Whats the best dog for us? So many criteria!

[timmygeorgeannedickjulien]

Don't wish to ramble on, so as brief as poss, here's our set of criteria:
*we have a small house and garden
*I am based at home with 2 children, both under 8
*The kids want a dog they can play with, throw a ball for etc, but also one they can cuddle

• I want a dog that isn't going to require stupid amounts of exercise, x2 30 min walks per day would suit, with much longer walks at the w/end *my DH wants a 'manly' dog, whatever the hell that means *I would prefer a medium sized dog, no bigger *I want a dog that can be trained for obedience relatively easily, I cant have one that's going to pull me around on the lead trying to chase all the neighbourhood cats *we all love dogs, I just want to choose the right one, its our first family dog, although Ive grown up with lots of rescue dogs

Which dog?!

Golden retriever or a staff !!!

This is a no-brainer...Golden / Lab Retriever!! Simply, these are the most adorable dogs there exist and make GREAT companions to a family, ESPECIALLY to kids...have an 8 yr old Golden in our house ourselves!!

Good luck with getting a dog!!

Baggio

French bulldogs are good family pets nice and stocky too so could be a bit manly. Ours is brill with our 3yr old loves to play hardly barks only need a small amount of exercise and very cuddly love nothing more than to curl up on your knee. Ours is excellent with other dogs and was very easy to house train etc however does pull on the lead a bit but are starting him in classes soon to sort this out... definitely recommend this breed to anyone.

Just a small thing after all the advice you've been given - don't go for something that your children want - they will lose interest very quickly. Not because they're bad or anything, just because they are kids and that's what happens.

Go for a dog that's been fostered, then you'll get a good assessment of their character. Whippet type sounds good for the amount of time/exercise you want to give.

Personally, I wouldn't get a golden retriever - they are lovely but very strong. Can't be taken on walks by kids, too strong, wrenched shoulder of my friend because dog was so bouncy (needed more training she wasn't getting). Collies are very active, certainly wouldn't be happy with 2 x 30mins walks.

Food bills & vets bills go up the larger the dog... will it fit in your car when full grown?