To ask for your dog breed recommendations?

Why is everyone suggesting a Labrador? OP wants a low-energy, non-shedding dog

OP, I would look at miniature poodles.

A rescue. And if you can't rescue in the UK consider a Portuguese rescue; despite Brexit it's still possible.

And in response to the customary pile on about 'forrin' dogs being feral brutes who carry umpteen deadly diseases, many are the result of their owners dying or being forced to give them up due to changing circumstances or because the parents were not neutered.

Retired greyhound

No lab I've ever known would be happy with less than an hour walking a day.

That would be cruel to a dog breed that loves to be outdoors and active.

He likes to take panda outside in the sunshine.

All dogs shed. We had dalmatians when I was growing up and no one could wear dark colours as there was too much hair and it was impossible to hoover up successfully.

And also I wouldn't recommend dalmatians as they are very territorial and will happily bite anyone they don't know well. No matter how well trained.

Are you looking for a lap dog? If so what about a shih tzu? Incredibly affectionate- non shedding & none that I've known have been 'barky'. Also happy for a long walk or just chilling at home.

Lhasa Apso or Shih Tzu. Lhasas are a little bit bigger and a slightly different temperament but they are both really great breeds. Don’t shed, need 30-60 mins exercise, good companions. Mine is not noisy at all, loves snuggles, enjoys play, but really happy to snooze for a lot of the day. They do need grooming. I keep mine at a fairly short coat so we have less tangles and things getting stuck. Fur is super soft and silky but can be a bit Velcro.

A retired Greyhound might suit you.

Show cocker maybe. Definitely not a working strain, be very sure of that!
As with anydog you should be checking out the breed and what health tests the breed club recommend and finding a trustworthy breeder and be prepared to wait for the right one. But generally I think they ate a healthier and better looking dog than the king Charles.

A golden retriever for someone who doesn’t want to deal with shedding? 🤣 Don’t be ridiculous.

My friend has a samoyed and her house is covered in fur.

I'd go for a labrador or a golden retriever. But I think they, and most dogs in fairness, do need more exercise than one hour each day - if an hour is all you can do though, there are other toys you can buy that work electronically (a ball that moves buy itself, for example) and toys that you put treats in that they need to figure out how to get them out. Mental stimulation helps tire them out too.

Labradors are wonderful BUT they shed, need a lot of exercise and constantly think that they are puppy sized.
Bichons are very affectionate, don't need a huge amount of exercise and don't shed. However they are exceptionally clingy dogs who cannot be left on their own.

Terriers or jack russels maybe more suitable

I read an article recently that says some labradors carry a gene that makes them fat, the DENND1B gene.
I think I carry it too 😂

That’s what I was thinking! I’ve got a black lab and he sheds constantly! I could make a new rug every week

Cavapoo. Cavalier and poodle.

Have lots of the great traits of a cavalier, plus no shedding.

Yep this. And they don’t take up nearly
as much space as you think. They are also pretty silent. Mine probably barks once a month and that’s when playing. Lots of people saying labs, but they are very high energy, especially when young and really should be getting an awful lot more than 1hr a day walking (I have read 4hours which probably
explains why so many are so fat!).

Samoyed - they are barky but everything else is amazing. They don't shed much, just 2x per year - my BF had a boxer who literally shed all year around which was really annoying. Sammies don't drool either and a couple of half hour walks with off lead running a day is good, they love outside too so a
Good fenced off garden is perfect

Rescue Chihuahuas rule!

Mine only barked for a few seconds if someone came to the door, and not even then when they were older. Most loving, sweet and intelligent creatures ever.

Most dogs need more than an hour walk a day. As PP said, small dog doesn't equal low energy.

I have a small staffie x and she needs lots of exercise. (And I would recommend a staffie)

Less than an hour walk per day and non shedding and people are suggesting labradors!!

They are the best dogs in the world but need plenty of exercise and at times I could knit a sweater from the contents of my Hoover bag

Good question OP, I’m not a dog owner but did thorough research when I was thinking about getting a gig. In the end I didn’t and stuck with my existing low maintenance pets (cats and tropical fish). Any dog is extremely demanding compared to a cat or fish, having said that I had decided that the best and easiest dog would be a lurched (sighthound cross) although I never followed through!

As a vet, I’d say cavaliers are usually lovely. You’d need to purchase from a breeder that does all the health tests and I’d still recommend good insurance.
You could also consider a lurcher/greyhound but get insurance that covers dentals!

Labrador

I don't have a Labrador - it's not quite true what a PP said about only recommending your own dog breed.
We've only had rescue dogs, so you get less choice than if you decide to buy a puppy. Our current dog, we have had six years and we found him abandoned. He's a scruffy little mixed breed terrier and although we of course love him dearly, if I was to choose a dog again, I'd get a Lab.
Not only are they just gorgeous, they're friendly, loyal, good with children and highly intelligent. They're big enough to intimidate intruders but extremely docile. Neighbours have two and we love them almost as much as our own boy.