I wouldn't give up on adopting without even trying.
I think your biggest hurdles are going to be that you have young children (3 and 1 year olds) and no dog experience.
Were I in your situation, I would contact the rescue and shelter. Take your entire family to any adoption events they have in your area (make sure your kids are very well behaved while there). Talk to them about the application process and also what you are looking for in a dog. Be prepared for questions and answer honestly. Let them know about your family and your home. Also think of 3 people (not family members) who would give a good reference. And if you do not already have a vet, make sure you at least have one chosen for the application process!
While it can be nerve wracking just keep in mind that most of the time they are just trying to do what's best for the dogs. And if for some reason you are denied ask why. That way you'll know what you need to fix/be aware of. You can always try again with a different dog or even a different shelter/rescue.

And fwiw, I wouldn't completely rule out a greyhound. There are tons in rescues. They tend to come in a fairly wide range of sizes. I know someone in greyhound rescue and she is currently fostering a pretty small girl (I think she weighs around 55 lbs). Plus they really are couch potatoes and tend to do very well in apartments and small homes!

 

I wouldn't give up on adopting without even trying.

And fwiw, I wouldn't completely rule out a greyhound. There are tons in rescues. They tend to come in a fairly wide range of sizes. I know someone in greyhound rescue and she is currently fostering a pretty small girl (I think she weighs around 55 lbs). Plus they really are couch potatoes and tend to do very well in apartments and small homes!

:thumbsup: Very well said! Give rescue a chance, you might find who might surprise you. Some are very adopter friendly (eager to educate and help new dog owners) and some aren't unfortunately.

And I love Greyhounds, give them the opportunity to get a good sprint and of course a daily walk and they're content to just live the good life and lounge around. Very inactive indoors (at least those I know). Especially rescued greyhounds, I think they're just happy to finally have a comfy place to rest.

 

I think it might take you a little longer to find a dog that fits your situation perfectly. But, I don't think theres any reason why you couldn't adopt. I third what is being said about Greyhounds, they are awesome dogs.
Posted via Mobile Device

 

There is no better apartment dog than an adult Greyhound!

 

The reason why small dogs are not the best companions for small children is that they are a lot more fragile. Dachshunds have a long body with short legs that puts their backs at risk. Small breed dogs easily receive fractures being handled wrong by young children.

Another thing to consider is rescues often come with issues, for which they have been surrendered to the shelter in the first place. The children's safety, as well as the dog's safety has to come first! You have very young children and plan on having more, it will be very difficult to find a dog in a shelter that would be suitable/safe.

In shelters you may find the odd case where the dog has been surrendered due to allergies, or has landed there due to the death of their senior owner, which usually means the dog has had not much interaction with children. A medium or bigger sized dog would probably work better for you! Maybe your husband could get that greyhound sooner than he thinks!?

 

I've had a quite different experience with animal shelters. In my experience, most of the dogs that have been surrendered had no issues with regard to behavior (in fact, the top two reasons for surrenders are owners moving and issues with landlords). Most shelters do personality screenings on the dogs before they are allowed to be adopted out. If a dog has issues with young children or other dogs, the shelter will let you know right away. The last thing they want is for a dog to be adopted, only to be relinquished in a couple weeks.

We have two shelter dogs who are great with kids and other dogs. One was bred by a breeder, then dumped on the side of the road while the other was left in a kennel outisde for 2 years before his owners couldn't find the time to take care of him out there. In my time volunteering at local shelters, this has been relatively common. People don't have time, or find out the puppy they brought home turns into a big dog. There are plenty of great dogs in shelters that would fit in great with your family. My advice would be to discuss your situation thoroughly with your local shelter. Tell them exactly what you are looking for and I'm sure they would be glad to help you find the perfect fit. You may not end up with a daschund, but they will do their best to find a dog that will be an integral part of your family for the rest of its life.

 

i have 2 dachsunds and i dont think i would recomend the breed to a family with very young children.. i babysit a lot and my older girl is just miserable and hides the whole day while the baby (a year and a half) is here.. usually she goes with her dad to work when i sit.. they can be very territorial and if not properly trained can become snappy and yippy.. they are wonderful little companions though.. stubborn to the max but very affectionate and wonderful little foot warmers on cold nights.. i think its wonderful to teach children to care for animals i wish i had had dogs growing up.. and should i ever have children of my own they will deffinitely have dogs! i have a bigger mutt (a catahoula/lab mix) and she just loves the baby and all children and they seem to love her.. she is gentle and doesnt seem to mind having her ears pulled (as long as its a child.. lol) its very sweet to see them together.. i hope yall can find a great family dog that your children will grow up with.. i think they teach us alot..

here are a couple pics of my girl and her lil buddy