The soulfood household is in need of some scampering good cheer, so we're thinking of getting a dog. We've both had dogs before, and thoroughly enjoyed them, but that wasn't whilst living in an urban environment. So we've been a bit wary. But Mrs Soulfood has just got a new job in the area which means she doesn't have to commute, so we reckon the time might be right. We've got a small garden out the back, are close to Mayow Park and have some large cat flaps that could easily be converted into dog flaps. But we have no idea what breed to go for. Most websites seem to recommend corgis and stuff - all pretty dismal breeds if you ask me. Just wondered if there were any mid-terrace dog owners out there who could offer some guidance. And perhaps some tips on urban dog ownership.
Thanks. S
Small dogs for small houses
A good few of my family back home in North Wales have Staffordshire Bull Terriers or Staff cross dogs. They are a lovely breed in general - loyal, patient and good with strangers / kids. Don't be put off by local young rudies lounging around with Staffs on thick studded collars.
One of my neighbours in this block and at least two neighbours in an adjacent block have Staffs and they are all well adjusted, friendly dogs. We are thinking of getting a dog when we have a child and can only realistically consider this one breed.
A tip if you work is to avoid any dog bred for farming / hunting purposes, especially collies or retrievers - they get bored very easily and can get destructive.
One of my neighbours in this block and at least two neighbours in an adjacent block have Staffs and they are all well adjusted, friendly dogs. We are thinking of getting a dog when we have a child and can only realistically consider this one breed.
A tip if you work is to avoid any dog bred for farming / hunting purposes, especially collies or retrievers - they get bored very easily and can get destructive.
I have just moved to the area and have a Patterdale Terrier the perfect little dog. However she is not left alone in the day as I think she would get lonely. The best dogs to have if you have to leave them for a while are grey hounds. although quite big they only need two walks a day when they can sprint and enjoy the rest of the day sleeping. There are so many that need homes.. My dog comes to work everyday so I could not have a greyhound but if I could I would 
Small dogs
Have you thought of going to Battersea dogs home and seeing the dogs there? The staff are very knowlegable about the animals that they have. I think that dogs that are a mixture of breeds are sometimes nicer dogs than 'pure' bred dogs and are less temperamental and generally healthier.
Having kept a number of dogs I have found it is unwise to keep a solitary dog. Better to have two or more. They are company for each other and I have found they really benefit from that company....
Staffs are one of the dogs you are most likely to be able to obtain from BDH. My favourite is the Jack Russell Terrier although my experience was of cross Jack Russells. Indeed I believe a cross or mongrel is often a more rewarding companion. They tend to be healthier and brighter.
Jack Russells have a reputation of being yappy dogs. They are not if they are happy and well cared for. They are an excellent deterrent for rats.
One of my dogs, in the long distant past, was crossed with a Staffy. He had the most wonderful temperament.... but the influence of the other breed meant he did not possess the somewhat off-putting facial features. An enduring memory I have, of him, is a visit from my sister and her infant daughter who set about exploring my dog. This exploration extended to poking her fingers into his eyes. My dog did not react, although he did gently remove his eyes from the fingers! He was the gentlest animal I think I have ever encountered.
Staffs are one of the dogs you are most likely to be able to obtain from BDH. My favourite is the Jack Russell Terrier although my experience was of cross Jack Russells. Indeed I believe a cross or mongrel is often a more rewarding companion. They tend to be healthier and brighter.
Jack Russells have a reputation of being yappy dogs. They are not if they are happy and well cared for. They are an excellent deterrent for rats.
One of my dogs, in the long distant past, was crossed with a Staffy. He had the most wonderful temperament.... but the influence of the other breed meant he did not possess the somewhat off-putting facial features. An enduring memory I have, of him, is a visit from my sister and her infant daughter who set about exploring my dog. This exploration extended to poking her fingers into his eyes. My dog did not react, although he did gently remove his eyes from the fingers! He was the gentlest animal I think I have ever encountered.
I think it would be wrong to recommend a Jack Russell in this circumstance. Apparently a lot of people make the mistake of thinking that their small size makes them suitable for small spaces, etc. I have heard from the experts that they actually need a lot of excercise and and if they don't get it they turn into bad tempered yappy dogs (hence the reputation). I have lifted this passage directly from a dog website-
"Jack Russell Terriers are very energetic dogs, with a big need for regular exercise. They are working dogs, and need to have a job, whether it be keeping your yard free of rodents (digging is normal and common, since they are bred to dig after quarry), chasing a ball, or going for a run or long walk with its owner. Sitting on the couch peacefully all day is not in a Jack Russell's agenda. They require more of a time commitment than some breeds.
I would say that Knighton's good experience is possibly a lot to do with the Jack Russell being a cross. Better a Jack Russell cross than a cross Jack Russell!
"Jack Russell Terriers are very energetic dogs, with a big need for regular exercise. They are working dogs, and need to have a job, whether it be keeping your yard free of rodents (digging is normal and common, since they are bred to dig after quarry), chasing a ball, or going for a run or long walk with its owner. Sitting on the couch peacefully all day is not in a Jack Russell's agenda. They require more of a time commitment than some breeds.
I would say that Knighton's good experience is possibly a lot to do with the Jack Russell being a cross. Better a Jack Russell cross than a cross Jack Russell!