Advice on choosing and buying first dog

[lovelygreenjumper]

Hi

When I was a child we always had rescue collie crosses and we've wanted a dog as a family pet for a while but (due to location/size of house and long work hours) never previously felt it would be fair on the animal to have one.

We now have a house with a small garden, in a semi-rural location so loads of walks nearby and I work part time from home- so now seems an ideal time to get our first dog. I've just realised though how clueless I am about how to choose the right dog and where/how to get one. Could anyone help- or point me the direction of some sensible advice websites/books?

Info I think is relevant is:

• we have DC but the youngest is 10
• our home is still relatively small so I'd rather avoid a really big dog
• I have time to walk the dog daily but won't always have time for very long walks every day (but will at weekends)
• we have an enclosed garden but it's not very big
• ethically, I'd really like to have a rescue dog but not sure if that's a no no with children nowadays (even though mine are older)
• I am concerned that we could inadvertently buy from a puppy farm if we got a puppy but am not sure how best to make sure we avoid them if we get a puppy
• aesthetically (although clearly this is not the most important thing) I like 'fluffy' dogs and DH doesn't really want a 'toy' size dog
• DH quite likes the idea of a spaniel but I've heard they need a huge amount of exercise and attention

Can you offer any wisdom? Thanks

Wow! Thanks for all the advice- plenty of ideas for me to look at now. Thanks for the advice on how to avoid puppy farms too- especially about avoiding the trendy breeds/xbreeds.

Think about budget along with the size/breed of dog too, larger the dog the more it costs for insurance, wormer/flea treatment, more food and it all adds up. Certain breeds/smaller breeds are also more expensive to insure due to known health issues eg. Pugs, bassets.

Typical basic monthly costs for a labrador 6 yrs old - insurance £54, health plan (worms/fleas) £11, decent food £35-40. Walkers £10-£15/hour.

Many tears animal rescue is overrun with lots of different puppies at the mo. Also lots of bichons, dachsies and bassets, have a good look!!!

Do look at the dogs available at Many Tears Rescue (our dog came from there and he is divine!). You'd need to put in the search that you're after a dog can than live on its own without canine company. www.manytearsrescue.org/dogslookingforhomes.php

Please please consider a rescue

So many dogs out there need homes.

Deffo go for retired Greyhound. Those big brown eyes and ears made for tickling whats not to like?

Thanks again everyone. I think it will be a rescue dog for us, as long as they're happy we are the right family for one. I just need to make sure the other half doesn't end up coming home with 3 as he is a big softie!