What breed of dog for us?

[PrettyCandles]

I grew up with pets, dh didn't. Our dc would like a pet, dh is unconvinced. If we had a dog, it would have to be a very trainable, fairly well-behaved, non-dribbly, non-smelly, and not too shed-y. I think dh would also have difficulty looking beyond the reputation of a breed. For example, I like Rottweilers, and have known good-natured ones, but dh would not feel comfortable.

I don't like little, nippy dogs. I prefer them to be too big to sit on your lap!

We have a house with a garden, and plenty of opportunities for walking. The dc are 9, 7 and 3.

So, what breed of dog should we consider?

Greyhounds are actually quite bombproof usually as they will have been used to being in busy places, travelling a lot etc. They don't seem to be phased at all by small children running up to them, being hugged etc! They just stand there and enjoy the attention :D They aren't snappy or grumpy at all.

PrettyCandles - you're kidding! .

I have Jack Russells and wouldn't recommend with small children.

How about a Westie or Cairn Terrier though? I meet lots and everyone's lovely. They are laid back and calm. and good with small children. They have to be clipped and therefore don't shed.

Westie Puppies are just the cutest.

Agree Labs shed loads and can be a bit smell

i have a bullmastiff and dogue de bordeaux, really want something smaller so will be getting a bulldog at some point!!! they dont shed alot but do slobber, thats why their food and water bowls are outside!!

Schnauzers do bark at pretty much everything going, I grew up with 2. Have now got 2 beautifully behaved lurchers, who will walk for hours if you want, and then just loll about quietly afterwards. They have brilliant laid back temperaments and love people.

Irish Terrier, no moulting at all, very loyal, great with children, just the right size i.e. not too big but not too small

My lab sheds loads I hover my wooden floors daily and it still looks like a carpet by morning .
I would go with a poodle, or maybe a staff both child friendly easy trained no slobber and no shedding, but staffs do have a bit of a reputation. I personally love drooling dogs think they look really sloppy.

Are lurchers a greyhound-cross?

Staffy!!!!
Although mine still sits on my lap even though he's getting huge! He's on my profile.
Short coated so a quick rub over with one of those mitts should do. He don't slobber unless you count the near constant kisses you get

yes lurchers are greyhound x. usually crossed with a collie. staffies are also a very child-friendly, clean dog, there are also so many of them looking for homes.

Cavalier king Charles spaniels! Such lovely dogs. Ours is ace - happy with a couple of short walks a day or several miles. Not nippy or yappy but does like a cuddle. Not sheddy, but need a quick brush each day though we get ours clipped. V sweet natured dogs, ours is lovely with children (first on way for us!)
good luck choosing; hard work training any dog but worth it. Lx