Help me find the right hilarious little dog for the kids

[CindyLouWhoo]

I've had dogs since I was little so we are an experienced dog household. DDog passed a few mo the ago and I'm ready to start thinking about a new dog. Our last dog was a rescue and a big working/guarding breed. Whilst he was utterly bomb-proof with the kids he wasn't much fun for them. As we now have two kids under the age of 8 we will need to go to a breeder. They adore next doors JRT but I'm not sure I can quite handle a JRT. I was thinking a border terrier? Any other suggestions?

Our lovely JRT passed away last year and I know exactly what you mean OP, ours certainly had a lot of personality. He was an older rescue so although he could be incredibly funny and daft he wasn’t quite so hyper as I can see some JRT puppies are. I have friends with various versions of poodle cross who all seem to be great fun and very playful. I wouldn’t personally go for a collie or a spaniel, or indeed any working breed because I know I couldn’t commit to the amount of physical and mental exercise those sorts of breeds need. Maybe something which isn’t too small for you as well, kids can often pick up little dogs and they don’t necessarily like it.

I think borders are like the mongrel dogs kids had in old fashioned children's books. Proper family dogs. Ready for anything but also always up for a cuddle. Which is what the OP is looking for.

Jeezo, it's a lighthearted post about looking for a fun dog, she shouldn't have to list every criteria and consideration she is making in a simple post. 😒

We have two borders and our kids (7 and 4) absolutely love them and vice versa. The dogs are their shadows and are never far from their sides. We've never had a single hint of aggression towards the kids. Great family breed

We have a Schnoodle ( mini schnauzer / mini poodle cross ) puppy, she's nearly 11 months old.

Gorgeous temperament, very playful, loves walks and chasing her ball. She is gentle and loves children

Fantastic little dog

Ha! My very first Mumsnet biscuit! Who woulda thought that after years on Mumsnet a post asking about a dog would get it.

By hilarious I do mean playful. Our old dog was a gorgeous thing but really she had no interest in fetch or playing games of any kind really. She was so humongous we bought a ramp for our car so she wouldn't damage her hips jumping in/out of the boot. The neighbours JRT will happily trail the kids round the garden, play fetch etc. But he's also a royal pain in the backside. He's aggressive to other dogs, tries to eat cats etc which is why I am hesitating to get a JRT.

Worry not that any dog we get will be every bit as loved as our previous dogs. We have certainly never abandoned a dog at rescue centre! I'm not sure how that was the conclusion some people drew.

It sounds like people have had good experiences in line with what I was hoping for with Border Terriers and I've got a few more to look into. We have a big house/garden and can do walks x2 but I don't want so high energy that the dog needs hours and hours of exercise/mental stimulation every day. I did consider a spaniel but most I've known have been very needy and a bit neurotic?

Any opinions on a PBGV? We met one the other day who was lovely and quite a lovely little chap.

I have a very cute cocker spaniel, and she is, indeed, possibly the most needy and neurotic dog ever to grace the planet. She is a complete knob, but we do love her.

I think cockerpoos are great family dogs - the vast majority of the ones I've met are friendly, sweet natured, energetic little curly mops of playfulness. The fun of a cocker with the intelligence of a poodle - I think they're lovely.

If you are looking for a dog with a sense of humour that is playful, intelligent and small to medium sized have a look at Tibetan Terrier. They make great family pets you can teach them all sorts of tricks and generally love being in the heart of the family.
If you are looking for a play mate for your children, don't get a puppy (or adult dog)! They have sharp teeth, will destroy your children's toys and will not play "nicely" or "gently" with your children.

Ha ha ha what an absolute bunch of bell ends on your post

I recommend a cairn terrier. Playful and silly and fun

I just googled PVBD and they look brilliant.

Not sure about the drool/hound scent drive though?

Ylvamoon I also suggested a Tibetan. My little one is such a feisty character, brave and daring. A beautiful little dog.

Tibetan terriers are lovely little playful dogs, can be a little stubborn, but generally very sweet and confident. They also have the most glorious coats you’ve ever seen.

Tibetan Spaniels are not really part of the spaniel grouping. more closely related to Pekinese and Japanese Chin.

Hmm. when our 2 boys were 8 and 6 we got our golden retriever.

He was their best friend. Yes some can be a bit on the large side, but full of character, loving, bomb-proof, looking back the right dog at the right time. (we now have a working cocker - absolutely perfect dog for just the two of us now the boys have grown up as he is a lot of work and time consuming but so rewarding in every way)

If you can cope with the shedding (endless) and their tendency to be a bit stubborn, retrievers are an extremely good family dog.

Depending on what the kids are like - if they're quite rough then I'd say a boxer but if they're not so boisterous then a Tibetan terriers a good choice I'd say

Oh yes! Boxers are great!

A face only a mother could love 😂

God not a spaniel

Seriously consider a lab. Not fashionable but gorgeous as puppies and so easy

Dogs aren’t for kids.

Dogs aren’t there to keep your family amused.

Each dog is different what happens if you go for one of the recommended breeds but end up with a placid dog?

My dogs do a bloody good job of keeping our family amused

But it’s not their sole purpose

I don't think anyone said that it was

"Dogs aren’t there to keep your family amused."

Gosh, aren't they? What are they there for then?

Soft coated wheaten terrier. The commentator on Crufts once described them as the clowns of the dog world and they are just that! Brilliant dogs.

But they I don't see a problem with treating babies like dolls either-so I am obviously not a proper mumsnetter

Help me find the right hilarious little dog for the kids

um k