To be honest, in my experience, Switzerland is one of the most dog-friendly countries you can be in. There are definitely a few grumpy people who are anti-dogs but generally, I've not had many negative experiences when out with my dog.

Breeders I know, will be much more wary of buyers over the Christmas period - so will tierheims. But if you show that you've done the theory course, be as open as you can about your living situation, how you're preparing for the dog's arrival and thought through its walks, living conditions etc - they should be more amenable to entertain you.

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No. It's miles better than UK, is horrible there, you can't really take dogs anywhere. Here I've seen a Golden happily trotting around in Stücki shopping centre, not to mention restaurants.

Yes, PM me. Here are my 2 - they are big, but harmless.

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We always had English Pointers, my daughter and the first were pretty much brought up together and they were truely besotted with each other, as she grew up he would wait at the door for her to come home from school ! They were inseperable and I cannot recommend them highly enough ..... we had two over the years and the story repeated itself with the second one.

One of the recommendations I'd have is to allow your son to come with you when choosing the dog. Maybe make a special "date" of going to a few different places so he can see the variety of dogs and get a feel for the ones he'd be comfy with and who'd take to him.

When I got my Harri I'd actually been looking for a cat myself (they had a gorgeous "Hemmingway" 7-toe calico that caught my eye) but Harri knew she wanted me. Perhaps your son would be more comfy with a dog who "chooses" him also, my relationship with my girl was the best ever. Her behavior wasn't perfect by someone else's standards for sure (jumpy, slept with me in bed, sat with me on couch) but she knew me well and I her, her behavior fit with what I needed perfectly as I was living in a strange place, not knowing anyone so was most comfortable having her right with me all the time.


(Funny how life is, thinking about it. Wanted a cat, got Harri. Now here, hubby wouldn't bring her over and when it was obvious I needed a companion, he got a cat.)

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If you like big dogs, Great Danes are my choice. They do good in apartments if you walk them or let them loose in a fenced area. Trying to catch a running Dane can be a challange unless you are a world class sprinter... They are very loyal and protective by default. No one will mess around with you or your kids when they are looking eye to eye with a dane. If you like small dogs, my choice is a Russian Bolonka. They don't shead or bark unless they are playing with you or another dog. Adults weigh around 6 or 7 lbs. I have a puppy right now and she is amazing. The only down side to them is they HATE to be left alone.

I thought that I would be a little controversial. Surprise Surprise !

After reading so many threads and posts on here about people on here having problems finding landlords that would allow dogs in the apartments and the conflicts/arguments/complaints from neighbors; I really would give second thoughts to having a pet dog or cat or any pet for that matter in Switzerland unless you own your own detached house.

Yes, we have bought our house (although the bank owns most of it!) so we're alright from the landlord point of view.
I'm not sure we'd be ready for Great Danes - they're MASSIVE!

I've enrolled on the theory course now which is at the tierhiem and I'll be able to get a load more information from them I think and maybe they'll have just the perfect dog that will find us!

Hi Terramundi! It's great to see all of the thought that you've put into getting a dog.

My partner and I chose a Dachshund for our first dog together as they are really small dogs that think they are massive (which really has its pros and cons). As a first dog together (I've had dogs all my life) they are tricky as they as very stubborn and independent, so if you haven't had a dog before I would never pick this as a starting breed. Although we lucked out with our little guy who is a complete lovebug that loves snuggling and obedience training...though this is mainly due to treats.

I saw that you are around Basel and if your new family member needs friends or if you would like recommendations for trainers, please PM me.[IMG]file:///Users/jmweidner/Pictures/iPhoto%20Library/Modified/2010/Dec%2012,%202010/IMG_1309.JPG[/IMG] We always love meeting new dogs.

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Just checked back on this threas and Jules, you little guy looks great fun.

We've looked a bit more into breeds and the various terriers seem to be great with kids, loyal and don't shed much which is good. I'm keeping an eye on the tierheim web pages as in many ways I'd prefer to take a dog from them, if they had puppies or younger dogs available (up to a year I was thinking).

3-month old West Highland Terrier:
http://www.pfotenteam.com/?a=1&t=780...=0&v=page&o=&s=

there's also a young labrador here

http://www.pfotenteam.com/?a=1&t=777...=0&v=page&o=&s=

or this gorgeous Hovawart, 9 months:
http://www.pfotenteam.com/?a=1&t=495...=0&v=page&o=&s=

- excellent devoted family dogs

That's a great site - I tried searching for 'refuge and SPA' to find homes in Alsace (could be a deal easier for me) and didn't get very far - I've book marked this one - thanks.

there is a big shelter in Mulhouse and also one in Colmar that you should go and visit.

Terramundi, if you are also looking in France another site to keep an eye on is Animaux Sans Frontiere / Tiere Kennen Keine Grenzen, in the Lorraine area. The shelters are in Forbach, Sareguemines, Saarebourg, Moinville, and Amance - Depts. 57 and 54:

http://www.animaux-sans-frontiere.com/


In fact, if you are open to adopting from France I would urge you to do so - from any of the many shelters in the border areas - as the need is even greater.


ETA:

Oh I shouldn't have looked - there's a Finnish Lapphund at Sarrebourg. I've always loved these....

Please somebody adopt this dog, before I weaken - and the neighbors start demanding deportation:
http://www.tiere-kennen-keine-grenze...s&art=&id=4699
.

i recommend a kangal, would be a perfect choice for tiny swiss apartments and crowded narrow swiss streets

Whats a three month old Westie doing in a shelter? too young to be away from his/her mum. Breaks my heart!

they think it's around 3 months and it was found - maybe just got lost, but as nobody has claimed her, could be one of those charming people who get a puppy and then discover that oh, it's a lot of work.

I put in an application for the Westie via that site - they're getting back to me on Saturday. There's also a lovey 10 month old lab retriever that was found tied to a tree in Mulhouse! How could someone do that?

It's Arianne, right - gorgeous dog indeed!
http://www.pfotenteam.com/?a=1&t=769...=0&v=page&o=&s=

She is lovely isn't she - could be just the type of dog for us - a bit older but still young enough to fit into a family.

French Bulldog has to be worth some consideration in my honest opinion. Though, of course I am a tad bias since I own one, and should you wish to meet him you are more than welcome.

Frenchies are the ULTIMATE. So much character, so much love, intelligent but stubborn, unbelievably cute, good with children and other animals, do not need masses of exercise, and never cease to make you laugh.

One word of warning, be prepared to be friendly and allow time for your travels, owning a Frenchie will mean you are stopped everywhere you go as people want to pet and fuss over your adorable munchkin.