 Barked: Sat Oct 13, '12 9:09pm PST |
 | |  | | In your situation either would work (Westie or Mini), but with the stipulation that you consider an older dog from an EXCEPTIONAL breeder, or an older rescue.
The problem with being gone 8 hours a day, isn't that dogs can't handle it... its that a puppy simply requires more attention in that time than most are willing to give. Now, if you are able to come home somewhere between those hours, perhaps on a lunch break, then that might be more reasonable. But an 8-12 week old puppy cannot else should not be left alone for that stretch of time on a consistent basis.
However, an older dog who is already house broken and can hold its bladder, and who is past its puppy teething stage, would be a perfect candidate.
Schnauzers and Westies are not uncommon in rescue either, and you can certainly find individuals who are accepting with children. In my experience, both breeds can be a little sharp with disrespectful children, but there ARE individuals, especially when raised with kids, who are very warm and tolerant. It also helps that both are relatively sturdy breeds (both being either terriers or terrier-like) who aren't as easy for kids to "break" so to speak.
I know a foster here who just had a Mini dropped of at their rescue because the owner went into hospice. Ultra sweet, clingy, and very even tempered. I got to meet her at an event, where she had near constant contact with a variety of people (including children), and she was VERY civil, very polite, and perfectly happy to greet anyone who would in exchange scratch her rump 
So those dogs are out there. You just have to be open with your expectations and find a good rescue or breeder willing to work with you. |  |  | |  |
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Just because they are not exactly little, doesn't mean they can't be couch cuddlers
