2025 is our year for getting a dog. But what breed and from where?

[LarryUnderwood]

After lots of thought and discussion we've decided we will get a dog this year. DS1 is 13, DS2 almost 12. We live in a London suburb in a 4 bed terrace with a private small-medium garden. We have 3 chickens kept in a large fox proof enclosure. They free range in the garden at specific times and are otherwise enclosed so can be easliy kept separate. South London with lots of parks and recreation grounds in easy walking distance. I WFH full time, with 1-2 days in office per month. DH is in office 3 days per week so easy to coordinate days at home. Kids out of house 8-3. Neither of us have owned a dog before but I grew up with dogs in my extended family (all my grandparents, aunts, cousins etc, mainly yorkshire terriers, cockers and goldens). Relaxed about shedding and fur, we're reasonably active but not out hiking every weekend. 1.5-2 hours of walking plus time doing bits of training during the day on weekdays is feasible and I'd expect to take dog on all errands so be out and about in our local area a lot in addition. Weekends we'd be happy to do more. Keen to have a dog which is loving, trainable and friendly, not too barky and ideally will have calm moments as well as zoomies. We aren't experienced dog owners so trainable but not a working line, for example a border collie or GSD would run rings round us and we wouldn't be able to meet its needs. Basically a dog that is happy to be a family pet, not a dog that needs a job to do all day.
Breed discussions are around golden retriever, Staffordshire bull terrier, old english sheepdog, bernedoodle or goldendoodle. I'd also consider a Havanese as the small dog alternative. DH is the doodle fan - he wants a fluffball. My preference is for a Staffy, I like their hardiness, affection and that they're smallish but strong and with lots of personality. Overall though my preference is for a dog we can get from a good breeder, and that's what worries me about doodles, I'm not.convinced doodle breeders are going to be so ethical or concerned with breed standards and health. But do know some really lovely doodles. I would prefer a medium or large dog, I want something I will feel confident walking in the dark at night and I just like larger dogs. Any owners of any of these breeds have any recommendations or warnings for us? I've heard that goldens are nightmare adolescents then great from about 2, Staffys are fab as long as socialised well and given plenty to chew. Don't know so much about old english sheepdogs except my cousin has one and he's brilliant. I love cockers but having known many in my family they are too nervy and hyperactive for me. Thoughts from any passionate golden/doodle/staffy/OES/havanese owners? Or any other breeds which would better fit the bill?

I rescued a dog with children. I got a puppy, and the criteria was an enclosed garden, someone around most of the time at the start, and children 6 and above. I don't think it's fair to make out that rescuing is impossible for families as it'll put people off considering it an option. Of course problem adult dogs shouldn't go to homes with children in, so rescues turning families down are doing the right thing in those cases.

@CoubousAndTourmalet
Seriously going on about staffies being dangerous? you do huskies, jack russell's, frenchies agave all killed ppl.
Labrador's and collies are the biggest biters, stop scaremongering.

We have a large dog in a medium garden and my feeling is that it's not that great for the dog. (We moved house for health reasons.)

So for that reason I'd be more likely in your situation to go for a medium breed. I'd be tempted by the Wheaten Terrier. They are so cute.

How dare you! I said nothing of the sort!!!

I stated that they are banned in some places and if you bother to do your research before going hysterical at me you will see that this is true. I also said rightly or wrongly - I did not at any point say that I agreed. Personally I have never had a problem with a Staffie and I have more of an issue with Labradors.

Wow thanks so much, so many things to consider. I think we are narrowing it down to staffy or labrador (show line) with a tibetan or wheaten terrier as a possibility as well (am aware they are quite different breeds!). I think those advising against a giant breed are right so labrador is probs our size limit. I've set up a watch list on Champ Dogs for those breeds and have written to a couple of breed associations to ask for recommendations of breeders. I've also started reading Easy Peasy Puppy Squeezy to get myself in the right frame of mind 😀.

@CoubousAndTourmalet
has been involved in fatalities, so people do have a natural wariness.
I believe this is you^^ hardly being neutral are you 🙄

I'm more than capable of research and many breeds have been involved in fatalities.

@snoopyshoose I think Coubous was making a good point, that some people are wary of Staffys because of how they have been portrayed. Unfortunately biting incidents with breeds like labradors aren't publicised whereas with Staffys they are. I've seen it in my own family.when I've mentioned we might get a Staffy, a couple of people have been a bit iffy about it (the ones that aren't really dog people anyway).

I think because our kids are older and so many of their friends have dogs I'm less worried about parents not wanting their kids to come to our house because of a dog. Also if we do get a Staffy it will be a pedigree meeting breed standards which is actually not a very big dog and would be difficult to mistake for e.g. a pit bull.

Golden Retriever! They are A LOT of work as puppies but my boy is 2.5 now and a genuine joy, can come with me everywhere and is well trained and well behaved. Lovely temperament - be very careful with breeders and health testing as they are known to have a lot of health issues. There's a Facebook group where they check litters and breeders before you visit and signpost you to breeders which I used and was v helpful.

Why would I be scaremongering about Staffies when I have owned a giant guarding breed with a bite force of 750psi ffs 🙄

Unfortunately it is a fact that a lot of people are wary of Staffies, Rotties, GSD etc. This is what I stated and it is true. It didn't say it was justified, but it is an undisputed fact amongst vets, trainers etc that this is the case.

I have no agenda against Staffies or anything else so you can get off your high horse now. Thank you 😁

Thanks @LarryUnderwood for not taking my Staffy comments the wrong way. I was not intending to stir up a hornets nest on your thread 😳 My own breed has a reputation for being difficult so I have no agenda at all with regard to any breed or type of dog.

It sounds as if you're doing your research and I'm sure you'll make the right choice for your family.

Good luck with the puppy quest!

A Staffie isn't my choice of dog, however DD, age 3 at the time, was rolling on the floor with a Staffie at the Discover Dogs Section at Crufts. This particular one had a fondness for toddlers and didn't take notice of other dogs or people.

If someone wants a Staffie they should get one from a show breeder. I bet they will be there with help and advice should it be needed! Not all Staffies are bad, it depends on their breeding and how they are raised.

Look up australian labradoodles, they are bred versions of labradoodles, each are at least 7 generations mixed with their own breed standard. They are goregous and very trainable. They are also availible as minatures, ours is about 12kg and is very happy in our corner of south london. Can be a bit expensive and are quite rare, but I've not heard of a bad one.

As a breeder...gotta say, you should never be taking advice from strangers off the internet about whether a breeder is 'good.' Some of the breeders I've seen recommended on that particular group...I wouldn't touch for all the gold in Saudi. They're barely a step up from puppy farms. Some of them pay money to be recommended on these facebook 'breed groups' and good* *breeders have been stung by these groups for not selling puppies to completely inappropriate owners.

You wouldn't buy a dog off gumtree or off facebook, so don't take recommendations off facebook either. The 100% best thing anyone looking for a puppy can do is use the genuine breed website. Then go from there and use the kennel club website to check health tests are accurate etc and speak to the breeder to get a sense of how that breeder works and what they aim to have in a puppy.

@LandSharksAnonymous it's obviously with the individual to do their own due diligence, but I've seen people have all sorts of issues when going through the Kennel Club Website / 'official channels' and there is little recourse even if something is wrong.
The group predominantly is a second pair of eyes on the health tests as most people aren't hugely familiar with them. And helps you know the red flags to look out for. Breeders can put on a good show and another pair of eyes to help you sense check them is no bad thing.

As long as no money changing hands which I agree is corrupt!

You really have to do your research on rescues 1 and one of the best ways to suss out the dodgey ones is how much research they do on you.

Most local areas have a xxxx dogs Facebook group - always ask on there for reputable local rescues

A good rescue

• home checks throughly - they will visit and do a lot more than check your home is safe for a dog with a secure garden - they will insist on meeting all members of the family who will be living with the dog - to check eveyone really wants a dog and knows the commitment involved. They will go over your application in detail. And they may do this for a specific dog you are in treated it - but it's more an assessment for what you of dog would suit you best. Run like the wind if they don't do this
• offer full rescue back up - like a good breeder, if your circumstances change for any reason and you can no longer keep the dog - they will take it back for rehoming no questions asked
• they offer proper ongoing support - they have approved trainers and behaviourist

• they provide a lot of pre and Siri g adoption support. The classic 3 days for the dog to decompress, 3 weeks to adjust and 3 months before you really have the dog you'll have for life.

* will let you meet the dog as many times as needed, including walking them

The very best rescues place their dogs in foster (I foster for one). The dogs can be with me for up to 4 months while I assess them, train them and work out exactly what home would be perfect for them.

Bad rescues - that are not actually rescues, just dog trading operations.

• don't homecheck or just photos/video
• don't make you jump through hoops to ensure you are the right fit for the dog
• don't offer full rescue backup
• you meet the dog and pay cash there and then
• you feel like you are rescuing from the rescue because conditions are bad
• always have puppies - they are a front for a puppy farm or farms or worse they are breeding from rescue dogs and anyone who tells you otherwise is a disingenuous at best

There are some good ones.

They are very often breed specific ones. Spaniel Aid, Black Retriever etc or small and local.

Fake rescue attracts so very dodgy people - it's a money making operation for them - simple dog trading.

Sad but true.

So my neighbour has a Staffy who is just the bestest girl, I bumped into him and asked if I could go round and talk to him about the breed. He's had them all his life and was very happy for me to pop over. So I'll do that this week too.

Could you feed back on what he says please? A staff is one breed I’m strongly considering for us when the kids are older. Still doubt a rescue will consider us but I’m hopeful.

@Moreshroomsplease
I've always had staffies, some from pups some as adopted adults, they are clever quick to learn dogs, incredibly loyal and loving, amazing with kids.
I've always believed that if you own a bull breed you should endeavour to train them as best as possible, it is very rewarding to be praised on your dog and advocate for the breed.

I have a poodle/GR/lab and she's the perfect dog.

Not all doodle breeders are poor, there absolutely are decent ones if you research carefully, which you should do whether a cross breed or not anyway. Totally disagree that they're "neurotic" and "barky", such a sweeping statement when a doodle can include many breeds. Often the smaller doodle crosses can be yappy, but that comes from the smaller breeds in them - it's nigh on impossible to find a small breed not renowned for being vocal. I often hear of cockapoos being referred to as neurotic, but again, I assume this is down to the cocker spaniel, as there are often issues with those.

My dog is 37kg, so a big girl. She has a deep bark like a rottweiler but only ever uses it if somebody dares to approach our property! Otherwise she's pretty much silent, even if she wants to gain our attention she makes the tiniest attempt at a woof, or even just mouths one 😂

Pretty sure she'd be fine with chickens as she thinks EVERYTHING/ONE is her bestest friend. Even her soft toys she doesn't chew, just carries them around gently in her mouth and snuggles up with them.

I'd definitely look at poodle/retriever crosses, GRs or labs in your situation. They're all very trying as pups, but totally worth it for the dogs you end up with. Mine was pretty much perfect after 6/7 months. I chose a cross as I liked the possibility of less shedding, never a given but almost certainly going to be less than a pure retriever and I do love the look of my dog, as she's very unique - think more highland cow than dog 😂

I would 100% go for this mix again, or an Australian labradoodle.

Staffs are fabulous dogs. I have two and I wouldn't have another breed. I'm currently considering getting a third.

My eldest is 12 years and the younger is coming up to 2 years. They are both full of character, scared of their own shadows and have been very easy to train. They are quiet dogs and will pathetically whimper rather than bark. Both are fantastic with children.

Size does vary amongst them. Both of mine are small, the younger one is the smallest one I've seen. Even many well bred KC registered ones tend to be on the larger size. My vet has said that mine are 'traditional' and the size that they are supposed to be.

Exceptionally hardy dogs but they do tend to suffer from skin allergies. Both of mine suffer throughout spring/summer. The eldest does now have arthritis but other than seasonal allergies and arthritis she has never had any other issues.

The older one is scared of almost all other animals, the younger would chase my chickens if given the opportunity. Both of them are great with the cat.

Staffy love is unlike anything else but say goodbye to personal space if you get one! Mine are rarely away from my side and both think they are lap dogs.

I will add that my eldest isn't dog friendly when approached by smaller dogs on walk but she hasn't always been like that. She been attacked three times by small dogs (Jack Russell, Yorkie and other unknown terrier) all allowed to run up to her by their owners. I advocate strongly for her. She has never attacked or been aggressive but I am acutely aware that if she did retaliate she would do more damage and would be considered at fault by others.

She's great with larger dogs and is good with smaller dogs when introduced appropriately. I strongly believe dogs don't need to greet each other when out and about. Dogs should always be gradually introduced in controlled settings.

Hi,
you have lots of useful advice already.
I had a Boxer dog as my first dog when children were younger. Looking back this was not a great choice, we were inexperienced with dogs and the boxer although gorgeous was very strong, too heavy to pick up (obviously) and when he pulled he could pull me over. We had a few chickens at the time and tried to train him not to chase them…it didn’t work. We now have a cocker spaniel, a very calm one, lovely with children, easy to pick up. I couldn’t believe how much easier it was to have a dog. The only downside with our spaniel is he has suffered with ear infections, which lots of dogs with long floppy ears do so. He also needs a lot of grooming. A while ago I got into conversation with someone whilst out and found out he was a vet. I asked what breed dog he would go for, and he said a staffie as they are solid dogs and have less health issues that other breeds. I would think about the temperament of the breed, the weight, and strength when making your decision. I have lots of friends with dogs, one has a cavapoo, which seems to be such a sweet little dog, easy to pick up and put in the car, not strong on the lead. Good luck, sounds like whatever dog you go for will have very thoughtful and considered owners.

Thanks for your posts, your girls sound lovely. How did you find the puppy stage with them? I've heard staffies can be quite destructive chewers when they're little...

@snoopyshoose how did you find your staffies as puppies? Any tips for training and socialising them?