Hi

I was wondering if people could recommend some breeds (or crosses) that would be suitable for us. Not obsessed with the idea they have to be a pedigree but price isn't really an option either (without being silly).

So, here are the main points:

Me: Relatively easy, I have grown up with dogs, love them, would love pretty much any dog but not a huge fan of small yappy ones.

My wife: She used to hate dogs but now wants one, she likes big dogs that are cuddly but not scary and definitely not 'jumpy' dogs (her words).

The kids: Paramount is how the dog will get on with children. We have a 2 year old daughter and a 1 month old son.

Environment: We live in a relatively small house but it has a good sized enclosed garden and is within walking distance of a dog friendly beach and 10 minutes drive from the New Forest, so lots of places to exercise them.

Any suggestions?

Anthony

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What about a Golden Retriever, they generally are great with kids and are large and cuddly

I bred staffordshire bull terriers from my daughters birth and got on fine 90% of my pups went to families with young children
I wouldnt recomend the silver bomber line but Bolhaise or kingbull are bombproof

reasearch the breed of any choice talk to the clubs go to meetings

any dog has a will of its own what goes in comes out

thats right.. retriever could be the best one for you...

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Rottweiler without a doubt. Yes I too would have laughed at this suggestion until two months ago when I first started researching which breed to make as my second dog (I already have a dalmatian.) I researched dozens and dozens of different breeds in depth and one kept bouncing to the top of the rankings and that was the Rottweiler. I never envisaged having one of these dogs solely because of the bad rep they have had (casued by bad owners) but I can tell you that after 6 weeks of Rottweiler ownership (Bella is now 4 months old,) I am in amazement of this breed of dog.

I know of no other breed that matches the intelligence, loyalty and obedience of a Rottweiler. Coupled with the fact that they are VERY family orientated makes this breed a consdieration for your choice of dog. Please do not be put off by the bad press this dog has had - I gave one a chance and I can tell you I am totally converted! They are the best doggies in the world.

I breed Golden retrievers, and until recently was living in Bearwood. What a co-incindence! Some of the pups I bred are in your area. I am happy to reccomend good puppy classes if and when the time comes.

I would absolutely reccommend a Golden, provided you don't mind the hair and a dog that can find a muddy puddle in a bone dry field!

We have three currently and I didn't even want a dog to start with, it was my husbands dream to have a Golden Retriever. I have three children, the youngest is aged 4 and has Downs Syndrome. The oldest is 12. I can happily let my 12 year old take the dogs for a walk on his own, they are totally trustworthy and do exactly what he asks them. They are excellent with my youngest son and even my friends daughter, who is terrified of dogs (as is my friend, her Mum!) loves them. They are also nto so big an dheavy that they woudl do a lot of damage accidentally to a small child if they knocked them over, and their tails, although waggy, are not 'whippy' so won't hurt a small child either.

They are an excellent first dog, they love everyone and are very easy to train. As adults, they will happily walk all day, but if I ever can't take them out due to one of the children being ill they will happily lounge about indoors all day too.

Do be warned though, you very rarely see anyone out walking with only one Golden retriever, they are addictive!

Let me know if you want to know anything else.

I would say a greyhound, very gentle dogs, and they DONT need loads of exercise as is often believe just a regular daily walk, but would love a romp on your beach
My niece has one he is wonderful, she has two boys and has never had a moments worry with him. To be honest, when he is indoors he is usually asleep, has his own sofa
Mary
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Why not try a whippet or even a lurcher, they can be very gentle and calm dogs if brought up in your Environment and tought right from wrong, not always suitable if the family works funny hours as they do need alot of exercise.

My daughter has two children, one with cerebral palsy and they have a beautiful labrador who is now almost a year old. She is gentle, loving and easy to handle, a fantastic family pet. I dont think you can go wrong with a lab. or a golden retrever because of their temperaments.
Chris

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Yes my first thought was Whippet but I think Anthony had a big dog in mind.
I dont quite agree about the exercise by the way, I cant say about Lurchers but we had a Whippet for 16 years and in my experience, although they enjoy a good run they are sprinters and dont really have a lot of 'staying power'
Mary
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