Thinking about getting a dog

[Namechange3007]

Ok please be gentle with me! My children are currently almost 9 and 12. We have been thinking for a very very long time about getting a dog. It wouldn't be until next year as we need to get a side gate fitted as we dont currently have one. Also we want to be prepared and not rush into this massive commitment. Neither I or my husband have grown up with dogs but I love dogs and I've always wanted one as do my kids. My husband is a lot keener in the idea than he used to be. He works at home which is great so dog wouldn't be alone. I am so think my kids are a really good age. I know its huge, I know it will be hard. I also have no idea what breed to get. I dont want a happy or ridiculously energetic dog or who one sheds loads. Or one who smells really bad! I'm probably asking for the impossible arent I. Ideally I would prefer an older dog but have heard of friends getting rescue dogs and it going horribly wrong. Any advice welcome!

Thank you.

[Gin4thewin]

Really really really do your research on breeds, grooming, health issues, behaviour traits and issues, if a cross, consider characteristics of both parents, just because somethings crossed with a poodle doesnt mean it wont moult and they will need alot of grooming. If crufts is on next year i HIGHLY recommend going, looking at discovery dogs, speak to owners of the same breed etc. Good on you doing your research x id say look at a whippet, theyre a good choice.

[Namechange3007]

Thank you. Yes, this is the beginning of my research!!

[AgathaX]

Some friends of ours have a whippet/poodle cross. He's scared of his own shadow, can't be left alone ever and is generally very high maintenance because of this.

Why not just go for a whippet or a poodle?

[Namechange3007]

Whippets, lurchers, greyhounds, all lovely and absolutely perfect temperament wise but just too big.

[Namechange3007]

See I thought poodle but someone said to me they are completely nuts!

[AgathaX]

Poodles are fabulous dogs. They are intelligent though, so need mental stimulation. Great with children.

[Namechange3007]

How big do they get? Will have a proper look into poodles.

[Namechange3007]

What are Pomeranian dogs like? My daughter fell in love with one on the Paul O Grady dog programme tonight!

[Namechange3007]

What about labradoodles? Toy poodles? Bichon frieze?
If a dog needs a lot of grooming what does that actually involve?

[AgathaX]

Three sizes of poodles - toy, miniature and standard. Standards are large, usually taller than a labrador. Toys are very small. Miniatures are around the height of a cocker spaniel but they are a slimmer breed so probably look a little smaller/leaner.

[Namechange3007]

Thank you.

[Namechange3007]

It's such a massive decision isnt it. My main concern is getting a dog from the right place. Is the dogs trust reputable?

[stroopwafelgirl]

I honestly think you can “over-stereotype” with dogs. Yes, a particular breed will have some overarching traits or characteristics but in general it massively depends on how you socialise and train the puppy. It also depends on your lifestyle and how you plan to fit a dog into your daily routine. They’re such a huge commitment - maybe not as much as a child but they definitely come with their fair share of work, stress and heartache. Obviously the unconditional love and companionship should outweigh those things!!

[MissShapesMissStakes]

I have a poodle. And I've since met lots of poodle owners online. They are generally lovely dogs. Loyal to their family, very clever so easy to train, no shedding, don't smell (seriously don't!).

My poodle was toilet trained easily and slept all night from the start with no mess.
He loves us a lot. Recall is great now (he's almost two) because he'd rather be with us than anyone else or any other dogs. He loves his food - not all poodles do, some can be picky eaters.

He is fine being left alone for a couple of hours.

He is amazing with my youngest child who can be very stressed and emotional. As soon as she becomes upset he's with her, licking or sniffing her neck, wagging his tail, generally fussing her. He's a star! They do seem to be more human than dog. He definitely 'gets' my daughter.

There are poodle specific rescues.

Of course within breeds there are massive variations.

Have fun looking and planning.

[RatHammock]

Honestly, consider a whippet. They’re really not that big. My boy is 18kg and that is on the big side for whippets. He’s such a lovely dog, quiet, gentle and affectionate. My DD was 3 when we got him and they are best friends. He doesn’t bark, smell and if he has 20 minutes of running around like a maniac he’ll snooze for the rest of the day. We had one poo in the house on his first day and after that he’s always gone on the garden - v few wees as a puppy too. I can’t recommend this breed highly enough with children. DD is 9 now and he is never more than 1m away from her!

[frostedviolets]

I think I would consider a papillon

[GrumpyMiddleAgedWoman]

Whippets and whippet lurchers are on the smaller side. Whippets have short close coats so minimal grooming (the odd bath, maybe the odd brush). IME - I've never lived with one but I know quite a few - they are generally gentle and sociable with both people and dogs (I knew one who was a barky bastard with other dogs; the others have all been lovely).

Puppies are hard work but they should be sleeping through within a couple of months at most. They all come with some genetic wiring and whatever they have learned when with their dam and the breeder, but you get to mould them. Of course, you can mess this up, and you might get a perfect rescue, so the choice of one or other is not straightforward.

If you do opt for a rescue lurcher, find out all you can about its background. A friend of mine has one from a hare coursing bust and the dog, though really lovely in the house, will chase anything that moves outside.

Dogs Trust is reputable. Ditto EGLR.

[frostedviolets]

I haven’t known many Pomeranian but the ones I have have been really lovely.
The price tag is insane though!
I haven’t seen any for less than £3,000 and plenty at the £4,000 and £5,000 mark 😱

Papillons are about the same size and fluffy but with a much easier coat.

[Namechange3007]

Falling over in shock at those prices!! Thank you. Poodles do sound good. As do whippets/lurchers.

[Namechange3007]

Missshapesmissstakes great name and your dog is gorgeous
Any thoughts on border terriers?

[MissShapesMissStakes]

We used to walk two border terriers.

Both lovely. A bit 'wired' as it all about the nose. One couldn't be let off as she was hell bent on squirrel chasing. I don't think she even knew there was anyone at the end of her lead, she was focussed entirely on squirrels!

The other was a lot older and calmer.

I wanted a border terrier when I started researching but I was put off by the typical terrier traits as we are new to dog ownership and poodles just seemed a bit more people focussed.

That's based on two dogs though! That's as far as my knowledge of them goes.

[mrsjoyfulprizeforraffiawork]

I like Pomeranians but I have heard they are quite feisty strong characters and I am not sure I could live with the slightly yappy voice, let alone the horrendous grooming necessary. I don't know if you live in the South-East but Battersea Dogs Home are very good if you do want a rescue (have branches in Kent and Windsor too). I wouldn't have a puppy as they are so much work. I see you had thought an older dog would be better. Don't know if anyone has suggested this but I have had dogs all my life (various breeds) and I am now on my second Staffie (cross) having had a 30-year gap since my first Staffie. I had forgotten what great dogs they are - really eager to please and therefore pretty easy to train. This one I adopted from Battersea - she was about 4 years old, they thought. I really recommend a Staffie. They are affectionate, intelligent, cuddly and 95% of all the ones I've ever met have been very well behaved. They are terriers so will have a bit of a prey drive. My current one does chase squirrels but ignores rabbits - the squirrels ALWAYS get away.

[vanillandhoney]

Any thoughts on border terriers?

Border terriers are pretty great little dogs, but they do require fairly regular grooming - which is fine as long as you can afford the costs and can maintain the brushing etc. at home.

They're sturdy, healthy, can walk for miles if necessary and all the ones I've met absolutely love people. They're not too big either which is handy!

[Pugdoglife]

I would also suggest a staffy, they are small but sturdy, low on grooming, adaptable, friendly and suffer less genetic issues than some breeds, there are also lots in rescue if you do want an older dog.
My first dog was a staffy and I wish every day I could own another dog as amazing as he was. I love the dog I have now but there was just something so special about the staffy.

[Wolfiefan]

I would personally avoid all poo crosses.
I would rather have a rescue or a pedigree. Too many breeders are churning out pups. And a cross isn’t a breed. You never know what traits, health issues or coat you would get.
Poodles are very bright and active dogs. (There are different sizes.) Grooming is a big issue. I wouldn’t want a dog I had to take to the groomers
My mother has a border terrier. She grooms it at home. Every one I’ve met in recent years is dog reactive and has no recall.