Recommendations for a first time dog owner.

[StillMedusa]

I've been lurking here for ages, and today went to Discover Dogs at Crufts to talk to breed owners.
Obviously every one was convinced theirs was the best breed ever

We have a medium house (small 4 bed) small-ish but totally enclosed garden and 1 1/2 cats (don't ask!) No little kids.. but a fairly busy house with 3 adult children.
Someone is always home due to our various jobs.

Ideally I'd like a companion dog . DS2 is a gentle loving man with autism, who adores our cats and just wants a dog that he can cuddle and go for walks with (with me). Not too small as he is clumsy..a nice medium dog, that doesn't want to chase down cats. Not worried about hair as we have Maine Coon cats and fur is a fact of life.

Ideally I'd love to rescue but as cat owners and first time dog people nothing seems to come up..and it needs to be trustworthy (as much as any dog will be) so I am probably looking at getting a puppy from a breeder...but will do my homework very carefully..talk to the breed clubs etc.
I'm not overly keen on labs, love GSD as my Gran had a lovely one, but am aware of all the health issues. Loved the Eurasier I met today, adore Setters and fantasise about an Otterhound but they are enormous!
I also adore Airdales and the like but realise they are a no no with cats!

Help me!!! Anyone here who is a first time owner, recommend me their breed..or experienced owners ?

[Bunnybigears]

Seriously an older rescue dog sounds perfect for you. If you go to a good rescue they will know the temperament of the dog, they will already be toilet trained and past the puppy biting and teenage years stages and many will have lived with cats previously.

[fitflopqueen]

second the rescue route, I am fostering for a spaniel charity, there are some lovely young dogs who are needing homes through no fault of their own. My 2 will sleep most of day when I work from home as long as they get a decent walk at each end. I have a cat too!!

[AvocadosBeforeMortgages]

I agree that an older rescue dog could be a good match for you. Some of these might be suitable (I've filtered by cat friendly)
www.oldies.org.uk/?cat=1,2,3,8&tag=good-with-cats

Particularly
www.oldies.org.uk/2019/stormy-eli-for-animals-dorset
www.oldies.org.uk/2019/cash-adopt-a-dog-north-east-fostered-durham
www.oldies.org.uk/2019/bella-animal-adoption-international-fostered-london
www.oldies.org.uk/2018/albert-pawprints-to-freedom-fostered-staffordshire
www.oldies.org.uk/2017/alfie-dunroamin-k9-rescue-yorkshire

[Fruitbatdancer]

Golden retriever every time. Good companion, tolerates cats, adores kids, always wants cuddles - downsides are fur, size, appetite and desire to chew if unoccupied!

[Girlwhowearsglasses]

Whippets and lurchers? Lots of breed rescue places around and they test them with cats. We’ve had our whippet as a puppy and he’s fine with cats but I thinks you will find a cat friendly rescue without too much trouble.

Whippets are sometimes used as therapy dogs and our is very understanding and great with DC1 who has ADHD and is unpredictable. Probably about as big a dog you can get and still pick up ( ours goes on the tube and is picked up on escalators)

[StillMedusa]

Wow Avocados Thank you for those links... going to look now!

I hadn't thought about Golden Retrievers.. will have a read!

[MegaBat]

Does the op actually want a dog who's aged 8+ though? I'm not sure that was the question

[MegaBat]

And one of those dogs is 11?!

OP, the breeds I'd recommend you take a look at are golden retrievers, coton du tulears, welsh terrier (yes it's a terrier and yes they chase cars but as a puppy being brought into a cat household, they should put it in its place) and cocker spaniel

[Miffymeow]

Golden retriever would be very good, but an older one. As puppies they are incredibly bitey (same for labradors)... and they can bite HARD. They don't mean to hurt but they hurt, but at 2-3year old + they are just angels. Calm, patient and will follow you around all day to be near you.

As babies though... dear lord... think 65lb hyperactive demon (read: land shark)

[Wolfiefan]

All puppies are bitey little shits. It’s why they are so cute. So you put up with it!!
If you do decide on a pedigree then please go through the breed club. Most puppies sold in the U.K. are from puppy farms or backyard breeders.

[MarleyMooChick]

Have a look at Smooth Collies:
http://smoothcollieclubofgreatbritain.com/

I got my first dog/puppy this year. I decided to look at the attributes of dogs, rather than what I liked in looks & had as a child, and would definitely not get any other breed now. It was the best decision we made as a family (with 2 teens). They are a medium sized dog. They are a steady, easily trainable (can be trained as assistance dogs), quiet in the house, will play, walk as much or as less as you want, very affectionate. Very good at reading people & other dogs. Short coat so very easy to care for.

We have an older cat & they were fine together after 3 months. Dog soon learned that putting her nose up the cats backside meant the cat went away.

Also look at their Facebook group. Everything is very open about the breed, and breeders very helpful.

Good luck in your search

[Ylvamoon]

I'd suggest a Tibetan Terrier... they are great, fun loving dogs, not to big but sturdy and (most important) they adore their humans = great for cuddles or just a foot warmer. They have a low prey drive and as adults will take as much or as little exercise as you are able to give as long as they can be with you.
Puppies are boisterous, but if you are able to put in the time and committed to training class for the first 12-14 months. You end up with a one in a million dog. But than there are 4 Yulva - Tibetans... so many be I am a tiny bit biast!

[Bunnybigears]

I didn't mean a senior dog. We have adopted an 8 year old before and it was upsetting that we didn't have long with her. I meant 2/3 years old with a calm and predictable personality might benefit the OPs son with autism.

[ALargeGinPlease]

Flat coat retrievers are rather lovely, but you must exercise them enough, or they might be a bit full on in the house.

[MultipleMum5]

I have a Eurasier. Even as a pup, she’s pretty laid back. Wonderful dogs.

[Floralnomad]

I’d look at Clumber spaniels , not huge , not as rapid as some of the other spaniels and very cuddly .

[StillMedusa]

MultipleMum5 We have decided to go for an Eurasier!
Having read up we went to meet some at Crufts and it was love at first sight!
I have been speaking to some breeders and hope to go on a waiting list :)

They seem the perfect companion dog for Ds1 and us as a family!