Which dog?

[veggiechicken]

Why not?
.. I'm now teaching her to sing the national anthem

La Marseillaise or God save her Maj?

[cardiffsteve]

Get an alsatian.
Would be my choice if i could have a dog.

[Potstubsdustbins]

Lots of good advice above so there is little to add except when you do get your dog enjoy!!!!!!!

2Sheds I am having trouble with the national anthem cos I sing like a jackal any chance of a lesson or two

Potty

[zazen999]

Thread tidied up and reopened.

[Feral007]

Well if there's chooks involved don't even think about a kelpie! Chooks = fast food on legs!

We've just brought someone else's dog into our house (with evil kitty, and his enemy real K) we were told that he was used to cats but would chase them if they ran (not unusual). So just made sure that the dog met Evil Kitty a few times (and got his ears cuffed) before he was left alone with Real K. Real K will run outside - seems to feel safer inside. So the dog settled easily.

We have had lots of dogs. When the kids were 8 and 4 yo we got a rehomed small mixed breed. The Animal Welfare where we got him from had already assessed his suitability with kids and cats (they had Evil Kitties of their own) and they always made sure that the kids met with the dog before they left the centre. The would accept returns (ours had been returned twice due to his barking habit) but they also had behavioural assesors who would help you work with any problems you had.
As far as being used to kids and other dogs goes, that is more a socialising thing, so if you got a young dog you'd be in charge of that. Our 2nd kelpie is not well socialised as we live on a farm and she hasnt really been off it since except to kennels when we go away. So I would never expect her to mix too much. She is good if she has time to get to know other dogs, but can't handle a lot of them together.

I think if you don't want a dog that sheds much it reduces the types of breed that you have to choose from. Best of luck.

[mistymornings]

We have a Cavalier King Charles and he wouldn't know how to be nasty - totally adorable, sweet, cuddly and a great companion as he thinks he is human and will join in whatever you do. However they can have some health issues so check a breeder carefully.

I do agree that a resue dog seems a good idea.

Good luck!

[chris]

I know each individual dog has it's own temperament but I grew up with golden retrievers, and I kept budgies and cockatoos. My dog used to let them climb all over him and would sit on hit head whilst he was walking about the house

[VirginVegGrower]

I know each individual dog has it's own temperament but I grew up with golden retrievers, and I kept budgies and cockatoos. My dog used to let them climb all over him and would sit on hit head whilst he was walking about the house

They are the golden angel of dogs aren't they? Trouble is they are a big dog and a shedder.

[Patchninja]

I really think it's down to the individual dog, not just the breed. If you go to a rescue centre, you can ask advice about which of their dogs might suit you best, and take the dog home on a trial basis.

[janeyo]

cocker spaniel, labrador or great dane!

[chris]

They are the golden angel of dogs aren't they? Trouble is they are a big dog and a shedder.

Yes, although we had a red setter x goldie in Saudi which didn't moult, and ours hardly moulted here until he was an old dog. His breedline were quite large (show dogs) but didn't moult heavy at all

[OverWyreGrower]

Poodle - they come in 3 sizes (toy, miniature and standard) and a multitude of colours. They are highly intelligent, eager to please and very trainable. Even the toy's can do agility/heelwork to music/junior handler work etc.

They shed very little, and actually only need minimal regular grooming, which you can do yourself.

They are hardy dogs - don't be fooled by the curls and the 'show cuts' - they will walk as much as you want, but are happy sunggled up on the sofa in bad weather and don't demand walks etc

[mrswadders]

we rehomed our 'bella' back in february, she's a jack'chi adorable, loves cuddles, has been brilliant with children, loves long walks but quite happy just with a quick walk round the block, loves the car, gets on with the cats and chickens - even 'helps' when i'm cleaning them out!
I've always had larger dogs and never thought i'd have a small dog, but Bella is now my 'baby'!

[julesapple]

I've always wanted a Fox Terrier......but not with nine cats. Or with chickens in the garden.

With kids I think I'd go for a Heinz 57.

[Bren In Pots]

I've always wanted a Fox Terrier......but not with nine cats. Or with chickens in the garden.

With kids I think I'd go for a Heinz 57.

We've had 2 Fox terriers one smooth the other was a wire that had to be hand stripped bonus was that he didn't cast his fur.