To ask for help choosing a dog breed

[holeymoleymacaroli]

As a family we have decided to get a dog. DH has always had dogs and is desperate for one again, it's also going to be for our eldest DC to help with her anxiety/ self confidence. This isn't a post for people to persuade us not to get one so please don't comment if that's what you think.

Now the problem is we are stuck on a breed. Ideally we would like a small dog, something that is obviously good with children, easy to train and doesn't mind being left alone for short periods of time.

Any suggestions welcome!

The answer is always a border terrier.

They are wonderful family friendly little dogs. Ours has done wonders for our eldest’s anxiety. He just finds her so cheering and happy - she jolts him from his negative thoughts and stops him spiralling.

She’s also been an attraction for people coming to see us on play dates, which has enhanced our kids’ popularity a bit.

Border terriers are nice smaller dogs.

Other things to consider, how much walking do you do as a family. Are you the type to be out in all weathers? How much is your budget going forward, some breeds are high maintenance. What is the space like, open plan etc in your house? Do you need a short hair? I've had King Charles spaniels, but they were princesses and don't do rain etc. I've had JRTs and haven't had an issue as long as you socialise them. The thing is to not baby the dog, which people who have small breeds do and then cause separation anxiety.

I agree with border terriers, but like JRTs they need boundaries and socialising from day one.

All dogs need this.

I've got a little spaniel. Small enough to be manageable and cuddly but still active enough to go on an long walk.

He is a cavalier but is bigger than breed standard and has a longer muzzle so I'm not sure if he is completely pure.

Agreed on border terrier socialising - but also agree that that’s a universal rule. You do have to get out with them and get them into good habits with other dogs.

Our border took to that like a duck to water, but we started as soon as possible and live near a park with millions of dogs so she had endless fun play dates. She loves a good play now and doesn’t have a hint of snappiness.

https://www.purina.co.uk/find-a-pet/dog-breeds/breed-selector

Border terriers are lovely, but I had lakeland terriers and they were great with kids and easy to train. It only took 3 days to housetrain my 2nd lakie.

Miniature schnauzer might suit, too.

Another vote for border terrier!

Miniature schnauzer

Miniature schnauzer

We have a poochon (poodle + bichon cross) so I'll give you the pros and cons of that

Pros:
Hypoallergenic
Non shedding
Non dribble-ly
Small
Easy going exercise wise - can walk all day but also doesn't desperately need a long walk
Easy to train

Cons:
Very very clingy
Not the best at being left alone
Can be jealous (ours is jealous of new baby)

We have a Sheltie (and a cockerpoo) I’d highly recommend one for a smaller dog as long as you don’t mind hoovering multiple times a week. He is the most loving, easy going little thing I’ve ever come across.

our cockerpoo is also lovely and was super easy to train but I read a lot about them being prone to seperation anxiety (ours doesn’t suffer but the breed boards seem full of issues)

I've had so many different breeds from childhood to adult and by far the best one is my current dog and she's a border collie. Obviously not as small as a terrier but she's not exactly big either.
She has been the easiest to train, very placid and such a gentle temperament. I'd honestly never have another breed now I've had her 🙂
Oh and she is brilliant with kids of all ages!

Cairn terrier.
Norfolk terrier.
I've had both and both were fab.

i love Rottweilers, but they are big dogs, they are small Labrador size, they are so family oriented and they are definitely house dogs and part of the family, but they do need a good walk or two daily.

if I was wanting a smaller dog, I really love cocker spaniels because they seem beautiful and friendly, and they go to the hairdressers every few weeks because they don’t malt!!

I also am finding myself loving small bulldogs, either French or English

Border Terrier! Ours is an absolute dream girl, incredible with the children, easy as pie around the house, will snuggle up with me on the sofa and let me squeeze her extra hard on bad days. We've had loads of dogs through the years (DH and I always grown up with dogs) but this is the first Border we've had - we'll honestly never look at another breed again! She brings us so much joy every day.

When I worked at a vets they all swore by Corgi’s for the best temperaments. The ones I got to meet were all lovely. Small, don’t require too much exercise, fairly robust.

Whippets! Perfect breed for a family and such sweet little low maintenance dogs.

Greyhound 100% would be ideal for you.

Close family member has a schnoodle (miniature schnauzer poodle cross). He’s big enough to have a decent walk if you want one but small enough not to take over the living room. He’s fantastic with my kids and loves cuddles. He just wants to be near you, but he can be left especially if he’s had a good walk first. Most days he has 2 30-40 minutes walks a day, with one being off lead. He loves to sniff so this quite important. Another plus is that he doesn’t shed hair, however he does need to go to the groomers fairly regularly. He’s very chilled around other dogs, never barks at them. He can be a bit stubborn though and he won’t play games like fetch.

Cocker spaniel. Good with children, easy to train, happy disposition, not too big, don't care about rain or fireworks.
Need clipping every 3 months ( not really a con as they also bath them and it makes them easy to brush)

My mum and dad have a cross between shitzu and terrier she is a delight so loving and loyal. The only downside is she doesn't like being left alone.

Cavalier King Charles spaniel’s are rated as good emotional support dogs. Small and very affectionate.