Advice on buying a dog / puppy

[BONZO]

Hi gang,

Thought I'd pick your brains here!

Before we were married I had a dog (Heinz 57) and Alison had a Westie. When we were married we had a flat and then when we moved to a house we both worked full time in London so a dog was out of the question as we'd be out all day.

Now that the kids have grown up and are more responsible we are currently thinking about getting a dog.

I now work from home at least 4 times a week and Alison is at home when I'm at the office.

So, I've been trawling the web and reading library books galore but I'm looking for some first hand advice.

Puppy, pedigree, cross-breed, rescue or adult dog ?

We have a medium to large garden and local parks and woods nearby.

I do know that pet shops and "puppy mills" are a no go.

Probably looking at small to medium size - Chocolate Labs or Boxers need not apply! - LOL

 

[natalielongstaff]

i can reccomend a spaniel ( king charles or clumber ) cocker spaniels CAN be a bit nippy although not all of them !!
or one of the terrier breeds such as the boston terrier
if you wanted a heinz one again try your local rspca and pdsa or your loal vet surgery
hth

 

[Stella_the_Staff]

My old dog was a cross between labrador & doberman. This time we went for a smaller dog (as our current house is quite small). We rescued a staffie from the RSPCA. We had to visit her twice with all the family, then they came and checked out our house. Then a couple of months after they did a check up visit to make sure that she settled in well. Absolutely no problems whatsoever and is she is so friendly.

 

[alisonbestford]

We have a seven and a half year old border collie (farm bred) who has literally grown up with DD (almost 7)
He's fantastic with kidsl
Altogether usually lazy but an escape artist when given the chance
He is so loving and friendly but a big dog at the same time.
good luck with your choice

 

[Ware Bears]

We've got two shelties, they are absolute darlings. They're small but not too small, if you know what I mean. We've always got ours as puppies from recommended sheltie breeders but would happily rehome a rescue one, only there are always more would-be rescuers than shelties that need a new home, thank goodness.
Dogs Today magazine run an information service, where you can ask info re any breed. See link here http://www.dialadog.co.uk/

Good luck with whatever you choose.

 

[FizzyPop]

We have a rottweiler, probably a little bit to big, but she is such a soppy girl. The only downside is when she malts, you could ake a couple of wigs with the hair she loses Very loyal and loveable

 

[Mrs Dazzle]

Bonzo - good luick with the choosing. I'm doing a similar thing to you too. We are thinking of finally getting a dog after our Easter trip to the USA. Doggie would have to be on HER own for just a couple of hours each day, but past experience and recent advice tells me that's not a problem.

We have a large garden, backing on to farmland and New Forest (so DH is going to be very busy with fencing!!).

I have always loved Bitzers (mongrels, Heinz 57s!). Our last dog (like you, before we married) was when I was living in London and we got her at 3 months old from a rescue home in Aylesbury. What horrors she had been through before she was found by the police were evident by scars on her nose and how terrified she was every time someone removed a belt very quickly, or if the doorbell rang (paint your own pictures . . . But she was the loyalist, barmiest, wonderful dog you could ever have. And when she died part of me did too - but there will be another one out there like her, and I shall search aw:

Good luck with your family doggie, let us know how you progress

 

[BONZO]

Much research later....

Currently thinking of getting a Border Terrier - seems to fit the bill although we'll go and meet some breeders etc to check things out.

Alison has just recieved an amount of money from an Aunts will so we'll be able to go down the breeder route.

Not told the girls yet until things are finalised but hope to get a pup in time for the school half term to socialise the pup and not be bothered by having to get up for school or work etc.

 

[Ware Bears]

Great news, they are lovely. Keep us posted. aw:

 

[Clare D]

I have a Stafforshire Bull Terrier, Herbie, who is 11 in April. I have had him from 7 weeks and he and DS (2.5) are the best of friends. Just make sure that when you buy your dog you also get yourself the following
Decent kagool
All weather coat that is fleece lined for when it gets cold and it is raining too
Wellies
Old towels ready.
Have a great time and good luck