Thinking of getting a dog

[harajukubabe]

Hello, I have never had a dog. I think it would be great for the DCs to grow up with one. What is the best dog breed. Our lifestyle allows for a dog. My pet hate (excuse the pun) is hair everywhere. But I don't like the hairless look.

I think something like a toy poodle or a labradoodle may work for us. Any other suggestions?

I am looking for a companion dog for the DCs

Bagel,

Yes, you are right. Therefore I am
Considering very carefully.

I live as an expat in another country. Only stable thing the DCs know is me and DH. So that is also another reason to have a pet they can call a 'friend'.

Or am I over simplifying?

We've got a Yorkshire Terrier. He's 8 months old. He's good and patient with the children (6&3), doesn't need that much exercise and is very affectionate and intelligent. He also doesn't shed and has hair instead of fur so is hypoallergenic. He's my second Yorkshire Terrier and I will always have one now. He's lovely.

Hara I'm glad you ate now considering a greyhound!

I don't necessarily agree with magic about puppy vs older dog. Puppies are bloody hard work and need a lot of training, and even then you might end up with an unruly dog or even, God forbid, an aggressive dog.

As a pp said, dogs from foster homes are a good idea as the fosterer will know the character of the dog and how well it gets on with others. Most rescues will let you interact with dog, take it walks and let it meet your family before you commit to anything.

Sounds like you are doing your research and taking this seriously. Good luck, and enjoy having a hairy member of your family

Ps here's another couple of pictures of Jess to tempt you further

In desperate need of a groom though, the hair grows very quickly!

1. Would you get a puppy or an older dog?

I got a puppy but would have rescued if I could. We couldn't find one that would consider us with a five year old.

I would imagine if its pet shop or rescues I would go for rescue. Dog pets shops her don't have the best reputation so that maybe clouding our judgment.

As for holidays, we have a lady who looks after dogs in her own home. Mums dogs go there so we will be taking dpup along as well.

You can do quizzes where you put in how much grooming and walking etc you are prepared to do and they make suggestions.
You also need to consider days out etc. you can't leave even an adult dog more than a few hours.
Be very very careful. A massive number of dogs (especially popular breeds) come from puppy farmers. It's not always obvious. They rent houses and bring a dog they say is mum. Do your research. Look for breed clubs and network!

You also need to consider days out etc. you can't leave even an adult dog more than a few hours.

This has been the biggest cabbage for us. Checking days out are dog friendly and the logistics of taking her.

Yes phillipp we have been researching and preparing to be dog owners! It's one of our big issues.
I can honestly say I've agonised more over this than starting a family. And I haven't even got a pup yet?!

Not cabbage...change. Why would autocorrect think I wanted to write cabbage?

We don't have big cabbages, just normal ones.

wolfie I think it's good to take ages. We did and we had a similar breed before. But we still reviewed everything. It's not a decision anyone should take lightly.

We have two Labs, brothers 18m apart. They are superb family pets but they shed A-L-O-T!!

Ive got a cavachon and she doesn't shed hair. She's a nice size, great temperament.

PIkachu Aaaaaaaaaaaw!

Labs are hard work my dad's ate four landing window sills before he put a stairgate up.

That's their schnauzer she's fab with the grandkids (they have four) but then again so was the lab. The schnauzer seems a bit more laid back she's had a lot of health problems although I'm not that familiar with the breed so I don't know if it's common.

Labs are hard work my dad's ate four landing window sills before he put a stairgate up.

That's their schnauzer she's fab with the grandkids (they have four) but then again so was the lab. The schnauzer seems a bit more laid back she's had a lot of health problems although I'm not that familiar with the breed so I don't know if it's common.