I would like to get a family pet after the summer. I want a puppy. Looking for advice on the best breeds for family life. I loved having pets as a child and would like to give my children the opertunity to experience this as well.
I appreciate that a rescue dog is the kindest most ethical choice (and have had them in the past) however there are requirements that I want and you just don’t know what you are getting. Previously have had two rescues one amazing lovely beast and the other to much for me to cope with and really aggressive due to his abusive background.
My husband is not a big dog fan but agrees good for kids so.
I will from now on own my Own business and the dog can be with me all the time plenty exercise company etc
We want one that doesn’t shed too much and doesn’t have lots of drool (DH requirements)
Good with kids and not Yappy.
I want plenty of time to look into reputable breeders so......
Advice welcome
If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.
The doghouse
Family dog what breed?
Blarblarblar · 14/02/2018 10:17
Stanley ate two packs of mini malteaser chocs (including some of the wrappers - that prompted a trip to the vet, but he was sick on the way, so no action required 
.
He's not too bad while we're actually eating, but will often try to lick our plates on the table before we've cleared away, if we're still sitting there. And he loves poppadoms - can't leave them where he can reach them.
I would say he grew out of the chewy phase around the 12 month mark. He's even given up chewing his fluffy toys - he just snuggles up to them now on the sofa.
My whippet is nearly 12 months but mentally still seems about 6 months old tkband 
He’s also an expert food thief and I often just end up shutting him out of the room where I’m eating. Those pointy noses are just made for stealing stuff.
How old is your whippet bluetongue? We used to have to ensure the room we left Stanley in was whippet proof when he was a pup, but the chewing has largely stopped now. (He did work his way through a large number of shoes prior to that though.) He'll help himself to anything left in the kitchen even when we're around, so we're well used to keeping that Stanley-proofed .
Oh dear, am I the only one with a naughty whippet? He’s adorable but very full on. Every time I leave the house I have to check that it’s ‘whippet proof’. Definitely nothing left on kitchen benches and even books can’t be in reach as he’ll shred them 
He is very cuddly though and adores children. Plus sheds less than most cats and no doggy smell.
throws in a curve ball
Westie
They don't shed much at all ... well mine doesn't and after a spaniel its practically zero.
Do bark warnings but can be trained to stop with "enough". They aren't stupid just independent so let them do their thing to a point then stop they are happy.
Completely sound with kids if kids are taught to be respectful of ddog's boundaries. We had ours chap when dd was 7, now 10 years later they are still best friends. Their tolerance doesn't wear off either although classed as a senior 2 weeks ago he's coat was yanked by an over eager toddler (totally my fault) and he yelped but did not react in any other way.
He's just the best companion. Nice size too to take anywhere, my boy has a passport and comes with us on holiday to France.
We got our whippet from a KC registered, but not inspected, breeder. But we went to visit them and met mum and grandma (of our whippet 
) and all the paperwork for the father as well. We also got a really good feeling from owner - they weren't professional breeders...they had bred their first whippet, and kept one of the pups, who they had then bred for this litter.
That's so exciting Bigfoot1. Please post pictures when your bundle of joy arrives - whippet puppies are so cute .
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