To ask for your dog breed recommendations?

[766j]

I have only ever had one dog who was a terrier, and he was a typical terrier in that he would bark all the time no matter how much I tried to train him. He hated cats, would bark any time someone walked past the house and would bark at the TV a lot. This was despite extensive training and getting a behaviourist round. I am wanting something a bit quieter (!) and more affectionate this time around.

I work from home, and want it to be good around children. Ideally one that only needs less than an hour of walking per day and is low/no shedding. I have a pretty good sized garden if that helps too. A friend has a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel who I adore, she is so sweet-natured and gentle and I would put up with the shedding for one of those, but the breed has so many health issues that it concerns me.

Does anyone have any recommendations?

Thank you

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

So I was also coming to suggest a shih tzu or shih tzu mix. The ones I’ve known are great, good personalities and quite biddable. Although one of them watched someone burgle her owner’s house and didn’t bark at all. A dachshund would never allow that to happen.

cavaliers need to get a decent walk though… ours goes out +2 hours a day! Minimum he’d be happy with is 1 hour 40

Cockapoo, miniature poodle or cocker spaniel - all lovely 🥰

Our dog is the best boy.
Loves a snuggle, happy with a 30 minute walk, loves everyone and doesn’t shed a lot.
He’s very, very obedient and could be walked off lead anywhere (he isn’t but could be) he never leaves my husband’s side when out. We can even take things from his mouth if we tell him “leave it”
He only ever barks when it’s dark out and he hears someone outside the house or at the door. Never in the day.
He’s just a beautiful all rounder. Everyone who meets him loves him.

Definitely NOT a Golden Retriever if you want to avoid shedding and you can only walk an hour a day. An adult GR needs an hour in the morning and another in late afternoon/evening, plus lots of sniff time, off-lead time and other mental stimulation. They are such gorgeous, happy dogs who will enrich your life but they are not low maintenance!

Another lab lover here -

The hour walk would need to be vigorous though (off lead / ball )

OP wants a low-shedding, low-energy dog.

And people are still suggesting Labradors

It's like saying you want a Fiat 500 to pootle to the shops with and people suggesting you buy a F1 McLaren!

Rescue is the best breed OP.

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.

Well said.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

I agree with this!

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)!

Minature poodle/ shih tzu / havanese / bichon

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.

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.

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

Miniature schnauzer