what breed would you recommend for first time dog owners?

[gessami]

hello wise MNers

we are looking to get a puppy soon and have been doing lots of research. but i'd love to have your suggestions.

i have 3 DCs aged 10, 8 & 5. we live in london and have a small garden.

we have never had a dog before (only a hamster!)

our ideal breed would be:

• easy to train
• kid friendly
• lovely temperament
• good for people with allergies
• small-medium sized
• and cute!

we will happily take our dog for a walk daily but we would struggle with a dog that needs a huge amount of exercise.

also please tell me if there's something important I'm missing from the equation! is there something else I should consider when choosing a breed?

My parents have always had labs and they are gorgeously behaved and so much fun.

We have an 18 month old cocker spaniel/poodle cross. I think he's been an incredibly easy dog to raise. He likes a good snooze in the mornings and left to his own devices will not stir until at least 10:00AM!

Having said that, he does get three walks a day and I think they keep him calm. He gets a quick 20 minute on lead walk in the morning, a good hour long (or much longer twice a week when we do a group walk with other poodle crosses) off lead walk through the fields and woods and then another half hour in lead in the evening. Without those he does get restless, but in between walks he just potters about or snoozes or chews on a chew.

If you haven't already, go onto facebook and join the UK Cockapoo Owners group. Lots of owners and advice there...