Single Mother/ 6 Yr Old Son Wants A Dog - What's the Best Breed?

o 1)
Papillon, 2)Corgi, 3)Cavalier King Spaniel, 4) Cocker Spaniel...What
do you think of my choices?

ou have selected 4 rather different breeds. What is there about each of
them that attracted you? Have you met these breeds in person or talked to
breeders? A good breeder is the best source o

Actually, three of the breeds are spaniels, not so different, other than size.
The Corgi throws me.

I like spaniels, but each of those have very different health problems, and I
would investigate them very thoroughly before you get one.

Corgi's are fun dogs, but have BIG mind sets.

WantADog said in rec.pets.dogs.breeds:

Where's the best place to purchase one?
Breeder vs Pet Store vs Shelter?

Getting a good dog from a good breeder can be a time consuming
process - there are, by far, more poor breeders than responsible
breeders. Once you find a good breeder, expect to be put on a
waiting list. The bonus of going this route is that you'll be
minimizing your chances of getting a dog with a genetic disease,
especially important in one of your shortlisted breeds, #3, the
CKCS.

Pet store? No way. Have you seen any of the television
"exposes" on puppy mills? That's where the majority of pet
store dogs come from. As well, what with shipping, puppies have
to be taken from their dams as early as 5 weeks, not a good
start in life for a young pup.

Seeing as how you're going to be away from the house for 6 to 8
hours each day and that you have a young son, I'd suggest going
the shelter route and select a dog (purebreed or mixed) by its
compatibility with you. Probably 6 months or older would be
best. If you really want a particular breed, you can find
purebreed rescues through the national breed clubs - links are
available through the AKC and UKC web sites:
http://www.akc.org/
http://www.ukcdogs.com/

You didn't mention buying from the newspaper. While you might
come across a truly accidental litter, many of the litters
advertised in the paper are either small volume puppy mills or
from people trying to get some of their money back from their
expensive pet store purchase. Beware of all the health issues
associated with poorly bred dogs.

It's possible that a shelter dog will have the same health
issues, but at least you're not financially rewarding someone
for producing such a dog. You can also hedge your bets by
adopting an older dog.

Do you suggest a puppy or
older? Male or Female?

At least an older puppy, since you're going to be out of the
house, although, if you're going to be jogging with him, a fully
developed dog (2 years old) would be better. Male or female?
No difference, go by compatibility to you.

I'll let others comment on your breed list, other than offering
these general comments: Papillons and CKCSs can be hard to find
through rescue, Corgis are very energetic dogs and, although
short, are not really small.

Good luck! And again I'd suggest that you visit the shelter and
select by compatibility to you and your son.

--
--Matt. Rocky's a Dog.