Tell me what dog to get!

[CabbageLooking]

Hello - I am an aspiring dog-owner. We are about to move into a dog friendly house (good sized garden, floorboards rather than carpets, lots of great walks nearby) and I am at home all day and myself DH and DS really want to add a dog to the family. Before you ask: yes, we can afford it; yes, we are willing and able to give it the time and attention it needs and no, we haven't had a dog before.

It's not going to happen immediately, we need to work out what we want, research it and get the house ready before we do but, on the basis of the following, what would you recommend?

1. We are new to dog ownership.
2. We want something soft and gentle rather than barky and/or aggressive (I realise that some of this may come from nuture rather than nature).
3. We want something from puppy rather than kennel (we're not experienced - we need to know where it comes from, we wouldn't know what to do with a dog that had a difficult background).
4. It may need to be left for around an hour each day (for a walking school-run, I might be able to take it with me but I can't be sure).
5. Dh and DS both have a tendency towards allergies - neither have been noticeably allergic to dogs but ones which are heavy shedders might not be ideal.
6. I am fond of: golden retrievers, old english sheepdogs, springer spaniels and west-highland terriers. This is not an exclusive list. I don't like muscle dogs (I know, I know, they're misunderstood. I still don't want want one).

Go on wise MNers - tell me what you recommend.

I may be biased but corgis (either Pembroke or Cardigan) are a very good family pet. They are bold but very loyal and definitely unusual, and wonderfully cuddly ( even a little dopey)

Loving the photos! Your corgi looks mischevious!

@elQuintoConyo
Your wish is my command!

Aw! He is lovely!

In her defence the ball was like that when she found it!

Wow. Just seen on FB two beauties looking for a home Tia greyhound and lurcher rescue!

This is my little schnauzer

Oooh!!!!

Corgis can be a bit nippy, so I've found.

For what it's worth, the ultimate shaggy dog! My lovely Tibetan Terrier ...

The few schnauzers I know are very um challenging!

Oh that's a Tibetan terrier!?! That's rather lovely....

Lhasa apso! They're hypoallergenic so won't trigger any allergies. Although they do need their hair cutting, it costs me £25 every six weeks in Spring and Summer so not too bad and worth it not to have to deal with fur. They're friendly, kind, love to walk and just be with you without being too needy. Very intelligent and easy to train and not destructive.

Oh and I would highly recommend looking for the perfect breed first, that you think would be a lovely fit for your family, and then find the perfect dog within the breed. Once you start looking at puppies it is so easy to fall in love with one!

Also, please don't get one of the doodle types or pug crosses. As others have noted, they are popular at the moment and it is encouraging breeders who are not interested in anything but making easy money. They're popular around here and I know a few people with them and, particularly the doodles, all seem to be anxious, difficult to train, and suffering from barious health issues

Yeah my DSis has two Labradoodles and while they're lovely, I want a purebred. The Tibetan is beautiful but the Terrier puts me off a bit...

Least helpful post on the thread...

A SAMOYED. Just because they are beautiful, lovely nature and supposed to be okay for people with allergies.

We had a gorgeous boy who unfortunately passed away very young but we couldn't have asked for a better dog.

I have two pomeranians and I love them but I wouldn't recommend them

The Tibetan is not a terrier! The word was meant to suggest a smallish dog when first introduced into the west.
They are classed as utility dog... they are indeed companions or grad dogs (ok lots of bark but no backup!). Next to no prey drive and very loyal! Really not aggressive in any way. Mine are indeed the perfect family dog! (I have 3 in all) They love family live, and have to be in the thick of it!
The Tibetan Terrier is the holy dog of Tibet and used to be given as present for good luck (never sold!)...

(Picture is my 7months old pup.)

ComeTheFuckOn
NO dog is hypoallergenic. People can be allergic to fur, saliva, shed skin.

*Wolfiefan

NO dog is hypoallergenic. People can be allergic to fur, saliva, shed skin.*

Totally agree with this! I did breed from one of my girls in the past. I did have people with allergies contacting me for puppies. My advice was always: come and meet all my dogs. See how you do i never hoover before either, just to be on the safe side. If it was decided the dog is "safe", I'd sell with contract, clearly stating that the dog can be returned even if it is 12-18 months down the line (when adult coat is fully established.) I bet none of the doodle crosses are sold like this!

Oooooh - not a terrier you say....? Can I, as a newbie (a determined and committed newbie) handle one of these?

You know you want a retriever...

I love that you've managed to make your (very beautiful) retriever look positively terrifying.

I am in negotiations...

What is your black dog? Is it also a retriever? They are both lovely.

I've got an 11 week old springer spaniel, he is a delight but it is a commitment to long walks! We are also doing puppy training and planning agility and gun dog training when older (for the mental and physical stimulation). He is a slightly mental but very loving!

Good luck with your search and remember to post pictures when you get your new furry baby!

Ylva good on you. If Al breeders were like that there would be fewer in rescue. I spent a long time visiting wolfhounds. My face is what reacts the worst so I actually rubbed faces with a few very tolerant dogs!