Choosing a pup!

[OnTheFrow]

We have decided we would like a puppy to join our family and I wanted some opinions from complete strangers who also love dogs!

We have DS5 and Dchihuahua 9.

In the past have owned a Bichon and Old English. I used to work p/t as a groomer.

I work from home now so dog will always be with me. So far I like the sound of the below breeds and advice/opinions/experiences are welcome.

Japanese Spitz (not common so would need to find a breeder and put name down, could be waiting a while)
German Spitz (grandma has a rescue one)
Toy poodle (huge poodle fan but usually of the standard variety)
Shiba Inu
Alaskan Klee Kai
Coton de tulear

Thanks

That's a fair question. I have a few reasons and I'll probably be trolled for it.

I want a cute puppy.
Puppy's are hard to find when I only really want a few different breeds.
I have a 4yo
My grandma has a rescue German spitz, honestly she has a screw loose and she's spending a fortune on 121 training so whilst I would be willing to do that. I'd want to have more time to focus on the dog.
It's my 30th this year and the dog is one that I can choose so I want to get one that I really want.
I plan to rescue a greyhound in later life when DS is older and I do currently donate to 3 rescue charity's (ok one is donkey).

I don't think buying is wrong IF done responsibly. The cross breeds at 2.5k on Pets4Homes is a disgrace.

I have a Coton De Tulear (KC registered from some really good lines, health tested) - non shedding, hypoallergenic, bubbly and outgoing -also very cuddly.....only early days for us but I'd recommend!

Pic

If you can get to the NEC in Birmingham next week Crufts is on and Discover Dogs will be there. All of the breeds you mentioned will be there and their owners as well to talk about the breed. It could be useful to hear experiences about the dog and how well it'll fit into your family

Yes, the Cotons are at Crufts this Sunday I think if you want to see them being judged...lots of knowledgeable owners to talk to!

Bearded Collie? Fabulous temperament, great with children and will keep you busy with lots of grooming! On the vulnerable native breeds list so you may have to wait for a pup.

It is now less of a minefield out there since compulsory microchipping and the law changing so that you must see the puppy with the mother. Though puppy farms are still getting around this by selling from people posing as the general public in private housing. There is a definitive article that leads you through this minefield. Simply type or copy this into Google search. Finding Choosing Buying and Bringing Home a New Puppy That should alleviate any concerns you may have.

@Cotonshaded gorgeous! Haha yes I've already got my crufts tickets for the Sunday! Can't wait! Bet I come away wanting something I'd never even considered!

I've got my grana German spitz in a few weekends too so that will be good for us as a family to remember what it's like living with a soggy dog. I say that because my chihuahua is literally like a cat now!

Lots of spitz breeds in your list. Would you consider a Finnish Lapphund? Medium size so might be a bit too big but fabulous temperaments and they adore kids. Exercise needs are not over the top. Still fairly uncommon but there are UK breeders and several litters a year that I have seen.

@Absolutechaos omg! They are gorgeous!!!!

Don't forget that Spitz are notoriously noisy, so bear that in mind ... Finnish Lapphunds particularly never seem to shut their gobs LOL.

How about a Eurasier for the Spitz look, but a bit more laid back? www.southerneurasierassociation.co.uk/breedinfo

@onthefrow yes they are very pretty dogs. It is true that they do like to bark "at stuff" but most of the ones I know (including ours) don't bark for the sake of it. We chose the breed as 1) it is fairly independent and does not need constant company (but the flip side is that they aren't velcro dogs either) and 2) good "off switch" compared to some working breeds. Ours is insanely lazy about 23 hours per day, but of course there are variations between individuals. We specifically asked the breeder for the laziest one in the litter! They also don't smell unless they have rolled in something which is a bonus. They do need brushing but you seem to have loads of experience in that area so I presume it isn't a problem.

My mum has a Lhasa Apso and I'm besotted with her. Such a clever loving little dog.

@PuppiesUK
Those aren’t recognised breeds and OP has already said she isn’t after crosses such as these.