Woofer wanted!

Biggins

The kids and I (to be honest) want to get a dog.
Need advice though on what one to get given that it has to be reliability easy to train, safe with kids (or as much as possible!) and don't shed hair all over the place!

Anyone recommend a particular breed to look out for in an animal sanctuary, if available?

What dogs should I most avoid (beside the obvious pit-bull...)?

King Felix

Biggins wrote: »

that it has to be reliably easy to train,

You'll be needing a sub-woofer.

Biggins

King Felix wrote: »

You'll be needing a sub-woofer.

Doh!
I should have seen that coming! :pac:

2manyconditions

I hate dogs - just dont get one.

Cunny-Funt

I've a part rhodesian ridgeback part border collie. Dogs ftw.


If you don't like Dogs you have no soul.

gogo

Not what I thought this tread was about at all, but seriously the guys over in animal and pet issues will point you in the right direction if your serious, but you knew that right..

Personally, from experience I would have gotten small dogs, having spent much of my afternoons up to my arse in mud walking them, they need to be out every day as they are fairly big, not massive, but big enough. Think small, small legs needs less walking.

biko

AH->Animals.

christina_x

my brother has a bichon frise and he's very friendly! Theyr small so he'd be safe around the kids and doesn't shed much hair.. although you will have to get him shaved during the summer! :pac:

Biggins

gogo wrote: »

Not what I thought this tread was about at all, but seriously the guys over in animal and pet issues will point you in the right direction if your serious, but you knew that right..

Personally, from experience I would have gotten small dogs, having spent much of my afternoons up to my arse in mud walking them, they need to be out every day as they are fairly big, not massive, but big enough. Think small, small legs needs less walking.

Didn't know about that section actually.
(My own fault, don't or didn't till now, have to venture that far)

We (wife and I) was thinking small dog more so however I know some small breeds can be right little nippers!
Ouch!!!

Biggins

christina_x wrote: »

my brother has a bichon frise and he's very friendly! Theyr small so he'd be safe around the kids and doesn't shed much hair.. although you will have to get him shaved during the summer! :pac:

Cute. The kids would want to play with him all the time.
Expensive to obtain?

Cunny-Funt

Go medium sized, more personality and intelligence.

christina_x

yeah i think they were over €100 anyways... have a look around though, you may get them cheaper!

christina_x

http://www.donedeal.ie/for-sale/dogs/1417116 hes €120

Rabbitandcavy

Bichon Frise- Around 300-500. The cheaper you go with a breeder, the more likely you are to end up with a dog that will have health problems.

doggiewalker00

Dont go gettting a dog on the "cheap" theyll end up costing you more money in the future with health/psycological problems.Go to a reputable breeder were you can see the mother.

im going to sound like a broken record but really,for a family dog thats good with children you cant go further than a cavalier king charles and thier very easy to train as all they want to do is please thier owner
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rd5dR7YR2ig

Sigma Force

Not sure what you mean OP by besides the obvious pit bull..you do realise that any dog can be a danger to kids and the public in general that's doggy racism that comment.

Considering my oul one got bitten by a collie and attacked by a jack russel recently..have known some nasty mix breed dogs too.

Blame the deed not the breed as they say.

As for getting a cheap Bichon then you are also asking for trouble health wise in the dog, cheap can mean a breeder is genuine and just wants good homes but it can also mean badly bred, unvaccinated, unsocialised and un vet checked.

Bichons and other toy dog breeds are small and delicate you can't have kids roughhousing with them one drop by a kid and puppys bones can break so personally I wouldn't recommend a toy breed for very young children if they are older then that's different.

Forget the hair shedding you will have lots of poo and pee to clean up so don't get a pup is overly house proud.

Small dogs again are only nippers if you don't train them, again blame the deed not the breed. There are traits certain dogs have that are strong of course and Westies aren't recommended for young children.

Do consider a rescue dog though at least that way a good rescue (eg dogs trust) will be able to match a dog to the household and vice versa.

adser53

Biggins wrote: »

What dogs should I most avoid (beside the obvious pit-bull...)?

All of them if your that ignorant. maybe get a goldfish or a garden gnome instead

doggiewalker00

avoid buying from buy and sell sites,most of theese dogs are from puppy farms.

boodlesdoodles

adser53 wrote: »

All of them if your that ignorant. maybe get a goldfish or a garden gnome instead

I think that's a bit harsh, perhaps the OP has no experience of dogs and like a lot of us believed the bad press before they got into dog ownership. Why not give the plusses of pit bulls and try to educate someone you think is ignorant.

My only bits of advice is to avoid cheap dogs on donedeal and if you go to a shelter they should be able to match up a family and its needs from the many dogs in their possession. You'll also have the feel good factor of knowing you gave a lonely doggie a forever home.

Biggins

Guineapigrescue wrote: »

Not sure what you mean OP by besides the obvious pit bull..you do realise that any dog can be a danger to kids and the public in general that's doggy racism that comment

LOL :pac:

I meant that beside the obvious ones that most would clearly recommend to stay away from.
Doggie racism, thats new one on me! :pac:

We intend to go for a sheltered animal if possible. Have to try and do our bit.

Sigma Force

But that's just it why clearly stay away from a bull breed? Not all are baby eaters

Check out EGARs site

Or irishanimals.ie

Biggins

Guineapigrescue wrote: »

But that's just it why clearly stay away from a bull breed? Not all are baby eaters

Check out EGARs site

Or irishanimals.ie

Will do.

Side question: Not getting a pitbull but aren't they illegal now to own?
Apologies for my lack of knowledge in this area.

adser53

boodlesdoodles wrote: »

I think that's a bit harsh, perhaps the OP has no experience of dogs and like a lot of us believed the bad press before they got into dog ownership. Why not give the plusses of pit bulls and try to educate someone you think is ignorant.

ok my apologies, it did come across quite harsh. its just that there has been a lot of threads on here lately saying the same and were all tired of arguing. OP the best advice I can give is research the bejesus out of any breed you consider.

and no, pits aren't illegal here. they are in england and NI. look up the irish control of dogs act which imposes restrictions on a number of breeds here (i.e muzzled, never off leash etc) which is pure BS but still the law nonetheless. don't think that this law means these breeds are vicious though, thats a subject thats been covered hundreds of times on other threads

dyl10

I've a border collie/lab cross breed, we've had her about a year.
She's energetic, smart, loves to be near people (e.g. will lie down to sleep at your feet when you sit down to watch TV), we have toddlers and babies in the family and she's very careful of those.

She hasn't bitten anyone to date (has nipped me on the calf/ankles once or twice if I ignore/neglect her (deserved tbh!) but never any malice, just looking for attention).

Her coat doesn't need to be managed much and she's not that picky of an eater. She is indoors for most of the time and doesn't wreck the place, although she's a bit of a cute whore and will try to sneak up the stairs to sleep on your bed, any chance she gets. In the time she's been here, she's become a real member of the family.

I know cross breeds can differ considerably in the traits they inherit, but we certainly struck lucky with ours.

I guess our dog looks like an older version of this dog:
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/images20/BoradorRexLabradorRetrieverBorderColliePuppy3Months.JPG

anniehoo

Biggins wrote: »

The kids and I (to be honest) want to get a dog.
What dogs should I most avoid (beside the obvious pit-bull...)?

Howya Biggins and welcome to API. Cant believe you didnt see this forum (2 down from AH )

Anyway...good luck with the search, you're goin to get A LOT of good advice in here.First being dont write off dogs you "think" might be dangerous. Staffordshire Bull Terriers (different to Pit Bulls) are AMAZING with kids believe it or not. In here you're goin to get most of us sticking up for the "restricted breed" (not Dangerous Dogs).

I could go on all day recommending breeds but seeing as you're going to rescue heres my advice.

• Find a shelter e.g. Dogs Trust/DSPCA (both have websites) and go for a browse by yourself. See what you like first and ask LOTS of questions. If you find a cutie you like ask to meet it and bring it for a walk with the person in charge.Itll give you a feel for what you do and dont want in a dog. I guarantee you'll fall in love with a dog that you least expect.
• Go home and think about it!!Really think about it. Its a massive committment. MASSIVE!
• Research breed traits if its a pedigree.You'll be surprised the "animal racism" you think you have that is not true.
• Bring the kids the next time and do the same again.
• Oh and im biased...mongrels all the way

If after all that its still a goer then come back here and tell us what you want to get. We're animal mad in here and will tell ya the Dos and Donts till the cows come home

Good luck with the hunt!

cyrusdvirus

Biggins, go to a rescue centre, or a pound.

Rescue centres will do a home visit etc to make sure you know what you're getting into.
they also make sure dog is neutered, and had shots etc.

Pounds are a dogs last chance saloon, when they're in the pound its death row type of thing unless they are re-homed.
No neutering or shots though.

My fella is a pound dog, and i couldn't be happier with him, boxer staff cross, and wired to the moon, totally affectionate, crazy about kids, but not crazy running up to them and frightening them. the neighbours all have kids here and they are all mad about him.

pugsnotdrugs

Pitbulls are not illegal to own in Ireland. They are a very misunderstood breed imo. They were originally bred for dog fighting but were always bred to be excellent with humans and have a reputation for being great with children as well.

One of my dogs is a staffy cross pitbull and I have never come across a friendlier dog with a better temperament. I'm expecting my first baby in 3 weeks and I'm pretty confident she's not going to try and eat the baby or anything!!!! You always have to be careful having dogs around children though (regardless of the breed of dog) and it's never a good idea to leave them alone together unsupervised.

No matter what breed of dog you get you need to make sure you will be able to commit to giving it plenty of exercise and taking it on daily walks. Our other dog is a supposedly low energy breed (pug) but he literally climbs the walls if he doesn't get his walk every day.

If I were you I would say is to stay away from the likes of donedeal and buyandsell. A lot of the dogs on there come from puppy farms and are not at all well bred / well socialised. My parents got their king charles from someone on donedeal and she has had a lot of health and behavioural problems. She doesnt have the typical king charles personality and can be quite agressive with other dogs and snappy with people.

If I were you I would go and speak to your local spca and see what they suggest. They will often have dogs in foster families waiting for homes that you can adopt. The foster family will usually be able to tell you a lot about the dog's personality, exercise requirements and whether they're good with kids. We got our staffy cross from dogsindistress and found them to be excellent. They organised for her to be neutered, vaccinated and microchipped and it was all included in the adoption fee. You should have a look at their website.

Good luck with your new doggie anyway

Red Hand

Woofers you say? How about a foxy looking dog like a corgi?

Biggins

Biggins wrote: »

What dogs should I most avoid (beside the obvious pit-bull...)?

You'll never look back if you get a Pit or any bull breed. I think you'll find you're a victim of the media. I have a 2 year old Pit, Clio. We call her the Pit Bull Teddybear.

Tootle

Hiya,
I got my first dog last March. I hadn't really any idea about dogs and various breeds etc. I went to the dog shelter in Connemara (MADRA) and discussed my needs with Marina. She came out and did a home visit and I spent a few weeks going out and walking and meeting a few different sizes, breeds and ages.
I thought I wanted a fully grown dog and walked a few bigger/medium sized dogs, but I fell in love with a small dog who unfortunately was already booked. So then I started to think small dog, but had the same worry about them being yappy and precocious, I was told these things are trainable. We actually ended up with a pup from the shelter although this was the other end of the spectrum from what I had initially looked for. I couldn't be happier with my little Yorkie x Jack Russell. In fact I'm already thinking about getting a second dog/playmate for him.
If you take your time over it and do the research, you'll find a breed that suits. I do recommend multiple visits to the shelter though and bring the kids.
As a final word, if you do get a puppy; socialise, socialise, socialise!

Best of luck!

Cherry Blossom

Small - Med easy to train, laid back breeds good with kids . . .
+1 Staffordshire bull terrier (wouldn't recommend any other terrier breed to first time owner)

+1 King Charles Cavilier - will need a quick brush over from time to time

No such thing as non-shed but you definately don't want a labrador.

How old are your kids and how much room do you have (how big is your yard?)

If you are going to a shelter try one that fosters dogs out as the foster home will already have a great idea of the individual dogs personality, this is your best bet more so than any specific breed. If you explain your circumstances and they don't have one to suit they can contact you when they do. All rescues will do a home check and you will need to have your garden securely fenced and they won't let a dog go to anyone who has the intention of keeping it outdoors.

Biggins

Appreciate all the sound advice.
Some very good stuff suggested for which I'm very grateful for.

I never even though about having to manage long hair on dogs although I did mention the losing of it, so thats a good point in itself alone.

My family (parents) had a King Charles before but it ended up with ear and eye problems which I'm led to believe (might be wrong?) that they are prone to?
I know they are a lovely animal though and great with young children. The kids (4 by the way) are 6 and under so they would be growing up with the animal.

Cherry Blossom

Biggins wrote: »

Appreciate all the sound advice.
Some very good stuff suggested for which I'm very grateful for.

I never even though about having to manage long hair on dogs although I did mention the losing of it, so thats a good point in itself alone.

My family has a king Charles before but it ended up with ear and eye problems which I'm led to believe (might be wrong?) that they are prone to?
I know ther are a lovely animal though and great with young children. The kids (4) by the way 6 and under so they would be growing up with the animal.

I'd avoid anything too small as kids of that age are going to end up stepping on it a lot as they run round playing.

Before going to a shelter I'd urge you to do some general 'homework' some of the other threads on this forum would be a great place to do it. Look at the ones where people have asked questions and read the answers they've been given. Of course if you go for a older pup or young adult dog you may well be able to avoid some of the toilet and house training business depending on where the dog origionated. You'll find a lot of threads on here are related to people having puppy problems

<ETA>Also a good tip - anything that isn't very high shed you can avoid most of the hair problems by giving it a quick brush over twice a day so the hair ends up on the brush as opposed to everywhere else.

seamus

Biggins, this is probably the most even thread we've had on bull breeds in a long time: http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055969502 (and that's saying something). Thankfully no breeds are illegal in Ireland, some breeds just come with nonsensical restrictions when you have them in public.

There's no such thing as a dog or a breed which is inherently dangerous to people. Most of the older breeds were bred for a purpose and so may be more or less family-oriented depending on what their purpose was. That's not to say that the dogs will not make a good pet - all dogs are pack animals and love being part of a family - but they may be less tolerent of children and running and screaming. Collies and Spaniels for example. But they too will work fine in a family so long as the children are taught what is and is not OK around the dog. Some dogs will allow your kids to drag out of their ears and their tail will keep wagging. Other dogs will anger quickly and snap- a warning, which may include a small nip. But the incidence of serious attacks is very, very small. Less than 1 serious attack per 100,000 of population.
So safety should be your least concern here at first. Their bike is a statistical deathtrap in comparison (and I'm a cyclist!).

So that out of the way, what's suitable for you may be dependent on your family situation, but generally it's more dependent on just two things:
1. How much space do you have
2. How active you are

How much space you have is obvious. A St. Bernard in a 2-up, 2-down would not be a lot of fun. Certain breeds require lots of walking, generally the larger the breed, the more walking they will need. So if you have lots of time and you enjoy getting out for an hour's powerwalk every day, then a greyhound may suit you. On the other hand, if you can only generally make 30 minutes a day to get out, then a smaller breed, such as a cavalier or a jack russell might be best. Any dog will need to be walked every day, minimum of 30 minutes - ideally twice a day.
But I wouldn't condemn anyone for getting out for one decent walk per day and then a good long walk every weekend.

I too would recommend a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, but I'm biased. I would recommend taking a trip to the DSPCA (you're in Dublin, right?). You can see the dogs there, with the kids, and the adoption consultants will know the dog's temperament and can recommend how each one will settle into your family. Most likely you will all fall in love with some dog who is a million miles away from what you intended on getting, but you won't be able to leave him/her there

When you get the dog, treat it as if you've just gotten a brand new 5-year-old into the house. You have to train both the dog *and* your family on how things work now.

anniehoo

Biggins wrote: »

The kids (4) by the way 6 and under so they would be growing up with the animal.

Remember YOU get the choice, not them. Dont let them choose for the love of god

They'll pick the cutest fluffiest fecker in the bunch. They'll love whatever you pick even if its the beigest,plainest,quietest mongrel (:D selling mongrels here). Cavaliers...great dogs..but again can have predisposed genetic conditions.

Biggins

seamus wrote: »

...So that out of the way, what's suitable for you may be dependent on your family situation, but generally it's more dependent on just two things:
1. How much space do you have
2. How active you are

How much space you have is obvious. A St. Bernard in a 2-up, 2-down would not be a lot of fun. Certain breeds require lots of walking, generally the larger the breed, the more walking they will need. So if you have lots of time and you enjoy getting out for an hour's powerwalk every day, then a greyhound may suit you. On the other hand, if you can only generally make 30 minutes a day to get out, then a smaller breed, such as a cavalier or a jack russell might be best. Any dog will need to be walked every day, minimum of 30 minutes - ideally twice a day.
But I wouldn't condemn anyone for getting out for one decent walk per day and then a good long walk every weekend.

I too would recommend a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, but I'm biased. I would recommend taking a trip to the DSPCA (you're in Dublin, right?). You can see the dogs there, with the kids, and the adoption consultants will know the dog's temperament and can recommend how each one will settle into your family. Most likely you will all fall in love with some dog who is a million miles away from what you intended on getting, but you won't be able to leave him/her there

When you get the dog, treat it as if you've just gotten a brand new 5-year-old into the house. You have to train both the dog *and* your family on how things work now.

Cheers for the extensive post. To answer some of your questions...
Space is not a problem. Bungalow. I live outside Drogheda. Basically in the countryside. So walking is not a problem.
I am a very active person (work/fit reasons alone).
First port of call will be to an animal shelter in a place called Cullan (hope I've spelt that right!).

Probably will go looking for something small to medium and no, as much as I will let the kids have their say, their feelings based just on looks and cuteness, will not be the ultimate deciding factor.
So tips on an animal that stays generally healthy, easy to train, etc are very gratefully received.

Tootle

Biggins wrote: »

So tips on an animal that stays generally healthy, easy to train, etc are very gratefully received.

From my understanding mongrels have less health problems i.e. they're not coming from such a narrow gene pool, or the mongrel dilutes the breed specific problems.
Also from what I can gather from the dog trainer I used and owner of the shelter, most dogs are easy to train if caught young enough, although some breeds are smarter than others e.g. collies. Mind you I'm sure my fella is the smartest pup around.

seamus

Biggins wrote: »

their feelings based just on looks and cuteness, will not be the ultimate deciding factor.

It's your feelings that you need to watch out for, they might catch you off guard. Although the dog will be a companion for the kids, remember that you and your wife will likely be the ones who spend the most quality time with the dog, so get a dog that you're compatible with.

Tootle wrote: »

From my understanding mongrels have less health problems i.e. they're not coming from such a narrow gene pool, or the mongrel dilutes the breed specific problems.

There's a whole other thread in that. It all comes down to breeding basically - a properly-bred purebreed is less likely to have health issues than a poorly-bred mongrel. The problem is that puppy farms care not for the quality of breeding, so purebreed dogs from puppy farms are likely to be inbred and rife with health issues.
Puppy farms don't breed mongrels, which is what leads people to believe that mongrels have less health issues - the market is awash with poorly-bred purebreed dogs.

As said above, read up on various breeds - wikipedia is good. Every breed has its own specific age-related problems.

Also from what I can gather from the dog trainer I used and owner of the shelter, most dogs are easy to train if caught young enough, although some breeds are smarter than others e.g. collies.

Yep, pretty much. Like humans, the earlier you catch them, the quicker they will pick up stuff and get used to the family routine. You can teach old dogs new tricks, it just takes a little more work

I would say that you could do well with a greyhound-type breed, lurcher, etc. Lovely dogs, very sociable, short-haired.

ISDW

Biggins wrote: »

Cheers for the extensive post. To answer some of your questions...
Space is not a problem. Bungalow. I live outside Drogheda. Basically in the countryside. So walking is not a problem.
I am a very active person (work/fit reasons alone).
First port of call will be to an animal shelter in a place called Cullan (hope I've spelt that right!).

Probably will go looking for something small to medium and no, as much as I will let the kids have their say, their feelings based just on looks and cuteness, will not be the ultimate deciding factor.
So tips on an animal that stays generally healthy, easy to train, etc are very gratefully received.

Going on previous posts on here and elsewhere, I wouldn't recommend Collon. Give DAR (Drogheda Animal Rescue) a call, they have a website, they'll be able to help you.

belongtojazz

Just to add a note on small breeds not needing much exercise (i've seen it twice on the thread) I have a Jack Russell who is very much on the small side (she's about 5 inches tall and has been mistaken for a rat on a lead on more than 1 occasion) and if she doesn't get at least an hour walk and about 30 minutes frisbee chasing she is a nightmare to have in the house

Don't think that the size of the dog dictates how much exercise they need, my Jack needs more than my Springer who is about 4 times bigger than her

Good Luck with your search I hope you find a brilliant new family member

boodlesdoodles

belongtojazz wrote: »

Just to add a note on small breeds not needing much exercise (i've seen it twice on the thread) I have a Jack Russell who is very much on the small side (she's about 5 inches tall and has been mistaken for a rat on a lead on more than 1 occasion) and if she doesn't get at least an hour walk and about 30 minutes frisbee chasing she is a nightmare to have in the house

Don't think that the size of the dog dictates how much exercise they need, my Jack needs more than my Springer who is about 4 times bigger than her

Good Luck with your search I hope you find a brilliant new family member

Have to agree with the above I've a westie and man does he like to run and run and then run some more! Another way of looking at it is a well exercised dog is a tired but calm and happy dog. Best of luck with the search.

Cherry Blossom

belongtojazz wrote: »

Just to add a note on small breeds not needing much exercise
<snip>
my Jack needs more than my Springer who is about 4 times bigger than her

Good Luck with your search I hope you find a brilliant new family member

boodlesdoodles wrote: »

Have to agree with the above I've a westie and man does he like to run and run and then run some more! Another way of looking at it is a well exercised dog is a tired but calm and happy dog. Best of luck with the search.

Hence why most terrier breeds might not be the best option, kids will usually tire a dog out to a fair extent. My 3 month Westie needs 3 short walks a day, even with endless racing round the house and garden and a good hour of digging up the beds in the stables :rolleyes:

IvySlayer

Well my Westie is doing great, he's about...15 weeks old now. They are very, very headstrong though.

You've been given great advice here already, good luck on your new dog!

lrushe

Gonna plug my dog , a Japanese Spitz, he's been the perfect pet for me for the past 10 years and is still healthy and active. Don't let the long hair fool you a good brush once a week (bit more when they moult) and they shed v.little. They are intelligent, found mine easy to train and they have an oil free coat so it doesn't trap smells or dirt.
Here's a rescue that deals with this breed, all their dogs are vacc'd, microchipped and neutered and all they require is €150 donation.
http://www.japanesespitzrescue.com/

doggiewalker00

definately go to the pound first see if you can find one thier,as most of the dogs will be put to sleep in a matter of days.I think legally theey have to wait 72 hours but im not sure. do know if a dog is brought in to them they dont even have to wait.:(

another plus for a cavalier is the excercise 30-60 mins a day.
they really are very lazy dogs that will just sleep and dose for most of the day(usually on your lap)

failing not finding a suitable dog at the pound check this website,they do great work for cavlaiers throughout ireland
http://ckcsrescue.com/rescue/homes_needed/homes_needed.html

sligopark

some websites and contacts Biggins

http://www.dar.ie/index.php?page=dogs-needing-homes

http://www.louthcoco.ie/en/Services/Dog-Pound/

http://www.meath.ie/LocalAuthorities/Environment/DogPound-Meath/

http://www.lasthope.ie/?page_id=28

http://www.lasthope.ie/?page_id=26

http://www.carrickboardingkennels.ie/dogs-available-for-adoption.html

Bull breed rescue and advice www.egar.org (go to rescue board at the top and register)

Very best of luck


EDIT - have you seen this wee pup?

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=67282276&postcount=485 Pic here in this post

Spadina wrote: »

Hi All,

A relative of mine is looking to find a home for a puppy her dog had ASAP.

The puppy is a Jack Russell/Bichon Frise cross, 3 month old male, very friendly, very good with everyone including children, and on his way to being housetrained.

I'm waiting on a photo of him and will upload it as soon as I get it. She is based in Galway County, and looking to rehome immediately as his dad (the Bichon Frise) is taking a dislike to him

If anyone is interested please PM me.

Zapperzy

seamus wrote: »

Biggins, this is probably the most even thread we've had on bull breeds in a long time: http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055969502 (and that's saying something). Thankfully no breeds are illegal in Ireland, some breeds just come with nonsensical restrictions when you have them in public.

There's no such thing as a dog or a breed which is inherently dangerous to people. Most of the older breeds were bred for a purpose and so may be more or less family-oriented depending on what their purpose was. That's not to say that the dogs will not make a good pet - all dogs are pack animals and love being part of a family - but they may be less tolerent of children and running and screaming. Collies and Spaniels for example. But they too will work fine in a family so long as the children are taught what is and is not OK around the dog. Some dogs will allow your kids to drag out of their ears and their tail will keep wagging. Other dogs will anger quickly and snap- a warning, which may include a small nip. But the incidence of serious attacks is very, very small. Less than 1 serious attack per 100,000 of population.
So safety should be your least concern here at first. Their bike is a statistical deathtrap in comparison (and I'm a cyclist!).

So that out of the way, what's suitable for you may be dependent on your family situation, but generally it's more dependent on just two things:
1. How much space do you have
2. How active you are

How much space you have is obvious. A St. Bernard in a 2-up, 2-down would not be a lot of fun. Certain breeds require lots of walking, generally the larger the breed, the more walking they will need. So if you have lots of time and you enjoy getting out for an hour's powerwalk every day, then a greyhound may suit you. On the other hand, if you can only generally make 30 minutes a day to get out, then a smaller breed, such as a cavalier or a jack russell might be best. Any dog will need to be walked every day, minimum of 30 minutes - ideally twice a day.
But I wouldn't condemn anyone for getting out for one decent walk per day and then a good long walk every weekend.

I too would recommend a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, but I'm biased. I would recommend taking a trip to the DSPCA (you're in Dublin, right?). You can see the dogs there, with the kids, and the adoption consultants will know the dog's temperament and can recommend how each one will settle into your family. Most likely you will all fall in love with some dog who is a million miles away from what you intended on getting, but you won't be able to leave him/her there

When you get the dog, treat it as if you've just gotten a brand new 5-year-old into the house. You have to train both the dog *and* your family on how things work now.

Informative post seamus, just one thing Id correct on it though, generally greyhounds do not need powerwalks every day, two 20 minute strolls a day and they are usually happy. Jack russels need a lot more than 30 minutes a day, this is why jrt's are often considered nippy and bark a lot, they are usually seen as small dogs so therefore only need a little exercise but it's the complete opposite, from my experience anyways they need more exercise than most large breeds to be content and well behaved dogs.

Stay away from a certain rescue you have mentioned OP, http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055837670
Lots of good advice already given, all Il add is it doesn't matter what breed you get, no breed can be considered completely 100% safe with children so therefore all dogs should be supervised when around children.
Also have the kids spent much time around dogs? If you have any friends with dogs organise a few visits to introduce the kids to them, it happens too often that a family gets a dog, everyone bonds with it, kids fall in love with it and then it turns out one of the kids is allergic to dogs so it breaks everyone's hearts if the kid is so allergic that the dog has to be re-homed.

Good luck with your search and keep us updated please!

dark_shadow

Calm down-Infraction issued for that comment.

Hellrazer

Dark shadow.
You havent even posted in this thread and you suddenly attack a poster without being involved.
Consider this a warning or I will ban you from the forum.