Do I want a dog?? Do you regret having one?

Sounds like you really want a dog and you would make a good dog owner as you have really thought it through. Next steps would be talking to rescue shelters about the kind of dog you'd like, much like you've set out here so they can match you with a dog that would best for your household. A good shelter will tell you what the dog has gone through , if there are any behavioural or health issues etc. There are dogs that don't shed much and they don't all wake up early doors either.
There's no doubt they are extra work but they give you so much love it's all worth it, well it is to me. I hope you find the dog you're looking for 😎.

I absolutely love my dog to bits, but if I knew then what I know now then I wouldn't have got him. He is great but such hard work and such a commitment. I thought I was prepared from all my research, but nothing can fully prepare you until you actually do it! He also costs a lot more than I ever expected as he has allergies and a few health issues. Just food, insurance and medication cost us £250 a month, and that's without dog walkers and other costs

In my experience if you’re going to have a dog, especially a bigger one don’t underestimate the mess they make! Muddy paws, hair, dribble, scratching, chewing, toys littered about etc. you need to have a sense of humour about these things! Some are worse than others obviously but especially with an older dog, be prepared that you might get more than you bargained for! They’re worth it of course, if you put the work in but happy well behaved dogs don’t happen by magic. Do you have experience? Have you had a dog before? Are you willing to think outside the box and put in the time, effort and money it can take to fix any unexpected behavioural problems? As you say it’s a massive commitment, but worth it if that’s what you really want.

This post tells me you shouldn’t get a dog. It doesn’t sound like you truly want one so don’t.

I'd genuinely get a cat, even the best dog is hard work.

I love dogs in theory, could snuggle one all day but cats are much easier.

No you don't is my answer.

I love my dog and definitely couldn’t imagine life without her but things are different now I have children. Before kids, I was able to go film days out, long walks with my dog. Now I can’t do that every weekend due to other commitments, it’s harder to balance making sure I’m meeting my family needs as well as all my dogs needs- sometimes there just isn’t a family & dog friendly place to go.

My dog is medium sized and gets on well with my children but that’s simply because she was here first and adapted well to the change. I think if I was to get another dog now then I’d have to take it slow and make sure it was the right dog for our family.

Do you know anyone who has a dog? Maybe to try out looking after the dog for a long weekend and then a working week to see how it goes?