Dog type- smallish, easy to train, calm, not too strong, up to 1 hr walk a day

[Movingonmymind]

And yes, i know this doesn't make me the most dog-devoted potential owner in the world! But no apologies, i HAVE done my time over decades with tough causes - rescue dogs & cats. And now with a busy life, job, kids and small urban garden and a bad back i just would like an easy dog to offer a home to, not toy size but one which will not wreck my back further from constant tugging or be too yappy. One which the kids will love and feel is a bonus to their lives not a burden to walk. Not asking for perfection, just easy and reliable. Oh and we may get a cat at some point so that needs to be considered.

Am torn between getting a v carefully chosen rescue 6mths- 18mths to avoid the mad puppy stage but still fear its history could be an issue and training missed. Have been stalking all those rejoming websites- Dogstrust, Hungarian , spanish rescues etc. Or to grit my teeth and go for a pup from a KC registered breeder, something like a Miniature Schnauzer. Happy for advice please, but after research do not want a terrier/hound type, a collie, a bouncy spaniel, lurcher or a SBT or a bigger dog. Thanks.

[hospitalworry]

We've got a saluki greyhound cross
Took her as a rescue 9 years ago aged 2-3 year old
The easiest dog we've ever ever had
Its the wanting to please element - she lives to be stroked and is very subservient by nature
Fabulous recall too
Maybe we were just lucky

[FiveHoursSleep]

I've been recommending Cavapoos to everyone. Yes, I know you can't walk down the street without tripping over a poodle cross of some sort these days, and some can be difficult, but I know several people with this cross who were first time dog owners and have had very little trouble with this cross at all.

[Movingonmymind]

I actually like Staffies! Or the 2 softies I got to know anyway, God they're heavy when they sit on your lap!!! but would never trust that i could train them well enough. And would not want the risk of such a powerful dog turning suddenly. And eant an approachable dog to others, so not s Staffie despite them being silly softies really, poor things. cavapoo and poo cross? Maybe.

[Movingonmymind]

So dc2 has fallen in love w cocker spaniels but am thinking was too bouncy for us! v amall urban yard garden, one wall of which us only c 4.5 ft high. Need a non-escaping, non-jumping breed, don't I? Back to schnauzers???

[dogdaydisaster]

We have a maltichon and he's so fun and good natured. Easy to train and lovely with kids. And adorable obvs

[Movingonmymind]

Very sweet! Guessing probably a little too small for us tnough.

[AMcoffeeLover]

Staffies!!!! I have 2 (brothers) and they are amazing. cant imagine life without a staff (or 2.....or more....)

[Movingonmymind]

I like staffies! But they are super strong and i need a dog less strong thsn i am! Wrecked back so nonnegotiable. Plus tiny garden.

[dotdotdotmustdash]

I suggest that you find a good rescue, try looking of some of the dog-rescue forums, DogRescueWorld or Dogpages and ask in the 'dogs wanted' section. There are lots of really good reputable rescues who will tell you about dogs that are perfect for you and your situation. The right dog is definitely out there in rescue waiting for you, there's no need to buy a pup when you can save a life. I say this as the owner of two beautiful rescue dogs :-)

[dotdotdotmustdash]

dogrescueworld.org.uk/non-geographical-rescues/

[dotdotdotmustdash]

www.dogpages.org.uk/

[dotdotdotmustdash]

This little chap looks perfect :-) www.dogpages.org.uk/forums/index.php?showtopic=270764

[dotdotdotmustdash]

www.dogpages.org.uk/forums/index.php?showtopic=272305

[ggirl]

Tibetan Terrier, mine is small of the breed , she's about 7.5kg . Great hilarious personality. We keep her in puppy cut so grooming is more manageable.

[samsam123]

get an older dog there so many needing homes and everyone wants a cute puppy

[Movingonmymind]

Sam, i agree amd that would be my ideal. But want low risk amd an easy life, too much going on already at this stage in our lives so may need to buy a dog pf a particular breed. I have spent hours researching inc looking at all the dog rescues- some v sad cases, I know.

[Movingonmymind]

Dot- thanks, have checked out those links. Still not finiding quite what we're after. Will keep looking.