Mercedes Posted October 14, 2014 Share Posted October 14, 2014 (edited) Hi Everybody! My name is Carly and I love reading all the forum topics here - I have learned so much since I joined and we don't even have our dog yet! My hubby and I have decided that we would like to add a puppy to our household, and whilst excited at the prospect I just can't decide which breed would be the best fit for us - I am desperately hoping you guys can help... We have 4 children; our youngest turns 5 next year. So we can be a pretty busy, noisy household at times, while other times you could walk in and not even know 4 children are home. I believe the children are ready for a puppy with the right guidance and supervision from us. They are not rough kids. We live in a single storey home with a large back yard (compared to some these days!), fully fenced. We also have a cat of senior years who spends a lot of time sleeping indoors on the couch. As this is our first experience owning a dog I would like a breed that is a little easier to care for on the grooming/exercise side of things. I also do not want anything larger than small-medium in size, this is what I am most comfortable with considering the dog will be living in the house with us. Obviously the main characteristic to be considered is that it is a family dog which loves and tolerates children. I would also prefer a breed not prone to a lot of barking as I am quite conscience of how close our neighbours are. Although I am hoping that as I will be home a lot and the puppy will be inside if I go out all should be ok there if I handle things properly? I would like a dog that is fairly easy to train as I would like to do some obedience training too. I am a stay at home mum so I will have the time to groom a couple of times a week and can excerise for up to an hour with walks/jogging each day. The children and I walk to and from school as well. We have considered: - Field Spaniel (a breeder suggested kids might be a bit young yet?, also may need more excerise than I can offer) I really liked the look of these though - Smooth Mini Dachshund (I am in love with these but again I have spoken to one breeder who was concerned that the younger child may be a bit young due to the puppies being so little, am waiting to hear back from others) I was disappointed by this as I really love the mini but I understand their concerns - Cardigan Welsh Corgi (waiting to get replies from emails) I am getting a little despondent as I have been trying to find the right breed for 6 months and a couple of times I feel like we have found it... I would like to get a puppy in the next year so the kids can enjoy the rewarding experience of owning and growing up with a dog, and I am looking forward to a companion while the kids are at school. Any suggestions or advice much appreciated - sorry for all the details! Feel free to ask questions. Edited October 20, 2014 by Mercedes Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mita Posted October 14, 2014 Share Posted October 14, 2014 (edited) - Cardigan Welsh Corgi (waiting to get replies from emails) I We had a Cardigan Corgi as a family pet when we were kids. Biddy was such an adaptable, laid-back dog. She was happy to potter around the house following my mother, and to play in the backyard with us kids... & she also loved going out on the Bay on my father's boat. Sensible, adaptable, loyal & loving. Have you considered looking if a Cardy breeder is looking to rehome an adult dog as a pet....& hopefully one that's already been well socialized & familiar with children? And one whose nature & personality are well known. Edited October 14, 2014 by mita Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mercedes Posted October 14, 2014 Author Share Posted October 14, 2014 Thanks Mita. Yes, I do regularly trawl the Mature Dogs listings to see what's out there, although I would like to experience raising a puppy of our own. ATM I am loving the Blue Merle Cardi'. I am also looking into a Basset Hound, although these may be too serious? They are beautiful too though... and definitely on the list. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thunder Posted October 14, 2014 Share Posted October 14, 2014 (edited) For a smaller size, and child-friendly, have you thought of a Cavalier? I've seen quite a few families with young children and a Cavalier or two, and I think it would suit your requirements really well. If you like the mini dachshund, did you consider a standard Dachshund? Edited October 14, 2014 by Thunder Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Her Majesty Dogmad Posted October 14, 2014 Share Posted October 14, 2014 For a smaller size, and child-friendly, have you thought of a Cavalier? I've seen quite a few families with young children and a Cavalier or two, and I think it would suit your requirements really well. If you like the mini dachshund, did you consider a standard Dachshund? My friend got a standard dachshund from a breeder and 2 yrs on, has had a baby, he's a great dog and she has no concerns about having him with children. . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mercedes Posted October 14, 2014 Author Share Posted October 14, 2014 Thank you Thunder. Unfortunately a Cav just doesn't appeal to me appearance-wise. I think I like a longer snout? Who knows why... I asked the mini dachs breeder I spoke to last night about the standard dachs but she didn't think the temperament would be suitable for younger children. Too snappy generally speaking she said. I love the rough collie (but I think maybe too big and coat may be too much for me to handle for a first timer). I also love the Flat coated retriever, but again maybe too big. I know I'm being too fussy, but this is a dog we will love for hopefully a long time. I can't believe I have been researching for nearly 12 months! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mercedes Posted October 14, 2014 Author Share Posted October 14, 2014 Thanks HMD - what coat type is your friend's dog? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
*kirty* Posted October 14, 2014 Share Posted October 14, 2014 Whippet Dandie Dinmont Miniature Poodle Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thunder Posted October 14, 2014 Share Posted October 14, 2014 If you like Rough Collies, and want something that looks similar, but is smaller, a Sheltie might suit (I don't know what they're like with kids though), the ones I've met lovely temperaments. Also, there's nothing wrong with the classic family dog- the cocker spaniel! they're friendly, loving, excellent with kids, would fit your exercise and size requirements. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mercedes Posted October 14, 2014 Author Share Posted October 14, 2014 I am a fan of the Cocker, esp Blue Roan... Thank you Kirty for your suggestions xx I've tried to steer away from the more common breeds (I like the unusual), but a Cocker would suit very well... Will research that again, thanks Thunder. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kelpiecuddles Posted October 14, 2014 Share Posted October 14, 2014 Oh I was going to say you might like a basset :) there's only a couple of basset owners on the forums but happy for you to ask any questions you might have. We have three kids and have found her to be an amazing dog. We don't have much trouble with barking but it was something we focused on from day one that it was not allowed and now she will only woof if she thinks there is good reason, no different to most dogs in that regard. My girl is extremely laid back, she is a hospital visit therapy dog. They can be stubborn and I would say that while I didn't find ours hard to train they aren't a dog that you are going to win obedience championships with, but our girl knows the house rules(no jumping, toilet outside, sit and indoors is quiet time) and as far as I'm concerned that's the most important thing. They aren't great off lead but ours runs off lead in fairly contained locations with no real trouble. Where are you located? We'll be in Melbourne for a week at the start of December and would be happy for you to meet her. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simply Grand Posted October 14, 2014 Share Posted October 14, 2014 (edited) If you like Rough Collies, and want something that looks similar, but is smaller, a Sheltie might suit (I don't know what they're like with kids though), the ones I've met lovely temperaments. Also, there's nothing wrong with the classic family dog- the cocker spaniel! they're friendly, loving, excellent with kids, would fit your exercise and size requirements. Shelties are generally not robust kids' dogs, and they do tend to be barkers. From what I know of Rough Collies they'd be a better family dog. Grooming with Collie breeds is not actually that bad, they're pretty Teflon when it comes to dirt and a brush once a week normally is fine, a few times a week with an undercoat comb during coat drop twice a year :) I don't have personal experience living with Corgis but the ones I've met have generally been great, stable sorts of dogs and I've heard several reports of them being good family dogs. Kelpiecuddles on here has a Basset and from what I gather she's fantastic with the kids :) I don't like to generalize negatively about breeds I don't have personal experience living or working closely with but from what I have experienced of mini and standard Dachshunds I don't think they'd be the best match for a family looking for an easy to live with companion. I think a Cocker from a good breeder who can match you to a pup could be a good match. Mini Poodle, Maltese, Havanese or Bichon Frise well socialised from a good breeder could also work. If you're willing to commit to 6 weekly professional grooming session the in between grooming is pretty easy :) ETA - you beat me to it kc. Edited October 14, 2014 by Simply Grand Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kelpiecuddles Posted October 14, 2014 Share Posted October 14, 2014 Oh and should say that while they are classed as a medium to large breed she is a lot shorter than my kelpie and I don't feel like I'm living with a 'big' dog if that makes sense. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cleo's Corgwyn Posted October 14, 2014 Share Posted October 14, 2014 Obviously, I'm a big fan of Cardigans, and all of mine have loved kids. They are very smart, and do need some training (although I'm a performance trainer, and tend to choose the busier drivier examples of the breed). Which breeders have you contacted? Feel free to PM me if you'd like some pointers or advice. If you like unusual, maybe check out some of the mid sized Spitz breeds- I really like the Finnish Lapphunds, Keeshounds and German Spitz (Mittel) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
julesluvscavs Posted October 14, 2014 Share Posted October 14, 2014 Thank you Thunder. Unfortunately a Cav just doesn't appeal to me appearance-wise. I think I like a longer snout? Who knows why... Just so you know (I'm a very passionate Cavalier owner) Some of them have shorter snouts.. our first one did as his Mother Renae does. However Our youngest one Miah has the longer snout, so does Toby our newest one ;) I personally prefer the shorter snouts on them but the ones from years and years ago originally had the longer snouts. Depend which breeder you choose also :) King Charles which are different have very squashed in faces ;-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jemmy Posted October 14, 2014 Share Posted October 14, 2014 I'm another one who thinks a Cocker would potentially suit. I had one when I was 14 and my sibling was 4,she left us last year at 12 years of age. Very loyal and robust, happy to have a romp but also happy to smooch on the couch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
raineth Posted October 14, 2014 Share Posted October 14, 2014 Wouldn't cockers require a a bit more on the grooming side though? In my limited experience, both Shelties and Daccies are barky. I would have thought Fields would be the best pick out of your original three :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purdie Posted October 14, 2014 Share Posted October 14, 2014 Cocker Spaniel or a Beagle;both great with kids.It is great that you are doing research into the right breed for you.It does take time but is well worth the wait to find the perfect fit. Oh and you must post pictures when you get your puppy.Best wishes to you.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mercedes Posted October 14, 2014 Author Share Posted October 14, 2014 Raineth - In regards to the Fields, I thought the same thing... We decided 18 months ago that this was the breed for us, made contact with a (well-known) breeder and have been on their waiting list for over 12 months. Filled out the big puppy application, emailed, all good - or so I thought. Last month they emailed to say they thought the children were just too young, and they were potentially worried about them. Why didn't they mention this 18 months ago?? I was completely upfront and honest in all the info I gave them about our family. I have met up with them in person twice and nothing was said. I have taken the kids to dog shows and they have met the Fields (I wanted to see how they went with a grown dog as opposed to a puppy). I respect the breeder's opinion, I just wish they hadn't wasted 18 months of our time. I am reluctant to contact another Field breeder, I am assuming they will say the same thing and the Field breeder world is pretty small... It was pretty upsetting TBH. So I have started my breed research AGAIN. Kelpiecuddles, thank you, I was hoping you would be here :) I did read in the Basset thread that they can drool a lot - do you find this so? I think I can cope with a bit of slobber, but probably not if it rivals a St Bernard :) Cleo - Very happy to see you too, thank you. I sent an email to Sue a few days ago, but haven't received a reply. I don't think there is anything I don't like about the Cardi's. I especially love the blue merles, are they hard to come by? We are in Melbourne and I am trying to stick to breeders within Vic. I just like things to be more personal than only emails, and I would like to visit before committing to a breeder (in an ideal world). I do also love the Finnish Lapphunds, those wolf markings are adorable! But the coat did scare me a little, I'm just uneducated in grooming though... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mercedes Posted October 14, 2014 Author Share Posted October 14, 2014 Thank you Purdie xx I have no idea how to cut and post the replies, sorry guys! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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