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Original poster

Help me choose a breed

252 replies

T00much · 15/04/2018 21:39

Have been thinking of getting a dog for a couple of years and now seriously considering it so want to do more research on what breed is right for us.

  1. size - small to medium (our house isn't massive)
  2. exercise - we have a small garden but live round the corner to a big park. We would enjoy taking dog for walks so don't want anything that wouldn't cope with a longish walk (3-5 miles at weekends)
  3. We have kids so needs to be good with children (8&12)
  4. shedding - as little shedding as possible
  5. grooming - nothing that needs to be brushed every day
  6. no droolers Grin
  7. temperament - friendly, playful but not too crazy and bouncy. One that can be trained to sit/fetch ball
  8. Appearance - quite like a natural/scruffy looking dog. I like miniature shnauzers but have read that they can be barky and dislike strangers and a bit moody, unpredictable temperament and prone to blindness. Also like wirehaired datchunds but they are prone to back problems I believe.

Any ideas? I know a lovely cockapoo who ticks all the boxes but I'm worried about dodgy puppy farms

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Wolfiefan · 15/04/2018 23:38

Oh and for your sister. Is it the glen of imaal terrier that looks like a mini Wolfie?!

Star8818 · 15/04/2018 23:41

We’ve had many dogs over the years. My English springer spaniel passed away last year. She was my 16th birthday present and was 15 when she died. She wa perfect in pretty much every way except the shedding. When it came to find another dog we had a good look around and settled on a springer spaniel/ poodle cross and she is amazing. She’s good with my girl, exceptionally friendly to all people and dogs, plays with our cat. She’s medium in size (mum was a working springer and dad a miniature poodle so she’s about the size of a Westie) she doesn’t shed and has thick tight curls that needs minimal brushing or care. She loves going on forest walks with us and unlike my springer avoids mud and puddles. She does occasionally bark st passers by but loves lying on our windowsill in the living room watching the day go by (that’s how anal she is)
This is her and our cat sharing a bed. Previously to her we’d had a chi chia, Lhasa apso, mongrel (collie cross) and all have been amazing in their own right but she’s the perfect type of dog for our young family

Help me choose a breed
AlecOrAlonzo · 15/04/2018 23:41

I have a mini schnauzer. He's awesome and has been very good with the kids.

Wolfiefan · 15/04/2018 23:49

Met too many schnauzers with attitude. Have I just been very unlucky?!

TheresSomebodyAtTheDoor · 15/04/2018 23:56

Would you reconsider size if all other boxes were ticked? We have a Lurcher, and she's a perfect fit for our family.
Amazing temperament, loves exercise but sleeps rest of the day, eats nicely, very easy to train.
Turns out she's a comfy footrest too! :)

userxx · 15/04/2018 23:58

@Star8818 That's one impressive cat! What stunning markings.

TheresSomebodyAtTheDoor · 15/04/2018 23:59

I would highly recommend signing up to Borrow My Doggy and trying a few breeds out. We were v surprised at the differing temperaments of the breeds, even though the owners description of temperament were all fairly similar!

cheshiremama89 · 16/04/2018 02:50

@T00much I think it's down to the dog.
She is amazing with children and not yappy at all.
She hardly barks to be honest, the only time she yaps is when my husband plays with her getting her all excited (usually around the time I'm starting to put 10 week old DS to bed)

She has been amazing with DS, doesn't leave his side and sleeps by his crib while napping x

tabulahrasa · 16/04/2018 07:22

You’ve got an issue with some of your requirements... if you want minimal brushing you need a short coated dog.

Oh and your walks at the weekend are irrelevant, any fit and healthy dog should easily do that distance.

LadyLancelot · 16/04/2018 07:34

Id suggest a cairn terrier.

Whatdoiladymcbeth · 16/04/2018 07:39

I would also suggest staffie, unfortunately sounds like you’re already against them.

Disagree with PP who said you can’t get a rescue that’s a specific breed- there are hundreds of breed specific rescues. They come with an assessment which is more than you’d get with a puppy.

They’re also a lot cheaper and you could probably foster it first. Plus, you wouldn’t be buying from a puppy farm. Unfortunately, as a newbie you’re most likely to get sucked in. A rescue will give you a life time of back up too.

drumandthebass · 16/04/2018 07:56

We have a Parson Russell. He's lovely with our 2 DD and loves other dogs. He's crazy for a tennis ball. He doesn't shed at all and only goes to the groomers about twice a year. He seems to adapt to how much time I have to exercise him- some days running 5k and others just a couple of short walks. He really is the most affectionate dog

TossDaily · 16/04/2018 07:59

Boston terrier.

positivepineapple · 16/04/2018 08:23

@T00much

Do you have Facebook? I would get a list of all breeds that you like the sound of and then join their associated group. It will give you an insight into living with that breed, personality traits, training, grooming requirements, any health issues that seem to be common etc.

It will also put you in a position to find a reputable breeder for whichever breed you decide on. Or rescue, if you want to go that way? A lot of people (me included) don't know where to start when getting a first dog, so go to the wider internet where puppy farming is rife.

I have a pug and a pug cross (not to everyone's taste, but mine are in fantastic health and very much loved) We got lucky with our first dog, because as soon as I saw her I had to have her. For our second dog I was much more aware of potential health issues, puppy farming etc. So I found a breeder that I liked through the group and put my name down for a pup - I waited over a year and was involved from the moment the pregnancy was confirmed. That pup is two now and I'm in contact with the breeder and regularly meet with my pups siblings.

I use the pug group as a good analogy. There is no question that they are very trendy at the moment, a lot of people will not be aware of potential extra care and health issues associated, but one day in that group and you will see that it's not all roses and cute puppies. Forewarned is forearmed.

ThisIsTheFirstStep · 16/04/2018 08:24

I would recommend against Boston Terriers or any of the short-nosed breeds. The health problems they suffer are awful and it is so unfair that we create more and more of them because we think they’re cute.

Aworldofmyown · 16/04/2018 08:36

After researching I think I really want a Havanese. I think they tick a lot of your boxes too.

NotSureThisIsWhatIWant · 16/04/2018 08:42

I would suggest a mini schnauzer. I do currently have a york/poodle cross. Doesn’t shed, happy to walk the whole day or just 2 x 2o minutes walk a day, very friendly. From what I can see she has the temperament of a poodle but according to my son and exp, the looks are more suitable to be walked by men 🤔

NotSureThisIsWhatIWant · 16/04/2018 08:44

Good luck at finding a havanese... I was looking for years, no luck.

Aworldofmyown · 16/04/2018 08:51

Not sure There seems to be a breeder local to me - that said she's not registered so am a bit dubious.

When we are actually looking and not just thinking I will try the Havanese club first - did you contact them?

smurfit · 16/04/2018 09:22

I have a Pomeranian. Love her to bits and her coat is actually pretty low maintenance and her shedding is minimal... but she's got waaaay more energy and intelligence than I anticipated.

A friend has a Maltese/shih tzu puppy who a lovely. Won't shed, seems to have character without being insane plus he's quiet (unlike mine who likes yelling at things).

The border terrorists I know are great dogs but all seem to struggle making dog friends. But they all seem to shed a lot. I would totally get one though, they're awesome.

Wolfiefan · 16/04/2018 12:21

Not council registered or not KC Reg? First not an issue. Second? Run a mile.
YY to go through the breed club.

Original poster
T00much · 16/04/2018 13:24

Thanks for all your messages. Yes I am on FB and will join the groups of breeds that I like the sound of.

Never heard of a Parson Russell, will look them up. Assume they are of the same damily as a Jack Russell?

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Wolfiefan · 16/04/2018 13:50

I googled the society/club and then emailed the secretary. Went to shows and took it from there.
With FB you have no idea whether you're talking to puppy farmers or whatever.
Good luck.

Original poster
T00much · 16/04/2018 14:04

I would never buy off FB it would just be to get a feel for the breed. I'll definitely email societies & clubs.

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bunnygeek · 16/04/2018 14:15

Was a Whippet or Whippet cross ruled out? I hadn't really met one before and then one of my colleagues has started bringing in one of hers, Doug. He's almost cat-like and curls up on her desk. He's beautiful with silky soft fur and so well behaved, don't hear a peep from him, even when everyone goes over to say hello and tell him how beautiful he is. He and his brother have their own Instagram account, message me and I'll send you the link if you're interested :)