Finding a Dog for a Friend

3Beasties

3Beasties

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A friend had asked me to help them find a family dog but I don't really know where to start.

They want a medium/ large breed that's up to a decent walk but not really high energy.

They have 3 kids 5, 10 and 15 and a busy kind of lifestyle.

She works full time but husband is about at various points throughout the day.

They were planning to get a puppy but I'm not sure this is the wisest idea and recommended looking at a rescue - she is concerned that a rescue might not be 100% trustworthy with the kids?

I wondered if a retired greyhound might suit? Or something like a lab?

Any thoughts or suggestions on breeds or where to look? (West Mids area).

She seems quite open minded so I'm hoping that I can help them find the perfect family friend!
 
labs or retrievers :) will also put a mention in of a smooth collie-they don't really have collie traits although they are clever. gentle dogs, not huge (males about 20-24kg), no major health problems. love walks and being active outside, like a cuddle and to kip in their beds inside. mine is 12 months, entire and will take as much or as little work as I give him although of course, he does love to run too. might be hard to find an older one but not impossible down there.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smooth_Collie
 
Rescue greyhound would be ideal
iF the home is deserving of one :) they are lovely with kids of all ages, they can take as much or as little exercise as you give them and they are restful and easy to have around (unlike a lab or retriever in my experience :) )

Try Birmingham Greyhound Protection :)
 
Has to be a lab, in my biased opinion. Yes, greyhounds are easier, but not much fun for children, labs will take on whatever you want to do with enthusiasm, even if they do it wrong. :-)
 
In agreement that you really can't beat a lab or a greyhound, only thing i would say about greyhound is they might have a silly pray drive which won't work too well
 
How about a Leonberger? Large (bigger than most) If socialised, (just as with any dog) good with kids, family and friends and pretty inoffensive and daft toward other humans and dogs. Enjoys a good walk but just as content slobbing and chilling out on the sofa draped in kids. Not owned one myself but those I've met seem relaxed and happy in all social situations (dogs and people) friendly and cuddly.
 
3Beasties said:
A friend had asked me to help them find a family dog but I don't really know where to start.

They want a medium/ large breed that's up to a decent walk but not really high energy.

They have 3 kids 5, 10 and 15 and a busy kind of lifestyle.

She works full time but husband is about at various points throughout the day.

They were planning to get a puppy but I'm not sure this is the wisest idea and recommended looking at a rescue - she is concerned that a rescue might not be 100% trustworthy with the kids?

I wondered if a retired greyhound might suit? Or something like a lab?

Any thoughts or suggestions on breeds or where to look? (West Mids area).

She seems quite open minded so I'm hoping that I can help them find the perfect family friend!
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Having had greyhounds for years and labs and lab crosses, greyhounds are good with children, love a cuddle but with the exception of a bit of a mad race round but prefer to be upside down on a settee somewhere. They might supervise you in the kitchen but are not a ball chasing, playing fetch ,swimming sort of dog.
Try a lab rescue organisation, they do often get mixes in or bigger boisterous boys who would benefit from all the excitement. Or older ladies who would appreciate the love.
 
equi said:
In agreement that you really can't beat a lab or a greyhound, only thing i would say about greyhound is they might have a silly pray drive which won't work too well
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Yes that's something she was concerned about when I mentioned grey hounds!
 
Obviously, not all rescues are in rescue because they're nutty/aggressive. A dog in rescue will have been assessed for suitability. A puppy is a bad idea.
 
I think a lab would be ideal but then I've got one so I would say that! Its up to them though ultimately but good to know that I'm on the right track with a suitable breed.

Do you think a rescue is a better option than a pup?
 
Schollym said:
Having had greyhounds for years and labs and lab crosses, greyhounds are good with children, love a cuddle but with the exception of a bit of a mad race round but prefer to be upside down on a settee somewhere. They might supervise you in the kitchen but are not a ball chasing, playing fetch ,swimming sort of dog.
Try a lab rescue organisation, they do often get mixes in or bigger boisterous boys who would benefit from all the excitement. Or older ladies who would appreciate the love.
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lol I have had greyhounds for years too and mine match that description entirely - they chase balls, they swim and they play fetch with huge enthusiasm :)
 
Lévrier;13568810 said:
lol I have had greyhounds for years too and mine match that description entirely - they chase balls, they swim and they play fetch with huge enthusiasm :)
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Mine are whippets but they both retrieve, swim, and play fetch for hours, long after I want to stop :lol:
 
Why do they want a dog? I would try and find a breed that matches the reason they want one. As a family, are they outdoorsy, sporty, couch potatoes. Try and find a breed that matches them and youve cracked it :)
 
personally i would just contact local rescues with an open mind and their criteria- it can be more down to the individual dog rather than the breed
 
Im looking for a dog through various rescues. What is very obvious is that the biggest percentage of dogs looking for homes are male.
Is this a behavioural issue, or bitches easier to home because people could breed from them ?
 
Snuffles said:
Im looking for a dog through various rescues. What is very obvious is that the biggest percentage of dogs looking for homes are male.
Is this a behavioural issue, or bitches easier to home because people could breed from them ?
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I wonder if people can't cope with the nutty teenage phase that male dogs have?
 
rescue dogs are usually neutered so bitches cant be bred from so that wouldnt be a reason. quite a few dogs and bitches in rescues have behaviour issues, i dont think its a gender trait on the whole...
 
I'd get a lab and tbh with kids and a medium large breed I would get a puppy - whether it came from rescue or a home environment doesn't matter but I'd get it less than 12 weeks. I think it is much easier to train these dogs at this age and means you don't get anyone elses baggage. If from a breeder make sure its got the required health tests, rescue obv wouldn't have this but would be cheaper and potentially more back up.
They need to really be ready to get up every 30 min during the day beacuse the puppy needs out/is chewing/ is having a mad moment/the child and puppy are disagreeing on life and then every 4-6 hours at night for the first while.
Doesn't need to be a purebred tbh if coming form rescue - although if they can seeing the parents and confimring that they are friendly would be good.
 
Incidentally the concept and opinion that all rescues come with "baggage" is completely misinformed - I have just adopted my 8th rescue who is happy, bright, sunny and has fitted into my household with no problems whatsoever. Dogs in rescue do NOT all have issues, that is a popular misconception circulated on social media......
 
Lévrier;13569806 said:
Incidentally the concept and opinion that all rescues come with "baggage" is completely misinformed - I have just adopted my 8th rescue who is happy, bright, sunny and has fitted into my household with no problems whatsoever. Dogs in rescue do NOT all have issues, that is a popular misconception circulated on social media......
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My lurcher, who I got from the pound after she was dumped when the police caught up with her coursing owners, was the easist dog I have ever owned. Not as in recall etc, but as for instant settling in she was the girl. I took her on holiday after I had her a week and she was perfect. She was steady to stock, chickens (but not keen on children), and just so easy.
 
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