This might seem like a weird request - we are finally, after many years of waiting and putting it off, getting our first dog.
DH favours a springer spaniel - and they seem like a medium sized dog - or am I wrong do they get really big?
DC like smaller dogs like the schnauzer, bichon etc - I suspect because these are the dogs their friends have.
We will be getting a puppy, and it will be coming to work with me eventually, so need a chilled breed. Access to exercise and training not a problem.
want a good family pet, happy to chill, and also happy to do walks to forest, beach etc.
would be doing longer walks in evening - say 30-60mins
please please can anyone help
we would consider rescue - but there is not much around here - and I don't know if we would be approved.
If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.
The doghouse
Breed advice pleaese - Springer, Schnauzer or Bichon
angelinterceptor · 30/04/2013 11:41
I have a Springer, he is a working line springer.
He is up for anything, I take him to working trials every now and then
However he is also quite content to chill for a few hours after his morning walk
He is not a particularly demanding dog, but is ball obsessed and quite clumsy and is always ready for a walk or a game, he will keep going all day if required. Just be careful if you decide on a Springer as they can be very lively and do like a lot of exercise.
I also have a small fluffy breed 
(Shih Tzu Cross) puppy who thinks he is a springer who is happy to go on the same length walk as the other dogs, and is also happy pottering about the garden. He is quite clever though and will chew if he is bored.
I don't know much about Schnauzers, I do have a friend who has 2 and says she wont be getting another because of all the grooming and clipping they need to keep their coats and beards from getting manky.
So go fro a Spaniel if you don't mind bouncy chaos and endless games of fetch
a Schnauzer if you like grooming and er....beards
or a Bichon if you want something sociable, that likes company but needs a lot of grooming and can be territorial
Actually having just read a bit more about Bichons on the internet, they sound ideal for you, if you dont mind brushing the fluff every day!
I wouldn't go for a hunting/gun dog type, like a Podenco or springer spaniel, personally. I think their energy levels are more than what you're looking for. Schnauzers are gorgeous but they do have more terrier-like tendencies, perhaps more feisty with other dogs etc.
My brother has a Bichon/poodle cross which he chose specifically as they are good natured, don't shed much and came out high on all the online questionnaire type things you can find for family dogs. She's very sweet, enjoys a good hour-hour and a half run about in the woods, but is also very easy if she gets shorter walks. They look like lap dogs but they have plenty of energy but not too much! Also small enough that you don't have to get a bigger car! They do need grooming every 6 wks so you'd have to factor that cost into ongoing expense of keeping a dog.
If you're looking for a puppy, don't forget to look at rescues as well. They often have puppies/young dogs from unwanted litters, or from family situations which mean dog has to be rehomed. It's not only older dogs/ones with issues that find their way to rescues sadly.
In truth, I think you'd be better with a 3-5 year old dog, a good rescue should be able to match you well, you may be able to foster/take it for a trial period. Puppies are really hard work (look at other threads here!) and if you are working, then rescues are more likely to match you with an older dog anyway. Good luck 
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Please be aware though that there is a massive difference between miniature schnauzers and the medium sized (standard) schnauzer in terms of trainability, exercise needs and temperament. I have many years experience of both and I definitely don't think a standard schnauzer (or a giant for that matter) would suit your needs. Someone up thread mentioned about bichons and puppy farms. The same applies to miniature schnauzers. Please, if you do go for a mini, be very very careful with your breeder. Sadly the miniature has fallen prey to unscrupulous breeders and puppy farms which has, devastatingly, led to all manner of health and temperament problems with this beautiful breed. The standard remains a mostly healthy, robust dog as very few are bred a year but they are not for novice owners as can be extremely strong willed and challenging. But I love 'em
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