Best dog for a newbie

[Afonavon]

I’ve always had animals (cats, hens, fish, gerbils, guinea pigs, quail, pheasants), but never a dog.

I really would like that companionship of a dog, but don’t know where to start.

On the other hand maybe a dog isn’t for me because:

Hate the smell,
Hate the shedding fur
Hate the slobber

Are there dogs who fit the bill, but are still good companions?

[wetotter]

You can probably find low shedding and low slobbering dogs, but the smell is inherent.

You don't sound that enamoured of the idea, so don't think any of would be a good fit. Only get a pet you really, really want

[SacreBleeurgh]

Totally disagree that the smell is inherent actually, depends on the breed, gender and whether or not they’re neutered IMO.. (apart from the poo 🤢)

FWIW least smelly dogs I’ve ever known have been whippets. Also not slobbery in the slightest, and minimal shedding. They’re the BEST companions too, and remarkably cat like in their fastidious cleanliness, love of a lap and ability to curl up in to a tiny ball!

[2me2u2u2me]

Apparently even though they are a bit furry cockapoo/cockapoodles don't shed, I think that's why they are so popular.

Depends also what you want from a dog, I would look up the different types and find out about their personalities, springer spaniels never get tired, they run forever and are very active, my brother and best friend have them and they never sit still, leaping all over the place and furniture, this is the kind of thing you need to be aware of when choosing a breed of dog.

[2me2u2u2me]

Also, something I recently found out when I went to my friends a few weeks ago and her garden had loads of dead patches and when I asked she said it's what female dogs pee does, never knew that.

I'd be inclined to look at dogs homes too as the staff are brilliant and can tell you the dogs' temperament, also they can be much more rewarding :-)

[GirlCrush]

Don’t get a lab then!

Slobber central!

I want a whippet! I’d like a rescue but been told they won’t like my bouncy lab.

[Afonavon]

My friend has a whippet. She is lovely but highly anxious. It this common to the breed?

[TheoriginalLEM]

If you go onto the battersea dogs and cats home website i believe there is a questionaire about what breeds would suit you. It asks what you want from a dog, what you can offer a dog in terms of exercise, company. If you are out at work for ten hours each day and cant afford a dog walker you shouldnt get any dog.

It is a massive commitment of noth time and money. Are you prepared to forgo holidays if your dog camt cope with being away from you, will you take it with you (likely to be difficult abroad after brexit), factor in aditional costs?

Are you prepared to pay in the region of £30 a month for insurance, a further £15 for vaccinations and flea control. Food very much depends on size if dog.

Do you want a lap dog that you can pick up and take in the shop with you? Or a big lollopy oaf of a hound? A high energy dog that will need lots of exercise? Or a lazy dog happy to bumble around at home with you?

Plenty of non shedding breeds, they will cost for grooming as they generally need clipping.

You dont tend to smell them after a while

[vanillandhoney]

Breed-wise I would say a whippet would fit the bill if you want low shedding, no slobber and very little smell. The short coat also means you don't have to worry about grooming costs.

[ArcherDog]

I’ll get slated for this but get a poodle or poodle cross.

Small, low or no shedding, low or no smell.
As long as you can get them groomed, they are very low maintenance.

If you can give it a decent amount of exercises then a cockapoo.
There is a reason they are so popular in real life.

[ArcherDog]

Whippets can be highly strung and they aren’t exactly comfortable to cuddle.

[LunaHardy]

I have a cavapoo, I had dogs as a child (cavalier King Charles spaniels mainly) but this is the first dog I've had myself. He's friendly, gentle, patient and amazing with my kids. Doesn't slobber, doesn't shed and doesn't smell that often unless he's been out for a wet walk. I have him professionally groomed every 6 weeks otherwise he gets matted. He's very, very energetic and needs a lot of exercise. I think he's great