To ask for your dog breed recommendations?

Absolutely second this. IME if you get a whippet as a pup they will be fine with cats in the family, but this doesn't translate into being fine with all cats. But other than that they are perfect- beautiful, loving, chilled, happy without hours of exercise, not barky, hardly moult at all, groom themselves like a cat so no need for grooming. Easy peasy.

I adore my Shih Tzu. Super cute, non-shedding, happy with as little or as much exercise as you can give him, very respectful of cats, only barks when the doorbell goes, funny, sweet, loving, thick as mince . He's honestly the best decision I ever made!

Too energetic. Need loads of attention.

I have a dachshund, have met tonnes of dachshunds, you definitely do not want a dachshund!

I adore dachshunds, especially the mini wires, but even I would never have one! They seem to have selective deafness imo, and I've known of several that were buggers to housetrain. I used to know someone who bred them, and she swore that if anyone was ever to forensically examine her house, they'd be sure to find some fossilised daxie shit somewhere.

Whatever the rescue centre can recommend when you talk to then about your lifestyle and your expectations?

Whippet. They hardly moult, they don't smell, they're good natured and pretty chilled out in the house, they love cuddles, they're lazy and don't need a massive amount of exercise, although they do need a good offlead run most days. Best of all, several whippets I've known hate going out in the rain, which is a bonus.

The only downside to them is that most of them can't trusted around cats or other small furry animals.

The opposite to my shih tzu from what you've described. He sheds everywhere and barks at anyone who dares to walk past our house, even on the other side of the road. 😂 He is a great dog though, very intelligent too.

I think a retired greyhound would be ideal! I certainly wouldn't recommend the dog I have, a border collie! High energy, needs mental stimulation, and the shedding! He's mainly white, I wear lots of black

Miniature schnauzer

You can end up with a vocal dog regardless of breed. I think you go with the breed that makes your heart sing.

Definitely not a German Shepherd 🤪 I’m sure I’ll still be clearing up his fur even after he’s long gone.

I do also think greyhound / lurcher suit your needs but how old are the children? Agree with another poster than the greyhounds I’ve known are very gentle and docile but don’t particularly interact much with kids, they just like to curl up and snooze and sort of ignore them - I recall my Aunts just sitting there staring at us unmoved when we tried to throw him a ball, etc!! If the kids are a bit older though they’re wonderful to just sit and chill alongside.

Are you planning to buy from a breeder or get a rescue? I would say that although breed is a good starting point, dogs very much have their own personalities and it’s really important to get to know the dog before buying/adopting. If you’re going through a rescue then they may put pressure on but I think it’s important to visit a few times first. As I understand it, good breeders should be very open to this to make sure it’s a good match.

Minature poodle/ shih tzu / havanese / bichon

Can I also add on the greyhound/lurcher thing. My next door neighbour volunteers for a rescue and always suggests a lurcher (if I ask, she never suggests a pet unless I ask). I live in an area with a lot of travellers and apparently Sulukis or any Middle Eastern sight hound are brilliant and easy pets (as easy as dogs can be)!

I agree with this!

My cousin was saying that there are loads of greyhounds in dogs home. I've heard greyhounds don't do much all day

I have two labs. They are friendly, easy to train and on the whole calm. They do shed but it's at specific times though to be honest I've had animals all my life so hair doesn't bother me. I can take my girls anywhere, they love kids and people and my younger who I have had since a pup is fantastic with all livestock (other is a rescue and work in progress!) had Border collies growing up, amazing dogs but need lots and lots of stimulation.

If you like cavalier king Charles spaniel why don't you investigate that breed.

A good breeder will have healthy litters.
If you want non-shedding a cavapoo could be a good shout

This 👆

Labradors need more than an hour. They are also self propelled shedding machines and have lanolin in their fur which makes for a specific type of aroma. Not unpleasant, but not no smell.

I can't actually think of a breed that doesn't need at least an hour a day of exercise, so would probably also go for an ex racing greyhound. May be tricky to train it to be off lead, but I doubt that this would be an issue.

Oh yes, Lhasa Apso are wonderful lap dogs. They're fine as long as their human is around. But yes the grooming can be a pain.

Our beloved Apso died a month ago at 19 years. 😞They are renown for long lives.

OP has children and lots of rescue places will rule her out because of that. We tried and gave up because of it.

I'll echo what others have said and it sounds like a greyhound or lurcher might be best suited to your lifestyle.

Well said.

Ridiculous isn't it?

But also, potentially really unfair on the OP who could end up with a dog that's "too much" as a result.

Rescue is the best breed OP.