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

[T00much]

[timeistight]

Parson Russell
Pedigree Jack Russell Terrier
Working Bedlington
Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen
Basset Fauve de Bretagne

[drumandthebass]

A parson Russell is a an English breed , similar to a jack Russell , but longer in the leg. A good place to look is the the Kennel Club website, where they list dogs according to their "type". You can also find a list of breeders and any breeders who have puppies for sale, which is what we did.

[noitsnotteatimeyet]

Jack Russells are now recognised by the Kennel Club as a separate breed from the Parson Russells

[bunnygeek]

Noise is going to be a risk for all doggos, whether that be having a yap at the postie, getting super excited when you get home, or even MORE excited when you pick up the lead, or when the kids throw a ball, etc etc. All doggos will bark at some point.

I've found Terriers to be good "chatterboxes" and most Spaniels I've met have certainly known their own voice too.

[Wolfiefan]

Mine is 18 months old and has never actually properly barked. Some dogs just done. Some breeds are more vocal than others.

[weaselwords]

Would a wire haired viszla be too big?

[T00much]

Yes way too big weasel

[AvocadosBeforeMortgages]

It's probably more helpful / illuminating to think of the walkies in terms of time spent walking, not distance covered. I generally reckon on 20 mins per mile assuming I don't stop to chat too much, so 2 x 20 mins during the week and 60-100 mins at the weekend isn't actually that much for a dog.

If that's all you can manage, I would advise you to stay away from Jack Russells, or at least young ones. My 2 year old JRT cross considers 2 hours per day main walk + 2 brief walks to be a bit on the short side. If he doesn't get enough exercise, his behaviour becomes awful (which probably explains why he has been rehomed multiple times, including at least once explicitly for behavioural reasons, but is actually a brilliant dog when he's getting enough exercise). You may, however, find an older one looking for a retirement home - there are a lot of JRTs in rescue.

[Earthmover]

I really fancied a Parsons Russell when I was looking for a new dog. Also met a few border terriers on walks and yet to meet one that has been anything other than a ball of fun and brilliant with my over excitable whippet.
Have to be honest though, nines still the best kept secret in the dog world(imo😉)

[weaselwords]

Yes way too big weasel
But, but, but, look at their scruffy, furry faces!

[ThisIsTheFirstStep]

I don’t think a small house automatically equals small dog. If anything, sometimes a big dog is easier because they are less likely to be underfoot and some of the smaller breeds are so high energy that they’re a nigtmare in a small house.

Corgis are really popular where I live but everyone lives in a flat and I can only imagine it is hell.

[T00much]

I know what you mean thisis but I really don't want a big dog

[AvocadosBeforeMortgages]

I can understand not wanting a big dog - I'm not massive myself so I'd look ridiculous so I couldn't control it if it pulled on the lead or if something went wrong, and big dogs are totally impractical on the tube as you can't carry them on escalators.

[MrsPMT]

Beagles are fab, although recall is a problem. My friend has 2 and they are both lovely although not let off on walks. So friendly, great with kids, people and other dogs.

[Ickyockycocky]

We didn't want a big dog but we wanted a Labrador. I think we're lucky that our miniature labradoodle is actually a small Labrador, who doesn't shed much.

[Ickyockycocky]

She's great with people and other dogs, she's easy to train, excellent at recall and doesn't bark much. She loves to fetch a ball, which means you can wear her out, on the beach or on the park.

[T00much]

I have family who've had labradors and although lovely I find them very hyper and jumpy when they're young (maybe it's just the size of them that makes them seem jumpier bec they knocked the kids over!!)

[Someaddedsugar]

What about an English Bulldog? I realise I will probably be told having one is cruel but we bought responsibly from a KC registered breeder, saw both parents and made sure his vet checks were correct and up to date prior to taking him home.

He is now 6 years old, fantastic with children of all ages, loves going for short walks to the park during the week and longer walks (5 miles approx) with us on a weekend. He is great condition and was quick to train.

Bulldogs also have fantastic personalities.

[T00much]

Couldn't stand the slobber some

[LadyLancelot]

What about a bichon frise? Don't shed much and if you keep them trimmed not a whole lot of grooming.

[tillytoodles1]

My daughter has two Cocker spaniels and a Lhasa Apso, all fabulous dogs.

[Floralnomad]

What about a Norwich terrier or a Norfolk terrier , both small can look quite scruffy and don’t drool .

[Ickyockycocky]

This is a really interesting thread. There’s a type of dog for everyone! I’m a massive Labrador/Golden Retriever fan although we currently have a Labradoodle.

I wouldn’t go near a terrier of any sort as my experience of them isn’t good. So many seem snappy, nasty, yappy and not that easy to train. My parents had terriers and that other undesirable breed, Corgis. They had two Corgis, one eventually had to be put to sleep as it was terrorising us and even the other had a history of randomly biting people.

Perhaps it was my parents 🙄 fault, but later we had Labradors which were the most gentle, quiet, loving dogs.

[T00much]

Labradors too big for us but they are lovely and family's lab has put up with a lot from well meaning toddlers and not bat an eyelid!
Bichon frise a bit small and for some reason I fancy a black/black&white dog

I have now ruled out terriers so that narrows it down a bit!

I do like cockers spaniels but need to get to know some real life ones!

I've messaged a couple of people on borrowmydog to meet a miniature schnauzer and a tibetan terrier (although sadly I think the daily grooming would be too much plus I've read a lot on FB about them being indifferent to their owners