The right breed for first timers, with cats and a disabled child?

[OrangeSamphire]

We are ready to add to our family with our first dog, next year. I've been doing a lot of research online, talking to dog owners, borrowing dogs to walk etc and have honed in on the following breeds for further research before we go any further:

• Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
• Portuguese Water Dog
• Schnauzer
• Boston Terrier

We can, I think, give a good home to a dog. We live on a dog friendly beach, I work from home a great deal as does DH - there's always an adult home. We are active and like to walk, surrounded by great places to dog walk. We have a large house with a medium size garden with an area that can be secured.

DD is 9 and has been practising puppy training with some friends locally and is taking every opportunity to spend time with dogs and learn about them.

DS is 6 and severely disabled. He enjoys the company of a chihuahua and a labrador when he goes to respite.

We have two cats who are pretty bombproof.

I have considered a rescue and ruled it out on the basis of cats, young children and us being first timers.

I have considered poodle cross type dogs as there are allergies in the family, but reading up I'm unsure about finding a reputable breeder so have ruled that out too.

Does anyone have any of the above breeds with cats and children? Any tips of advice from experienced dog owners? I'm learning here and keen to do the right thing

Please don't listen to anyone making blanket statements about terriers! It really isn't true, different breeds and individual dogs can vary wildly.

My soft coated wheaten terrier is a dream to train, he's good with kids, gentle, friendly, active but not excessively so, and non shedding. He's our first puppy as adults and he hasn't been difficult at all. Everyone's experience is different of course but please don't discount all terriers because you hear they are 'stubborn'.

That sounds brilliant. Trip to the NEC in March then! Thanks for the tip.

You know I'd be more keen on poodles if so many of them didn't have the funky hair dos. Left to grow a bit they look far more appealing IMO. From what I've read just briefly now, they sound like enormous fun and potentially quite a good fit for us.

Huge fun. I have an awesome pick of that dog (can't share as he's not mine and I haven't asked the owner) smothered in mud and grinning all over his face!

Golden Retriever
Tollers are lovely but I have looked after one and he was very very well trained but still harder work than my laid back Retriever.
However, puppies are bloody hard work and Goldie puppies look very cute but can be little bitey gits

We have a six month old Spanish water dog, very very similar to PWD. (In fact I originally wanted a PWD but couldn't find one) I adopted her through a Spanish charity - I know someone in Spain who works in dog adoption. She was nearly four months old when we got her.

We have two cats and six DC ages ranging from 14 years to 10 months.

Our dog is a lovely, wild little thing. ;) She is a velcro dog and follows me around everywhere. She loves the children, though she is a bit rambunctious and needs help keeping calm around the DC, she is however surprisingly cautious with the baby.

She had her spay surgery this past Monday so is still wearing her cone of shame, and can't be taken for walks until stitches are removed, so she's a ball of pent up energy right now. But she is very smart and eager to please, so it is shockingly easy to train her. I've been doing bits and pieces with her at home but I'll be taking her to a class in the new year.

The cats are still wary of her, because she is quite overbearing and likes to chase/stalk them. It is getting better and I think when the puppy phase passes they'll be fine together.

She's about 12kg and will probably get a bit bigger but not by much. Her fur is kinky like a poodle and she gets mistaken for a cockerpoo all the time. No moulting that I've noticed. Her toes are webbed and she loves the water! We live along the coast and when we take her to the beach she is so happy.

She really is a good pup and although we have some training goals that still need to be accomplished, I am confident she will grow into a calm, easy adult. We have gates around the house for the baby that we also use to separate the dog from the DC at certain times - when we are getting ready for school she gets excitable, so she goes into the kitchen. If I'm cooking I'll keep the dog in the kitchen with me and lock the baby out (I can see him!). Etc. I try to keep vigilant with the younger DC and don't allow them to be alone with the dog. She is excellent at giving them space and moving off when she is over stimulated but the younger DC don't understand doggy language yet.

Suggesting lurchers to homes with cats, seriously. Why not a doberman for gentle, playful types while we are at it?

Well said Butfirstea, terriers get a bad reputation but in my experience are awesome little dogs. We've always had terriers and cats and never had an issue. Like with any dog it's all down to the socialisation and training and recognising that breeds traits and adapting accordingly. Terriers can be cheeky but are so full of character and our two border terriers are amazing with our kids and any others we meet.

OP, I agree with getting a pup. Yes, the first few months will be brutal (yes, brutal) but it's like the newborn baby stage, it doesn't last. And you are in charge of that oh so important early socialisation and can to a certain extent shape the dog. Yes it would be ideal if you could get an adult dog that you could be 100% sure of but when you have young kids and cats you are putting an awful lot of trust into someone else's training/assessment. Don't rule out a rescue, but don't feel guilty if you do decide to stick with a pup.

I can't really comment on the breeds you have shortlisted unfortunately. A border terrier on the other hand........

We have a mini schnauzer and he was a dream to train when he was a puppy. He's extremely playful and requires a lot of walking or can be annoying round the house. They are pretty barky but I must say he couldn't be any better around children and other animals. He wouldn't even dream of biting anyone and has met cats before and is totally fine. We have a newborn baby and he's just so gentle around her. Would definitely recommend

Have you thought about a cross? They can often bring out the best of two breeds.

We did lots of research and ended up with a jack Russell and bichon frise cross. She is wonderful temperament and the perfect family dog. She's small and fluffy, great with children, loves walks but calm at home. The bichon frise side is good for allergies.

There's lots of info online about typical dog traits so you can research and compare.

I'm another one who loves lurches but don't think they'd be right for your situation.

Border terriers I really like. Just assumed it would be a no no with cats but perhaps not?

Would they be any good at encouraging a non-verbal, non-mobile child to play and interact? That's what appealed to me about the breeds I listed - (but have since ruled out Bostons based on advice on this thread).

Any idea about Dachshunds? I've just read this about them:

"Due to their affectionate and playful personalities, Dachshunds are especially helpful to people with epilepsy, depression, autism and anxiety disorders"

DS has epilepsy and DD has an anxiety disorder so it's made me think.

I have a yorkie. One of the hypoallergenic and non shedding breeds.

It absolutey loves the cat. The cat isn’t quite so impressed with it’s bezzie mate/dog god status, but it hangs around with the dog most of the time.

He’s actually been a total star. No hassle, loves people, other dogs, horses...

That or go for a poodle. Not a cross.

Dachshunds are hugely prone to spinal issues because of their long back and short legs. Approximately 25% of dachshunds end up needing some form of treatment (which can range from medical management to major spinal surgery) for Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD).

I wrote a post specifically about dachshunds here on another thread which might be useful for you.

I wouldn't say any of those breeds are perfect for what you've described. Schnauzer maybe but they can be very barky.

I second that a poodle would be a good choice. What about a Cavelier King Charles?

Please ensure that you buy from a breeder that health tests both parents, doesn't advertise online, endorses the puppies and puts it in a contract that the dog goes back to them if necessary.

I have a lab who i adore but next time i am planning a poodle

allergies, hmm, possibly not water dogs (retrievers) as they have an oily coat that attracts pollen and dust,

Terriers are much maligned! I've always had Welsh terriers which have a bit of a (deserved) reputation as a handful but are lovely family dogs and tick most/all of your boxes.

Training is absolutely essential but they are friendly loyal dogs, fabulous with children and up for whatever life throws at them and if brought up with cats will be OK with the family cats. They are low shed too ( but require stripping a couple of times a year)

Our borders have been absolutely fine with our cat, and our previous feisty jack Russel was scared of nothing, other than our cat. As long as the early training is done properly you shouldn't have a problem. Our two would give anything to cuddle her. I'm fairly zero tolerance with certain behaviours when it comes to the dogs, and chasing the cat is one of them. She's the queen and that's it. It probably also depends on your cats. As long as they are prepared to stand their ground to the pup,one that constantly runs away probably isn't ideal.

Borders are generally less fiery than say jack Russell's and patterdales.

I don't really know enough about dogs working in therapy to properly comment on their suitability for that but my oldest one follows my four year old round like a shadow and is very patient with her. He loves to play and interact and they are very trainable (they can have a bit of a stubborn streak,but nothing a bit of chicken wouldn't sort!)

One of our cats would probably be a runner, so perhaps a terrier isn't ideal.

I'm loving the idea of a poodle. More learning to do still but this has been so helpful

It's not what you asked OP but thought I would mention the Blue Cross does a great leaflet (you can look at it online) about how to safely introduce a new dog to existing cats. I found it really useful.
Also info on dog training advice and support group on FB. Dog sees cat. Dog calm. You give treat. Plan is eventually dog sees cat and looks to you for treat. No thought of chasing.
And a long line is invaluable. And stair gates!!

I second the suggestion of a Cavalier King Charles spaniel. Small, but sporty, and with a delightful gentle temperament. Health checks are very important though.

I don't believe you can health check syringomyelia though. Far too many cavaliers have that.

We've got a golden retriever x poodle or goldendoodle. I know people on here can be funny about poodle crosses but I absolutely love them. Husband and I come from families of dog lovers previously we've lived with collies, schnauzers, Bernese mountain dogs, German Shepard but I'd only have a poodle ( not a miniature) or poodle cross now! Dd has anxiety issues and was very nervous of dogs but now he's her best friend. Best temperament ever and we regularly get together with a doodle group who are all brilliant. If you happen to be in East Anglia I can recommend several brilliant people who may have puppies or will equally just be happy to give advice.

I have a whippet so am biased but they are fantastic family dogs, no health issues and can (but not always) live with cats. My dsis whippet has mothered kittens, rabbits and turkey chicks

Mine would kill a cat I think. Mine is kc registered and my dsis is a coursing whipet so bloodlines mean nothing.

We have a cockapoo and he is perfect for us.

I would borrow a dog for a week. We are in the same boat, severly disabled child, two other kids.
I sat a friend's dog for a week. I now do not want a dog. I loved walking her and the affection.
DS has a Mic-key button...I found dog hair on it. I already wash my hands loads...but it was constant. If like us you have lots of appointments and hospital admissions. It was just something else that needed to be taken into consideration.
It was a no from us, despite desperately wanting one.