Choosing a family dog breed

[10000things]

Looking for a family dog, needs to be good with children aged 10+, good with other dogs as I will be using a dog walker a couple of days a week, but would also like a dog that is protective, not an aggressive dog, just one that would bark when needed.
So far I have an Airdale, a Schnauzer and a Bull Terrier on my shortlist. I'm an experienced dog owner, previously owned a GSD, but due to an injury unfortunately I'm unable to handle a dog of that size, so looking for medium size breed. I don't mind hairy dogs, just so happens none on my shortlist (yet)

[Crispaficionado]

my flat coated retriever was hard to control but so good natured that it wasn't a problem as he never showed any aggression. I agree that you repeat the training if they are not quite getting it!

FCRs are very active dogs so would suit that and he was a wonderful family dog, put up with anything from children or adults as long as they were paying him attention.

FCRs are also incredibly beautiful, imho.

[Gingerninja4]

Labs

[Gingerninja4]

Just to mention not all land need strength my 37kg boy has never once used his full strength otherwise he pop me out my wheelchair but did lots of training when younger

Good luck with your puppy when get him

[elc19]

Golden retriever or spaniel 😊

[corcaithecat]

@pumpkinpie01
My dog is a mixed breed. His dad was a Kelpie. Does yours look a bit like mine?

[10000things]

Thank you for all your helpful suggestions: we are now on the waiting list for a Cocker Spaniel.

I'm sure s/he will bark at the door but from what I have read should be friendly and good with my children. Can't wait!

[justcly]

One of ours is a poochon. Nicely barky but not an aggressive bone in his body.

Or you could always go for the notorious labrador-greyhound cross (see the greedy, free-loading dog thread) if you really want to live with a dog that thinks all the food in the world is his.

[TheSandgroper]

Border terriers aren't too small, sturdy, robust, resilient and guaranteed to bark well at strangers.

Eager to please, easy enough to train if you put a bit of time in. We're very happy.

[Wolfiefan]

Discover Dogs is a great idea. Also consider grooming needs.
If your DS is nervous then any puppy will be a nightmare. We have a 13 week old velociraptor at the moment. Holes in clothes, bruises and generally no manners. Puppies are arseholes!!

[ritatherockfairy]

What IrmaFayLear said

[10000things]

I was a lot younger when I had my GSD, he was very well trained and I didn't have the long term injury I have now, so I had no problem controlling him, despite his size. I love Labradors, but just too strong for me these days. A Cocker spaniel sounds a good breed to consider. I think that I will visit Discover Dogs at Crufts in March.
I really want a puppy, due to DS nervousness around dogs, so not a rescue.

[IrmaFayLear]

Also the OP mentioned she wanted a dog who would bark at intruders and people suggest golden retrievers!!! Mine would welcome in any burglar and bring him a couple of socks (and pants...). Also retrievers and labs (as pp said) can be very strong and quite a handful when young.

[Louise91417]

I had a collie cross as family pet, most beautiful natured dog i have ever come across, very placid around my children. Needed lot of exercise though..

[adaline]

I wouldn't recommend a retriever or a lab if you struggled to control a German Shepard.

They're BIG dogs and massively strong as well, and they also take a long time to mature as well.

A cocker spaniel would be a good fit for what you want, I think. They're not too big (especially the working types), and although they need some grooming, they generally have great temperaments and love people.

We have a beagle at the moment but we're considering a cocker for our second dog.

[hennaoj]

Have you considered Rough Collies? I have a 16 week old rough collie puppy and he's brilliant.

[Brakebackcyclebot]

golden retriever or labrador. Brilliant temperament, would love the amount of walking you do. We've had both, and both really lovely dogs. Easy to train compared to some!

[Liliandrocketdog]

I know that it's not exactly what you're asking, but rather than looking for a dog breed, I'd go to a dog rescue & adoption center - I got my dog from the rspca in the UK, and if you go in with your family and tell them what you're doing looking for, they'll match up a dog that meets your needs and you can meet several dogs before you decide. I find it better than getting a puppy or a dog you've not met before, as you can be sure on what you're getting, and you're giving a good home to an animal in need, and a lot of the dogs in rescues have already been trained by previous owners so you don't have to tackle the potty training and teething phases with children. I hope this helps, but honestly if you're looking for a family dog, just find a dog and love it 💕

[NotTheMrMenAgain]

Have you considered a Basset Hound? I'm biased, cos mine is the doggy love of my life, but having had a Doberman, Rottie/Spaniel cross and a Weinmaraner the Basset is the most easy going, friendly, loving, cuddly dog. Clever too, which some people don't expect.

She's loved by kids at primary school who shout her name and thunder towards her at pick up time for a munch/cuddle, and she's never fazed, just pleased to see them.

[snackarella]

Second vote for a vizsla. We have a large male
But females often smaller

[FloreanFortescue]

I'd recommend Border Terriers. Not fussy, good and healthy, amazing personality and temperament.

[10000things]

I do like Spaniels too, my list seems to be getting longer! Also thinking of a Lurcher, the rough coated hairy type, they look like miniature Wolfhounds.

[Hairyfairy01]

Have you considered a cocker spaniel?

[Oliversmumsarmy]

She was the sweetest dog you could have met

[Oliversmumsarmy]

When we were choosing dpuppy from Dogs Trust they showed us her and said her mum was a very sweet natured girl.

Her mum and brother (both red Labrador colour and shape) had been rehomed and she was left. She was brown brindle and the only thing that resembled a Labrador was her ears.

She rolled a ball to us and we fell in love with her.

[10000things]

Thank you for replying, there are lots of breeds mentioned that I hadn't considered. In terms of exercise, I walk at least an hour every day often 2 hours or more.