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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

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Original poster

Best breed with kids

102 replies

Christmasfairy2020 · 29/01/2021 18:48

Hi
I have not owned a dog before. My mum always has had dogs. I really want a puppy since there are 0 rescue dogs around here. I had kids aged 11 and 6 whom love dogs. We have an elderly cat. I'm unsure of breeds I was thinking dalmation as a friend has one. What are your thoughts as I'm literally a novice. I want a mid size dog that likes to walk

OP posts:

EmmaGrundyForPM · 29/01/2021 22:33

We have a cockerpoo. I know they are loathed on Mumsnet but he is fabulous. He is great with kids and with other dogs. He is 8 months old and we usually give him one long walk and one short walk a day, with longer walks at weekends.

copernicium · 29/01/2021 22:50

Whippet

Snaplittledragon · 29/01/2021 23:06

Saint Bernard owner here, puppy only on limited walks just now but as an adult will be fine on two 30 minute walks per day. Nothing outrageous there
But the OP isn’t even suggesting that..
45 minutes is what she considered appropriate for a dog breed that ‘likes a walk’ - the sorts of breeds most people would think of given that description would be things like spaniels, labs, collies, viszlas etc, the Dalmatian OP mentioned.
It’s absolutely shocking.

LittleBoPeep95 · 29/01/2021 23:09

We have a cockerpoo. I know they are loathed on Mumsnet but he is fabulous.

Both of the cockerpoos i know are neurotic, unpredictable, very high energy, aloof and generally hard work. Based on my own experiences with them I would definitely not recommend one as your first dog. However saying that I think this may be down to breeding/lack of sufficient training!

Snaplittledragon · 29/01/2021 23:18

Both of the cockerpoos i know are neurotic, unpredictable, very high energy, aloof and generally hard work
This is my experience too

SionnachRua · 29/01/2021 23:19

You could still get your dog if you'd be willing to hire a dog walker for long walk during the day? And then do your own morning and evening walk. I do think 45 mins total is extremely short.

Syrrup · 29/01/2021 23:21

Since you won't be doing much walking and you have a cat you might look at companion breeds, but be really, really careful about finding a responsible breeder because these dogs are massively popular and overbred and with bad breeding come lots of health and behavioural problems. Most dogs who dont need much exercise are either really small or really, really big. As well as walking you will also need to take into account how much time you can dedicate to training, playing and grooming (e.g. my dog takes 10 mins a day of brushing and at least an hour of play/training/mental stimulation time on top of 3 walks a day, and at the moment we spend 20 minutes rinsing mud off and drying him at least once a day after off lead walks).

You will have to do your research and wait for a dog from a good breeder, possibly for a couple of years, and even 'easy' puppies are hard work especially at adolescence between 6-18 months. If you register with rescues now they should be able to match you with an adult dog who has the qualities you're looking for even if it takes a while for the right one to come along. I think for a first time owner having an adult dog who has been assessed by a rescue is definitely a great option because they're more predictable; lots of puppies are rehomed at the adolescent stage when they start asserting themselves and setting their own boundaries because its like over night they become stroppy teenagers. And no puppies are great with kids - they can all nip and jump. Also adult dogs are usually house trained so you dont need to stand out in the freezing cold at 3am pleading with your dog in loud whispers to "go weewee!" so you can go back to bed because you have work in the morning!

longcoffeebreak · 29/01/2021 23:53

I have a poodle who is great and a perfect family dog in a lot of ways but very high energy and needs lots of walking and mental stimulation so wouldn't recommend for you

Indoctro · 30/01/2021 06:44

I think the top breed with children is the Staffordshire bull terrier.

If it's a family dog being brought up with kids that's the breed I would choose

FuckOffBorisYouTwat · 30/01/2021 07:11

You've made the right decision not to get one. We have had lots of dogs and they need as a minimum an hour a day but most days get two hours or three hours with a couple of long walk at the weekends. I feel so sorry for all the fat waddling dogs in the park who aren't let of the lead so barely run.

davidsSchitt · 30/01/2021 07:29

There will be no families left without a dog and this thread shows why.

A Dalmatian who "Likes a walk" for 45 minutes a day. 45 minutes no big garden and literally just paraded in and out to do it's business.

sunflowersandbuttercups · 30/01/2021 07:42

You can't get a dog and only walk it for 15 minutes - it's borderline neglectful.

I'm a dog walker and walk dogs of all sizes from dachshunds to collies to Rottweilers - and absolutely none of them would cope on the amount of exercise you describe. It's just not enough and it's massively unfair on the dog to subject it to such little activity imo.

If you get a dog and don't give it the right amount of exercise you're asking for all sorts of behavioural problems - chewing, toileting in the house, destructive behaviours, escaping, reactivity and potentially even aggression. A tired dog is a happy dog and very few dogs will even be close to tired on 3x15 walks a day.

I agree with the poster up thread who said most dogs in England are chronically under exercised and the reason many appear to struggle with long walks is because they're badly bred, unfit and overweight.

StealthRoast · 30/01/2021 08:01

We have a 4 month old puppy, a Siberian Husky. We’ve always wanted one and knew that he would need tons of exercise and walking and waited until dd is almost 10, ds is almost 18.

We have a massive garden and a side run for him too for during the night etc and when he was unable to go out ( until he had his second needles plus wait time ) he was a different dog. He absolutely loves being out and meeting other dogs and is so friendly. He’s our first ever dog.

He has 3-4 walks per day including a “main” one where he ends up covered in mud and filth as we take him through woods and a country park. We live on the outskirts of a big city but have some amazing places nearby. Almost everyone we told we were getting him said we were mad etc but he’s the most beautiful character, sleeps and eats like a dream and loves playing with his toys. Huskies are said to be terrible guard dogs as are more likely to lick a burglar than bark at them. He doesn’t tend to bark anyway but howls away in his own little language

blowinahoolie · 30/01/2021 08:08

"a Siberian Husky"

This is definitely not a breed for OP. They need walked for miles each day!

LittleBoPeep95 · 30/01/2021 08:17

@StealthRoast no offence but your puppy ( your first ever husky) is only 4 months old. You are hardly an experienced husky owner who can advocate for the breed. Adult huskies can run for miles and miles, and they can become extremely destructive when bored. They are known to have terrible recall, they are escape artists, and can suffer from severe separation anxiety. Also not a beginners dog IMO! I don't know a single husky owner in real life who finds them easy going, they have all said they wouldn't get another.

davidsSchitt · 30/01/2021 08:34

A husky for a first dog? For someone who hates walking?

blowinahoolie · 30/01/2021 08:38

Huskies not for first time dog owners usually. They are full on. Each to their own. You would need to be at home all the time, as your house would get trashed if they don't have enough to occupy them. St Bernards similar too in that they want to be around the family all the time, just not interested in much exercise like a Husky lol

YoureAllABunchOfBastards · 30/01/2021 08:38

@Snaplittledragon

Hmm yes probably 15 min walk breakfast lunch and tea and then a good walk at weekend. I say that likes to walk WTF. An average walk for us is about 10 miles. I would consider that distance about right for an active, healthy dog.

3 15 minute walks is really really low.
It’s 45 minutes a day.
45 minutes.
That is virtually nothing

Snaplittledragon · 30/01/2021 08:45

Our smooth collie gets 2 - 3 20 minute walks most days. But he also gets to run around in the garden, and usually has a day a week in daycare playing with his mates. He is fine with that. He will do a long walk when we do but 10 miles? Bloody hell, that would take me all day!
It takes us a little under three hours.
I sometimes take her out for a second walk later in the day too.
Depends on your walking speed I suppose.

Original poster

Christmasfairy2020 · 30/01/2021 08:48

I think after reading i won't get a dog yet as other than before school runs and lunch break and after work (wfh) I won't be able to provide enough exercise for one. I think I will stick with cats and borrow my mums dog :) thanks mumsnet I'm glad I asked as otherwise I would be none the wiser

OP posts:

bookshop1 · 30/01/2021 08:56

Sounds like the right decision! I'm sure your cat will be grateful too!!!

Heyha · 30/01/2021 09:05

You will have a huge range of rescue cats to pick from once your elderly one has passed, as well I bet OP, as they don't seem to have had the same boom during lockdowns. A pair of youngish cats will provide lots of love and fun without anywhere near the challenges of keeping a dog happy.

londonmummy1234 · 30/01/2021 09:15

Staffordshire Bull Terrier. They were known as the 'nanny dog' because they were so wonderful with children.

That's unless you train it to be aggressive and injure people... like ANY other breed...

Just saying. Staffies are wonderful!

scentedgeranium · 30/01/2021 09:17

Kennel club have a handy interactive checklist.
Labs and retrievers are fabulously loyal but need lots of exercise.
Definitely not a Dalmatian - they're one of the few breeds I've had problems with out and about - so strong and strong willed!

londonmummy1234 · 30/01/2021 09:17

Ah I just read your update.

To be honest my staffy was rather lazy and was more than happy with two short walks a day. All he cared about was having company around the house. He didn't like to be left alone.

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