Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
The doghouse

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

Original poster

Looking for a dog to suit a family but it's a minefield- where do I start?

67 replies

Abneyandteal19 · 20/12/2021 21:26

We have 3 DC 6, 4 and 2. We have been thinking about a dog for a while- the kids love them and don't seem scared etc. both had dogs growing up (bulldogs) and think we could offer a great home, I'm a SAHM, DH works from home, medium sized home with decent garden, semi rural and close to coast.
My first instinct was to get a rescue dog but this seems totally impossible with children? I've looked at as many as I can find.

I've tried to look at puppies in local area but you hear so many horror stories and we of course don't want to be part of any puppy farming or the like.

Can any recommend a) any particular breeds and b) steps to go about this.

Thank you! Smile

OP posts:
Anordinarymum · 20/12/2021 21:33

@Abneyandteal19

We have 3 DC 6, 4 and 2. We have been thinking about a dog for a while- the kids love them and don't seem scared etc. both had dogs growing up (bulldogs) and think we could offer a great home, I'm a SAHM, DH works from home, medium sized home with decent garden, semi rural and close to coast. My first instinct was to get a rescue dog but this seems totally impossible with children? I've looked at as many as I can find.

I've tried to look at puppies in local area but you hear so many horror stories and we of course don't want to be part of any puppy farming or the like.

Can any recommend a) any particular breeds and b) steps to go about this.

Thank you! Smile

Long gone are the days when you went to the RSPCA for your dog. Unless you were very well orf and coud afford a pedigree this is where dogs came from and largely they were a 'Labrador/Alsatian cross or similar.

I always think a dog comes to me for a reason. My pug came from a horrible breeder who could not use her anymore and I feel like I was lucky to get her. She is wonderful.
It's not always impossible with rescues if they are very young ? Otherwise I get what you are saying.
I wish you the best of luck

tillyandmilly · 20/12/2021 21:37

Cockapoos - great with kids - Raffles based in Cheshire -

JayAlfredPrufrock · 20/12/2021 21:38

No reputable rescue would rehome with children under 5.

Grumpyosaurus · 20/12/2021 21:39

What sort of size dogs are you after? Grooming requirements? Exercise needs? How much stimulation?

Whichever breeds you consider, check out what health issues are prevalent within the breed and should be tested for - some breeds are riddled with health issues.

Once you have narrowed it down a bit, maybe join some breed groups e.g. on FB. Follow for a while - you'll see the same issues coming up, you might become aware of a few breeders, you'll get a feel for the breed and the community around it. Also see if you can get to Crufts or Discover Dogs to meet some dogs and owners (and possibly breeders).

pilates · 20/12/2021 21:39

Cockapoos
Cavapoos
Miniature schnauzers
Labradors
Golden retrievers

mayblossominapril · 20/12/2021 21:40

Labrador or border terrier. You can get good lab puppies from working homes where bitches will usually have a couple of litters and the bitch and her pups will be in the family home.
Adverts can be found in feed merchants, vet notice boards, signs at the side of the road outside farms.

Grumpyosaurus · 20/12/2021 21:40

Also, if you're after a cross, ask around locally: local vets may know of accidental matings, or deliberate breedings of lurcher litters, or whatever.

GoodnightGrandma · 20/12/2021 21:42

I would wait until all the kids are school age.

Brusca · 20/12/2021 21:47

@tillyandmilly

Cockapoos - great with kids - Raffles based in Cheshire -
OP said no puppy farmed pups.

Raffles appears to have closed and directs to a 'new' puppy farm that looks surprisingly similar.

Original poster
Abneyandteal19 · 20/12/2021 22:03

Thank you for the responses.

I think we could easily take a dog on at least one decent walk a day but maybe not a breed that needs hours and hours. Grooming not too much of an issue- I think we could manage that's mostly! Labs and collies sounds wonderful- just a good standard dog!! Nothing fancy and nothing too tiny I think would suit us.

Jointing FB groups is a good idea and yes I didn't think of vets recommendations- I will ask some friends locally who have dogs.

OP posts:
icedcoffees · 20/12/2021 22:10

@tillyandmilly

Cockapoos - great with kids - Raffles based in Cheshire -
Raffles were/are a puppy farm Hmm
icedcoffees · 20/12/2021 22:11

I wouldn't recommend any dogs until your youngest is school age. Dealing with a toddler and a puppy who is teething and toilet training is a recipe for disaster imo - there are good reasons why rescues won't rehome with young children in the house.

Bebeschitt · 20/12/2021 22:32

I too would wait until your youngest is at school.
I am a bull breed fan. I have a staffy cross now after losing my old boy last year.
We went through a bull breed rescue who foster before rehoming. They know their dogs and are very careful about who they go to. They rehome to families with kids if the dog has passed tests. Same with cats and other pets.
Find some breed specific rescues on facebook. Please don't buy into the "designer" breed trade.

curlymacv · 20/12/2021 22:35

It's a shame I totally disagree with breeding them, because if I didn't I'd absolutely recommend a pug. Got one when I was very young and didnt know better, and not only is she very easy (lazy, adores babies and kids) but so funny. She grew up alongside my little brother, think he was 2 when I brought her home . Another bonus is she's completely incapable of doing harm even if she wanted! Not everybody's cup of tea obviously but you could maybe look for adults to re-home privately if you're interested in them.
I wouldnt personally recommend a collie around little kids. They are usually super high energy and can be very nippy when they're little.

newnameanon19 · 20/12/2021 22:38

You can checked proper certified puppies on champ dogs. They have to be registered with the kennel club so I think are usually legit. Ours was anyway

Geneticsbunny · 20/12/2021 22:50

@JayAlfredPrufrock

No reputable rescue would rehome with children under 5.
Or breeder
farmnannyneeded · 20/12/2021 22:50

Our kids are school aged, but I know of others with younger children who have adopted puppies from this rescue in Bulgaria. Most have been with the rescue since very young and are around kids. santerpawsbulgarianrescue.com/

OwlNChips · 20/12/2021 22:55

Oh my god don't get a dog from raffles! Hideous puppy farm who ship in from Ireland so ignore the advice of @tillyandmilly

A quick google of 'raffles reviews' will bring it all up on trust pilot and there's loads of Facebook groups dedicated to these scumbags

I met a raffles dog recently. He's absolutely horrible and fear aggressive due to his early start

StillMedusa · 20/12/2021 22:55

Collies are herding dogs..and herd by nipping at ankles... and they do have a tendency to try and herd small kids so I probably wouldn't go for a Collie!
I woud suggest holding off until your youngest is older, but in the meantime get yourself to Discover Dogs..it's an absolutely lovely day out and you will have the opportunity to talk to literally hundreds of breed clubs.
We went a few years ago, with only 'I want a decent but not massive size dog and like wolfy faces' and discovered a breed I'd never heard of. Went on breed club walks to really get to know the dogs, met several breeders, was absolutely grilled as to our suitability (I've had easier interviews!) and after a long wait , brought home our girl who is flat out snozing right now.
Even with knowing her breed characteristics, it has been more difficult that we anticipated, and a huge learning curve and I wouldn't have wanted to train and walk miles in the rain with a toddler in tow!

Woofington · 20/12/2021 22:56

Start - and end - with a Labrador (puppy) from a health checked litter (hips and elbows). Thank me in 12-13 years

Woofington · 20/12/2021 22:58

Oh btw the above not available on ‘pets4homes’ you need to find a breeder and get on a list.

tillyandmilly · 20/12/2021 22:58

Umm …… you met a raffles dog recently - ummm okay? 🤔

sleepfortheweek · 20/12/2021 23:00

I would get in contact with smaller/private rescue centres. Some will re home with children, although it might be a struggle as your youngest is still very young.

Agree with others who say a puppy and toddler mixed together is a nightmare 🤣.

I am a sighthound lover. We currently have a lurcher. We adopted her nearly 9 years ago from a local rescue before we had kids but she loves both our DC (now 4 and 7). Sighthounds are typically VERY lazy, and love sofas and human beds 🤣. Very low maintenance dogs.

Good luck, we wouldn't be without a dog now x

Woofington · 20/12/2021 23:00

Sorry posted too soon - you need to get on a breeders list for when your youngest is older

WhoaBettyWhite · 20/12/2021 23:02

Find a local rescue, arrange to take different rescue breeds for a walk over your days off with your children, you will get an idea of what type of dog, size/breed/ temperament and energy level suits your home. It's as much finding a match for you as it is for the dog.
And you'll be doing something great helping the rescue and learning and getting experience at the same time..!!
I completely believe every potential dog owner should have to complete something like this before getting a dog .