What’s a good starter breed?

[ChiChaNaYubi]

I’m a few months time our circumstances are changing and we would have time for a dog. I’m not really a huge fan of them but my kids really want one and I do absolutely love Pomeranians! Are these a good starter breed?

Starter breed is a shocking way to describe any dog. Don't do it OP. They're a massive commitment.

Thanks everyone we’re going to look at some puppies next week!

Just be warned anyone who has puppies so readily available is a red flag.

where are you getting it from? Have you checked if it’s a puppy farm or other unethical source?

decent breeders have wait lists.

Lurcher

Ours is a cocker spaniel. Great breed but you have to be very committed to training.

But some dogs are a lot easier than others - that's why some dogs are described as for experienced owners whereas others are ideal for first time owners.

Yes, all dogs are a huge commitment but whereas lots of people would never cope with the demands of a husky, they would be just fine owning a golden retriever or a mini poodle.

I totally see why OP said the word "starter dog" and I actually think a lot of people would enjoy dog ownership more if they'd picked less high maintenance breeds!

To the pp who suggested rescue they'd be lucky to get one suitable for dcs. I was 'lucky' with my lurcher. Turns out he liked older dcs detested toddlers! Had him until old age and spent a lot of time training him.

What about if your jobs change and you're out the house for 9 hours a day each?

I've got a Pomeranian. He's an absolute darling and would be a great first dog. Yes they require a lot of grooming if you get a well-bred Pom but they're easy little lap dogs.

Get a cat instead.

Anyone could say that. Not only wfh or unemployed get dogs.

Are you aware of how many dogs are being dumped at rescues/left at the vets/left at kennels for precisely this reason, because people's circumstances change and the dog gets badly behaved/depressed, wrecks the house etc etc

🤦🏻‍♀️ oh for heavens sake!!
"Read the advice, ignored it, found a puppy farm and will be back in two months complaining that my starter dog has malfunctioned"

My sister is a dog groomer and there are a lot of dogs that she would never have due to traits, but she approves of Poms!

Yes I'm aware I get rescue dogs. One was sent back twice before me. You can't predict anything. What if they get a terminal illness? Where do you draw the line?

Op have you ever watched the dog house?

We had our last dog for over 16 years. Rescue pup. Our lives changed immeasurably in that time. We adapted. She adapted. She still had the best life and was very happy despite multiple changes. Dogs are far more adaptable than people think.

Shit happens. Things change. For MOST people they and/or the dogs adapt.

Get a poodle cross. That'll get the MN dog haters frothing.

What about if your jobs change and you're out the house for 9 hours a day each?

What if OP becomes paralysed in a car crash, or her DH dies, or the house burns down, or...

You can't plan for every eventuality. If their circumstances change then I'm sure they'll find a way, just like most owners do when their circumstances change.

The dog rescues are full of animals that have been bought by people who don't really like dogs. Do not buy a dog 'for the kids' because it will be down to you to look after something you never really wanted or liked

We have a cardigan corgi it’s our second one, we’ve had lots of working gun dogs, cavs (pre health concerns) poodles and Pembrokes in the past. They really are an easy breed they will walk miles or go round the block, neither have ever chewed anything, they can be left, they are not completely food obsessed or bark badly mine bark when someone comes to the door etc. neither have ever had a malicious bone in their bodies Ive never heard them growl and they love everyone they meet, we’ve never had a problem with resource guarding. My children we’re 7/9 when the first one arrived and he was fantastic with them and any of their friends that came round, he lived 14 very healthy years never seeing the inside of a vet, developed and an acute illness and died a week later even my non doggy DH was devastated when he died. They have such a sense of humour he goes to doggy day care and they adore him, they say they’ve never met a dog like him. He is easy to train and has excellent recall. There are only three issues he sheds like nothing on this earth he has a double coat, he is a herding dog and will chase/roundup livestock given 1/2 a chance and they are a rare breed although this does mean those who breed them are totally dedicated to the breed not puppy farmers. More info and images here.

Just a warning- we were recommended a working cocker spaniel as our first dog and I'm not sure I would do the same to other first-timers! He's 15 months now and we love him and are definitely committed and in for the long haul BUT it has been hard hard work and a very steep learning curve!

I don’t Like spaniels so we wouldn’t consider one of those. We are looking at Pom pups and quite excited!

My 3 yr old DS & our standard dachshund are best friends and yes I've taught him to be very respectful around her

Where have you found multiple pups that'll still be available to view next week? That's a red flag.

Pom litters are so small and good breeders generally have a waiting list.

If you found one out of good fortune I'd get it, but multiples would worry me.

If you want a pup then buy a pup. Check license, health tests, where the pups are living, and meet the mum. And to everyone saying too !any dogs in rescue? Plenty of kids in orphanages but how many go on to have their own/IVF/surrogate? Each is entitled to their own opinions and their own choices. Just be careful.