What dog wpuld you recommend for us

[triangulator]

Hi!

We have always always wanted a dog but until now have not been in the right position to have one (we were working full time in the city and having our DCs).

We have two boys almost 4 and 7 months old. I work 3 days a week and my DH works 4. There are 2 days a week when neither of us are at home between the hours of 8-5. It would be tricky to commit to coming home at lunchtime so I assume we would need to factor in a dog walker for these two days. Am also assuming some dogs will be fine with this, others, less so.

We live in a small town and our weekends are usually spent visiting family rurally, going to parks or walking in the woods. Our boys have a lot of energy and are quite lively.

We have never had a dog ourselves, only cats. However we spend 6 weeks dogsitting a friend's German Shepard a few years ago. This was pre DC but we loved it. She was the best dog ever and I really enjoyed having her around. I loved the lifestyle and the companionship she gave.

I personally would love a German Shepard but I'm not sure we have the space. We have a decent sized 4 bed semi but a fairly small garden.

What other breeds could work well for us? We would rather have a medium/large sized dog, neither DH or I like smaller dogs as they always seem quite jumpy and barky. The GS we cared for rarely barked and only jumped up whilst playing.

Are there any other things we should consider at the moment?

We are not planning on doing anything that soon, perhaps in a year or so once we can teach DS2 how to behave around a new dog - he'd just want to grab it all the time at the moment and that would be stressful for everyone!

A schnauzer would be a great dog for you!

@Alicatz66 and many are batshit and end up in rehoming centres. They are a cross. You don't know what you will get. They are a cross of two active breeds so can be bonkers. And breeders breed for cash. A puppy farmers dream. God knows what conditions the parents are stuck in.

Sorry to start with a negative but I'd say with your youngest at 7 months .....that's a bit too young. You're going to have toddler tantrums to deal with potentially as well as a pup to nurture.....and nurture they do need. You reap what you sew with a pup. You put lots and lots in ....you get a lifetime of joy back. You put little in.....you and the dog struggle.
However, the breed that I would say to consider at the RIGHT time might be a Rhodesian Ridge .....bitch. They can be very maternal of the broader family ....a real mum dog. You need to be strong handler though, both mentally and physically. The Rhodesian can cover ground nearly as quickly as a greyhound and once they're onto a scent, that recall has to be all sorted. They also thrive on a raw food diet...which you can get delivered for a price. Most Rhodesians see no point in balls though ...they're not interested, can't see the point.

If they appeal, talk to some breeders and reputable ones. They will tell you if you're suitable or not.

I'm in the "it's not a good idea camp" as detailed exhaustively above.

That said, if you've got your heart set on it, then a lurcher is probably the least worst idea. They're placid in the house, good with children, don't need masses of exercise, don't come with a raft of health issues, don't shed hairs all over the shop.

The exercise commitment with any gun dog (e.g. lab/spaniel/collie) is bigger than you think. It's all fun and games in the summer, but you have to go out and do those couple-of-mile-twice-a-day-minimum walks in November in the freezing rain and howling wind, and often in the dark. It's literally a couple of hours a day, every day, without fail, otherwise you have a supercharged bouncy thing in the house that will find an outlet for its energy in a variety of inventive and destructive ways.

My lurcher is literally 20 minutes, with ten minutes of running in a big circle. Less - a lot less - if it's raining. And then it's back to the sofa for SRS SNOOZEZ.

We have 2 rescue boxers- both are excellent with children and are ok to be left for periods of time but if we are out for a day without them we get a dog sitter or doggy day care.

If you do do for a rescue dog use a rescue that has the dogs in foster homes rather than kennels so that their temperament can be assessed.

I would not have a puppy unless you can have a period of time off to settle them and then doggy day care for the 2 days a week.

Puppies are nuts and take up so much time. But others have covered that. My major struggle with our dog, who is actually quite nice but not my main priority (!), was in winter with a baby. They need walking. We used a sling and most days it was fine but when it's chucking down with rain and freezing cold, dog walks need to be short, possibly too short for the dogs needs. Anyway. It's doable but an utter pain and I'd recommend waiting till your baby is older. Ps look at Smooth Fox Terriers, they are a very family friendly hound.

I know a lot of people suggest a lurcher... But how about a whippet? They are fabulous dogs - almost like greyhounds, with a strong couch potato aspect! But a bit smaller and easier to handle.

I'd suggest a retired greyhound, they are gentle, sweet and very low maintenance dogs. Mine is typical of his breed and will sleep the clock round if left to his own devices bit happily joins me for a potter in the garden. He is happy with a couple of 20 min walks per day but equally enjoys longer walks at weekends. They are used to travelling in cars if they've been raced, don't smell, barely shed and are just beautiful!

Some great ideas. Had a chat with DH this evening and we are going to hold off until DS2 is 2.5 before we even think about it any further. Then we will start looking into it a bit more with a view to getting one just before he turns 4.

I have always thought we would need a puppy so we can 'start from scratch' and train it to be used to our DC etc. If we were to get a retired Greyhound or similar slightly older dog, would that still work? I do love the sound of them and I would if I can much rather rescue than buy. How old are they when they 'retire'.

Greyhounds are usually 3 years old or so when they are retired, unless they've had an I jury which has stopped them racing sooner. You would still be starting from scratch in the sense that most racing greyhounds would never have lived in the home as part of a family but you'd be missing out all the problems that puppies give you sure how as chewing and toilet training. Greyhounds are trained to not toilet in their kennel so most come housetrained.

I'm a childminder and one of the most appealing things about booking a grey was that they all already walk very reliably on the lead without pulling, when we go for walks with the double buggy I never have to worry about him getting in the way or pulling me, he's walked smartly by my side from day one.

Rescues don't have to be older dogs. They can even be puppies!
With puppies you don't know what you're getting. With an older dog and a really good rescue you know what you're taking on and they can even offer behavioural support.
Greys can "retire" stupidly early. If they CBA to run or don't have the right temperament then they don't last long.

We have just got a rescue lurcher, about 18mths old. We’ve got 3 children and she is so gentle, horizontal 99% of the time but love to play too which children the kids love. She is a food thief and would steal food out f a small child’s hand, very gently and quietly though! 😄

Golden Retriever BUT not while your baby is so young
I had them growing up but waited until my youngest was 7 ( years rather than months) before I got my latest
They are lovely and generally soppy family dogs but are big and powerful - one we meet while walking has just pulled his owner over Nd broken her wrist. We know another who’s owner can’t hold him when he decides to set off and my 13 year old can only walk ours now he’s 2 a da but calmed and with a harness and lots of training.
Amazing dogs but muddy and hairy too

Wolfiefan .. Oh .. Oh dear .. I had no idea . I'm a cat person ... should've kept my nose out of dog threads !!

Something awful like 8/10 puppies bought in UK are from puppy farms.
Pedigree breeders who care about the breed don't breed crosses. If they have a really good poodle they want to breed poodles.

Retired greyhounds are wonderful. My brother's is a beautiful dog and he's so affectionate and quiet at home. He has his mad half hour on his daily walk....runs like mad and then goes back to his quiet lovely self.

My kid was 4 when we got a dog and it worked well. First we looked after a very quiet 2 year old dog, one which wasn't really bouncy. My daughter learned all the dog rules with this one. Then we rescued a 5 month old puppy of our own and it's been great. Temperament is wonderful and the dog and kid have a lovely relationship.
The dog will calmly and happily meet kids of 4ish and above, but gets worried around toddlers stomping about and making jerky movements (think she was abused by groups of kids on the streets).
I think 4 is a good age to start, but I'm sure others have made it work at any age. My 4 year old is sensible with dogs but does need constant reminders on when to leave doggo in peace (It's the hugging ). A lot depends on dog and child. Mine is a breed-less African village dog, and I never met one which wasn't calm and good with kids...she's a bit lurcher-like and lazy. If I was getting a dog now in the UK, it would be a lurcher or complete mongrel for our family dog. Good luck with whatever you decide!

OP - I think you've honestly reached the right conclusion to wait just a little while. We've got a Cockapoo pup right now, 18 weeks. So just a medium sized breed. The rate of growth is startling and she barges and shoves us all the time (and head buts), my poor legs are raked to death right now! This would only be worse with a big breed....couple that with a wobbly toddler, I could see a lot of tears!
A border terrier might be a thought. They're a big dog in a small body.....they just adore space and walks, lots & lots of walks.
I have to say, I've always admired whippets and greyhounds - they're so elegant and sweet. I think I'm giving some thought to one of those as a chum for our Cockapoo ........

I think it's great that you are waiting, puppies are hard work, incredibly hard work if I'm honest. Definitely consider a rescue as well. My rescue dog comes home on Saturday and she feels like she is tailor made for our family as they have considered our needs and what we can offer with the dogs needs and what she can give. I knew from the beginning if we weren't a match she wasn't going to be mine and there is also the knowledge that there is support from the rescue for the life of the dog.

If you find a breed and breeder you like, you could also consider getting an older dog, either a retired mother (one bred, say 3 times would be no older than 5) or a younger dog who was going to be a show dog/reproduce and for some reason wasn't suited to it.
This way, you can know the dog's personality.

I'm glad you've decided to wait, it's going to be better for all of you. Remember you may have to wait up to a year for a puppy from a good breeder (and maybe longer to find one!), so crack on researching breeds!

I wouldn't because a puppy can't easily be trained with small children around and you sound (in the nicest possible way) like you'd be on a learning curve with it anyway.

If you absolutely insist, a golden retriever from placid parents. Easiest to train, most likely to be passive and they usually like children. Don't get a labrador. They are chaos machines.

I would wait until your youngest is older. I have a 15 month old and a 2 year old JRT and it's hard work, even with him going to daycare.