So, micro pig a no go. Lets talk dogs.
Discussion
Ok, so I've always been sure that I'd never want a dog as I'm not a dog person. So have kids age 6 and 7 who would like a pet as would we. Poo pod the usual hamsters, fish, guinea pigs etc. came up with a micro pig and well realistically we may be a little ambitious as first time pet owners.
So. Dog. Several of my friends in the last year have got puppies, notably a lab and a terrier daushaund cross. I really enjoy spending time with the, and walk the lab with my kids and friend most weekends. When they visit they bring the dog to the home too so we are pretty close to it.
I think we would like a dog. Have done some research but you can't beat personal advise so I'm asking what you think of our ideas?
We have the te kids and 6 and 7. I work part time around kids so dog wouldn't be left too long alone. We have a big house and large garden with direct access to the fields surrounding it.
Was thinking a Pomeranian ( I think they look very cute) a King Charles spaniel or most likely a Yorkshire terrier as husband had two as a child and is rather fond.
What do you think to our possible choices and what else do we need to consider? Also boy or girl?
So. Dog. Several of my friends in the last year have got puppies, notably a lab and a terrier daushaund cross. I really enjoy spending time with the, and walk the lab with my kids and friend most weekends. When they visit they bring the dog to the home too so we are pretty close to it.
I think we would like a dog. Have done some research but you can't beat personal advise so I'm asking what you think of our ideas?
We have the te kids and 6 and 7. I work part time around kids so dog wouldn't be left too long alone. We have a big house and large garden with direct access to the fields surrounding it.
Was thinking a Pomeranian ( I think they look very cute) a King Charles spaniel or most likely a Yorkshire terrier as husband had two as a child and is rather fond.
What do you think to our possible choices and what else do we need to consider? Also boy or girl?
Rescue dogs are a cross section, not necessarily all old and experienced. It may take time for you to find one (or vice versa) but you never know and there are certainly loads of lovely dogs out there waiting to be re-homed.
Definitely give it a chance, but also make sure the home knows enough about the individual dogs. Some can be unpredictable which is not what you want around children.
Definitely give it a chance, but also make sure the home knows enough about the individual dogs. Some can be unpredictable which is not what you want around children.
Retired Greyhounds are great for a beginner, they take very little care. Too cold outside for walkers? Don't go, the lazy oik will thank you for it. One of the few breeds where can skip the odd walk and they won't chew your home as punishment. If it sleeps for less than 23 hours a day, it's a very active one! They do well in small homes and flats too.
When ours passed away the only reason I didn't get another is that I'd promised my daughters another breed.
When ours passed away the only reason I didn't get another is that I'd promised my daughters another breed.
Morningside said:
Cavalier King Charles spaniel - The ultimate love sponge. Zero aggression, great with children, great lap dog, obedient, loyal, quick to learn and a wonderful family dog. Now on my second one. Never considered them before but now love the breed.
But I am biased.
Snap But I am biased.
Charlie by thisisrobbo, on Flickr
DSC_0241jpg by thisisrobbo, on Flickr
dxbtiger said:
That's a great looking dog!A lurcher or ex-racing trailhound would be great - very gentle, great with kids, but they will steal your sofa. They're utterly unaggressive, in my experience.
Be wary of getting a puppy as your first dog - they take a fair amount of time, can be destructive, and are unpredictable in terms of size.
I'd go to your nearest Dogs Trust and talk to them about your family, how much time you have available, and your house/locality. They'll guide you to breeds you might want to consider, and help you to make the right decision for you and your family.
Be wary of getting a puppy as your first dog - they take a fair amount of time, can be destructive, and are unpredictable in terms of size.
I'd go to your nearest Dogs Trust and talk to them about your family, how much time you have available, and your house/locality. They'll guide you to breeds you might want to consider, and help you to make the right decision for you and your family.
We rehomed a 1 year old Saluki/Whippet cross b
h - that was 8 years ago and in that time she has had to get used to having our twins come on the scene and all the "abuse" that brings.
In all that time, there has NEVER been a curled lip or growl at anyone human, though she can be a bit defensive when meeting unknown dogs when on lead, but fine without.
And yes, I could have not walked her all day but if its raining out I have to drag her out otherwise she would go back on her bed and cross her legs!
She is very loving, gentle (can be handfed even by the kids) as well as intelligent (a whole repitoire of tricks learnt for a treat or 2) and we all adore her - she is a fully fledged family member.
h - that was 8 years ago and in that time she has had to get used to having our twins come on the scene and all the "abuse" that brings.In all that time, there has NEVER been a curled lip or growl at anyone human, though she can be a bit defensive when meeting unknown dogs when on lead, but fine without.
And yes, I could have not walked her all day but if its raining out I have to drag her out otherwise she would go back on her bed and cross her legs!
She is very loving, gentle (can be handfed even by the kids) as well as intelligent (a whole repitoire of tricks learnt for a treat or 2) and we all adore her - she is a fully fledged family member.
sumo69 said:
We rehomed a 1 year old Saluki/Whippet cross bh - that was 8 years ago and in that time she has had to get used to having our twins come on the scene and all the "abuse" that brings.
In all that time, there has NEVER been a curled lip or growl at anyone human, though she can be a bit defensive when meeting unknown dogs when on lead, but fine without.
And yes, I could have not walked her all day but if its raining out I have to drag her out otherwise she would go back on her bed and cross her legs!
She is very loving, gentle (can be handfed even by the kids) as well as intelligent (a whole repitoire of tricks learnt for a treat or 2) and we all adore her - she is a fully fledged family member.
Mine is 50% greyhound, 25% saluki, 25% whippet - a great combination. Still growing but will probably come in at 35kg of springiness.h - that was 8 years ago and in that time she has had to get used to having our twins come on the scene and all the "abuse" that brings.In all that time, there has NEVER been a curled lip or growl at anyone human, though she can be a bit defensive when meeting unknown dogs when on lead, but fine without.
And yes, I could have not walked her all day but if its raining out I have to drag her out otherwise she would go back on her bed and cross her legs!
She is very loving, gentle (can be handfed even by the kids) as well as intelligent (a whole repitoire of tricks learnt for a treat or 2) and we all adore her - she is a fully fledged family member.
If you want something loving but non-barky yet still protective and good with kids how about a Mastiff/Great Dane....
They love their sleep, are so mile mannered and relaxed and don't really shed hair - you sound like you have the land for them too!
It's what I'm after in the future....
They love their sleep, are so mile mannered and relaxed and don't really shed hair - you sound like you have the land for them too!
It's what I'm after in the future....
longblackcoat said:
Be wary of getting a puppy as your first dog - they take a fair amount of time, can be destructive, and are unpredictable in terms of size.
I definitely wouldn't recommend getting a puppy as your first dog, especially if you have young children. The rescue homes are full of dogs aged 6 months to 3 years because people took on cute puppies and didn't realise how much effort they were.I'll agree with all the others on here saying greyhound/lurcher/whippet. Our lurcher (a rescue) loves everyone - children, other dogs, adults. The only time she growls is when our GSD wants to play and she wants to sleep. She was hard work at first - we got her as a pup and she hadn't been socialised at all, so she used to bounce all over everyone when she met them. But three years in and she's tip-top. Her only vices are stealing food off the kitchen worktops if she can (but we usually forgive that due to the fact she was starving when she was found, even though she does get told off for it!) and chasing other animals. Typical lurcher, in other words.
Not that I am in any way biased but I will just leave this here for you
http://www.retiredgreyhounds.info/
and a picture of mine
http://www.retiredgreyhounds.info/
and a picture of mine
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