Help me choose a breed

[T00much]

Have been thinking of getting a dog for a couple of years and now seriously considering it so want to do more research on what breed is right for us.

1. size - small to medium (our house isn't massive)
   
2. exercise - we have a small garden but live round the corner to a big park. We would enjoy taking dog for walks so don't want anything that wouldn't cope with a longish walk (3-5 miles at weekends)
   
3. We have kids so needs to be good with children (8&12)
   
4. shedding - as little shedding as possible
   
5. grooming - nothing that needs to be brushed every day
   
6. no droolers
   
7. temperament - friendly, playful but not too crazy and bouncy. One that can be trained to sit/fetch ball
   
8. Appearance - quite like a natural/scruffy looking dog. I like miniature shnauzers but have read that they can be barky and dislike strangers and a bit moody, unpredictable temperament and prone to blindness.
   Also like wirehaired datchunds but they are prone to back problems I believe.
   
   
   Any ideas? I know a lovely cockapoo who ticks all the boxes but I'm worried about dodgy puppy farms

[AvocadosBeforeMortgages]

I'd be considering a terrier of some variety.

But, while you talk about walking 3-5 miles at the weekend, what's going to be realistic on weekdays, particularly when it's dark by 4pm?

[olivetor7]

What about a wire fox terrier or Welsh terrier - they would fit your criteria. I have an Irish Terrier, wonderful dogs with children, they are bigger than wire fox and as long as they are well socialised as pups are generally ok with other dogs. I would be very careful of any breeders deliberately breeding cross breeds - a good breeder of cocker spaniels or poodles, who do all the health and dna testing required for these breeds, is not going to create cross breeds like a cockerpoo. Whatever breed you go for, make sure that mum, dad, and grandparents are sound healthy dogs that have been tested clear for any breed related health issues. Once you have decided on a breed, then your first port of call should be the Breed Club, they will be able to direct you to breeders who breed for healthy, sound pups and who will support you for the entirety of your dogs life. Good luck in your search.

[T00much]

Good point. I work from home so am around but won't be doing a 3 mile walk every day, more like two lits of 1 I suppose. What I meant was I would like a dog that would be happy to go for longer walks at the weekend occasionally but not necessarily need them. Does that make sense?

[SoftlyCatchyMonkey1]

Cava poo - sounds like what you're looking for

[RedMugMadeLocally]

Miniature labradoodle. Everyone on this forum will jump up and down in disgust but they are popular for a reason - just make sure it is properly health checked and not puppy farmed.

[Aprilmightbemynewname]

Can't recommend one of these enough!!

[T00much]

Thanks Olivtor, not keen on welsh terrier & fox terrier can apparently be aggressive twds other animals

Cavapoos are v cute but worried about puppy farms

Same with labradoodles - wasn't aware you could get mini ones

[Wolfiefan]

It's not about health checks. With designer cross breeds the parents are normally not given the necessary (eye?hip?heart?) screening before mating. They are generally bred by backyard breeders or puppy farmers.
You can't do a very short walk every day of the week and then a mega hike at the weekend.
I recently met a truly stunning and sweet Irish terrier but don't know much about the breed. I'm not a fan of the feisty terrier attitude. I like a laid back lap hound!

[T00much]

Way too big April. V smart looking dogs you have there

[Icantfindausername]

I would definitely recommend a cavapoo ours is everything you had said she's just the best family dog. If you join cavapoo club on fb and ask for recommendations for breeders I'm sure you'll be fine they are all responsible breeders on there I'm sure. Good luck x

[RLOU88]

Maltese terrier. Doesn’t shred a hair and perfect for small homes: had one growing up and lived until last year (aged 16!). Good with children and loved being home with the family or out on the boat at weekends exploring

[Wolfiefan]

Try a breed quiz? KC has one.
Shame you missed Discover Dogs at Crufts.

[T00much]

Wolfie I don't really want a feisty one either so maybe terriers aren't for us. I had a terrier cross as a child though and he was bonkers but lovely but horrendous with other dogs

[Wolfiefan]

Haha at responsible cavapoo breeders on FB. NEVER search for puppies online. Puppy farmers.

[RLOU88]

Also, every cockapoo I know seem very, very hard work so full of energy and actually very strong and hard to control for children I can imagine (dependant on training and level of exercise/stimulation you provide. Good luck finding your new dog 🐶 x

[Wolfiefan]

Sorry x post.
My mum has a border terrorist! Too much dog for me. And I have a wolfhound.
Shame about the health issues or a cavalier would be great.

[T00much]

Yes gutted I missed that Wolfie.

[Wolfiefan]

Poodles are awesome dogs BUT pretty high energy and VERY bright. Anything crossed with that may have those traits. And with a cross you don't know what you will get. Eg coat and groomingwise

[ilovepixie]

Lhasa apso. Brilliant wee dogs. Very friendly. Good with kids, loves a walk but equally loves lazing about too. Doesn't shed and if you get them groomed regularly you don't have to brush them everyday.

[FrameyMcFrame]

Cocker spaniel?

[Wolfiefan]

Keep x posting!
KC webpage and list of breeds worth looking at.
Would you want one as small as a toy or one bred for a particular job?

[HRHPrincessMegan]

We have a mini-schaunzer - I know you mentioned barking - ours doesn’t do much bark as “talk” to us if she’s been on her own for a few hours. Seriously it’s almost as if she’s filling us in as to what she’s been doing in our absence. She does take a while to warm to strangers but she’s not unpredictable or moody. She’s a great family dog.

[olivetor7]

Terriers do seem to get a bad reputation when it comes to other dogs, but providing they are well socialised as a pup,they should be fine. Generally speaking, Terriers are a very healthy group. Op have you considered whippets, providing they have a good run a few times a day, they don’t mind snoozing for the rest of the day. And they are stunning, gentle spirits . Everyone and their granny seems to be breeding “designer” cross breeds at the moment, that is why we see so many around, the market is swamped with them, and so many are ending up in rescue, it is heartbreaking.

[T00much]

I guess some of it depends on training, some luck! The cockapoo I know is a dream dog.

I'm a bit about the facebook breeders tbh..

My sis wants me to get a wolfhound! Lovely and a bit dopey looking (are they?) but too big

[RubberJohnny]

Have you thought of an actual miniature poodle? No shedding, guaranteed unlike the cava and cocker variants. We have one and she's nearly eight and so happy and healthy. Her breeder still breeds and I'd be happy to recommend her by pm.
Our girl loves playing with balls, happy in garden and quick walks in the week then four or five miles at weekends. Runs alongside me on my horse. And she is great with all animals and people of all ages.
I've walked a mini schnauzer for nearly three years and her attitude to a ball was, you bloody threw it, you go and get it. As a vet nurse, that is a common feature of the breed. She loved other dogs though ( but was very, very yappy)