Border Terrier? Labradoodle? Other bright ideas? Help!

[TheMarschallin]

Hello there

We have taken the plunge and decided to get a dog. Well,, we are doing our due diligence to make sure we are ready and if we are, what breed.

We have spoken to a few people and done some internet research and so far we think that we may get on with a border terrier, a soft coated wheaten terrier or a labradoodle.

Does anyone have any views on these breeds?

Our situation is that we have a relatively small garden, but can exercise the dog for at least 2 hours a day. I work from home so we would not plan to have to leave the dog for prolonged periods on a daily basis.
Happy to groom a few times a week. I am a little bit allergic.
Both my DH and I had dogs as children but this would be our first time owners as adults. We have two DCs who are pretty gentle and responsible, and very active!

I realise that this is a big decision, so does anyone out there who knows about dogs have any thoughts? Or suggestions?

My DH would ideally like a lab, but I think that our house and garden is too small.

Thanks!

[Harvey3]

Agree with PP - mini schnauzers are awesome!! Great family dogs as they just love people, don't shed at all, good recall (if trained obviously!) and have bags of character. We were making the decision between a cockerpoo and a mini schnauzer, and so glad we went with the latter. Worth considering for sure!

[FoxesAreFabulous]

Another poodle owner here and they're fabulous dogs! I am slightly allergic to shedding dogs so we had narrowed it down to a poodle or a Tibetan terrier. So glad we went for the poodle as I have since met quite a few Tibetans and they are apparently quite hard to train (so typical terriers really). Our miniature boy is clever, funny, really bonded to us but happy to be left at home alone for a few hours (he's 3 now). Bundles of energy so will happily do long walks but happy with half an hour in the park and some games at home if the weather's bad. Unlike the poodle crosses, you know you're getting a non-shedding dog and they are generally a healthy and long-lived breed, although do make sure if you go to a breeder that both parents have been PRA tested (it's a degenerative eye condition).
My other suggestion - and what I would have if I can ever have a second dog - is a Bedlington terrier. Non-shedding, bright, funny, active, generally good with children - they can be stubborn (as can all terriers) and you wouldn't want small furries in the house but they're also fabulous dogs!

[Girlwhowearsglasses]

Whippet!
Or - or Bedlington-whippet lurcher!

First family dog is a whippet and I have three overactive DCs and two cats! He is an absolute joy and so tolerant with them all, he isn’t nervous of anything. Virtually no fur comes off him (not a lot there in the first place)- I’ve never even seen any on the furniture. No barking, no slobbering, no smells. Doesn’t eat much; and once he’s run around the park for half an hour he’s happy sitting on —the sofa— anything soft for the rest of the day. Plus it’s like living with a sculpture- he’s so elegant.

[TryTry123]

See what your local dog charity has for adoption. You can meet the dog to see their personality and take it for a walk to estimate the size and energy levels. You could rescue an animal which would be great for the pup. It is inexpensive compared to buying pure breeds.

[Wellhellothere101]

Sorry I've not read through the whole thread but we have a 4 year old medium sized Australian labradoodle and she's the best dog ever. Amazing temperament but best of all-no shedding! I have asthma and allergies so a dog that sheds hair isn't an option for me. She was bred from a line of Australian labradoodles so we were more sure of characteristics than a dog bred from a lab and a poodle. You get 3 different sizes so if you don't want a big dog go for a small or medium size. We got her from an established breeder and saw the puppies and older dogs at her home.

[Ellmau]

Spaniels are very very very high energy.

A friend has a wheaten (two actually) and they're lovely dogs.

I think a poodle (miniature if standards are too big for your home) would also work well for you.

[joystir59]

a little bit allergic is worrying. You can potentially be allergic to any breed of dog, including the non shedding ones. Aren't you worried about this OP?

[Alwaysgrey]

We have a poodle cross. He’s awesome. Happy on walks (though he loves other dogs too much) but happy to chill at home. In hindsight I’d probably go for either a Bichon or poodle rather than a cross. We fell in love with him and were a bit blinkered but he’s got a brilliant temperament which we needed as we have kids and two have autism.

[XXcstatic]

I am really interested in spaniels now

For the love of god, not a springer (wonderful dogs, I've had two, not a good first dog though unless you are a farmer/shepherd/gamekeeper who will work them 8 hours a day till they get as close as a springer ever gets to being tired).

BT, mini schnauzer or poodle are good bets.

[supercatlady]

Family member has a Border and he's VERY yappy, very exciteable and very reactive. He literally barks and jumps up for a good half hour when we visit. She did puppy classes and had a behaviourist come in but not much success.
Our Lhasa Apso is 15 and has a good temperament, but does need haircuts every 6-8 weeks as will most of the doodles I believe.

[y0rkier0se]

You say you don’t like yappy but terriers can be very yappy. Have you considered a hound? I’m also a little allergic but fine with my whippets, they’re a great size and sleep all the time they’re in the house whilst having lots of energy during walks.

[GrumpyMiddleAgedWoman]

You asked about puppy farms. There is a lot of advice on the net about how to avoid them. Off the top of my head:
Always make sure you see the puppies with their dam (and be sure it is their dam, that they're feeding off her etc)
Look at the relationship between the breeder and the dam (and any other dogs in the house): does it seem familiar and warm? Do the dogs go up to the breeder when he or she sits down? Do they get given a fuss?
Try and see the dam twice - maybe once when expecting the pups, and again after the pups are born, or once when the pups are about 3 weeks old and again before you collect your puppy at eight weeks: that gives you some assurance that the house is actually a home and not just a front.
Ask the breeder to show you photos of the dam pre-puppies (our breeder happily showed me videos of our dog's dam out working). You want to see photos of the dam lounging in front of the fire, or doing agility with the breeder, or playing in the garden, or whatever.
There is more: this link gives some advice.

Some breeders will have websites and post weekly update videos of the puppies. Others will be happy to friend you on FB.

Also, a breeder should want to know a lot about you. How much exercise will you give the puppy? Why do you want this breed or cross? Have you had a dog before and do you know what you're letting yourself in for? And so on. If someone is happy to sell you a puppy without getting to know you a bit first, walk away.

[dianebrewster]

I've just adopted a 6 month old Minature Schnauzer (belonged to a family friend who died) not a breed I knew anything about but I'm smitten. I would recommend the breed for your situation. Best if you keep them in a schnauzer clip though as they are sticky bud magnets when the fur is longer. (As are all longer coated dogs)

[Funf]

Terriers all the way for me. Not had a boarder but do like them.
How old are the children?
I feel Spaniels are for working so its hard to give them all they need in a domestic environment, so give it lots of thought.
We have had 6 dogs, the current Dandie Dinmont terrier is the best we have had, Loyal, great companion, none shedding providing you groom her, eats sleeps and poos when required, playful and great with other dogs and people
When our children where small we had tow Lhasa Apsos, nice lap dog great with kids and ok if left.
Do your home work then do it again, a good breeder will quiz you.
I always look at what the dog was originally used for some working dogs just want to work all day every day and would need massive amounts of energy, a friends collie climbs mountains with no problem but doesn't like being in the house

[Darbs76]

I have a Cockapoo and he’s amazing. Great temprement, good size (cocker spaniel size), mine doesn’t moult (some do), loves running off lead but will be fine with a lazy day too. Only downside is he needs a lot of grooming or gets matted. In winter he needs a lot of washing off mud but we have an equafleece suit that helps. Some can have separation anxiety, although mine follows me from room to room he’s ok at home alone for a few hours. Getting a dog has without a shadow of a doubt been amazing for our family. Kids adore him. I’ve made at least 8 amazing new dog walking friends, one of which I’ve been on holiday with (dogs too). I adore labs and did consider one but they can be very strong and they moult an awful lot (but no grooming costs and they have a waterproof coat so less washing off mud

[Zuma76]

Schnauzers all the way. I have a standard and a giant and they are lovely, happy dogs. They both happily run with me for hours if I wanted to and are as happy sleeping all day in the garden. The little ones can be happy but research standards.

[Peanutbuttericecream]

Our Labradoodle is crossed with a miniature poodle, so is a perfect size. She’s a great dog and very healthy.

Unfortunately on Mumsnet, you won’t get a balanced view on anything doodle.

[Hermanhessescat]

Schnauzer here too. I have a mild allergy to animal fur/dander - cats
mainly, but never had an issue with our dog. Very little shedding. Lovely temperament - does bark for a couple of seconds if she spies a dog or horse trotting past the window but is shortlived. Friendly with other dogs,
extremely sociable but also has been very easy to train.

[mrsjoyfulprizeforraffiawork]

Unlikely, I think, that anyone else has yet mentioned it. One of my considerations when contemplating a new dog was that I definitely did not want one that could get stuck and lost down a rabbit/fox hole (over the years, looking at DogLost, this has happened a lot). So, I went for a medium-sized dog who would not manage to get down a hole (although she would very much like to). Fortunately, badgers are not usually found in my immediate area.

[maisiemoolou]

I'm a dog walker and used to board dogs at my home. I have a labradoodle who I walk and he is amazing, but he is a big dog. My experience of Border Terriers hasn't been the best. I have found them to be stubborn, difficult dogs who clearly want to do what they want to do, they are apparently well known for it. I love a doodle cross, but as another poster has said, you'll properly get flamed for considering one. Good luck with your new pup when you get him or her.