[doganjo]

Do remember though if you want to take on a puppy and to train it up you mustn't let the children allow the pup to do things that you are trying to stop it doing.   It's a constant job watching children and puppies, although very rewarding too.  When our children were small we chose a 2 years old show cocker bitch, very reliable, very soft natured, very obedient.  The only problem was the typical cocker coat - but all that needed was regular brushing with the correct equipment while she sat on either my or Sandy's knee at night watching TV. 

[Orinoco]

Love the passion dogs bring out in people.

We have an airdale and she is the biggest soppiest thing, not a bad bone in her body but stubbon, perfectly controlled when out until she has a better idea and tries to make friends with that other dog on a lead and suffers selective deafness.

We also have a 5 month old black and white standard poodle, such a different animal, so quick to learn, still sweet natured but more interested in pleasing us than checking out any other dogs (so far) and where as both airdales we have had have gone through a destructive stage and the standard schnauzer we had shredded the sofa when tiny (we had to video it to believe it, blamed the airdale as the schnauzer was so tiny and young), the poodle hasn't even put holes in the teddy we gave her, (household insurance that covers dog damage has been used more than once).

My tip is not so much about the breed you get (although from my research I would suggest you seriously consider the labradoodle's or goldendoodles for nature and brains) but make a book up of the behaviour you want, i.e. no going on furniture, no teething on hands, shoes are not toys, to crate or not to crate (make it a place for treats not punishment so you have a time out space they like) etc. speak to others on their tips on gaining appropriate behaviour and make sure everyone in the house signs up to the list in the book, consistent boundaries etc early on can save soo much hassle later on.

Enjoy

K

[shygirl]

how do you feel about dog hairs? after 10 yrs of being covered in gsd hairs (she moults all year round) the terrier and lhaso dont moult so that is a plus. they do need stripping and clipping though which is time consuming if you do it yourself or expensive if you send them to a groomer.
our lab drops his coat in a fortnight and thats it - done.

exciting stuff choosing a new dog. we spent months pouring over dog breed books and the internet dog home sites. enjoy 

[jaykay]

I'd have a lab. Bombproof around kids, relatively straightforward to train. Easy coats. Everyone loves them cos they know how friendly they are.

Of the other breeds I have lived with:

Border collies - love 'em, but not right for the situation you describe.

German Shepherds - probably not, the right one would be great but there are plenty that are edgy, one-person dogs and folk can be scared of them, so not great for your visitors.

Spaniels - sweet but mad. Another possibility as long as you can give them plenty of exercise.

Retrievers - Goldens at least, I don't know flatcoats. Not the easy breed they seem to be. Landsharks til about 2, nowhere near as easy to train as labs.

Terriers - hard to train not to want to kill everything with fur or feathers. Of course some are more laidback than this but others....!

[in the hills]

If anyone watched the gundog demo at Crufts this year I would say the main trainer in the ring had it about right.


You could train 3 labs to 2 goldies to 1 flattie.


Father always said the same when he trained gundogs.


Think it depends what you like in a dog. I had Flatties with young children and Flatties more than the other retrievers in many ways adore children  . It is their boisterous, forever puppy like behaviour that can cause problems however. They need lots of training but are real clowns and great fun .... if you like their big personalities.

[funkyfish]

I actually agree with the post that said a Staffie would be good. I feel bad that I didn't think of them! Bomb proof, good with kids friendly nice size wipe clean coat. Lots of pups 2nd hand. Or french bull dog-love them!

[doganjo]

I actually agree with the post that said a Staffie would be good. I feel bad that I didn't think of them! Bomb proof, good with kids friendly nice size wipe clean coat. Lots of pups 2nd hand. Or french bull dog-love them!

Except when they meet another terrier and you get in the middle of a fight.  Been there, don't want to go three again.  No terriers EVER for me 

[happygolucky]

No terriers EVER for me 

  nor for me, we had the cutest patterdale/Lakeland but what a little sod he was.....they are tough dogs that will fight to kill other animals......
I also had a cross Rottweiler, I do loved him, never a bit of aggression  but a tendency to get over excited if children squealed or ran, I am sure he would not have attacked them but I can see how some dogs do, also with my  husband having no hair, he looked a thug with a dog that looked like an aggressive breed so we will stay away from any anti social breeds, as much as I love them

[in the hills]

That was my thought on bull terriers. I saw a dog that had been attacked by one when I was doing work experience in a vets when I was 16. OMG    I can never trust them now and if I see one my dogs are straight on their leads and the owner asked to call their dog away. I know lots of dogs fight but the damage these can do  My reaction may not be entirely logical or rational but just by gut reaction now.


I do know there are lots of lovely ones out there. My father owned one as a lad and said that she was one of the best dogs he had .... old Bess.    Still talks fondly of her but keeps his dogs away from them too.

[happygolucky]

2 dog breeds  I am very fond of are, Great Danes and Pugs......maybe one day I will have a little pug to dress up.....always been a Great Dane fan but they are rather big!

[doganjo]

always been a Great Dane fan but they are rather big!

And they don't live long.  7 or 8 is average I believe

[happygolucky]

I know they have shorter lifes than most dogs but I may too, who knows?   hope not, I want to be around to get a cake and loads of candles and a card from Alex Salmond 

[muddyhill]

Wow!  What a response.  Thank you for all taking the time to reply, its definitely provided lots of food for thought and really useful ideas.  I have a friend whose mother-in-law breeds Labradoodles and they do seem nice, and I love labs.

Think we will keep thinking and not rush anything, I think there will only be benefit if my littlest is a bit older, though both my girls are very respectful of animals it would probably be less stressful for a dog to have a 3 yr old around than a 2 yr old.

We did live with a wonderful lab/ great dane x which was very lovely tempered though enormous!!  I think in my ideals world  rescue puppy would be best but we'll see what happens and keep researching... and obviously keep you posted! 

[doganjo]

Check that your friend's M I L health tests her dogs - both Labradors and Poodles carry eye, hip and elbow inherited diseases.  They should be checked and cleared for ALL of these!  And remember Labradoodles do NOT breed to type so you can end up with anything - hairy, smooth, curly, big, small, long, short, good tempered or just pure ratty.

[Garvie]

we have a Lab and a Border Terrier, my parents have the same and there Border Terrier is amazing with my sisters kids, to the extent that the border and 2 year old are like double trouble together where one goes the other follows, and labs well they are just amazing and sure Happygolucky will back me up there haha