Help me find the right breed for me...

[heidiwine]

After many years we've finally decided to get a dog. I really really want a dog and I want to give a dog a good life.
Can those who know about dogs help me with breeds?
(There are two very different breeds that I like a lot but I'm going to see what you guys come up with before I reveal!).
So here are my criteria:
Live in a city (very close to some reasonable sized parks). Small garden but fairly big living space.
Could commit to walking a dog at least twice a day (30 mins) every day. Would walk much longer 3-4 times a week. I work from home but am out a lot so will have doggy day care two days a week (thoughts on this welcome - I don't like the thought of leaving a dog alone for long periods).
I don't have children but do have teenage stepchildren who visit and stay frequently.
Other criteria: not a barking breed we are quite quiet people... and I'd prefer a non allergic one as the older I get the more things make me wheeze and splutter.
Anyone got any ideas??

[worrierandwine]

I'm far from a dog expert but I have had experience with cairn terrier, Dalmatian, Labrador, Doberman, French bulldog. We now have a Boston terrier and he is by far and away the most well behaved and suitable dog for our family. We wanted a breed that primarily was great with kids, small/ medium size, didn't need LOADS of exercise, didn't shed much and had a nice nature. He is all these things and more, the only thing I could pull him down for is his farts

[worrierandwine]

He doesn't bark either.

[heidiwine]

Thanks for your reply - they are gorgeous dogs but not on my list (scurrying off to find out more!).

[youcantgoback]

I love my working cocker spaniel, but cocker and springer spaniels need a lot of space to run off lead - 1.5 hours a day really.
City spaces are better suited to dogs that don't need a lot of exercise as on lead exercise or ball throwing isn't enough for really active dogs.
Maybe a king Charles spaniel though as they don't need too much exercise.

[Thattimeofyearagain]

Greyhound or whippet ?

[EssentialHummus]

I posted something similar earlier this week and was advised an adult Staff or lurcher.

[StressedOuMyMind]

Poodle.

[TheMortificadosDragon]

I was going to recommend a short haired standard dachshund (happy with short walks most days but can walk >10 hilly miles as and when possible, low shedding) until I got to the 'non barking' part.

[NurseRosie]

I have a Cockerpoo, best decision ever. I know they are a cross so not technical a breed but I love my girl. They are very loving and caring. Mine is energetic, loving play and walks but will still settle for she only gets a quick walk too. Great with kids although fussy at times. Hypoallergenic due to being a poodle cross, she does not loose any fur. They are the perfect size, small enough to pick up but feel like the size of a proper dog, super cute too. She is very intelligent and so easy to train. My relatives liked my girl so much they went and got one. I think they are a perfect all rounder x

[PlayOnWurtz]

Get a rescue dog! Seriously with some a lot of the hard work has been done (toilet/house trained, they have basic commands and manners) and if you get a 2-5 year old you won't have a lunatic teenager to deal with either

[Lancelottie]

Don't go for a poodle cross anything if you need a nonshedding dog. All the ones we know shed like anything.
I'd try a bichon or (my secret live, Dh says no way) a Bolognese.

[NurseRosie]

I know 6 poodle crosses (4 Cockerpoos and 2 labradoodles) none of which malt but it's true you can't be 100% sure as they are crosses, it all depends which genes are dominant. My pooks doesn't shed at all but that means trips to the groomers every 8 weeks or so.
Could try a poodle or bichon if you don't want to risk the shedding. Irish water spaniels are also hypoallergenic and lovely x

[PossumInAPearTree]

I have a bichon cavalier cross who is gorgeous and doesn't malt. Very placid. Dh who professes to dislike dogs is smitten.

[Lancelottie]

OK, maybe my poodlydoodle sample is biased, as at least one of the dogs was rehomed (to its current owner) because he sheds. The ones we know are cheerful, clownish, over-affectionate mud magnets. Not sure I'd call them very bright, but again, that might be because they've turned out more spaniel than poodle, I suppose?

Other low/nonmoulting dogs: Tibetan terrier (which is not actually a terrier); Irish and Airedale terriers (which are).

But those seem pretty full-on dogs, and I suspect you'd be better with a nice wipe-clean whippet or greyhound, as people have said above.

[YvaineStormhold]

I second a Boston terrier. Mine is an absolute joy and by far and away the best dog I've ever had.

Apart from the truly heinous farts

[AFawnDawn]

I second, third, fourth the greyhound. Lots need loving homes and a good rescue centre should match you with a dog which will cope well with separation (try Retired Greyhound Trust).

They shed very little, rarely bark and have beautiful natures. Love them!

[NurseRosie]

My friend has 2 rescue greyhounds and absolutely loves them. She says they are perfect. They w I receive full time so the low levels of exercise is perfect for them. They are both really chilled and gentle dogs x

[everythingis]

Greyhound or whippet because you are quiet. My rescue grey I think barked 3 times in the 10 years she lived with us. Sighthounds are just wonderful easy dogs.

For reference I now have a show cocker. He is delightful and very loving but a total idiot who needs really an hour a day and doesn't always get it. He is about as intelligent as father dougal.......but he plays with the kids and is utterly spineless and has never shown aggression to anything alive - only statues!!

[Inadither]

Possum, how did you persuade DH to have a dog when he doesn't like them? Mine won't entertain the idea.....oh and in answer to OP question a cavalier King Charles will keep going on walks but is equally happy with a toss of a ball in the garden. Just make sure the parents have all the necessary DNA checks as they have a wealth of health problems.

[PossumInAPearTree]

Just general nagging, especially from dd.

And a promise from me that I would do all the walking and poo picking.

[ElphabaTheGreen]

I am a committed dachshund-lover, but always go for rescues. Both of my current dogs I got as adults from breeders who felt they had expired their usefulness

Really, going to a shelter and finding the dog that fits your criteria is the responsible thing to do, rather than going for a specific breed.

[GazingAtStars]

Tibetan terriers bark a lot...at least our 3 do