First time dog owner

[MeSoTooSo]

What breed would you advise for a first time dog owner?

I would really like an adult dog (I've been reading how challenging a puppy can be) - but would I be naive to consider a rescue dog?

Thank you!

Whippets are sighthounds so will naturally have a higher prey drive than other breeds - I know plenty that have great recall and can be let off safely to play etc. Can't say they won't ever nab a squirrel 🤷‍♀️ if the opportunity allows but they're just so quick. I know one that lives with 11 cats so they can for the most part be small fluffy safe.

I would recommend a staffie, they have amazing characters, they don’t need loads of exercise but are happy to walk far if you want them too, they can be a bit stubborn and tend to have selective hearing at times but will be your best friend. I’m looking at a staffie tomorrow that’s in foster.

Spaniels are great if trained but are high energy and like long walks. I do love springer spaniels but if I was going to get one it would be a puppy so I could train it from the start.

Loads of mix breeds make good pets.

I’d really recommend a random crossbreed rescue, and as others have mentioned a young to middle-ages adult (between 18 months and 4).
There will be fewer health issues than many pedigrees and you can judge the dog on its personality (well established by 18mths) rather than breed type. Most dogs in this bracket will have basic training and you can discuss your needs with the rescue.
Ours is a lab sighthound cross, we think. Basically looks and acts like a small Labrador: sociable, mid-sized, and as energetic or lazy as you like (DP is a runner, I’m a sofa-with-treats slob. Dog loves both)

Based on your posts I would say a working bred border collie might suit?

They really relish a calm quiet house, they will take as much exercise as you give them.
They don't need hours and hours of mental stimulation and training, it can cause them to get overstimulated and troublesome in fact.

The most important thing (as with any high energy breed) is teaching them how to settle down and relax.

Mine is very calm and placid in the house.
She rarely gets up off the sofa though she will take as much exercise as you can give her.
Lovely, gentle dog.

Good with kids as well.
As a working bred she has ample herding instinct and is very stimulated by movement but has no desire whatsoever to 'follow through' and hurt small animals, cats etc, she just likes to try and stalk and chase.

Very eager to please, easy to train, no separation anxiety she is happy to mooch about by herself.

A lot seem to have guarding issues, is that a spaniel thing generally?

Yes it is.
Severe resource guarding is a known problem in some lines of spaniel and retriever.
Not just toys and food either, guarding people, rooms, blades of grass, random rocks...

Surprised to hear your not put off.
Resource guarding can be a pretty serious and dangerous problem.

I utterly totally disagree about never taking toys etc.
They should be taught from puppyhood that people around or taking food, toys etc is a pleasant experience that results in more and better food and toys.

You should be able to take anything from a dog without fear of being injured.

@Fucksandflowers I agree a puppy should be well trained and socialised, and in an ideal world no dog would have guarding issues.

Sadly not all dogs have a good start to life, and I can understand an adult rescue dog having anxieties around food and toys. I understand aggression can be anxiety based rather than a 'bad trait'?

My point I suppose is that an adult rescue dog with those particular issues (possessive over food/toys) wouldn't totally put me off adopting them, as during my childhood it was taught to us not to disturb our dog.

I'm unable to have children though; I imagine it would be an issue if I had kids, or if the dog was likely to be around children.

(I assume you meant my comment about spaniels btw)

Resource guarding is a fear based behaviour and it can often be treated, but it can also be a genetic, inherited tendency that is managed rather than cured.

You may be able to find them on here if you search for them but I know I have definitely seen on here threads demonstrating the type of 'inherited severe resource guarding' I am referring to in golden retrievers.

Puppies of just 9 or 10 weeks biting viciously enough to draw blood, guarding ridiculous items like blades of grass.

Spaniels also are known for it, and as a pp mentioned, cockerpoos are rapidly getting a reputation as guarders, from the spaniel side.

Personally, I have never ever understood the 'leave alone when sleeping/eating etc' mantra.

I think it is dangerous.

I think it is extremely important the dog understands that it can be moved by you or have food or toys taken at any time without getting aggressive.

I don't agree with aversive resource guarding prevention training by removing bowls, I think that makes aggression more likely but I definitely think dogs must be taught that people around precious resources = good things.

Some people don't seem to mind dogs that growl a little when disturbed or over food and things but it would be a deal breaker for me.