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 🐕.

Good luck. I saw some lovely lurchers on my walk today and they were very tolerant with my bouncy rescue puppy! (This is him after trying to out run the lurchers)

Completely biased but golden retrievers are the best dogs to ever walk the face of the earth. They are just so loving, will try and attach a photo of my golden pudding

@Historydweeb, your golden pudding is gorgeous.
I love golden retrievers too. And lurchers. And labs. And, well, every type of dog at the moment.

We haven’t gone to look at any dogs yet, been a little busy since Xmas ,though there was a three year old Lurcher at our local rescue centre, but he got snapped up pretty quickly.

I’ve since broadened my horizons a little, to a border terrier and a cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

I don’t want to give advice on the dog - but if it’s your first - then I’d recommend some classes or training for you in managing the dog.

We got our first dog three years ago - and given I’m a SAHM, I’m the main person who looks after him. It was a steep learning curve - eg what to do on walks if something/anything goes wrong. How to train him - our dog was very anxious and still doesn’t like new people- although he loves other dogs. I find you can never predict how other dog owners can be - some are sensible and relaxed, others react badly to the tiniest thing.

Classes with an experienced dog owner really helped me understand him. Dogs do bring another dimension to your life, and I do think it’s been good for us - our studen children come back to see the dog!

@DearGoodnessIsThatTheTime, yes, training classes are on my agenda.
We’re taking our time, and doing our homework before we look for one.
🐶.
Luckily, there is a training centre about a mile from where we live.

Oooh, schnauzers, schnauzers!! We are definitely now a schnauzer family. They are a hardy, very intelligent breed and don't shed.

If it's a rescue you're looking for, this organisation has lots: www.manytearsrescue.org/dogslookingforhomes.php

We met a lady on a dog walk with 2 rescues from Many Tears and they were beautiful. She highly recommended them.

I mean, how could you resist this little face?!

@theluckiest, aw gorgeous and I love his/her little jacket.

I don't think you can beat a labrador, not that I'm biased!
Very easy going dogs, a good walk every day is needed but apart from that they're generally calm and don't charge around the house.
There are specific labrador rescue groups.

Go to Battersea Dogs Home if you’re anywhere near. They’ll interview you and tell you about any dogs that might suit you. We’ve had two dogs from Battersea and it is rewarding knowing you’ve given a dog a second chance.

We'd love you as a fosterer! And I'd bet you'd fall in love and adopt... Black Retriever X Rescue

Another vote for a lurcher or greyhound. So easy to look after as they are very placid and don't need loads of exercise.

I’m in the NW of England, so Battersea is out unfortunately, but I’d love the idea of being interviewed to make sure I am matched with the right dog.

Fostering is fast becoming an option though. It would be a good experience. Would a person without experience of having a dog be considered @ AlpacaLypse?

@AlpacaLypse, sorry.

@Chocolateandabook2019 every dog is different just as every potential adopter or fosterer is different so we consider all circumstances. I wouldn't put you with a bouncy young large crossbreed who had come from unknown circumstances for example. I'm not one of the two or three people who make these decisions but my opinion when it's dogs I know or homes I've done the homecheck for is sought and considered, and you sound like a good start point for an older dog who is being re-homed due to change of family circumstances, something that sadly happens too often, for instance when a family breaks up and rented accommodation can't be found that will allow the family pets, or when someone dies and no-one is willing to take them. You will certainly get ongoing permanent support, I know one of us went from Wiltshire to Wales at 2 a.m. last year when there was a problem!

I've got 2 spaniels.... a working cocker and a working cocker crossed with a springer. They are gentle, loyal, devoted, and absolutely batshit. Not a breed for the faint hearted in any shape or form. And agree completely with the PP who described them as velcro dogs. Mine howl if I close the bathroom door, and if I dare to go out without them, they sit across the back door until I get back and utterly refuse to engage with anyone else. I feel quite trapped by it some days to be totally honest although I utterly utterly adore them.

Our previous dog was a Tibetan Terrier - he was a rascal, cute, funny, full of character but very chilled at being left and wasn't overly desperate for lots of exercise. And you can never go wrong with a Labrador - our old girl was 13 and was the most loyal devoted darling imaginable.

I've got 2 spaniels.... a working cocker and a working cocker crossed with a springer. They are gentle, loyal, devoted, and absolutely batshit. Not a breed for the faint hearted in any shape or form. And agree completely with the PP who described them as velcro dogs.

Dear god yes! Mine follows me around the house and it drives me nuts. Thankfully he is fine if I leave him but he constantly watches for my return. He's nearly 10 and still completely and utterly batshit crazy.

When I go away, he goes to stay with a foster family via a franchise called "barking mad". Maybe you did try looking after a dog like that to see how you get on? I think my spaniel has put a few people off... 😂