Could you suggest some breeds?

[stilllovingmysleep]

Hi all, we're finally going to go for it and plan to get a puppy hopefully in a few months Delighted that I've convinced my DH!

Could you suggest some breeds please? I do like the looks and size (and characteristics) of poodle mixes, but am convinced by MN misgivings about them so will try looking for some good breeders of other dogs.

Characteristics we want:
To need up to 1 hour walking a day
Good with children
Easy to train for first time owner
Not too much shedding
Not too big but not tiny
Not too energetic (so nothing with a cocker in it etc)
Relatively ok to be left alone (after being trained obviously) for 4-5 hours or so.

I have thought of: bichons, poodles, mini schnauzers.

Other ideas or thoughts / recommendations?

Labradors are lovely with children. Gorgeous as puppies too and my friend has a black one which doesn't shed at all.
Schnauzers are also lovely natured dogs in my experience.

Thanks Teddy. Labradors are gorgeous indeed but too big for what we want at this stage.

I think a miniature schnauzer might be a good option then. I have a relative who has one and she's such a friendly little dog and loves cuddles. She gets left on her own whilst the owner is at work and she just sleeps on her bed. Think she sheds a little bit but nothing too bad.
Highland terriers are gorgeous little dogs too and not high maintenance.
As much as I love the look of poodles (especially the big ones) they can be quite highly strung and bark lots. There used to be a really aggressive one that lived next door to me that would growl and bark whenever anyone walked past it. I guess that could just be its individual nature and maybe other poodles would be a lot calmer though.
Only other breed I can think of would be a beagle. Again, lovely natured and beautiful puppies

I have a cocker but had looked at mini schnauzers. I discounted them on size so this would be a plus point for you. They are meant to be easy to train but can take a fair amount of exercise unlike some dogs their size.

One thing to consider is grooming as you will need to do this for a schnauzer. And as for leaving alone any dog no matter what the breed will need to be 'accustomed' to be left alone.

thanks for the recommendations. We are looking to the size of a cocker spaniel more or less, so not too big but not too small either.

I have heard very good things about highland terriers (but not sure how small they are?)

This may sound ridiculous as being on my 'wishlist' for dogs but an important factor would be a dog that loves cuddles, which is the appeal of poodles or poodle mixes for me. Right now I have a gorgeous poodle mix (bichon / poodle) belonging to a friend who is hanging around on my sofa and is so cuddly. He's visited many times & is so laid back. (I know about the puppy stage & have read a lot and prepared, so I'm aware the laid back stage is later!)

My only reservation for poodle mixes as I said is the puppy farm issue, plus the lack of extensive health testing which seems to be prevalent.

When I see the mini schnauzers against my cocker they are much smaller and my cocker is very much a small sized cocker compared to most. Unless you are comparing just height rather than overall body size.

In terms of beagles, they're very active I thought, am I wrong? (which you suggested Teddy).

I would also certainly consider a bichon as I've heard many good things (although smaller).

What about a Whippet? Ours is the most gorgeous blue whippet, Macy, in the world. Very relaxed and she folds up small

Thanks Lia, yes my DH would go for a whippet (or similar) if it were up to him, I've heard they are very gentle, but I would much prefer a smaller dog of a different type.

I'll be the one more 'in charge' of the dog (that's the agreement) so I get to have a bit more of a choice in the breed

Ahh well, how about a Coton De Tulear or just a mini/toy poodle?

Lovely chart here: www.informationisbeautiful.net/visualizations/best-in-show-whats-the-top-data-dog/
We have a Welsh Springer Spaniel who is an undiscovered gem, and he really is!!
Good luck

Coton de Tulear seems exactly like the kind of dog I'd like, thanks Lia!! (as you may have noticed, for some bizarre reason I like lots of hair on a dog ...probably will end up regretting it!!) What's their temperament like?

and I would also consider a poodle for sure. I do like poodles. Obviously without the weird haircuts.

Lhasa apso. They don't need a lot of exercise and love lying about the house too. No shedding and they are very affectionate and love cuddles. My pixie loves children and is very friendly. They do need groomed and cut every so often depending how long you like their fur and need brushing as well. They are great wee dogs and I wouldn't be without her.

There are West Highland terriers and Scottish terriers. Different dogs The latter are more quirky and can be harder to train. We have had five. All highly entertaining. Mostly loving family pets if you introduce them as small puppies. Can be territorial and good guard dogs. Don't need very very long walks every single day but love games with tennis balls. My current one expects lap time most nights.

Hard to know where to find good breeders for puppies, any recommendation on where to start researching (as I know puppies can / should be reserved in advance and visits should be arranged).

I researched all the generic diseases for the breed I was looking for. I discounted breeders who had never heard of the diseases and also anyone with a council licence as that meant they were breeding frequently. I ended up buying from someone who did breed their 'pet' and saw both mum and dad with the puppies. They had documentation for the genetic tests I was bothered about and I had no 'bad vibes' when I visited. I had a contract that said I could take the puppy back within a certain time if my vet diagnosed a certifiable disease.

Thanks BiteyShark, that's very useful info, good points. Where do you start researching breeders though, is there a general website online & do people tend to visit a few breeders first before making a choice, or just choose online / via email & phone?

Need to start looking fairly quickly if we want to achieve getting a puppy for the august holidays... (which would be an ideal time for me to take 2-3 weeks off work as we are not planning a holiday this year).

From the options you've given, I'd say a mini s would be your best bet. They're non moulting, great with children and fun to own however be aware they will need regular grooming /clipping.

I've always owned two different large breeds but recently rescued a Cavalier King Charles crossed with a Bichon. She's absolutely amazing - highly intelligent, fantastic with children, cats etc, a real clown and very loving. She doesn't moult at all.

Could you rescue one? There are lots in Many Tears.

If you are insistent on a breed, please please don't get a dog from a website. Champdogs and the breed club will have lists of reputable breeders. Make sure the parents are health tested and the puppies are endorsed.

I did buy from pets4homes but spent weeks looking. Phone before committing to going because you can usually get an idea about the breeder on the phone even before you see the puppies. The few I saw but still had my reservations about I would thank them for seeing me and say I would get back to them after I had decided if the puppy was right for me so I always went in thinking I would not buy it on the first visit. Saying that, the one I did eventually buy I actually did commit to it on the first visit but by then I knew what I wanted to see.

Oh and some breeders did not offer any vaccinations or vet checks before they left them. My breeder did the first vaccination, worming and vet check before the puppies left as well as the clause in the contract about returning if my vet found an issue.

would be happy to rescue a puppy inthebenefittrap--but do they have puppies at rescues?