What breed of dog would suit us?

[Kakamora]

Can anyone recommend a breed we may like from Our preferences - short haired (not dead set, it’s a preference), small to medium, loves cuddling and affection but also would love to be outdoors going on long walks/mountain walks etc but also not a stereotypically cheeky behaviour dog iyswim.

Before anyone mentions adopting, our dog we had 10+ years had many many behavioural problems meaning we couldn’t do a lot of things with him like I’ve mentioned like walks with other people in close proximity or hsvinghim around children which we now have young immediate family members . We don’t want to have to sign on for that again.

Staffy! Great all rounder. They're not getting banned, it was laughed out of parliament

What about a whippety lurcher? If you can get one with collie or staffie in the mix you may find yourself with a super dog. Love lurchers.

Staffy - no, they're not getting banned but if you want to take them abroad you may have some restrictions. There was a recent debate about extending the Dangerous Dogs Act to include further specific breeds but that was rejected and Staffies are far too popular and have far too big a fan club for there to be much of a risk in the UK. Even in France the Staffy lovers managed to get an official clarification that the French legislation only applies to the larger American Staffy.

Breed Specific Legislation tends not to penalise the most popular/national favourite breeds in their home country.

Staffies pretty much tick all the boxes you've laid out. They're also robust enough to cope with children (I always worry about the fashionable tiny yappy dogs and children - my worry being for the dog as much as the child).

The only thing to be aware of is whilst Staffies are incredibly human friendly they can have issues with other dogs - if you're thinking a dog is a gateway to the canine social scene. This is probably more of a risk with an adult rescue dog than if you were getting a pup - but, there are far too many rescue staffies already to encourage someone to be breeding pups.

A Border Terrier sounds perfect for your needs. They CAN be funny with other dogs and being terriers recall would need a lot of work, but a friend who used to breed BTs had beautifully trained and well socialised dogs who had fabulous recall and got on fine with other dogs.

Our BT has pretty good recall and is sociable once he knows a dog but doesn't like being approached. We got him at 5 months so we've played catch-up with him ever since, but he's responded well to training. I think they're fab little dogs (though actually mine's ENORMOUS for a BT )

Schnauzer either mini or standard neither are too big. They are fabulous dogs great with kids and super loyal. We have a giant Schnauzer huge and not for the faint hearted and he is only 5.5 months. We love him and will get another when he is older.
There is no guarantee you will get a good dog no matter the type as people say, however good training early goes a long way.

I also think border terrier would fit your description . We got both of ours as pups when we had young children and they are amazing with them. Love company, very trainable, generally healthy breed, minimal grooming required and can walk for miles.

Whippet! Fantastic family dogs, love walks but will also be a couch potato!

Was about to come here and suggest a whippet. Mine loves his walks and would be happy to go for a jog with me if I was into such torture

Short easy care coat and mine even grooms himself!

Also very affectionate and loves everyone he meets including children.

Mine is cuddled next to me now while I watch TV [smileA]