Dogs

[Tobes Rafa]

Everyone knows dog owners love to talk about their dogs yet a quick search found a thread on pet insurance and surprisingly chickens.

 

I've never had a dog in my life yet we as a family are now considering getting one as a little friend for my adopted daughter who has FASD. I only mention this as a support dog for this would normally be a retriever but being new to the whole thing I think we'd prefer to start with something a little smaller.

 

I think a Cavalier King Charles is topping the list at the moment due to their personality but I'd love an English bulldog which are equally as friendly and good with kids from what I've read. Also sturdy enough that she couldn't swing it around my the lead.

 

So, tell me about your dogs, whether they're suitable for my needs or not, im enjoying the research. If you've any suggestions for other family dogs for first time owners, please fire ahead.

 

Cheers

[Cobs]

I have a Shetland Sheepdog (small version of Lassie).

 

Great family pets. Really good with kids. Easy to train. Love to play, funny & full of personality. Only downside is they shed hair - but if your daughter likes brushing hair then that’s no problem.

[muleskinner]

We've got a cockapoo, he is daft as anything, very playful and not an aggressive bone in his body.

[Barnesy_10]

We've got a cockapoo, he is daft as anything, very playful and not an aggressive bone in his body.

My sister has one.... Lovely dogs, great with kids

[Beardsley]

Used to have a Belgian shepherd. Not a first timers dog.

[Red2Core]

I have a jacpat (Jack Russel x Patterdale terrier) a mini jack Russel an a 7 month old Rottweiler...all are boss great with people kids an my two cats ...my rottie he's massive still growing but a gentle giant...couldn't be without them

[realtarragona]

We have two Yorkshire Terriers. They’re great. Don’t shed hair, very playful, love attention and not remotely aggressive. I’d consider getting a second if they’d be left on their own for long periods during the day as well, best thing we ever did.

[Ed the Wool]

We’ve got an old rescue Golden retriever. He’s the most laidback dog ever. He’s my first dog and I never realised how much joy dogs bring to other people when you are walking him around.

[jimbolala]

Go to the Assisi place near you Tobes, there are loads of lively dogs there needing a home.take the kids for a look. I got a whippet/greyhound cross. Lovely placid thing.

Edited October 7, 2018 by jimbolala

[Tobes Rafa]

We did Jimbo cheers. They were all a little too lively there to be honest. Checking all the websites and Facebook pages as we will probably opt for a rescue rather than buying a puppy.

 

Cheers all, lots to consider. I love the big dogs proper dogs like rotties, boxers, staffies, bulldogs but other than the English bulldog they're not really suitable for the young'uns, or at least that's my wife's view.

 

We know some people with cockapoos who say the same so they're definitely an option. I really don't want a yappy dog though.

Edited October 7, 2018 by Tobes Rafa

[Michael]

I’ve got a black Lab, fantastic dog, so loving and gentle who someday will obey a command.

 

Don’t go for a bulldog, they all suffer breathing problems and are also a magnet for dognappers.

 

A fantastic dog to start with for a child would be a Bichon Frise.

[Duncan Disorderly]

We've a cockapoo as well, really affectionate and playful.

[Cobs]

When we went to the rescue place we were told we couldn’t have one cos my son was too young.

 

Basically they can’t guarantee the safety of the kids cos they don’t know the history of the dog. Which is kinda fair enough.

[muleskinner]

We did Jimbo cheers. They were all a little too lively there to be honest. Checking all the websites and Facebook pages as we will probably opt for a rescue rather than buying a puppy.

Cheers all, lots to consider. I love the big dogs proper dogs like rotties, boxers, staffies, bulldogs but other than the English bulldog they're not really suitable for the young'uns, or at least that's my wife's view.

We know some people with cockapoos who say the same so they're definitely an option. I really don't want a yappy dog though.

Ours isn't a yapper, does a bit of wolf howling now and again and the usual barking at the postman etc.

[jimbolala]

Mine lies on the sofa for hours, wouldn't budge if you walked in

[Tobes Rafa]

Cobs is right. Assisi wouldn't home a dog with us as my daughter is only 5. It was good for a look though.

[Murphman]

Cobs is indeed right, personally I'd get a labrador.

[New York Red]

Black Lab. I've had a few of them. Great, great dogs. They love kids.

 

However, my wife cares for guide dogs, so we have a revolving door of dogs at our house. She's been bringing home Labrador/Golden Retriever mixes. They are the gentlest, most loving dogs imaginable. Have a look at them.

 

Red2Core -- how is that JackPat? I would have to imagine that he'd be a wild little bugger. Is he? 

[kop205]

Golden Retrievers are beautiful, devoted and completely stupid, everything a dog should be.

[muleskinner]

Golden Retrievers are beautiful, devoted and completely stupid, everything a dog should be.

They are cracking lads tbf (and girls)

[Redwire]

Golden Retrievers are beautiful, devoted and completely stupid, everything a dog should be.

I prefer clever dogs. I've always had border collies. Too clever by half sometimes and they need a lot of exercise but always full of cocky character.

 

Retrievers and labradors are lovely dogs though.

Edited October 7, 2018 by Redwire

[muleskinner]

Guide dogs so you know

[Redwire]

Yeah, never thought of them as stupid dogs, just not as freakishly clever as border collies. Cockerpoos on the other hand...

[muleskinner]

Yeah, never thought of them as stupid dogs, just not as freakishly clever as border collies. Cockerpoos on the other hand...

Poodle breeds are bright dogs generally

[Michael]

All a Labrador’s intelligence is invested in getting food. They would happily round up sheep like a Collie if you showed them some mint sauce.