What type of dog would you recommend to us?

[BoringSoupBeforeTheTurkeyFeast]

There is only me and dh, no children, and no other pets.

We’re in our 50s (not sure if that’s relevant), but we are reasonably fit and healthy and try to have a decent walk as often as we can. Obviously, this will be ramped up when we get a dog.

We’ve never had a dog before, (though my parents had a couple when we were children), so we would prefer one that’s easy to look after, with an even temperament, and now that we both work part time hours, either one of us can do our share of the walks, care etc.

Tbh I’ve been keen to have a dog for ages, but our full time hours (at the time) meant that the poor dog would be left in the house all day.

I think a dog would bring us some enrichment in our lives, and some focus. And exercise as mentioned before.

Some pics as well as advice would be welcome 🐕.

Missed you didn't want a puppy sorry. So I'd just look at your local rescues and see who is there. I really love greyhounds and sadly there's lots of them wanting a nice loving home.

Lurchers and greyhounds are fast becoming favourites, but we’ll keep an open mind when we visit the rescue centre.

My Chinese Crested is a loony, if that helps?

We've had several rescue greyhounds, gorgeous dogs every one of them. Calm, loving, great with children, just be careful around cats and squirrels! Also a great greyhound owners club locally which has been fun for group walks.

We've also had cockers - show cocker type tend to be sweet, good tempered Velcro dogs who need keeping busy and want to be with you all the time, lovely family dogs, with the spaniel get up and go temperament.

However be warned that whatever breed you pick, the dog isn't necessarily going to co operate with being a good example of the breed! My current little horror is supposed to be a lap dog, carefully chosen to be lower energy than a cocker. He needs twice the exercise they ever did and has the soul of a springer spaniel on crack in a tiny little body. (He is gorgeous though!)

@Waxy1, nothing wrong with a loony 😂.

I have a staffie and they are lovely. But there is an image problem and they can be hard work. Loads in rescue and they love their people...not always so great with other dogs though.
Everyone I know who has retired greyhounds says they are fantastic dogs and recommends them as a breed.

We have a fox terrier. they can be tough first dogs but if your going for a rescue and taking on an older pup they can be fab. Loyal, fun, smart and do like there walks and plenty of games. Good Luck with your decision...best to research the breed and see what you think suits as not all do

this is our little terror....

We have 6 retired greyhounds, they are calm and peaceful dogs, require surprisingly little exercise and are very used to people.

If you have a local branch of the greyhound trust they are experts at matching people with dogs.

I wish you lots of luck in your search.

We have a whippet - he's a fecker! We love him endlessly but he is all about him and we indulge his fantasy!

Golden retrievers are lovely, love walks, people, good temperament couldn’t go far wrong with a retriever. But as said they do shed a lot.

Golden retriever, beautiful dogs. Wouldn’t want a different breed.

Go to your local non-RSPCA rescue and choose one based on temperament.

I was going to suggest fostering for a dog rescue but see it has been suggested. There are many breed rescues who are in need of fosterers. Have you also considered volunteering for the Cinnamon Trust or local shelter as a walker, whilst you decide. You get some experience, wAlks and meet different dogs and they get exercise and interaction. I have spaniels, they are amazing but energetic.

Golden Retrievers all the way. They are biddable, loyal, beautiful, willing, easy to train, loving and great fun. They do shed though.

Golden retriever's smell and shed - I thought all dogs did but I am so glad my whippet doesn't smell, shed or need grooming - he's a sleepy bugger though and behaves like a cat in his independent attitude but we love him so he can do what ever he pleases and we still find him completely adorable - we are idiots.

I've always had labradors, absolutely love them so loving and friendly, easy to train and love walks

Lurchers and greyhounds are lovely. Great for walking, but relaxed and calm at home. Whippets are also gorgeous but can be difficult to find as no one wants to part with their beloved whippet.

Don’t want to hijack OP but those with greyhounds, how are they with small children? Also can they get used to a resident cat? We’re off to the local greyhound rescue when they reopen in the new year but I don’t want to get my hopes up if they’re not the breed for us.

Another vote for Lurchers. Lots of energy when out walking but happy to snooze the day away on the sofa when home. My lurcher is so loving and playful but also chilled and calm in the house. I could watch him for hours zooming around the fields.

Have you considered puppy walking for guide dogs? find out more iva their website.

Another lurcher fan here. Walks beautifully on the lead, never barks in the house (useless guard dog!) loves to snooze.
If you have a garden, so much the better, to let them have a run around. I'm limited as to where I can let her off the lead as she has a strong prey drive and would spot a rabbit, or a cat across the road, and be off, or at least she would have done when she was younger.

Whippet, greyhound or Lurcher.

Actually thinking again I’d say Lurcher. Best dogs I’ve ever had were Lurcher. Just remember all Lurchers are not the same and the dog you end up with depends on the cross.
I’d recommend collie/whippet/greyhound
Or (smaller) bedlington/whippet.

I've worked with dogs for 27 years and my absolute favourite breed is the German Shepherd, intelligent and the most loyal dog you'll ever meet.

Until recently we had 5 dogs - GSD, border collie, lurcher, Jack Russell (she died last month) and a shihtzu cross and out of them all the gsd is the easiest, yes she's the biggest but she's not a moments problem and is totally devoted.

We've owned 6 over the years all from a reputable breeder and they've all been very healthy, our old girl lived to a month off 17.

They adore each other - they all get a lot out of their friendship.
Always supervised and ddogs always respected.
Always ready with a kiss when ds requests one too!!