Best breeds for considering for first time dog owning family.

[Lacuna]

So the OH has tentatively opened the door on dog ownership in the future year or so. He's not a 'doggie' person but wants our 7yo daughter to have the experience. I've had dogs during my teenage years, but nothing at home in the last 20 years, although I have many years of volunteering at a local dog shelter under my belt too. So I would consider us to be more or less first timers

I'm working full time away from home, OH also pulls down full time hours but spends 2 days working from home and is open to exercise which comes from dog walking. Dog could also come down with me to yard in the morning/evening. In addition, we have ample dog walkers in the village who could cover days when we're out. Its not the most ideal situation but I know there are people who seem to make it work quite well.

Any ideas for potential breeds to consider would be great. Dunno whether we would look at puppy or adult/ buy or rescue (all my other animals are rescues). It would have to be good with cats/ chickens/ horses etc and not be too high maintenance.

 

[AmyMay]

If you've been volunteering at a local shelter, that's where I'd start.

 

[twiggy2]

If you volunteer at rescue centres get assessed and ask who they recommend, look for the right dog not a breed.

 

[SpringArising]

Factor in that you're probably going to need to take a few weeks off so you can get the dog in a routine, used to being confined to a certain space and building up time left on own slowly, etc. It's highly unlikely you're going to end up with a dog who's house trained and perfect to be left alone, so think of a plan of action in case it all goes tits up and it causes havoc when left!

Your first dog will be such a learning curve and it's generally a case of trial and error.

As for breeds, I'd go for a Greyhound.

 

[rara007]

Shih tzu, or Lhasa would be my vote if you dont mind grooming! The right lurcher would suit too but be careful with rescue lurchers and terrier as if they've done much 'working' they're likely to be tricky with other animals.

 

[TGM]

I wouldn't get a puppy in your situation - most pups require an awful lot of attention in the first few months to achieve good toilet -training, socialisation etc. Leaving a pup home alone three days a week with just a visit from a dog walker is not a recipe for success and whilst a few manage it, more often than not it ends up with a pup messing in the house, chewing everything in sight and often developing separation anxiety. Often with the result that it ends up being rehomed or going into a rescue.

I'd definitely go for an older rescue dog if they will home to you, although your work routine and child age might mean a lot of rescues won't consider you. Breed-wise I would be looking for something that doesn't need too much exercise or stimulation. My own preference is for whippety types or lurchers - I've found that they don't need the endless amounts of stimulation and exercise that some breeds such as border collies, spaniels and labradors normally demand. But you might not be able to be too picky if you are going the rescue route as choice may be limited.

 

[pippixox]

A lot of rescues are happy with children 7+ years depending on the dog. It was much harder finding a rescue when I had a baby (although we decided to be open to any breed and I wasn’t a first time owner, so we succeed via a small rescue, with dog with full history with children)

As you are considering rescue I would not even think of a breed. I (no offence to the lovers!) never really liked collies or labs, but I now have one of each! Both got as two year olds, with simply a lack of life experience before we got them. Both brilliant family pets. Go running with husband but are also chilled at home ignoring the small children’s!

I would tend to suggest a small to medium breed so they are easier to have around kids. But then again I had a GSD when I had my first child and he was perfect!

 

[Blazingsaddles]

I wouldn't get a puppy in your situation - most pups require an awful lot of attention in the first few months to achieve good toilet -training, socialisation etc. Leaving a pup home alone three days a week with just a visit from a dog walker is not a recipe for success and whilst a few manage it, more often than not it ends up with a pup messing in the house, chewing everything in sight and often developing separation anxiety. Often with the result that it ends up being rehomed or going into a rescue.

I'd definitely go for an older rescue dog if they will home to you, although your work routine and child age might mean a lot of rescues won't consider you. Breed-wise I would be looking for something that doesn't need too much exercise or stimulation. My own preference is for whippety types or lurchers - I've found that they don't need the endless amounts of stimulation and exercise that some breeds such as border collies, spaniels and labradors normally demand. But you might not be able to be too picky if you are going the rescue route as choice may be limited.

This. Sighthounds are lazy wotsits.😀

 

[Bellaboo18]

Exciting! I'd try not to worry about breed and would aim to rescue something older than a puppy that has the basic toilet training. Don't worry about working full time, lots of people manage it (including me - just popping home at lunch). I'm confident my little lady spends the day sleeping, she greets me yawning and stretching. If I do surprise her through a change in routine I find her under the duvet.
Having said that, people have mentioned lurchers and I would agree they *normally* have traits that would suit your lifestyle. Would love running around with your daughter and at the horses but also enjoy being coach potatoes. Although I believe in taking every dog whatever breed as an individual as there's always the odd one that bucks the trend.
The Dogs Trust have lots of lurchers as they come from Ireland from the pounds.

 

[paddi22]

do your chickens free range? any friends with lurchers had to fence theirs in. I love lurchers but id be wary of having one after seeing a few friends have issues with them chasing and killing their own or their neighbours cats. What about a golden retriever, they are super family dogs. We got our from a retriever rescue as a two year old and he is just the perfect family dog.

 

[Cinnamontoast]

Echo the rescue, there is always a gorgeous dog needing a new home. As you've volunteered there, hopefully you'll get first pick if something suitable comes in. Plenty of dogs turn up in rescue through no fault of their own and are brilliant family dogs.

 

[Lacuna]

do your chickens free range? any friends with lurchers had to fence theirs in. I love lurchers but id be wary of having one after seeing a few friends have issues with them chasing and killing their own or their neighbours cats. What about a golden retriever, they are super family dogs. We got our from a retriever rescue as a two year old and he is just the perfect family dog.

The Chickens are based in an enclosed run but I do let them free range in the garden, we also have a cat (not the most confident creature) which unfortunately limits the lurcher/sighthound options.

I think we might try talking to a couple of local rescues to see what could be suitable.

 

[pippixox]

the rescue I got my collie from gets a lot of lurchers, many travellers, and they are all cat tested at the main lady or a fosterers house. 80% are no problem, at least when in the house with cats.

but as you have said, enquire and see what rescues have got. so many great ones I keep seeing but I sadly can't fit a third dog in right now!

 

[Clodagh]

Most dogs soon learn not to chase chickens, I had a rescue lurcher who was always fine with them but she did need some cat steadiness training. Breed not deed.