What do think would be best suited to us out of these breeds?

[threetinytots]

We would really like to get a dog in the near future. Our three children are 5,4 and 18m, we live in an average sized house with an average sized garden and I am a SAHM and DH only works 4 days a week.

So far I've been looking at Golden Retrievers, Labs, and CKCS.

Which do you think would be best for our family, if any? Or is there another breed which I've overlooked?

Would avoid CKCS due to inherited health problems.

I would plump for either a lab or a Golden Retriever - both needs lots of exercise, and both shed lots, but just depends if you like your dogs long or short haired

Best of luck.

you can't go wrong with a lab or a retriever can you? I love spaniels on the whole (have one myself) but not that particular sort - might as well get a decent sized dog if you're having one at all

CKCS are (generally) very good natured and perfect with children, but they are rather dull. They don't do much except eat and sleep. And lots of health problems too.

I'd go with a lab, from your list. Live longer than golden retrievers and have fewer health problems.

What about a springer or a sprocker (the smaller, slightly less nutty version)?

I really like labs(especially the chocolate or black), just not sure if they would be too excitable for my children(particularly the youngest). My friend recently came over with her 5 month old yellow lab and he knocked over all the children! Every retriever I've met has always been very docile. How bad is the shedding? We used to have a collie x german shepherd and the hair was like tumbleweed all the time!

The reason I looked at the CKCS is because my PIL have one and she is v patient with my youngest.

Never heard of a sprocker. Will look into those. I do much prefer the larger spaniels, just thinking about the children really.

I'd go with a lab, but retrievers are also gorgeous.

In my experience, retrievers are a little more demanding of attention and are just a little harder to train but are just as good tempered and family orientated.

Most of all though, each dog regardless of breed is a complete one-off.

They all have breed specific characteristics, but their behaviour and attitude are completely specific to them and are not even particularly influenced by their upbringing/training.

We have 2 labs and they couldn't be any more different. One is gentle, kind and quite subdued; she loves cuddles and warm, cosy nights in. The other is bright, active, very intelligent and just loves to party.

It was as clear as clear which was which from about 3 weeks after they were born.

What I'm trying to say is perhaps identify the general breed characteristics you like and then find a puppy that fits you and your family.

Hope that helps.

cocker spaniel over CKC, or a cockdoo (not sure of name, cocker / poodle cross - look like cockers but with curly coats and don't moult the same).

We have a cocker spaniel and I think that is the perfect breed for a family. Can't really think of any negatives.

having grown up with cockers, and had my own, the only negative I have is the moulting.

thanks for all your replies and must apologise for my terrible thread title - missing words and terrible grammar!

I really can't decide - I love all of them! I am drawn towards a retriever, but wonder whether they may be a bit hairy and large. I've never really had much experience of labs, only the one I mentioned previously(think he was a bit older than 5 months, actually) but he had never been in contact with children before.

I'm not really a CKC person and dh is definately not but was a bit swayed by their temprament and also the size. We'd much prefer something a bit less "fussy" looking.

I think you are completely right daisydot, we just need to pick a breed with general characteristics we like and bear in mind that every dog has its own personality.

Oooh, decisons, decisions

I grew up with a retriever, my parents got her when my mum was pregnant with me, and then my sister was born 3yrs later, she was very good with both of us, she was a lovely dog. Ours was quite a small retriever, and she did moult alot but had a lovely temprement.
I now have a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever as I wanted a retriever type but smaller. He's lovely too, very intelligent but quick to train. Very good with my dd whose 3.10, he's just turned 2.
I also have a mutt, he's a border terrier cross and is also lovely!
Whatever you get research the breed thoroughly and make sure you get health screened dogs that haven't been inbred. Most breeds also have their own online forum where you can ask the experts questions about their dogs if you're thinking of getting one, and also get a good idea of their charactersitics and any issues!