Dachshund or Cavalier King Charles

[middleagedandinarage]

Tell me about these guys, especially Dachshunds, I know they come in different sizes and coats, do the breed variants have different personality traits too?
Looking for a family dog but would mainly be for DD age 7 who is very gentle and animal mad.

All these people suggesting JRT. 🙈 They are literally bred to kill. Great if you live in a farm but not a family dog.

JRTs can make great family pets, though some of them are absolutely nuts to be fair.

though I like how you say they are bred to kill, and are also recommending staffies. While they did largely breed out the human aggression, there is still some dog aggression in a number of them. Staffies were originally bred for dog fighting, and are the breed that resulted from the dogs that were used for bull and bear baiting and then dog fighting once that was made illegal. Many are absolutely lovely, but you do need to make sure you get a very well bred one.

I tend to shy away from terriers as first dogs. They can be fabulous, loyal, clever and cuddly little dogs, but they can also be strong-willed and too independent-minded for a child's dog. It so much depends on the individual dog. Which is why I'd go for something with a bit more generic tendency to be a cuddly biddable dog.
I mean, mine is a Patterdale and I wouldn't recommend that to anyone - shockingly needy, barky, will kill anything that moves and chases everything. But I don't think that's the breed as a whole, it's just I've got a lively one!

They were bred for bull and bear baiting. The clue is in the name Staffordshire BULL Terriers. There was never any human aggression in the breed, they have always been renowned for their love of people especially children but yes, they can be prone to dog aggression if they aren’t well bred or more importantly, well socialised. The SBT is no longer bred/used in bull and bear baiting because these activities have been illegal for centuries, but people still very much breed the JRT to hunt and this prey drive is a key component in their breeding. They have several at the farm behind my house and that prey drive that causes them to be fantastic at keeping the rat and fox population at bay can also be an absolute nightmare in a more homely setting.

The local dickhead JRT 😂😂 thats brilliant

You what? They were originally bred to get foxes out of their burrows.
They will kill animals like rats and mice, but they don't normally attack humans.

You can’t say there was never any human aggression, as you can’t say that about any dog. But it did significantly reduce because when they were used for dog fighting, any dog that showed human aggression was killed.

JRTs are often absolutely lovely little dogs, though I do admit there are some that really won’t make a good family pet. But also even if one is very good at ratting or whatever, doesn’t mean they can’t be an amazing family pet (just probably not advised to also have small tiny furries 😂)

I have a border terrier, they are also very good ratters etc. but they also (in the majority) make great family pets, even if they are ratters too.

all breeds have their pros and cons and suitability for different families and situations. But to be prejudice against a whole breed is wrong. I’m sure you would be equally frustrated/protective or insert whatever word you wish, if someone had the same prejudice you have for JRTs to bull breeds/staffies or similar.

There's absolutely nothing wrong with getting a Cavalier if you buy from a breeder that health tests! I'm also sick of them getting lumped into the pug/frenchie unable to breathe category on here. Cavaliers do not have squashed noses, King Charles' do, they are a separate breed.

OP they are honestly the best dogs and as long as ethical breeders exist I'll never be without one. Loyal, funny, eager to please, happy with long or short walks (as long as it's not raining) and I've never met a mean one.

People seem to have this perception that they are just dim lapdogs but I honestly believe this is because they are such easy dogs in general that nobody puts effort into actually teaching them things. My current one is 2 she's super smart, fully house trained by 10wks, offlead 99% of her walks if we aren't by a road, doesn't go up to onlead dogs or dogs she doesn't know, knows to walk by my legs if we cross paths with other people/dog walkers and will sit and wait by me for bikes/prams/scooters to pass.

She's an absolute joy and I'm not just saying that because she's mine 😁 she always gets comments from strangers about how well behaved she is when on walks and all the regular dog walkers we see adore her too.

We got a cav as our first family dog and love him to bits! A great breed, very food orientated, loving, adaptable etc. I've heard they're sometime a little tricky to potty train but ours was ok. We did make sure to go for a KC breeder which cost more, and go for lifetime insurance. A perfect dog for a 7 year old as they are very patient and affectionate BUT (in our case anyway) super licky and in your face which some kids will find annoying after a while.

Thank you all for the messages and advice. I'm not at all against a mongrel, doesn't have to be a pure bred or KC registered as long's it's healthy.
Also thanks for the cute photos ❤

We're not against a rescue but I am a little wary, would happily take on an older dog if I knew a bit about it/history.
Also I am totally aware that the care of the dog will be down to me/DH, I'm not expecting my 7 year old DD to be responsible for it, but she'll be the one sitting cuddling and brushing etc I think

Quite unusual in the UK but friend has a Japanese Spitz and they are meant to be good natured, small-medium sized, healthy family dogs. Very fluffy and shed their coat a couple of times/year but friend says not too much grooming and no doggy smell. Might be worth a look?

We got our second dog at 10 months from his breeder - he'd been kept for potential stud/show but hadn't made the grade. But his lovely character had developed, he was already trained and well socialised - we were very lucky!

It's worth knowing that nowadays there are things that can be done for IVDD; surgery is an option, and many of those that do live with paralysis get around very well on wheelchairs.

But around 25% of dachshunds are affected, so you are right to say that it's something to be wary of.

And they should be insured up to the hilt, lifetime policy, with a good insurer like PetPlan.

I still think you should look into a little Chinese Crested Powderpuff...

What about a dog from the Dog’s Trust? Rehome a little terrier?

There are a huge number of dogs in rescue at the moment, and they're literally having to close their doors to new intake. You will have a great deal of choice - quite the opposite situation to summer 2020.

All dogs in rescue are assessed before they're rehomed, as the last thing they want to do is to place a dog in a home that turns out to be unsuitable and the dog gets returned.

There are breed rescues; not long ago the Red Foundation (dachshund breed rescue) said they were so inundated they couldn't take all the dogs coming in.... which for a fashionable breed says a great deal about the current crisis in rescue.

One of the things to teach your daughter is to let the dog come to her, and not to chase it. It's very easy for a 7yo to think that because she wants to cuddle the dog, the dog wants to be cuddled at that moment. A crash course in canine body language is something everyone who is around any dogs should receive. Some dogs have issues around grooming - especially if their hair is prone to knotting - so depending on the dog that might be something the grown ups need to do.

Bon Bon and Flynn look suitable for your home - and they're literally the first listing I clicked on! https://theredfoundation.net/dogs-looking-for-new-homes/dogs-in-wales

It's worth knowing that nowadays there are things that can be done for IVDD; surgery is an option

Our second dachshund had back surgery - when he was 14.5, so older than many other breeds even get to. He made a good recovery and lived to over 16.

I would go for a ckcs any day of the week. As long as the parents are health checked for MVD and syringomyelia and pass the risk is greatly reduced.

I put my cavalier down last week after her heart finally gave out and she was the sweetest most loving shadow of a dog ever and always commanded a lot of attention from passers by on walks!

They are great for first time dog owners and kids as they are very relaxed and can adapt to your lifestyle very easily. Mine didn't like going for walks in the rain. Nor did I so that was a bonus for me but if i wanted to go on a hike she was always down.

I would really like another when the time is right but id always compare them so wont.

On the other hand, I've known a few people with daschunds and they are barky dogs that have attitude

Don't get a puppy. They are cute but so much hard work. Contact your local rehoming charity and let them choose you a slightly older dog. Every dog has a personality even if they are of the same breed. Your child will love any dog because all dogs are lovely once you get to know them. Personally I would be very happy with a mixed breed as they are more robust health wise. We got a 5 month old Cockapoo at half price with all the vaccinations because the previous owners realised the dog was more work than they had bargained for. He settled after 3 days and is the most loyal family dog (like any dog). Further to the above: agree 100% with other posters regarding the breeds you mentioned

Not all cockers are bonkers- I’ve got an 8 month old show cocker who has been a quick learner and is a big fan of the sofa.

I think doing your research and getting a well bred dog with parents with sound temperaments and health tests is critical.