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

Whatever breed you choose don't go to a breeder that has a large number of puppies for sale since very little individual attention and its all about profitand when bitches have servedtheir purposethey will rehome on. They don't actually care for their bitches they are just money making machines. Sad.

Go for a breeder that has a small number of litters only, dies full health checks etc.

Certainly any sighthound needs their teeth brushing daily- easier to start when a puppy .

They do seem prone to getting dental issues.
Our Whippet has a fine set of pearly whites 3.5 yrs and sweet smelling breath - She actually seems to enjoy having her teeth done - I use a child’s toothbrush and Virbac poultry paste-
We had a Whippet years ago who in old age had a malar abscess, so trying to avoid this happening again.

Mini dachshunds would fit your brief . They are fun friendly and lively a cuddle . They don’t shed much and can run around to exercise in most gardens ( obviously they need walking too but not for hours ) they can be a bit barky and territorial so early socialising is a must as well as early training as they can be a bit stubborn!!! Nice dogs though I am very surprised. I breed and show large gun dogs but one of my children has a dachshund who lives with me frequently

And those who don’t want a rescue? Or don’t meet the criteria?

Our rescue centre has mainly large dogs unsuitable to be rehomed with children if other small animals. Not great.

Don't get a mongrel?

I was responding to the person who asked where someone should get a mongrel.

Sorry, just seen this.

The OP stated that she would have put up with shedding for a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel so I don't think I was being ridiculous to suggest another dog breed who sheds but is good as a family dog.

Better something with hybrid vigour than an inbred monstrosity.

Another vote here for a greyhound/whippet/lurcher.

I have a spaniel, love her to bits but would seriously consider a rescue or retired greyhound, lurcher, whippet after knowing some owners. They are gentle lazy couch potatoes with just a touch of quirky to make you smile

A ‘touch’ of quirky?! Lol. More than a touch, I’d say…

But they really are lovely.

Does anyone have an Afghan? One day when I have plenty of land and time, I’d love a big hound. Wolfhound / Afghan long dog - is that a known mix?!

totally agree with this. I have 3 whippets. Lovely loving cuddly dogs. They’re crazy and steal the sofa, bed, food, socks & shoes but I wouldn’t have any other breed now. They’re don’t shed or smell (apart from when they roll in fox 💩)
I had a black Labrador before I got them and they shed loads. Twice a year a big fur shed and in between always fur around so constantly hoovering.

Get a mongrel! You can’t beat an adult mongrel, they already have their character, they are much less prone to health problems and there’re loads in shelters needing a lovely home

Bichon or bichon cross.
Sunny happy little creatures - and no shedding.

Being less prone to health problems is a complete myth.

Airedale obvs!

We have a cavapoo and he is absolutely wonderful. He loves cuddles and sitting with us on sofa, doesn't moult, is fantastic around our 3 young children (he loves their hugs!), loves any length of walk and he really doesn't mind if he doesn't get one! He's also fine to be left on his own. He's just the happiest, cuddliest little fluff ball!

Oh gosh, I'd hope the Dachshund is the father so that the pups aren't too big for mum

No it isn’t.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10362839/

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/258425409_Longevity_and_mortality_of_owned_dogs_in_England

Deliberately bred mongrels (cockerpoos etc) are very often not from health tested parents which actually makes them more liable to have serious issues (dysplasia, PRA etc) which not only are life-limiting but are also expensive to manage or fix.

https://vethelpdirect.com/vetblog/2021/07/30/are-crossbreeds-healthier-than-purebred-dogs/ There's an article that counteracts your article 😁A quick google will find multiple articles, from qualified vets, that come down on either side. It's not 'cut and dry' that mongrels are healthier than pedigrees.

Basically, people need to use common sense when buying a puppy: Only buy from an owner who has fully health tested the bitch and sire, only breeds a litter or less a year, doesn't have multiple breeding bitches, doesn't have only bitches under the age of five, breeds dogs with a low COI, breeds one type of breed (not these idiots who breed cavapoos, cockerpoos and any other form of doodle).

It's not hard to find a puppy from a breeder that does all the above - and if you do so you will almost certainly find yourself with a healthy pup. People are just lazy and go for the first puppy/breeder they find.

I would strongly recommend really researching breeds, not just a quick Google or Mumsnet, although they are good starting places. Read lots and lots, look at training programmes and how long that will take.

I have a Labrador cross, I thought I did enough research, I had a Labrador cross growing up and she was brilliant. I read up about the other breed but fairly briefly I realise now.

I also got a dog as I'd always wanted one and my job changed to WFH and thought I'd be able to deal with her at the same time. The puppy stage did go very well, she toilet trained very quickly and I taught her the basics of sit, stay etc easily. I also live somewhere with great access to long country walks so I'd assume long walks was the best thing. It's not the only thing, a lot of breeds need lots of mental stimulation too.

I have also since realised I should have taken a lot more time on time consuming dedicated training when she was a puppy particularly around recall and focus on me and reactivity around other dogs. I assumed a lot, that she was an intelligent breed who'd just get it all quickly, I should have taken time off work in the early days to spend lots of time with her. I should have read about dog psychology, I had no idea she was a 'nervous' dog, I just thought she was bonkers and energetic until I met a dog trainer who explained the psychology which all made total sense!

So basically, research research research, and be prepared for lots of dedicated time if you want a calm stable, family & visitor friendly dog. That's my advice. Oh and don't get a Labrador/Springer Spaniel cross, unless you like bonkers!😆

The well known rescues will(RSPCA,Dogs trust) etc.
Best thing to do is get in touch with your local rescue. They don't blanket ban children like the ones above. They'll take all your family into account. Fosters will do tests with the dogs to see if they get on well with children,cats,other dogs etc or if they'd prefer to be an only dog etc.

I am not talking about deliberately bred cross-breeds, though, am I? Breeders who force breed endless litters of the latest fashion in pups are as bad as the ones who parade their ‘pure bloods’ round rings with wires round their necks.

That internet article doesn’t counter the research papers I linked to - it concludes with ‘the jury is out’.

There’s so much snobbery around mongrels - it’s astounding when the KC has to quantify how inbred some lines of pure breeds are.

Agree with doing your homework on the breeder, but if you want a mutt, it’s much harder to avoid ads on gumtree - hence my question about where those of us who don’t want a purebred should start.

I've had 7 retired greyhounds (not all same time) and now a cocker x collie. All great dogs and varying personalities. I would absolutely recommend retired greyhound for you. They are very placid and loving, lazy and accommodating..they don't really bark. They shed like any other dogs but don't need much fur care / trimming. Great with children and other dogs too, but not good with cats or other small furry things! They love running for 5mins and then sleep the rest of the day! Not at all ball mad like my current boy. He is very different but lovely nevertheless... note retired does not mean old, many of them are only 2-3 years old when they retire racing. Good luck with your choice!

@SquashedSquid

You keep laughing at my posts without adding anything to the discussion.