Help me choose a breed

[T00much]

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
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

I didn't mean to would buy off FB! You clearly want to give this the proper thought, preparation and be careful who you go to! Good on you.
It's a bit premature but there's a fabulous FB group called dog training advice and support. Fantastic resource on toilet training and bringing home a new pup etc. all positive and reward based stuff. I found it really helpful.

Thanks Wolfie, will follow that group now in case I forget when the time comes.

Yes I definitely want to do it properly whih I know means we may have to wait a long time before getting a dog.

Whippets although I'm sure are lovely are not really my cup of tea (sorry whippets)

It's a great group. I am a newbie dog owner. I'm working my way through the book total recall at the moment. I think somewhere on the dogs section of MN is a pinned post with a list of suggested reading.

Don't want to get into another poodle-cross debate, but if you are looking at labradoodles, cavapoos, etc, there are responsible breeders around who have been selectively breeding from health-tested dogs for a number of years, and those multigenerational puppies will have very predictable characteristics. There are also breed clubs/associations for some of the poodle crosses, but you do need to do your research and ask lots of questions. That said, a miniature poodle would also tick most of your boxes.

I'd suggest trying to meet some Staffies through Borrow My Doggie or similar - absolutely lovely dogs!
I'm also a bit at people implying poodle-cross coats are low maintenance. They DO need regular grooming and clipping to prevent dreadful uncomfortable matting. More challenging than the 'usual' coat IMO.

What about a corgi? They do have a thick coat though.

My labradoodle gets a wash and clip three times a year. Can someone explain to me why my local dog rescue centre is full of SBTs?

I’ve not read the whole thread so apologies if this has already been suggested but what about a Wheaten terrier .

SBT's are bred irresponsibly and indiscriminately, largely because of their reputation as a muscle or weapon dog? And adopters often overlook them because of the same reputation (and their 'fierce' appearance?)
If they weren't suitable to be re-homed as pets, a reputable rescue should PTS or foster to experienced dog people.

Aren't wheaten terriers quite big?

also apparently they are jumpers

Wheaten are big, bouncy, jolly goof balls

Westies are fab dogs

Poodle cross owner here.

There are responsible breeders who do the relevant checks.. even if MN refuse to believe so. Research both breeds and look out for what health tests they should both have.

Ours is adorable. Great with our DC. None shedding. Adaptable. Quick to train. Just wants a lap to sit on. Can have a mad hour and flake out after that. Insurance is relatively cheap for her. I'd say her main cost is actually grooming.

I think a Parson Russell is the American name for a Patterjack. We have a Patterjack Terrier X. who is lovely. She is a typical terrier, very reactive to other dogs and traffic. She tales up a lot of our time as she is so energetic. That is for fine for us, as we are both retired and have lots of time to give her. I am not sure if many hunting dogs are good fit for a first time owner

This is her after my littlest GD thought she needed snuggling

A Parson Russell is basically a predominantly white JRT , no patterdale at all . I wouldn’t have thought a Wheaton was much bigger than an average cocker x poodle and has the same kind of grooming requirements however it would be easier to find a good breeder that isn’t a puppy farm .

Also check out any health issues with the breed. Eg westies and skin issues.

“Can someone explain to me why my local dog rescue centre is full of SBTs?”

Sure...

KC registered Stafford’s are always in the top 3 for litters registered, then you can add in the unregistered litters of which there are plenty and anything that’s a staffy cross or even just looks like a staffy will be listed as a staffy, so they’re easily by far, the most common breed in the UK.

They’re cheap and easily available so lots of them end up owned by people who didn’t really put much thought into getting a dog and change their minds once it’s past the cute puppy stage.

They have a reputation, so people who get them looking for a dog that meets that reputation often end up disappointed with their friendly dog and so they give them up too.

And on top of just the sheer numbers and why they in particular end up in rescues, rescues only advertise the dogs they anticipate not being rehomed immediately - so anything fluffy or puppies never go on the website and Staffies because of their reputation are harder to get people to take...

Parson jack Russell’s btw are the KC registered version of a jack Russell, JRTs are a type, not a breed and not eligible for KC registration.

Parsons are a bit bigger (leggier more than anything) and mostly white.

They come in smooth coated or broken... the broken coated ones might fit as scruffy?

Staffies get such a bad rep. My brother has one and it is daft as a brush. It doesn't help they were seen as an accessory for certain types of people.

I have a miniature schnauzer and he’s so lovely!
Yeah he barks when somebody comes to the door, but that’s because he’s protecting his house. He’s far from moody, always happy to see you, and loves everybody he meets!
He doesn’t like being brushed, so we hardly do that, we just have to cut out the occasional mats that he gets.
He honestly is the most lovely, loyal dog I’ve had. and he doesn’t malt which is a bonus!
Would definitely consider getting one, you won’t regret it!

Just been reading a schnauzer forum and loads of owners saying they're very vocal. We live in a terraced house with thin walls so unfortunately that breed is now out of the question 😢

Just get a cat and go for long walks at the weekend anyway!