Can someone help suggest a dog breed?

[Stradbroke]

We would love to get a dog but I want to make sure we get the right dog for our family.

At the moment I am not working so now is a good time to get one to settle them. As and when I do work it will be part time and we would get a dog walker when I was at work. So they need to be able to be at home on their own for some time.

We habe two children. Our son is 9 and fabulous with dogs. He loves them and would shower then with affection and really we want the dog as a buddy for him.

We had a DD who is autistic and therefore we need quite a low energy dog as a barker and one who is jittery will cause her anxeity. My parents have a jack Russell who is not well trained and makes my daughter jumpy.

We live near open space so exercise is no problem.

Really I want a medium sized dog that needs not too much exercise everyday although there will be lots in the weekend. I don't want anything too bright, but one that is calm, affectionate and can be part of the family.

Thanks.

[Dieu]

We have a Shih Tzu. He has calendar dog cuteness, is calm and loving, hardly barks, non aggressive, loves other people and dogs (makes walks less stressful), great with children, low energy (but will happily walk for ages if given the chance). Ours is thick as mince, bless him, but we love him dearly.

[Dieu]

Oh, and I would maybe try googling 'best breeds for therapy dogs' or something like that, to give you plenty more ideas.

[Floralnomad]

What is 'not too much exercise' , as that will be the main deciding factor .

[Sallyhasleftthebuilding]

You need to be strict on training for a calm dog!

We have a bichon poodle spaniel cross who is calm but barks at the postman!!

Some rescue centres let you try before you buy so to speak so worth asking and put yourself on their lists

[TrionicLettuce]

I think a whippet would be pretty much perfect for you.

They're very sweet, gentle and affectionate dogs. They can be hugely playful, fun (not to mention funny) and mischievous but for the most part they just adore chilling out with their humans. They're very flexible when it comes to exercise, ours will be quite content after a 30 minute blast off lead some days but equally if they're given the opportunity they'll go for hours.

They're generally not really barky dogs. Mine will very occasionally have a bark or two if someone knocks at the door but mostly they don't bother.

We've no children but ours are fabulous with my niece (who is also 9) and are very gentle with the neighbourhood kids as well.

If you're anywhere near Birmingham it's Crufts next month and there's a Discover Dogs area where you can meet representatives of just about every KC recognised breed, plus chat to owners about them.

[Goadyflattery]

Ask the rescue, they will often have older dogs that have had to be rehomed due to a divorce or death in the family. They can recommend which dog they think is calm.
My dd has ASD and our dog has transformed her life, all dogs are incapable of being completely calm all the time though.

[Teapot101]

I can't have one because of cats but think that greyhound / lurchers are the easiest nicest natured dogs going. Would love one.

[Stradbroke]

Crufts is an excellent idea. Thank you. I will look in to that. Not too much exercise means they will go out everyday but sometimes it might just be 30 minutes.

I will train it I promise. We can get my parents dog to stop barking and jumping with a quick noise but they are not consistent.

I would love to re home and a whippet would be great but we have a cat and I thought a puppy might better as the cat could be a bit more in charge?

[Goadyflattery]

Stradbroke I know that posters get accused of banging a drum with rescues but if it's possible, it is great to not support breeding of more dogs when so many get put down for needing homes.
Lots of rescues have puppies if you want but many older dogs are cat tested or used to cats. We have a cat too, she bullies any canine that dares to cross her path .

I support some of the smaller independent ones and there are breed rescues if you are set on a particular breed.

Sorry for going on. I have just seen a post about a poodle cross that was handed in to rescue at 10 weeks old because the breeder said it was 'too ugly' to sell.

[Goadyflattery]

I mean really?

[Stradbroke]

I have no problem with that at all. I get a bit put off because when I look so many dogs seem unsuitable for children and cats.
Does anyone know a good rescue place to start with we are in the London/ essex borders.

[CMOTDibbler]

Dogmatix likes children and cats, plays with toys, and as a lurcher would be happy with a variable amount of exercise. At 1, you'd be able to really see his personality and how you all get on with him.

[Goadyflattery]

Black retriever X re home some lovely family dogs, lots of labs, retrievers and crosses. They are on Facebook, Kit Wilson Trust in crowborough. Last chance Edenbridge, dogs trust all over the place. Many tears have dogs in foster all over the country.
Hopefully someone near you might post of somewhere they know.
The dog linked above looks lovely, I like the description of selective hearing and counter surfing

[Stradbroke]

Oh he looks lovely. Thanks everyone. Have just spoken with someone at alldogsmatter who has a staffy X puppy that might be suitable.

I have no problems with staffys. The one I knew was a completely soppy. Does anyone have any insights? I know most people are fearful of them.

[Goadyflattery]

I think they have an image problem, I have never had one but my brother rescued one who was a dear thing who was very gentle. I can't claim to know more than that though. Hopefully someone will know on here.

[sparechange]

I was going to suggest a staffie!
I've had a few (all rescues) and they have been wonderful. Soppy, great with children (my current one presses her nose through the bars of the fence at the playground if she hears a child crying in there, and adores cuddles)
They are very fair-weather dogs, so don't particularly want to be taken out in rain and bad weather, and mine have always managed to seek out the warmest radiator or glint of sunshine through the window given half a chance.

The only downside is the reaction you get from the general public. I've had parents scoop their children up and out of the way as we've walked past, and I've had people running over to 'warn me' that my other dog is being attacked by a devil dog - presumably because a naice labrador owner wouldn't also have a scruffy staff, let alone that the two of them play together in the park!

They are as 'low maintenance' as a breed can get in a lot of ways, but do need firm boundaries and lots of love (and a warm bed)!

[Sallyhasleftthebuilding]

I read that some places train for ASD similar to the hearing dogs - I'll have a look

[Dieu]

I grew up with Staffies, so know the breed very well. They are amazing family dogs, and my favourite all time breed. They can be boisterous and excitable though, and nobody I know who has rescued one has had an easy ride of it. Be prepared for issues that may be present due to their past, and it will take work.
This view won't make me popular on here, as it's very pro rescue, but I would get a puppy because of your daughter. That way you have a clean slate and know what you're dealing with, particularly if you've gone for a specific breed suited to her needs.
No guarantee of course, but perhaps more chance of success in the long run.

[Dieu]

Actually, I have had a rethink, and stand by my first paragraph but not necessarily the second . Of course the perfect dog your family could be in a rescue centre; it will just take a fair bit of research and work (as does a puppy anyway!).

[SquidgeyMidgey]

We've got a lab x gsd rescue and he's been fantastic with the children (we had him first). I love gsd and if I were to buy a pedigree that's what I've have but 'adopt don't shop' etc. You could try the rescue centres, don't lose heart if you're not matched on your first visit.

[MidniteScribbler]

Have a look at the Lagotto.

[Lokibuddyboo]

I'd recommend a whippet,they are calm rarely bark and are happy with 30 minutes off lead or will walk as much as you want.
They love to cuddle and sleep next to you.
My father's two are great with kids.
They look like they would fit with what your looking for in a dog.

[Stradbroke]

We are hopefully going to see the puppy this afternoon. Eek!

[WisestIsShe]

How did you get on?

I was going to recommend a westie. Ours is fabulous, no hassle just love. Loves any walk, long or short. Best temper of any dog I've known, and my family are all dog lovers/owners.
Does need clipping but that means hardly any dog hair ever to vacuum up. Also I'm a childminder and he is calm and kind with children of all ages.

[Twinsareplenty]

Cockerpoo here - fantastic with the kids and very loving. But a complete headcase with tons of energy - I'd avoid anything springer or cocker spaniel if you need a calm dog. Good luck and don't just dive in - take your time and do the research first.