Whats the best dog for us? So many criteria!

[timmygeorgeannedickjulien]

Don't wish to ramble on, so as brief as poss, here's our set of criteria:
*we have a small house and garden
*I am based at home with 2 children, both under 8
*The kids want a dog they can play with, throw a ball for etc, but also one they can cuddle

• I want a dog that isn't going to require stupid amounts of exercise, x2 30 min walks per day would suit, with much longer walks at the w/end
  *my DH wants a 'manly' dog, whatever the hell that means
  *I would prefer a medium sized dog, no bigger
  *I want a dog that can be trained for obedience relatively easily, I cant have one that's going to pull me around on the lead trying to chase all the neighbourhood cats
  *we all love dogs, I just want to choose the right one, its our first family dog, although Ive grown up with lots of rescue dogs
  
  Which dog?!

[BigW]

I have no advice, but I am watching with interest as we have many of the same criteria. Good luck!

[timmygeorgeannedickjulien]

Thanks BigW:)

[mrsravelstein]

we have a miniature schnauzer. i wanted a small dog, DH wanted a 'manly' dog. mini schnauzers have a beard & bushy eyebrows, so very manly. they're small to medium sized, very intelligent, very easily trained, and don't moult.

[mrsravelstein]

www.breederretriever.com/dog-breeds/176/miniature-schnauzer.php

[timmygeorgeannedickjulien]

Interesting, Ive caught DH looking at miniature schnauzers on the internet. What are their exercise needs?

[mrsravelstein]

in theory 45-60 mins per day, though mine will happily spend 4 hours on a family day out type walk in the forest

[pinguwings]

Honestly, a staffordshire bull terrier completely fits your criteria.

I know people can have reservations but they absolutely fit you. There are so, so many in rescues too and they can make such wonderful pets.

[mrsravelstein]

don't be put off by lots of the internet pics showing them with horrible docked tails and cropped ears and silly haircuts... they do need clipping every few months but IMO they are nicer left a bit shaggy

[mrsravelstein]

none of the rescue places i spoke to would let any of their dogs come to a house with small children

[timmygeorgeannedickjulien]

Just realised how weird my above comment sounds:D

[mrsravelstein]

[MisForMumNotMaid]

We have a cavalier king charles spaniel. She's fantastic with the children. Will play for hours or lie quietly in her basket on the sofa.

She'll walk for miles on a sunny weekend day or squat quickly just into the garden on a rainy day, choosing not to go on a walk!

Manly? Somehow DH quickly got beyond that, particularly when he realised the advantages of a fair weather dog.

[RabbitIssue]

we have a maltese and 2 poms, lovely and would meet most of your needs but not very DH friendly. However, my DH has now started loving walking ours because all the young ladies down the park want to talk to him because the dogs are so cute :D

[Gonnabmummy]

I agree staffy got two brilliant dogs was brought up with them also. Perfect around children, will exercise how you need them ie 2 walks a day or the odd day spent in the park. Playful but really lazy at the same time.
Wonderful for cuddles could show you some beautiful pictures :D

[janey1234]

Springer spaniel. Not ridiculously small so not too effeminate! A lovely lovely family pet.

[timmygeorgeannedickjulien]

Don't know why but wasn't keen on terriers, however the schnauzer sounds pretty nice. Does it bark a lot though?

Well, I have been round the houses with lots of rescue places. Virtually impossible getting an older dog, they will only consider us having a puppy, because of the ages of our children.

[janey1234]

That's exactly how much exercise ours had and she was very happy - ir at least seemed it! Two long walks at the weekend, an hour each day, and children and a garden to play with/in...

[Gonnabmummy]

I think I have just out my first picture on my profile :/ not sure if right but take a look if you can :)

On the puppy front, no matter what you get they do get excited and the odd nip will happen and their teeth are sharp. Obviously with training this soon stops but how young are your kids?
We have a little puppy now and they get in your feet and try to bite your toes when your walking just something to think about

[timmygeorgeannedickjulien]

I like spaniels, but wouldn't choose a springer, far too energetic! Have thought of cocker spaniel though.

King Charles was originally my first choice. Im a bit put off by their health issues though. I used to walk one and it had fits, very frightening for my kids who adored her.

[Saffyz]

Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Cocker Spaniel, Dachshund?

[timmygeorgeannedickjulien]

My children are aged 6 and 7.

[curlew]

Border terrier. Perfect. I describe them as pedigree dogs designed to look and behave like the perfect mongrel.

But all puppies are demanding and difficult and a pain in the neck. You can't escape that stage.