Which breed should we get?

[LipstickforFish]

We have wanted a dog for years and years but it was never the right time (both working full time and living in a flat, etc)

We now have the time and outside space for a dog so we are starting to think about it. However we cannot agree on breed. I have always wanted a pug even before they got "popular". However my DP thinks they have too many health issues and would rather get a "proper dog" like a Lab or Staffie.

So, what would be recommended for the following family;

Medium garden, lots of woodland and fields nearby for walking
Someone is home pretty much all the time
We have a two year old
We have two indoor cats

Any ideas?

Staffies are terrific

I've lived in Staffs, and seen how a lot of staffies in the county are bred (former friend worked for the RSPCA). As a result of his horror stories, and my own eyes, I would never recommend a staffie around kids. Oh, I've also not namechanged so completely willing to stand behind this view.

one word AIREDALE
lovely size, lovely nature.

We have two Lhasa Apso puppies that are 9 months old, from the same litter. They are adorable and so loving and loyal. Ours are brilliant with children and our kitten. They are quite intelligent dogs so easy to train and quick to house brake. They gaze into your eyes and you fall in love with them. They like going for a walk and will walk a couple of miles twice a day and 1 mile at lunch time as I am home but will never need the 5 miles every morning and evening of bigger dogs. They also love to be cuddled and groomed. They do not have much dander so are great for asthmatics. Only downside they need to be combed out well every day if you want them to have longer hair. Ours have topknots and look so cute. When we walk them people are always stopping us to ask to pet them. They have fantastic personalities. It is as if they know they are gorgeous.

Get a border terrier. They are ace family dogs, healthy fun and wrap up small. I want one!

I know three different people with cockerpoos and all say they are hard to train and they all seem to jump at people a lot and needs loads of exercise to calm them down. I would avoid these with a small child.

simplysteve I’m from a rough area originally.
The only dogs you ever saw were Staffies or staff/pit mixes on chains or ropes.
Never, ever saw a nasty one.
Not once. Ever.

I wouldn’t hestitate to have a staffy around kids personally.

Since moving to a nicer area I don’t see staffs too often.
There is an abundance of aggressive dogs here mind.
Poodle mixes and small ‘cute’ dogs like Shih Tzus and the like mostly..

@Santaisfastasleepatlast I love whippety lurchers, but have always thought that they wouldn't suit cats (we have a young rescue cat). Where your dogs young pups when you got them?
I always look at whippet/lurcher rescues and they are never marked as cat friendly.
You have given me hope

@Doggydoggydoggy obviously dogs are bred all across the country and there are going to be pockets of both great, and dangerous, breeding in all parts. Was just giving my experiences based on seeing breeding farms.

Although my breeder of choice, many miles away now but worth travelling the time for, breeds many breeds, including staffies. A breeder happy to let you spend time amongst the pups (No idea if I can name them). Sadly, many are only interested in the money.

I'd never, ever, take a dog from a rescue kennels as you have no idea of the dogs breeding, or treatment. Certainly not around kids (based on experience), or private seller, the money most important thing. Pup was a very young Bischon Frisé, clearly younger than advertised, clearly very ill (based on experience) as you have no idea of breeding. If single/couple you may, as we did, choose to get a rescue/private sale, just be careful.

Just a funny anecdote. I remember meeting DPs GDad for the first time (who's had dogs all his life, sadly sadly no longer with us). Big gate behind which a jack russell and the biggest Alsatian I'd ever seen sat forebodingly, he was huuuuge. DP walks in confidently giving the dogs a fuss, I follow doing my best to stay away from the alsatian. Yeh, good idea Steve, was the bloody jack Russell feasting on my ankles...

West Highland terrier.
I'm not a fan of small dogs but three family members and friends have got westies. All of them live with cats, two live with children and babies without any problems and all are lovely dogs. I think the main health problem seems to be skin as I know one friend has a special shampoo for her dog and also all are left for short periods of time. I'd consider one in your circumstances

I love westies but personally would steer clear due to skin problems.

For me there's nothing better than a jrt, wonderful, hardy, spirited dogs.

But not with a toddler or cats, I'd go with a border terrier in your case.

The younger ddog we have had since birth, dd's ddog had her!! She is amazing, we also ended up with her dm last year, previously an outside killing machine she is very much a house pet now, dc +dcat friendly!!
There is hope!!

DoggyDoggyDoggy I perhaps didn't make myself clear about steer clear of working dogs. We have a working black lab gun dog who is out shooting throughout the year with my husband, as well as a Working Cocker who is my beating dog and 2 JRTs who we worl with ferrets and will go out ratting in the cover crop at the end of the season. Working dogs make THE BEST pets imaginable, if you know what you are doing and prepared to train them extremely well.

I just meant that to an inexperienced owner, who might not want to put in that amount of effort into training, a working dog breed might not be the best idea - for the dog's sake more than the owners. A frustrated and under-trained, under exercised, working stock lab would not be a happy dog.

That's all I meant!