How do you choose a breed?

[thisgirlrides]

I’m just starting to research different breeds and totally overwhelmed by the vast number of breeds & cross-breeds out there! We are first time dog-owners so have no particular allegiance or preference we just want a fun, loyal & loving medium size pup capable of joining me on runs, ultra-safe with kids (I’m a childminder!), ok home alone for the occasional morning once & not yappy! I’d love a lab but having dog-sat for friend’s (albeit very stocky) brown lab i think we are looking for something slightly smaller. Also, we’re not really on the market for spending £1000+ on the dog alone given all the extra kit we need!
Any thoughts?

All the cockers i know are bundles of energy my lab boy looks at them with a wtf face when they come up to him

I love my boy who is a lab but be warned they are not a lazy dog we often walk for hours and also do obdience training and hide and seek with toys he also works in the house .But i knew that would be case before got a Lab

Definitely Border Terrier - best dogs ever!

I’d think very carefully about whether a dog is suitable if you are a childminder. I think having a dog would rule you out for a lot of potential customers (eg me).