Inkidink Posted January 15, 2012 Share Posted January 15, 2012 Hi everyone, Im Alysha and totally new to the dog world and would really love some advice from people who will know what they are talking about. We have just moved to 5 acres - semi rural and would like to get our first family dog. I have 2 children, age 3 and 4 who are reasonably afraid of dogs due to being jumped on as toddlers from my friends overly friendly Weimaraner. We are looking for a small to medium dog which will be a good companion to both myself (stay at home mum) and my children. Something that isn't yappy or snappy and that doesn't shed too much. Also alerting us to snakes or people on our property would be good traits. We will have free ranging chickens and some livestock and of course our much loved cat who has been with us for quite some time. Our fencing is also farm wire style that we can chicken wire in but nothing solid or high. We were recommended to get a Jack Russell by a few people but from what i've read im not sure this is the right fit for us. I'd like to purchase from a good breeder in Victoria but out of state if need be. Looking forward to hearing your suggestions :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dogsfevr Posted January 15, 2012 Share Posted January 15, 2012 How do the children react around dogs smaller in size?? If the children are terrified of the dog what will be your plan long term Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Weasels Posted January 15, 2012 Share Posted January 15, 2012 Cairn or Border terrier? West highland white terrier? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GoldenGirl85 Posted January 15, 2012 Share Posted January 15, 2012 How do the children react around dogs smaller in size?? If the children are terrified of the dog what will be your plan long term Agreed, perhaps you could try fostering a dog and see how your children will cope with having one around... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Inkidink Posted January 15, 2012 Author Share Posted January 15, 2012 (edited) How do the children react around dogs smaller in size?? If the children are terrified of the dog what will be your plan long term They arn't too bad. We dont actually have any friends with small dogs but our relatives in NZ have a mini Fox Terrier that at first my kids are bothered by but after a day or two forget he is there. On holidays last year we also stayed with 2 Staffies for a week and they were fine, but the dogs were older and prefered to sleep the days away. I really want to do this right the first time and i will perservere with my children to make this work. Hence why im researching as much as i can before i settle on a breed and start the process of trying to get a puppy. Edited January 15, 2012 by Inkidink Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mumof4girls Posted January 15, 2012 Share Posted January 15, 2012 Aren't Jack Russels pretty hyper and jumpy? Hi Inkidink I am new to the dog world so I am not much help but I had a friend who had a JR and that's what I remember of her's .. Hope you find a breed suitable, you have come to the right place :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Esky the husky Posted January 15, 2012 Share Posted January 15, 2012 Not sure I'd go with a Jack Russell in your situation. Will it be mainly an indoor pet? I'd also be looking into a secure dog run, so the dog (and the chickens) can enjoy some safe time outdoors. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GoldenGirl85 Posted January 15, 2012 Share Posted January 15, 2012 Aren't Jack Russels pretty hyper and jumpy? Hi Inkidink I am new to the dog world so I am not much help but I had a friend who had a JR and that's what I remember of her's .. Hope you find a breed suitable, you have come to the right place :-) Often yes lol, an older JRT will be a lot more settled What about a spaniel of some sort? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clyde Posted January 15, 2012 Share Posted January 15, 2012 A Cavalier! However they do shed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Inkidink Posted January 15, 2012 Author Share Posted January 15, 2012 Not sure I'd go with a Jack Russell in your situation. Will it be mainly an indoor pet? I'd also be looking into a secure dog run, so the dog (and the chickens) can enjoy some safe time outdoors. Yes it will be mainly indoors to sleep etc overnight, but id like it to spend the days outdoors with us. We are building a large enclosed (netted) vege patch area 16m x 8m that the chickens will have control of that the dog wont have access to unless we are also in there. A dog run is also a good idea, Thanks. GoldernGirl85 - how would one go about fostering a dog first?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baileys mum Posted January 15, 2012 Share Posted January 15, 2012 I would recommend an Aussie Terrier...Great little family dog, good with kids, easy to maintain low shedding coat, not too yappy, but will bark to announce visitors....& they have personality plus!! :) The only thing I would worry about though would be the free range chickens, as they would have to be kept apart due to the Terrier prey drive. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted January 15, 2012 Share Posted January 15, 2012 My guess is also you would need something with a short coat and ears that don't dangle in grass/collect grass seeds/dirt. Smaller dogs are often bouncier/quicker in movement than larger dogs...and may more easy escape fences it is really difficult to simply dog proof 5 acres :( Having a dog that is not yappy and snappy, and will only alert you to snakes without trying to kill the snake , and will remain in your yard, and be trustworthy around kids/chooks/cat ..Phew!! That's a LOT of learning/training on your part ..and if you have not had a dog before , I would advise doing HEAPS of reading, questioning, and spending time with different dogs , before you start thinking about a dog /pup. I'm glad you came here to start your education :) If you're patient , there is a wealth of info on the forums which will help you find what you need :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Inkidink Posted January 15, 2012 Author Share Posted January 15, 2012 My guess is also you would need something with a short coat and ears that don't dangle in grass/collect grass seeds/dirt. Smaller dogs are often bouncier/quicker in movement than larger dogs...and may more easy escape fences it is really difficult to simply dog proof 5 acres :( Having a dog that is not yappy and snappy, and will only alert you to snakes without trying to kill the snake , and will remain in your yard, and be trustworthy around kids/chooks/cat ..Phew!! That's a LOT of learning/training on your part ..and if you have not had a dog before , I would advise doing HEAPS of reading, questioning, and spending time with different dogs , before you start thinking about a dog /pup. I'm glad you came here to start your education :) If you're patient , there is a wealth of info on the forums which will help you find what you need :) I know im asking alot.....but we are in no rush and i'd really like to get this right the first time. Im prepared to also do whatever i need to to help train the dog (or myself :laugh: ) to make it easier for us all. Thank you so far for all your suggestions. From someone who has never owned a dog im really just stumped as to where to start! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cannibalgoldfish Posted January 15, 2012 Share Posted January 15, 2012 A staffy? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest donatella Posted January 15, 2012 Share Posted January 15, 2012 Cavalier (sheds though i think) Maltese Havanese Bishon frise (yes l like my small white dogs too hehe) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tapua Posted January 15, 2012 Share Posted January 15, 2012 (edited) Temperament wise I like the Gun dogs around Kids. Cavies are lovely but ummm shall we say not burdened with a high IQ. Most of the spaniels are good. I doubt you will get any dog that doesnt need some sort of grooming. Terrier arent my favorite group but I have a friend with a Cairn Terrier and it is a groover very brave and very affectionate. I would recommend socialising your kids to dogs now before you introduce a puppy. It might help with them ajusting with a new puppy. :) Edited January 15, 2012 by Tapua Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dancinbcs Posted January 15, 2012 Share Posted January 15, 2012 Out of the terriers I would pick a Border Terrier for this situation. Otherwise a Miniature Poodle, Cocker Spaniel or Shetland Sheepdog would all be suitable. I wouldn't go for a toy breed with children that age. You need a small but not easily breakable dog. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alyosha Posted January 15, 2012 Share Posted January 15, 2012 I too was thinking spaniels - Cocker, American Cocker... But I have to concur with Sheltie (Shetland Sheepdog) - seems perfect! Otherwise Lagotto maybe? Or - this one. Japanese Spitz. :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dogsfevr Posted January 15, 2012 Share Posted January 15, 2012 Temperament wise I like the Gun dogs around Kids. Cavies are lovely but ummm shall we say not burdened with a high IQ. Where did you get this info from ?? Cavies compete very successfully in all dogs sports & are extremely popular for this area.One of the most popular breeds handled by juniors in the show ring due to there eager to please nature Infact they are sporting spaniel so infact more of a gundog the group you recommend. I would suggest heading off to a dog show BUT the only issue there is the dog fear your children have . Maybe one of you can go & see what breeds may be suitable & then as a family you can start to narrow the choices down. Low shedding breeds often mean hair cuts every 6/8 weeks. There are breeds that she less & don't require hair cuts or massive brushing time . It comes down to whether you want to do any coat work or happy to set aside a time to do it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zug Zug Posted January 15, 2012 Share Posted January 15, 2012 Another vote for a Border Terrier. Great little dogs - compact, sensible, easy care, smart. Why not go to some shows and meet a couple, and see if you like them? I also think they are a nice, honest looking breed that would suit a rural situation. Also they won't show the dirt too badly. :) I have had a Bichon Frise and while I absolutely love this breed, and will definitely have one again one day, I don't think I'd recommend them for a rural property. They pick up everything and I think it would be hard to keep them in this situation unless you confined the pup to the house and a small (paved or lawned) yard. But I think you want a dog that can take part in family activities more than that, so a Bichon would not be ideal I think. Same for the Havanese I would suggest. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now