, but he's more of a medium size (he weighs 20-22kg although that's overweight as he has Cushing's Disease), but maaan are they hard work. Best temperament ever, so lovely and squishy, and patient with everyone etc. if you can get through the first 18 months or so! They're the most tested on (sad) breed of dog for a reason.

[Dontyouopenthattrapdoor]

I tend to find the smaller dogs have the most energy!

[GinIsIn]

Although if the kids want a really interactive dog a greyhound or lurcher may not be up for playing all the time as they really, really love their sleep!

[GinIsIn]

Low energy dog-wise, you probably want a greyhound - they are the laziest and most gentle breed of dog you can possibly imagine. No, they aren't small, but they are quiet, relaxed and lazy!

Otherwise a traditionally lap dog type breed like a shih tzu or a Maltese would probably suit.

All 3 breeds are pretty good with kids but a greyhound probably fits the bill most for what you are after!

[Fortnum]

We have always had terriers, ive currently a patterdale x border x something else - maybe a bit of Lakeland terrier - he is a right mix and absolutely the best around my kids. Previously had Jack russels - a bit nippy TBH and Irish - the ultimate terrier , but very hard work.

Id stay away from spaniels - esp springers unless you have a farm and 2 hours a day to exercise them

[Sipperskipper]

Oh and I should add- he is definately NOT low energy! Has an hour off lead walk each day, and if this is ever missed, he races around the house barking and chasing the cat (which is why we never miss it!)

[Sipperskipper]

I have a border terrier and he is the best dog in the world! He loves children (our nephews & freinds children) and he is just full of character.

However, we spent a long time training and socialising him and being very, very strict, as terriers are known for their sometimes snappy nature. I took 3 weeks off work when we first got him at a few (12 I think) weeks old, and regularly took him to classes.

It paid off though, he is now 4 and my best friend in the whole world!

[WildMarry]

I want a big dog, but not sure I could contain it.

[Scuttlebutter]

I would consider attending Discover Dogs which is on in a couple of weeks. Most breeds are represented there - you and your DC can go along, meet lots of dogs, ask questions about individual breeds. For many breeds there will be information about breeders and for breed rescue. It's designed to be a family friendly, informative event exactly for people in your situation. www.discoverdogs.org.uk/

[PikachuSayBoo]

wolfie

You can't dna test for mitral valve disease or syringomiela (sp). Though I think if the parents aren't affected by mitral valve disease it's less likely that puppies will. But 50% of Cavs will have MVD by 5yo.

But other eye problems can be dna tested for. Also hip dysplasia which affects 1 in 4, so parents hop scores. They can be prone to patella problems.

Curly coat syndrome can be dna tested for as can episodic falling syndrome.

[mycatstares]

I second mini schnauzer. My nan has one and its brilliant with dd(4). Very loving dogs and a easy to control size too.

[BagelGoesWalking]

Bichon
Poodle
Greyhound (very low energy but not small)
Whippet

[Ylvamoon]

Wolfiefan

You can do DNA tests for certain conditions.

The results can be:

affected- dog will most likely develop the condition. Don't breed this dog.
Carrier- dog has the one copy of the gene, won't develop the condition. Can pass the gene on to offspring. This dog should only be mated with a dog that is clear of the faulty gene.
Clear - dog hasn't a copy of the gene.

On this note, cross breed or pedigree, if you have 2 dogs with the same faulty gene, 50% of the puppies are in danger of developing the condition during their lifetime.
This is the reason why it is so important to pay the higher price for health tested dogs. (But be aware, some traits like colour or types of coat also come from faulty genes, and your dog may still have health problems... it's a mine field!)

[Restorativepowersoftea]

We had a Shetland sheepdog with a great temperament- sweet and gentle with children. He lived until he was 16 and was an all-round lovely family doggy

[Wolfiefan]

Pikachu I may be completely wrong (probably am) but I thought they couldn't guarantee health testing would make a difference. Hence they can't breed out the issues.

[PikachuSayBoo]

Mine is a cavachon btw. Small, friendly, low energy, good with kids. Grooming is the only downside but I clip her myself and keep her short.

[PikachuSayBoo]

King Charles cavaliers have the worst health problems and I say that as someone with a KCC cross. You must make sure the parents are extensively health tested if you get one.

[user1476027851]

Hi
At the end of last month vets were asking prospective buyers not to buy "squashed nose" dogs, because of health problems
www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2016/sep/21/vets-ask-prospective-dog-owners-to-avoid-pugs-and-other-flat-faced-breeds

I've tried every questionnaire I could find and they always have something which doesn't agree with my needs. Surely - small dog, kid-friendly, low energy isn't that uncommon????

[Lordofmyflies]

What about a Boston Terrier? they are actually utility dogs and don't have many terrier traits. They don't shed, don't smell and are excellent with children-in fact they are often used as therapy dogs in the USA. Ours adores the kids and is a real snuggler.

[CMOTDibbler]

A whippety lurcher would be perfect. Very sociable, but not on the go all the time.
My two (one greyhoundy one whippety) came from EGLR who are happy to rehome to families if the dog will be happy, and they often have puppies

[Wolfiefan]

King Charles Cavaliers are known for massive health issues too.
I wouldn't want a terrier either. My mum has a Border. Very high energy as a pup and not great with other dogs.
Try visiting Crufts or discover dogs to find out about breeds. Also try quizzes online. Consider cost and time to walk and groom etc.

[dovesong]

Cockapoos tend to have really lovely temperaments. They're great family dogs.

[MiddleClassProblem]

Try this too

www.thekennelclub.org.uk/services/public/findabreed/