Look at the Mumsnet recommended breeds 😯

[BlueTiles]

Someone didn't do their research very well Beagle - just what every beginner needs - Pug, great so long as you don't want to do the two hours walking they mention and aren't fussed about breathing

Page doesn't exist?

That’s been removed quickly!

It won't let me link but it's a pinned post that is still there. All the breeds we talk about on here as worrying health wise.

www.mumsnet.com/swearsby/best-family-pets

To be fair, they do mention labs/setters etc too at the top but the rest are dreadful.

That’s absolutely baffling! Every single breed is either prone to health conditions or not really suitable for “beginners” with the exception of staffies.

Yep, utter bollocks

If there are allergies in the family, consider a mixed-breed dog that’s been crossed with a non-shedding variety, such as the Poodle

“If there are allergies in the family, why not increase their chances of being allergic by considering a non shedding breed such as a poodle, and crossing it with something that adds the shedding breed back in..”

Genetics, mumsnet, genetics. Crossing a non shedding breed with a shedding one increases the allergenicity of the coat.

If you have a child that has allergies, just get the non shedding breed, there is no need to cross something that already is suitable to make it less so..

That's really a very odd list, putting it as politely as I can, and I think might be unique in putting red setter and calm in the same sentence (without a 'not')

Haha to setter and calm! And YY to not a cross for allergy.

Tortoise - 'full of personality'

I mean, our cavvy is friendly, soft and endlessly patient (and getting on for 14 now bless him) so I can see why they get recommended but the health issues would prevent me from ever getting one from a breeder. We rehomed ours when he was 1 and he’s the best dog ever but even before his health issues became apparent he was very needy - he definitely couldn’t be left alone for long periods for example, not that any dog should but he really wouldn’t have coped.

Goldfish - easy to maintain, hahahahaha...

Little bastards die at the drop of a hat.

*Goldfish - easy to maintain, hahahahaha...

Little bastards die at the drop of a hat*

Yes.

I found they were more time consuming than the cat, needed a degree in water chemistry, and still died at the drop of a hat.

Fish need 10x the space you think they do. The smaller the tank the harder it becomes to control waste build up. Then there’s measuring nitrates, nitrites, ammonia and god knows what else, twice daily with partial water changes every day.

I gave up in the end and the tank now has gerbils in it. Much easier.

Poodles really need to get a decent publicist

Also laughing at Beagle as good first dog for a novice. Reputable breeders will be reluctant to sell to novices. Less reputable ones will be happy to flog you a dog that will spend its life outwitting you and making successful breaks for freedom.

It certainly puts me off any of the other Mumsnet recommends things!

My BiL keeps rabbits and it sounds really difficult, done properly.

The dog section needs work!

@BlueTiles

Tortoise - 'full of personality'

This bit at least is true!

But whoever wrote the dogs section needs to be sent for retraining. Bad dog! Go to your basket!

I think they've got setters mixed up with settees. I've met some quite calm Irish settees.

@FindBetty

I think they've got setters mixed up with settees. I've met some quite calm Irish settees.

I do know a calm setter. She is 14. I think that’s the average age they become calm.

That stuff about hamsters being ideal for small homes is rubbish too, hamsters need more space than you'd think! Most cages you can buy are way too small for their needs, a correctly sized cage for a Syrian takes up a looooot of room...

Goldfish are a terrible choice for a bowl in the house too.

Syrian hamsters are weaponised fur. I have no idea why people would get one for their children

If I brought home a stick insect for my children, they'd probably go out on strike.

Maybe you should try a meerkat?

@BlueTiles

Tortoise - 'full of personality'

I’ll agree with you on the rest but I have to disagree what tortoises aren’t full of personality! My baby in particular is such a character 🥰.