What dog breed would be best?

[FreckledLeopard]

I've been researching a number of dog breeds and going round in circles so I'd love some advice from dog-owners please.

Background: I've always wanted a dog and for various reasons it's never happened. Now seriously thinking about it but have various factors to consider.

I have three cats. I've always been interested in whippets/greyhounds but from everything I've read there just seems to be too much of a risk that a sight hound could kill the cats.

We live in the city, in a terraced house, small garden (parks nearby). I work full time, DP 4 days per week. I could work from home one day per week and DP frequently pops in and out of the house each day as part of his work and often works part of each day at home for a few hours. Adult DD currently at home but not sure what her longer term plans are so can't really rely on her to do much for any dog (if she moves away or goes to uni).

We can afford dog daycare/dog walker - the latter would be preferable rather than having to drop any dog off elsewhere each day.

Given we don't have huge house or garden I'd like a small-ish breed.

So what we'd want is:
Dog that's good with cats
Dog that can be left alone for up to 4 hours maybe two to three day per week
Dog that's relatively easy to train
Dog that doesn't require more than 1.5 to
2 hours of exercise per day
Dog that's good for a novice dog owner (DP has had dogs before but I haven't)
Dog that isn't yappy

Any advice would be very welcome (including as to whether I'm deluded and whether any such dog breed exists). I would consider a rescue but had assumed a puppy would be better in respect of cats getting used to it when small, rather than a fully grown dog rocking up one day.

Please tell me about your dog breeds!

[Seonie]

Sorry - freckledleaopard - I should add that the reason i struck on Bedlington Whippet cross was because i used a puppy survey and my criterion were very similar to yours - there are so many of these online that i can't find the original one - it also mentioned the Polish Lowland Sheepdog, and I do know these are the most amazing dogs for families and owners with pets, but there are few breeders in the uk and the puppies are expensive - although at least you know they are not puppy farmers but people who are in love with the breed.

[AnnaFiveTowns]

I'm sorry but I don't think that any dog should be put in a cage for 4 hours at a time. Leaving a dog alone for 4 hours could be ok - but not in a cage! Do people actually do that?

[Greyhound22]

A whippet from a pup will be fine. I know lots that live with cats as well as any other dog. They are ideal for your sort of situation really so I would have another look. A puppy couldn't be left for quite a time though.

Ex-racing greyhound - no. I know people wait for 'cat safe' ones but I would never trust one that had raced with a cat whatever anyone says (and they are my favourite obvs)

[GrumpyMiddleAgedWoman]

I agree with not getting an ex-racing greyhound when you have cats. Likewise, do not get a lurcher from a coursing bust. Ex-coursers can be lovely dogs, and great with children, but they will have been bred to have prey drive and, if not young pups, they will have been allowed to use it.

[YoureAllABunchOfBastards]

Smooth Collie. Beautiful nature, will sleep all day or walk all day depending on what you're doing. Very easy to train. Does take up a lot of room on the sofa though...