Probably a stupid question about buying a dogs

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When buying a dog, I know I should avoid designer breeds/popular crosses (I had a cavapoo last time, thought I got a good breeder but after reading MN realise I was being naive), but I have very young children so a rescue might not be an option until a few years time. Is the only other possibility a pedigree? I just wanted to know if there was something I was missing!

Sorry for title typo

Perhaps it was a stupid question then!

I wouldn't completely write off the idea of rescuing - but you would have to look at some of the smaller rescues as they are often more flexible than the big ones. A lot of Romanian rescues seem to be incredibly flexible - but at the same time there are some dogs coming into the country via that route that just can't make the adjustment to home life, and frankly would have been happier on the streets - so go in with your eyes wide open (tbh with young children I'd think twice about a Romanian rescue dog)

Keep your ears open for friends and friends of friends who have a dog they can no longer keep - I wasn't looking for a dog, but mine came from an emigrating friend. Do, however, be aware of the lack of independent assessment and back up support available in such circumstances, and hence the need for trust - luckily in my case I already knew DDog very well.

If you're looking more at puppies, realistically people who are deliberately breeding crosses - especially the -poo ones - are doing so for nothing other than profit, and will do / not do anything to improve their profits, as it sounds like you've already worked out. That leaves you with pedigree breeders really - I won't repeat the advice that's already out there about finding a good one, but be prepared to go on a waiting list.

Thank you so much. It would be great to get a rescue so I will definitely look at smaller centres and see what their policy is. At the time of getting our previous dog I thought I’d got it right- KC registered and seen with the mum - but hadn’t figured out that these people were probably churning them out with no regard to their wellbeing. I feel guilty for that. Although our dog was the most gorgeous and sweet boy, so tolerant of the kids!

Anyway, I’ll also do some more research on pedigrees and have a think. Another idea was guide dogs that needed rehoming due to not being suitable......?

Prospectuvd uide dogs that failed that need rehomong are a possibility but almost impossible to get.

Oh really? That’s a shame. I do have plenty of time though!

If there is a breed you are particularly keen on eg a cairn terrier which ticks a lot of boxes for kids - then see if there is a rehoming service by a national cairn terrier club for instance.
In Australia many breeds have them - often for smaller dogs which need rehoming often as their owners have gone into nursing homes. Ours are on fb - my kids are avid followers and love reading out each dog’s life story in the hope I will be swayed!

Please don’t go for the Romanian option. There are far too many dodgy ‘rescue ‘ imports coming in with the potential for bringing in diseases which the uk doesn’t hAve, no way of knowing their health until you get them here, and often help/ return option if, by the time you eventually meet them, they are unsuitable.

Yes I did wonder about those Romanian rescue websites- all seems a bit risky without meeting the dog first.

A rescue may not be out of the question. How young are the kids? If dogs are in foster with children and your children are used to dogs (leaving alone when sleeping and not climbing all over etc) then it might work.
If you go the pedigree route be aware that pedigree dogs are also puppy farmed. KC reg and seeing mum aren't guarantees. Go through the breed club of the breed you decide on.

Twins are 20 months and son is 3.5, very gentle. Dog died in January. I was thinking of waiting until twins were 3 to make sure they don’t go through any tail pulling phases?! They were very used to and unphased by the dog but I guess it was a little while ago now.

I'm sorry you lost your dog. No harm in putting feelers out to various rescues. Good luck.

Thank you Wolfiefan. Doesn’t seem like home without a dog!

If you are on Facebook have a look at Black Retriever X rescue. They bring dogs from Ireland mainly. But also Spain. They often have some history on the dogs and they put them in foster care and get a further insight. They offer a lifetime guarantee of help, and they do move dogs if it's not working out.