Which dog with cat?!

[Wolfiefan]

I got turned down today for a rescue dog. Very sad and now rethinking things.

We don't have any pets at the moment but hope to get a couple of cats soon.

I want one dog. But what? I don't work. I have two kids. Both school age. We have a decent size house. Garden ok size and lots of lovely walks. Two walks a day easily doable.
I know what I don't want. I don't want the stereotypical terrier. (DM has a lovely but feisty terrier!) I don't want a staffy type. I don't want to be constantly grooming but don't mind shedding.
Ideally I'd love a wolfhound but they cost loads and don't live long.
I like greyhounds but DH reckons they look weird. (LTB?)
Cavaliers but health issues.
Setters, collies, spaniels too bonkers?
Don't want a guarding type breed.
My kids are ok round dogs but both can be a bit nervous. (Back off a bit not running screaming!) DD doesn't like barking.

And the there's how to introduce dog and cat. Which first? How to do it?

Dammit. I had less angst when I had pfb!

If you're thinking of getting cats then you're right to dismiss terriers or anything else with a high prey drive. Likewise a retired greyhound.

Staffies are lovely dogs and I would think would be fine with cats and of course children but you say you don't want one.

Tbh you list seems to cover a large percentage of breeds.

Perhaps you should look at something like a Bichon frise or something similar: Maltese or perhaps a poodle; all pretty good natured dogs and not very big so won't overwhelm the children.

I had my cats (both 17 years old) when I got my dog - eight week old puppy at the time - and it worked fine. You just have to be sensible about how you introduce them and take it slowly.

Thanks. I love the Westie I walk but he barks a lot!
I'd love a setter or flat coat.
Setter too manic?
Flat coats also seem to have serious health issues.
I guess I need a Heinz!

Anyone got a flat coat?

Why did you get turned down for the rescue dog?

Nothing personal! The rescue said we sounded like a "lovely home". It was a young dog and they have chosen a home with a dog already to help her settle.

It really depends on the dog, not the breed tbh. A nice scruffly lurcher would look a bit like a wolfhound, not as bony as a greyhound (which I guess is what your dh is on about), tend to not be barky. Eddie isn't cat safe but is the type of dog look I mean.

My lurchers live happily with our three cats who were here first. Evilgingercat is in charge of them tbh, and uses ddog1 as a heater.

I agree with Dibbler in that it is more the temperament of the dog as oppose to the breed. We have a border terrier and he is absolutely wonderful with our cat.

we have a black Labrador Retriever, perfect dog if you don't mind shedding you will regret saying that if you get one

We have had him 2 1/2 years, although not all labs are the same, I can count on my fingers the number of times he has barked. A very common dog (have been known to be running around with up to 6 black labs at our local dog walking field) but for a reason, very biddable and trainable but lots of shedding and as a large breed expensive for insurance etc.

A good walk a couple of times a day and he's happy.

We don't like have cats, but if he sees them when out he just looks at them.

CMOT I had seen Eddie! Gorgeous boy!
I'm still looking at flat coats!
I agree totally with it being the indidvidual dog. That's a part of the reason I was looking at rescue. It does seem though that certain breeds have strong traits. (Though of course every dog is an individual!)