where have all the mongrels gone?

We have always had rescue dogs as well as full breed dogs over the years,at one time we had four rescue dogs which we took in to access over the required one month and one day period prior to adoption what kind of home would be suitable ie: children/no children/cats/no cats etc. I can say that none of the dogs we had had to be put down due to not being rehomed I thinkSeasider you need to get in touch with a small fostering charity and go from there,sometimes dogs are needing homes when their owners can't care for them or the owner has died.The most marvelous Labrador came to us once aged 3 yrs the owners had a new baby who was taking all their time and they could not find the time for her,she came for accessment and stayed for 13 yrs.

I wouldn't recommend a sighthound as a childs pet. Not that they're not wonderful with kids [I wouldn't have any other dog] but I think children like dogs that they can throw balls for etc and sighthounds just go 'why? you throw it, I bring it back, you throw it again; that's stupid!'

There are several smaller rescue organisations of you Google "dog rescue" or something similar in your area. We found our newest addition to the family (a sort of lab/collie cross) through a tiny rescue place that takes dogs from Ireland. They have a different euthanasia policy in Ireland, any dog that is not claimed or re-homed in seven days is put down, so some people ship them over here and re-home them in England.

granjura you are probably like me I get so upset with people buying fancy breeds of dogs and the poor Alsations with their deformed hind legs. My BIL has a dog only two years old which has already been operated on for arthrose or arthritis on its hip joint.
I grew up with dogs which went to the park everyday on their own and came home for dinner. That was in the 40s but the dogs were good tempered. My father trained them well and when we were in the park and whistled them over they came immediately.
DD1 has a dog and I love to see him but now have cat myself.

Charlotta you've said what I was going to say, but better.
Only mongrels for us - I couldn't justify have a dog bred, when there are so many poor dogs needing a home, and when they are bred for looks rather than health.

I'd go for a rescue dog anyday and you are right to want a mongrel. They are the healthiest. My niece in Germany has a rescue dog from the Canary Islands. A lot of German tourists bring them back to Europe and they are lovely good natured dogs but big and need a lot of exercise.
Here in the UK go for a greyhound. I've heard they are intelligent and lovely natured. The trouble with expensive breeds of dogs - and cats, is the wrong people buy them and for the wrong reasons.
If your son wants something more cuddly then the RSPCA have enough dogs and they will advise you. Remember though it means walkies at least twice day if the dog is to remain healthy amd even tempered. You will keep healthy as well!

I know several retired greyhounds and they are lovely. If you stop when you're out for a walk, they take the opportunity to have a little lie down, or just lean gently against your leg. Sweet things.

Gagagran, that`s a great idea! We had a greyhound cross a few years ago, and she had the most lovely temperament, great with all ages and sexes.

How about a retired racing greyhound? Very gentle and don't need a lot of exercise contrary to general belief? Like nothing better than lolling around looking elegant!

We got our mongrel puppy through the RSPCA. We wanted a puppy, if possible, as we had an elderly cat who wouldn't have tolerated an adult dog.
The mother dog had "escaped" and got pregnant by accident. The owners asked the RSPCA to rehome the puppies for them, but they were able to stay with their mother until old enough to leave. I don't suppose this happens very often but it's worth enquiring.

Crikey; just looked up a cocker spaniel rescue site [always think cockers are great family pets] and most of them seem to need a new home as they're nasty with young children [a lot of people tend to treat them like babies and, when the babies come along they get jealous]. Can't help but feel that rescue dogs tend to come with problems and it's best to get a puppy.

I think a lot of designer dogs started of as 'anti allergy' dogs; I'd imagine a Shihpoo is pretty good in that respect. Some of the labradoodles I've seen are enormous; I'm not sure what makes them grow so big but they're bigger than both labradors and poodles. I'm sure I spoke to someone the other day about a springer spaniel rescue organisation [oh my memory or lack of it]; lovely dogs that people sometimes just don't have time to give enough exercise to.

seasider Have you heard of the 'many tears' website? They specialise in rescuing ex breeding dogs of all breeds as well as strays of all shapes and sizes and there are some sad stories on there. They are based in Wales. The only thing is, ex breeding dogs often need to be placed with other dogs as they are not used to being around people. However they sometimes have puppies and you may find something suitable.
Just a point: Staffies are actually very good with children, their bad reputation is not deserved and has only come about because they are owned by idiots. I assessed some prospective foster carers who had a staffy, a German Shepherd and two whippets and I would have trusted them around my own grandchildren - don't write them off
And now I really am going to bed, done nothing all day except post on here. Goodnight

Are you sure you don't mean a Shihpoo, seasider?
It's a cross between a Shih Tzu and Poodle.
They are commonly referred to as "designer dogs" and are one of the most popular of the crosses.