[Closed] Dogs - where and how to buy?

Degs - pikeys, cash.

Seriously though, do you need a pedigree dog? Are you going to work it?

Working, pedigree labs can be had for £500 ish, KC registered and all.

Decide what you will expect of the dog, and what you can give it, then decide how much to spend.

Shit analogy, but there's no point having a ferrari to drive round and round the car park.

Also, some pedigree breeding leads to inbreeding and genetic problems, so be careful of that, best bet I think is to find someone who is having a litter from a family pet, not a commercial breeder.

Rescue.

To be honest dogs are a bit like cars and bikes. If you are worried about the purchase price then you probably can't afford to maintain it properly. 🙂

I'll bite and awaits flaming. 🙂

Most breeds have inherent physical conditions. So, in your thinking of a lab/retriever, then that will involve hips. Responsible breeders have them 'hip-scored' and this is important, although no guarantee.

You have children therefore mustn't take the risk of an 'unknown' dog so whilst dog homes are laudable, it's a bit of a risk.

If you're baulking at the cost of a pup then have you any idea of how much a dog will cost with vet bills, worming, insurance if taken?

Edited to add that I spent a considerable amount of time phoning breeders and visiting them. It's a good idea to see pup with mum as that will give a clue as to personality/behaviour. You need to research.

Given the huge number in rescue centres, I'd have a look there first. They've been inundated with people who can no longer afford to keep pets and now have waiting lists of people trying to get rid of their pets.

should be loads going cheap after the Xmas novelty has worn off 😉

As above decide what you want and what you will pay

I tend to agree that pure breeds are inbreds and it is like buying a royal - you have seen how dysfunctional they are

I would also get a rescue dog personally though I once got turned down as i had no garden I could fence them in - apparently the farm and land did not count

+1 for rescue.

There are thousands and thousands of dogs looking for a good home.

Don't be put off by the word 'rescue' either, it doesn't usually mean it'll be a beaten, abused basket case, just that it's owner couldn't cope/died/changed plans/emmigrated etc.

Edit: Also don't underestimate the amount of exercise/stimulation a working breed will require. I have a friend who works outdoors all day and takes his springer everywhere, she's still desperate for a walk in the evenings after a full day of off the lead running about.
If you don't stimulate them enough they can prove problematic.

Once again people do not understand the risks of a rescue dog where children are involved!

core - I know what you mean about the do we need pedigree question, and the answer is no as it won't be worked. I'm just not sure of where else to go at this stage. I've been reading up on the inbreeding with pedigree and am fairly aware of that, I just worry about 'amateur breeders' as they might not have the same level of confidence in the animals' wellbeing. At least registered breeders appear to do checks etc on the pups.

Winston - we can afford to maintain it otherwise we wouldn't even be considering it, I'm just a bit tight!

As a tip, many breeders will not haggle and IME will not sell to anyone who tries to either. Be prepared to be "interviewed" by the good ones. It can be an interesting experience. Even the rescue organisations, the good ones at least, will vet you first.

Puppies are not cheap so the quoted price doesn't seem out if line. Check hips etc and the usual lab issues. Breeder should be up front with that. If not that is an sign which would mean "walk away" to me.

Lab rescue services are very good and lots of wonderful dogs with some v sad stories. My ILs have just taken their latest rescue lab and she must be in dog heaven now!! C_G may have a point, but IME may also be overplaying the risks. Those risks never go away wherever the dog comes from and however well trained. Awareness of dogs and children and the risks involved comes with the territory. (Sorry CG, that is not meant to be a dig in any way, but I have watched my ILs run rescue centres and later take rescue dogs that were no different from their own bred labs)

Good luck with the search. Have you considered retrievers as well?

I'm not sure of your location but you could try a place like this http://www.willowdogrescue.co.uk/3.html
They are based in South Yorkshire (I'm sure there are similar all around the country) and they will work with you to ensure the dog is right for you and your family and that you and your family are right for the dog.

There are dogs of varying age so if you want a pup then there could be one for you (I expect that there will be more arriving in rescues over the next few weeks).

My dogs were "pedigree" and if I knew I what I know now I wouldn't go near a Kennel Club breeder.

Personally, the whole organisation is up it's own arse and seems to have forgotten what dogs are really for i.e Companionship and/or working. The overbreeding is causing major problems for some breeds - King Charles, Bulldogs, Westies, German Shepard to name just a few.

There obviously are some responsible breeders out there, but there are plenty of very misguided ones as well.

I will await my flaming from dog breeders and showers. 🙂

We've considered a rescue dog but with young kids we're just not that confident. I totally understand that they're not all beaten etc, we had one when I was younger and my sister has had nothing but rescue dogs for the last 20 years, I just don't want to risk my children and would like them to know the joy a puppy can bring, along with the responsibilities etc.

cinnamon_girl - Member
Once again people do not understand the risks of a [s]rescue[/s] dog where children are involved!

FTFY.

A rescue chosen carefully will present no more risk than one you buy as a pup. A responsible rescue centre will have vetted the dog and the environment it came from, and will know its suitability for living with children.

I will second a rescue dog. I thought long and hard about getting a dog and settled on a greyhound. She is the most gentle dog and the woman who ran the kennels worked hard to find us the best match as we wanted a dog good with kids, cats etc.
What you need to consider is do you have the time for all the things a puppy comes with? My dog was easy to train and is so well behaved. Puppies you will have sleepness nights, toilet training and puppy proofing the house.
As with the risks for children there are no guarantees with either a puppy or a rescue dog. The child needs to be educated to treat the dog with respect as if a child doesn't do that then even the most mild mannered dog could turn if its been annoyed

If you are worried about the purchase price then you probably can't afford to maintain it properly.

This is more the concern for me, if you're worried about paying £200 over the top for the pup, I think it's going to be the least of your worries over the lifetime of the dog…

cbm +1 IMHO. rescue centres do also get litters of pups from time to time too. also i wouldn't ( and didn't ) go pedigree. cross breeds tend to be more robust.

Once again people do not understand the risks of a rescue dog where children are involved!

Do you really think folk with kids and the folk in the centre wont have any ideas about these risks?
A new dog DOES NOT negate or remove these risks, its the same risks in a different package.

Puppies are great but the greater life lesson here is to learn to do good thing IMHO.

This is more the concern for me, if you're worried about paying £200 over the top for the pup, I think it's going to be the least of your worries over the lifetime of the dog…

Rescue.

I have a pure bred Kelpie which I got as a pup and a rescue Kelpie x which came from the SSPCA at 9 months.

The rescue dog is by far the gentler and the one that I would trust the most with kids. Having a dog from a pup is no guarantee that it will have a gentle nature.

Another reason we ruled out rescue - the rescue centre websites I've looked at state that they won't home young dogs or pups with families who have children under 5 years old. Mine are 3 and 4 and we don't want an older dog at this time.

There's a rescue centre down the road from us that states this, maybe I'll call in a and talk with them. My kids are very good with animals and understand they're not toys.

@tonyd - this is what we did for our family dog, we'd had dogs when we where kids ourselves but it was our first dog as family.

We went to a "discover dogs" session organised by the kennel club (it happened to be at Crufts on the Working Dogs day as that is what we where interested in, the discover dogs has many breeds but the breeders for the working dogs would be there showing their dogs). Here you can see lots of different breeds, get useful information and speak to their owners.

We bought a Labrador bitch from a breeder we met at the show with full history and checks on the parents and we got to see the father who was a magnificent dog with a great temprement. We visited that and other breeders at their homes first, it's as much about the breeder checking you out as it is the other way. She's been our family dog and it has been a wonderful experience.

IMO if you want a specific breed get a pedigree dog from a reputable breeder, don't rush into it to "get one now", take you're time as you'll be spending a lifetime (the dogs) together.

C_G may have a point, but IME may also be overplaying the risks.

+1

And +1 for a rescue dog, if you're being tightfisted then it's a no brainer.

Puppy:
£700
+ vacinations
+ the snip
+ new carpets once they all smell of pee and poop

Rescue dogs will have had all that, and hopefully be house trained. And the donation is about £60.

And the warm fuzzy feeling inside from knowing it would probably end up being put down if you hadn't addopted it.

Another reason we ruled out rescue - the rescue centre websites I've looked at state that they won't home young dogs or pups with families who have children under 5 years old.

Possibly because they know this is scenario has a high return rate when the new owners find out that the new puppy is not just a toy and requires a lot of work...

This is George. He was a rescue. His previous owner was an autistic lady who was convinced that she wanted a dog, but couldn't cope with the reality of owning one. He is brilliant. Obedient, gentle, cheeky, a little bit naughty, a typical terrier and immense fun. We love him...a lot.

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Consider a lab cross? We have a Lab/Springer cross and couldn't be happier. Think she was £150.

Hold on, is this a dog topic with no dog photos. What's wrong with you people!

Bramble cooking what little brains she has;

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EDIT: Sorry, not you CBM

From experience. Never had any luck with rescue dogs. They have all had issues. Mostly in the head.
Had about 7 dogs. 2 were from puppy, one of which we still have, the other died a couple of months back, age 13.

All of the rescues ended up being rehomed. One bit the postman, one was very aggressive towards our dog. Talking massive bite holes right into her leg muscle. Others destroyed the house when we left. And another was impossible to toilet train. Tried for months. she came from a farm where she lived outside and we couldnt drill it into her that inside wasnt a toilet.

Both our puppies came from family's pets that had had litters. Cost about 50 each. The first one we don't even know what breeds she was. Bit of a Heinz 57. The one we still have is a sheltie border collie cross. She is lovely. But getting on a bit now.

Tl;dr get a puppy.

Here she is at about 4 y/o
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Thanks jambalaya, very helpful. We are starting a fair bit of research and don't intend to rush in. I also understand the need for us to be vetted as much as we need to vet where ever we get the dog from.

Possibly because they know this is scenario has a high return rate when the new owners find out that the new puppy is not just a toy and requires a lot of work...

if you're being tightfisted then it's a no brainer.

We've put off getting a dog for some years now as we wanted to wait until we can provide the right environment for one, now we can and we are fully aware of the ongoing costs, I was just surprised at the initial cost of the puppy itself.

Actually the most disappointing thing so far for me was looking through all of the ads on sites like preloved, people claiming to be looking for a good home for their 6 month, 1 year old etc puppy as their circumstances have changed, yet still asking hundreds of pounds for it. Surely if you want a good home for your dog, rather than cold hard cash you'd offer it for free or a smaller amount and rigorously vet those that wanted it?

Actually the most disappointing thing so far for me was looking through all of the ads on sites like preloved, people claiming to be looking for a good home for their 6 month, 1 year old etc puppy as their circumstances have changed, yet still asking hundreds of pounds for it. Surely if you want a good home for your dog, rather than cold hard cash you'd offer it for free or a smaller amount and rigorously vet those that wanted it?

This stops people getting a dog on a whim though. Means you're serious if you're prepared to pay.

Consider a lab cross? We have a Lab/Springer cross and couldn't be happier.

My original post was partly driven by a concern about buying from random 'amateur breeders' and whatever pitfalls might come with that.

Edit: I meant cocker, not springer, but they're close enough to be the same IMO (love springers too)

This stops people getting a dog on a whim though. Means you're serious if you're prepared to pay.

As so many here have already said, the initial outlay is just the beginning. It's easy enough to find £100-500 for a pup, but then you have to feed it.

Anyway, don't want to derail my own thread any further!

You may be buying the dog for your kids but be aware it will be your dog once they have lost interest in it and you will end up feeding it, walking it and training it.

If you want a dog for companionship then I'd support the rescue option- puppies can be had from rescue centres especially this time of year. We've had two rescue dogs with no problems with our kids (which were admittedly a bit older than yours).

£700 for a pedigree puppy is the going rate which as other posters have said pales into insignificance compared to food, insurance, and innoculation bills.

Just one point (if you did go rescue...) I didn't choose the dog, I didn't even go and see what was available. I emailed the centre and told them what I was looking for, the ages of the children at the house, details of the existing dog, the fact I had a cat, pictures of the garden, the activities I wanted to do etc. They called me within a couple of weeks to say they had a good match. It was only then that I went to see her 🙂

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The dog is mainly for me 🙂 My eldest would prefer a kitten and the youngest wants a blue rabbit (he has no idea there is such a breed, he just likes the colour blue). At 3 and 4 I have no expectations of them feeding, walking, training it! They just need to love it and grow with it.

You may be buying the dog for your kids but be aware it will be your dog once they have lost interest in it and you will end up feeding it, walking it and training it.

I'll second this. Our kids have talked us into getting various different animals and they have zero interest in them now, and I who didnt want them get grief from the wife when they need cleaning out or feeding and as for getting them to walk the dog when it was alive....no chance....especially when we handed my lad the poo bags....he just laughed and did one out the door.

If you are looking for a cheap maintenance free hound then dont get a Westie...we spent thousands on ours over 16 years but next to nothing on the mongrel who was far less maintenance.

My parents have had pedigree retrievers and now have one from a rescue centre which wasn't a pup. It's great fun and fine with children though pretty boisterous. In the past we had a rescue pup that we think was partially border collie, had no problems at all with that. All the dogs have needed lots of exercise which suits my parents. They've had too lots of puppies which they sold, a good 10 years ago but think they went for around £400 each.

Rescue centres want their dogs to go to suitable homes so I'd have no concerns getting a dog from one.

Don't forget there's a big difference between a horrible show lab and a nice working one.

Contact the various breed specific rescues?

And. £700 is cheap. My ma charges a grand a puppy and in Europe the same breed is 1200.

Get a sprocker? They can't be kc registered but still aren't cheap.

Don't forget there's a big difference between a horrible show lab and a nice working one

Contact the various breed specific rescues?

I have two rescues, one Chesapeake/Spinone and one Lab/Setter, both cost me a £200 donation to the shelter, and required a fair bit of vetting.

I wouldn't hesitate to get another rescue dog, however I would bear in mind the following:

1. If they have any tail injuries, bear in mind these take a long (4-6 months) to fix and a lot of money ( ~ £800 -> £1500 )
2. Working breeds sound great, but if you don't have a lot of time they are a pain in the arse (min 2 1/2 hours of walking/play a day when they are young) as when they get bored they get destructive, and you need to combine exercise with mental games, or else you just end up with a super fit destructive dog; and forget about getting home from work and flopping.
3. A huge amount of a dog personality is determined in its first 3 months of life, and some of this cannot be changed. So if the original owner didn't bother with training or socialization or did it wrong you will have issues you cannot fix easily if at all. So with rescue dogs, you will end up with some odd traits that are hard to fix.
4. Get it insured as it will have stomach issues.
5. People forget how much work a young dog is...... and how much training it takes to get them under control. If you have young kids, this isn't going to be easy and they are going to get nipped/mouthed by a young dog

Personally I wouldn't get a working dog of any type unless I was going to work it (the clues in the name), as they have been bred for a task, and just running/walking/cycling with it isn't going to wear it out.

As far as buying a *cheap* dog, be sure not to get a puppy farm dog, as whilst they are cheaper you will have health issues pretty quickly which will cost you way more than you have saved, also you can end up with a dog with life long social issues due to the breeder not bothering to socialize the dog with people during the critical phases.

Also I would read up a bit on dog training and behavior as it gives you a clue on what to do and not to do, as believe it not its not that straightforward as they don't think like us.

Following books are good:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/In-Defence-Dogs-Need-Understanding/dp/014104649X

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Think-Dog-Owners-Canine-Psychology/dp/1844037096/ref=pd_sim_b_4

Read in defense of dogs first, as then you know which bits of the second book are wrong and can be ignored; however it does help with training as it gives you some nice tips.

Finally, depending on your experience with dogs, and how much time you want to put in (I was off work for 6 months when I got my first, so was training him everyday for 4 to 5 hours each day) I would by default get a black lab, as they are born half trained, so unless you really **** it up its very hard to end up with a bad dog.

Good luck.

Alternative to insurance - put the premium income into a seperate bank account. It will hopefully build up as you don't need it rather than disappearing every year. Plus funny how so many vet fees seem to be just under the standard excess!!

Definitely breed-specific rescue centres an lab ones are v good IME.

Hard question to ask on here as there are so many answers! (As you've probably gathered).

[i]people claiming to be looking for a good home for their 6 month, 1 year old etc puppy as their circumstances have changed, yet still asking hundreds of pounds for it.[/i]
Pedigree dogs are expensive. Simple as that.

[i]Yes I was thinking more field lab from a working background[/i]
We got our pointer from a farm through an online selling site (dogsandpuppies maybe, can't remember) - you just have to go see the dog in it's home environment. I guess we were lucky as she'd been around kids (farm was also a creche) and other dogs (owner had 4 others).

Keep trawling the web until you see what suits you and don't rush into it.

ps. our pointer still cost £600 iirc.

Alternative to insurance - put the premium income into a seperate bank account. It will hopefully build up as you don't need it rather than disappearing every year. Plus funny how so many vet fees seem to be just under the standard excess!!

Depends on the dog, mine have cost more than the insurance cost every year for the past 4 years; so I would be out of pocket. Over the dogs entire life you might be better off as they can calm down between 7 and 10 before getting expensive again; but that does rely on you having a couple of thousand available just incase they do something really stupid or damage their tail or get a stomach infection.

If you get an *active* one, I would get insurance as they tend to do themselves in at a fairly regular basis especially if you walk them in woods a lot, and I wouldn't want to chose between a bank loan or getting them destroyed.

Pics of the Chesapeake/Spinone please. Chesapeake is on my 'Wanted' list.

If you want a working breed dog, I'd recommend just getting one from a farm rather than a breeder.

Cheaper and likely to be of better stock.

Case in point, Border Collie £170 🙂
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Old picture from when he was 3.

Have you actually seen a Chesapeake bay or spoken to an owner of one? As they aren't easy dogs to live with to say the least; easy to train though, as if you show them twice they have got it.

I've chatted to a few owners of true working ones (gamekeepers) and they all comment on how they are amazing dogs if you can keep them focused, but you will never get them more than 90% trained (so you need a *spare* if working with them) as 10% of the time they will do what they want as they get bored and take the beating when they get back. They were interested in mine in case the Spinone cross had reduced the stubborn streak (it hasn't) whilst keeping the other traits (double coat, stamina, temperament).

Downsides (with mine and others I've met) are:

obsessed with water
very stubborn, if they don't want to do it, it ain't going to happen.
very protective, to the point if they think someone or something is wrong they move towards it.
very bright, so easily bored and more than capable of working out cupboards/doors
greedy.
tend to be obsessive about things
very hard work, as if they don't see the point in something they won't do it so it can feel like a battle of will's at times.

Upsides are:
loyal
bright
good guard dog
brilliant temperament, once person/thing has been accepted (my other dog can take chews out of his mouth without a growl)
very entertaining
slightly mental
legendary bad dog stories.

Great dogs and when he goes will get another, as I now live in a big house with ponds backing onto hundreds of acres of woods so have the space for them.

Have you seen this video of one in Scotland, just so you get an idea of the type of dog you are looking at:

Mine has been known to swim that far to have a look at birds....... ignoring the ****ing whistle until he's had a good look. They are easy dogs to spot from a mile off as they walk/move in a very particular rolling/thudding way

richc - thank you for posting that pic and he looks quite a character! Yes, I've seen them in the flesh and spoken to an owner but must confess that my 'Wanted' list is very much a dream. Can't commit to a dog at the moment, boo.

Yes, understand about their characteristics but just have a soft spot for gundogs. My golden retriever was very strong-willed, a sniff of water and she was gone. Would even break the ice too. 😯

You're lucky to have access to all that land but, ponds?? Clean water or not?? Will check out that vid.

Thanks again for your post, most enlightening. 8)

cbmotorsport - George is the definition of a terrier for me, if I could find one like him I'd be well chuffed, how old is he?

Reality is we've got a working lab (which the girlfriend/farm pays for as she had him before we moved in together), and will probably end up with another next year in lieu of a stud fee...........

I had a different approach. Decided what dog we wanted and then stopped people who we saw walking them for recommendations....In the end got this young lady from a farmer....Great dog for kids and just a lot of fun!

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Rescue

the breeding of pet dogs is out of control considering how many are abandoned each year.

Yes, understand about their characteristics but just have a soft spot for gundogs. My golden retriever was very strong-willed, a sniff of water and she was gone. Would even break the ice too.

You're lucky to have access to all that land but, ponds?? Clean water or not?? Will check out that vid.

Have to stop mine digging on ice to get to the water ........ Apparently they were bred with strong chests to aid with breaking the ice to get to a retrieve....... stupid strong swimmer which causes some worries at times.

Ponds are mostly filled with clean water, as he empties them on a regular basis, and I get rid of any weed. They are full of newts so water is pretty good, plus he has exclusive access bar a few wild ducks.

My boy (Springer) came from a man in Derbyshire I sort of knew. He'd had a litter and the last one had to go. No one wanted a dog, so I got him for 150 quid. He's awesome and that's a bargain for a KC registered pedigree gundog.

That said, my wife's Cocker came from a similar route (farmer/shooter with a litter) and he's a cracking little fellow too. Probably better with kids to be honest than my dog. All mine wants to do is play fetch, chew bones and hunt, the Cocker just wants to be cuddled.

Where you at btw / how far will you travel to collect for a recommendation?

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We went cross breed with Roger (now 14 months). Cost us £350, and so far, about £600 in the first year on vet bills/jabs etc. Plus £20 pm insurance. Plus about £30 pm in food. Add another £20pm on lost tennis balls, treats etc, he's not a cheap toy. But he IS ace and I wouldn't change him for the world.

one thing pet insurance doesn't prepare you for is the £90 excess on vet bills. nearly every visit to the vet has been circa £100, i.e. not worth claiming. BUT if he needs a £3k operation, we'll be glad we got it.

Anyway, I wouldn't worry about getting bent over by the breeder. That'll be only once. getting bent over by the vet however, can be a monthly occurance!

Try www.pets4homes.com. We have 2 dogs. One Staff that we got as a puppy, and one American Bull that we got as a rescue.

The American Bull is the most docile dog i've met, soft as muck. The only issues we have (which we've nearly defeated) is that she lived in a box room for 90% of her life before us so struggles with not eating her pap after she's dropped it. We guess that she either had to eat it to hide it from her previous owner or ate it because she was starving. It used to be every day, but she only does it once a week or so now.

The Staff was a puppy we got at 8 weeks. He's a spoilt, needy git and seems to think he's a lap dog. No real issues though, both can be left alone, both are great with kids (but i wouldn't leave any dog alone with a child).

In conclusion - I've had both a puppy and a rescue, and would get both again. You're welcome.

(I've posted these before, and one of the female members went off on one telling me how dangerous these breeds are - she must have just put down the daily broadsheet)
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My two penn'orth and apologies if I've missed anything in the thread

Firstly, how much experience do you have of owning dogs, specifically dealing with puppies and even more so dealing with lab puppies?

I ask this because if you don't have a huge amount then you may well find that having a puppy and two very small kids will probably be a nightmare and a lab puppy more so as they are big, boisterous (not aggressive but try explaining that to a 4 year old who's just been knocked down for the third time). If your dog and puppy experience isn't all that then I would suggest going for a rescue dog from a good rescue centre (one that vets you, your house etc before letting you have a dog). The good ones will often know the background of the dog and its suitability for families with young children.

My perspective on this is that I recently (5 weeks ago) got a new 12 month lab/collie cross from a dog's home (pics to follow 🙂 ). I grew up with dogs as a child and as an adult have had three dogs for most of the last 20 years. I've always trained my dogs to a reasonable standard, following tried and tested regimes. However the last three dogs I have had were all adults (3 years +) from rescue centres. I've been surprised by how much harder it is dealing with a big puppy (though we are getting there) and my partner Rebecca (who has never had a dog before) has had a real wake up call. It's hard work with a puppy and there is no way that your kids are old enough to learn from it at this stage (my kids - who live with my ex - are 6 and 7 years old and the 7 year old is just starting to understand what a dog means/how they work etc).

I would say get a well researched adult rescue at this stage and save the puppy until the kids are maybe 8 or 9 years old. They'll be much better equipped to get involved in training, walking, playing etc and will learn bucket loads.

Good luck by the way, dogs are grrrrrreat!!!

Look for a breed specific rescue.

They will know everything about the breed and be more interested in making sure you are right for the dog and the dog is right for you than a generic all breeds rescue that just needs to get rid of dogs.

You will probably have to go on a waiting list but it will be worth it and you won't be talked into taking a dog that does not fit your requirements. And often if there is a dog with medical problems that can be managed then they may cover the cost of the medication for life. That is what the donation goes towards as well as all the other running costs of the charity and why the often £200 donations are so important.

I vote rescue. Dogs are vetted, so are you, they'll try and find a nice dog (of whatever breed) to match your life.

Having said that we bought a mongrel (lab/staffie) from a local paper ad, who "needed a good home" and he cost £50 and he's brilliant, and a complete goon. Came with a couple of problems, but we got him over them. I'm really not so sure I'd have done the same now we have our boy - it was a bit of a punt on the dogs character (he seemed friendly when we saw him before buying, which was true, he was, but untrained in so many ways) and that kind of punt could have come off badly with our boy around, but I'd have no qualms about a rescue dog.

Obligatory furry photo

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cbmotorsport - George is the definition of a terrier for me, if I could find one like him I'd be well chuffed, how old is he?

He's 1 Core. And yes, he is very much the definition of a JRT, in looks and outlook, although he's also obedient and anxious to please. Many JRT's aren't! We're very lucky.

This place has a lot of nice dogs, incase you are near: http://www.allsortsdogrescue.org.uk/availabledogs.aspx

Mostly from Irish pounds as they destroy them after 24 hours if dropped off, or 5 days if *found*

Get a lurcher pup, no need to worry about it being an inbred basket case full of health problems and you would struggle to spend more than £200.

Thanks for all the replies so far folks, very helpful. To try to answer a few...

- I've no intention of getting anything from a puppy farm, which is partly why I started the thread.
- I grew up with dogs, mainly German Shepherds, so have a good understanding of what they involve, including how to train them.
- I haven't owned a dog for 20 years because I've always been working abroad/around the country or living in unsuitable accommodation. We just bought a new house which is IMO good for dogs so it's a good time to get one.
- We've started watching t'internet and will be going to look at a couple of litters this weekend (both crosses) but won't rush into anything.
- richc, he's a lovely looking dog (as are all the others of course!)
- wysiwyg, we're in Berkshire near Swinley Forest. I'd probably travel 100 miles on a recommendation, maybe more, depends I guess as I'd like to take the wife and kids to see them first.

I called into a rescue centre near me earlier today and had a good talk with one of the staff. He said they don't home any dog with a family with kids under 5 as they generally don't know the background and even if they did it would be rare they'd consider that.

These guys are local to you

http://www.labrador-rescue.org.uk/dogs.html

I-Ls got there latest dog from them. Very thorough.

We've two dogs.

The eldest is a Working Cocker who's 7 now, we got him as a puppy from a local Breeder (met Mum and picked him out of the litter, other friends got two of the others).

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The younger one is a Working Spinger and was from a local rescue centre, who also breeds. He'd been sold as a puppy and then came back when his owner lost his outside estate job and moved inside.

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Puppy was £450 and Rescue was £35. Neither have cost us anything really at the Vets, and we don't pay insurance.

For what you are looking for, I'd go for a small/medium mongrel - we had one when the kids were little.

Our border / Russell cross , we got from Pets 4 Homes. She was from a litter of 3. Her mum escaped the garden and met the jack 4 doors down. We asked about if either were working dogs etc as we wanted a home dog. We met the mother and the dad was known by the owners. We considered and looked at rescue dog, but we had cats and getting a puppy, meant she would be brought up easier than a dog of unknown history. She is great and I can say you must get insurance. At 10 weeks she broke her front elbow and the vet bill was £2.5k. That's 10 years of payback before they get evens on it. Perfect first dog for us. She is so patient with kiddies, cats and visitors. We paid £250 for her, with he first jabs and worming done. Wouldn't be without her now.

Just sent you email Tony

Im too far to be of any use I'm afraid.

@tonyd - we got our show stock lab from a breeder in Aylesbury I recall, I'll try and find out where.

Those eyes are just melting my heart!

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Even our rescue dog cost us over $600 with adoption fees, vets bils etc. Not always the cheapest option but oh god how much we love her. I get hugs and licks the moment I walk in the door. (From the dog).

Rescue dog with children!faces will be lost for sure. Just look at the vicious mauling my rescue hound is dishing out to my children
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As has been said above, at least while you are looking, call a few rescue homes and tell them what your situation is. They are motivated by finding long term homes and stand to gain nothing from giving you an unsuitable dog. You Dont have to take a dog if it doesn't seem right and any sign of problems when you get home you can return it. Nothing to lose from calling a few.

He's right, resuce centre talked me out of taking a particular breed due to possible issues with existing pet.

Sounds like you know more what you're doing OP, all I'll add is that my wife got a bit caught up in gettng the best possible score for our dog and I was not impressed with some of the breeders who were very reputable on paper. Bit up themselves and seem to care more about the rosettes than the animals.

Next dog will be a one-year-old mongrel from a rescue centre I reckon, though partly 'cos our puppy has been such a ****ing handful.

Any excuse......sorry OP

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I'd just add that I drove all the way from Surrey to Gloucestershire (twice) to check out and then buy my working English springer/golden lab cross.

He's black and looks mostly lab, but the sweetest temperament, beautifully behaved but fun to walk as he's always charging around looking for squirrels etc. He cost me £250 but wouldn't swop him for anything.

People say, they'd love a dog but only if he's like Barney!

Golden Labrador!!! No no no. </pedant>

Very cute photos folks, keep them coming.

Progress update for those that are interested, rescue is out - I called another couple today and they were both quite wary of homing anything with young kids. Patterdale terriers were on the list briefly (nice one Tony), but the wife has decided she likes the sound of a Cocker/Springer cross (Sprocker or Cockspring?) after wysiwyg's suggestion and I have to agree they seem to fit the bill quite well:

- Good temperament
- Bit smaller than a lab
- Lively!
- Less likely to kill the neighbours cats 🙂 (although it still might)

No doubt we'll waver and reconsider as we keep looking, but for the moment that is where we're heading. Just need to find a litter now...

I'll ask around. When I'm out on sat with those in the know..

Cool thanks. Where are you out of interest? You said you're too far to be able to help, Highlands? 🙂

Notts. I've put some FB feelers out. There a great sprocker on our shoot. He's like Droopy. If ever a dog could be a laid back stoner it's this one.

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Our local rescue centre just outside of Nottingham had six of these little lab x springer puppies given to them at New Year, at just 6 weeks old as the person who decided to breed them couldn't find homes for them 🙄

As of a couple of days ago, there was one little boy left without a home.

I wouldn't totally discount the rescue option - some are more flexible than others!