Advice on potential dog

[RhubarbBikini]

Good evening, I am considering getting a dog, but want to do things properly so would welcome any advice.

Our cat was hit and killed by a car a few days ago. DD is devastated and doesn't want to get another cat in case the same thing happens again. She would like to get a dog instead. A dog would have been my preferred pet, but had to forget about this after we got the cat.

I would welcome advice on which breed would be suitable. I'd like something quite small and friendly with children (teenagers and a 9 year old). I quite like the look of cutesy cavapoo type breeds, but worried about inadvertently buying from a puppy and health issues.

I work part time and my husband works from home most of the time, but is away a couple of times a month. If that falls on a working day for me, I would want to use doggy day care, but is there a minimum age you would use this from?

Many thanks for any advice.

There are doggy day cares that take puppies but they are not as common... I looked into it but ended up adjusted my working week instead..I also enlisted one of my son's friends who doggy sits twice a week for us (I pay the going rate) so it is always worth asking around.

I wouldn't want a tiny pup in day care anyway.. personally I think it would make toilet training and basic training more difficult to achieve and they might be overwhelmed but I guess that depends on the puppy.

No help on breeds... I went on a waiting list for mine (a Eurasier) who isn;t small but is definitely cute.

We went to Discover Dogs day at Crufts to get info on as many breeds as possible (it's an awsome day out, only problem is you come home wanting ALL of them!) and to meet lots of breeds, then shortlisted and then went on a waiting list after we'd met and been vetted by a few breeders.

I was having doubts about a young dog in day care. Maybe we should also consider an older dog from a rescue centre.

Good advice about crufts, I'll check that out.

I'm also going to see if any of the local rescue centres need volunteer dog walkers to test whether the kids are still enthusiastic about dog walking in the wind and the rain.

How much time can you dedicate to walking per day?
How much will shedding bother you? Or drooling?
Do you want a dog that will be more of a lap dog or one that wants a lot of very regular mental stimulation, like a working type?

Oh also grooming requirements, how much would you want to commit and would you want it to be quite low maintenance or aren't you fussed?

Many Tears are a good rescue with a lot of small breed dogs.
Look at The Cinnamon Trust, they need volunteer walkers.

As a bare minimum the dog will be able to come on the 2 school runs each day (30 mins each). I would have time for a longer walk later in the day.

My 13 year old really wants to get involved, so I'd like a smaller breed that she can safely manage when the dog is trained.

I like the idea of a lap dog. I bought the cat because I thought he would be good for mental health. But of course he largely ignored us. I like the idea of having a pet who will look at least slightly happy to see us.

I've given up being precious about the sofas, so not overly concerned about shedding.

We have a cavapoo, it is tricky avoiding puppy farms but we got a health tested cavapoo from a family, saw mum suckling him at 3 weeks old and mum was friendly, well socialised and we have 5 generation pedigree on both sides, so certainly possible if you keep your word about you and don't rush into it. He's a great dog, smart, doesn't set off my sister's asthma which our old cavalier used to, loyal and friendly but not overly needy.

I would recommend a cavapoo for temperament. Main issues if the popular Facebook page is to be believed: fussy eaters often, often allergic to chicken, can be needy if overly babied, kneecap issues not uncommon if bought from un health tested lines. Invariably friendly and good natured; capable of plenty of exercise but not destructive without it.

*wits about you

Sounds like a good potential breed for you. Maybe also consider a cavachon (cavalier x bishon frise) or even a cavalier. Or a shih tzu.
The only other issue with cavaliers/cava crosses not mentioned above is the heary murmurs, which can be a health problem that is associated with cavaliers.

Ugh stupid phone, meant to say heart.

Pomeranian gorgeous friendly and so clever

If you're considering CKCS crosses you really do need to know what you're looking for in terms of health testing. The breed is in absolutely dire straights in terms of health and a first cross to another breed isn't necessarily a reliable way of avoiding some of the most serious issues.

Anyone using a CKCS for breeding, regardless of the other breed involved, should still be following the recommended breeding protocols for both Mitral Valve Disease and Syringomyelia. Both conditions can appear in CKCS crosses so it's vital the protocols are properly utilised when they're being bred.

There are a very small number of breeders producing litters from carefully planned and fully health tested crosses as part of a programme to improve the health of the CKCS. Some are also using various breeds except the CKCS itself to recreate a small, companion-type spaniel without the devastating health issues. If that sort of dog appeals it's definitely worth trying to find such a breeder.

Our pup went to daycare from 13 weeks. Never had any issues with toileting or unwanted behaviours. Puppies were (are) separated from the older dogs either with other pups or small breeds. As a result pup is very good with other dogs and very well mannered with them too. Pup went (and still does) approx 2/3 times a week.

I have seen one big daycare specify 4 months for puppies.

Mine went to a dog walker for daycare from just over 12 weeks and they continued toilet training and obedience training. If you do go down this route I would get one set up before getting your puppy as those that might be ok taking a puppy will be limited on spaces.

We'd love a dog but I work school hours and it would need to be walked in the day, (extra costs) and although the DC are desperate for one I know I'd end up being responsible for all the walking. Same as with the Guinea pigs my daughter was desperate for at 11!!I love looking after them as a 40 year old 😂 Avoid anything that needs lots of exercise like spaniels if you can't commit to at least 2 long walks a day and if your kids are older you should consider a rescue dog. So many stuck in shelters all across the UK.You might have to wait a bit longer to find the right dog but will be worth it 😢

I used day care from 16 weeks but fortunate is qualified trainer( positive behaviour) also dog walker and home boarder
They can separate puppies as needed and as is 2 of them can match personalities as required
Luckily they continued potty training .Still use them 5 years on

Please look into a poodle if you like the looks of a cavapoo.

You can get breed specific rescues and a lot of poodle crosses do end up in rescue as people often expect them to be non-shedding or just inherit all the good sides of both breeds.

We have a mini poodle. He's our first dog and he's been brilliant. He's quite tall for a mini poodle. But they do range in size quite a bit, toys being the tiny ones. Our mini comes up to my knee and it's a good size as I'm sure I'd tread on one much smaller. He likes to sleep at my feet!

Poodles are pretty clever (not always) and so on the easier side to train. Ours has been quite easy to train so far. It also helps that he loves his food. Although I think some poodles can be picky with food.

He loves a run in the mud and being with us all. But is fine being left too. But then I wouldn't leave him for longer than three hours. A lot of this is down to individual dogs though.

Again there are breed specific rescues if you're interested in a poodle rescue.

This is mine - he's waiting for his toast.

A miniature or toy poodle. Maybe a coton de tulear.

When I was looking for my next dog I googled what I wanted - 10kg dog stocky build. Then I looked at and read about the breeds that came up. Ended up with a white fluffy (westie), which would not have even been on the radar if I'd done a targeted search. He is utterly perfect and everything I wanted.

I would research and read about breeds - maybe google small, child friendly, good for novice owners. Then once you look at a few searches, see what keeps coming up. Try to be honest and open minded and you could end up with your own perfect dog.

I'll add, once you find a breed or two you're interested in, then google for known health and temperament issues.

Thank you so much for all the replies. I've particularly enjoyed the photos of the poodle and the westie! Both gorgeous dogs.

Thank you for giving me more to think about