Which dog breed for us?

[TeddyIsaHe]

I’m a seasoned spaniel owner, and want a second dog for the house. There’s Dd and I, dd is 3.5, but I’m not looking at getting a pup until middle of next year.

Happy to adopt or choose a pup, but I can’t figure out a breed. I think I want something less bonkers than a spaniel, small-medium sized, not too yappy. We’re out all the time so high energy levels not a problem, although wouldn’t mind something that is a bit lazy this time around!

I’m leaning towards another WCS, but current one is mad as a box of frogs and drives me crackers sometimes!

If you like spaniels, but would like a bit of a change this time, what about a Brittany Spaniel or a Kooikerhondje? I’ve only known one Kooikerhondje, but he was an absolute sweetheart.

My border terrier barks at strangers but knows my mates cars so doesn’t bark at them. She is active in the morning and evening but sleeps school hours and nights. She is happy to be trained and loves her walks until it gets too hot (we’re in Perth so in summer she is pleased with the aircon). She is an excellent traveller in the car. We live a very routine life which suits her well so she is no trouble.

How about a clumber spaniel? Not manic but still love an active life

Cavalier King Charles? Or a Whippet?

@TheSandgroper

My border terrier barks at strangers but knows my mates cars so doesn’t bark at them. She is active in the morning and evening but sleeps school hours and nights. She is happy to be trained and loves her walks until it gets too hot (we’re in Perth so in summer she is pleased with the aircon). She is an excellent traveller in the car. We live a very routine life which suits her well so she is no trouble.

It's funny but all the BTs I've met were somewhat "perfect". Energetic but obedient, cuddly but not clingy, smallish but robust etc... Definitely a breed I would consider for me!

I came on to suggest border terrier. Or a JRT from larger sized parents. My Jacks were very big for the breed.

Novia Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever.
Border Terrier.
Sprocker spaniel.
Miniature poodle.

Staffy...

Will keep up with a spaniel no bother, but not as manic, properly bred ones are much smaller than people think staffies are, not yappy...

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/the_doghouse/3993898-Bring-on-the-beards#prettyPhoto

One Border Terrier on a winters day.

A whippet!
They're lazy but like to burn off energy. If mine doesn't get a walk he's not fussed as long as he has something comfy to lay on

Ooh great suggestions! I love staffies, but I’d want to rehome rather than get a pup and doubt I’d get clearance with a 4 year old!

I’m very tempted by Border Terriers! Just been reading about them and they sound ideal. Just slightly worried about their tendency to not get along with other dogs, does this improve with decent early socialisation?

Ime you can't go wrong with a Lurcher!
Ours are 7 +10 and are bff's with my ds5.
A typical bedtime in our house!!

@boomchikawowwow

A whippet! They're lazy but like to burn off energy. If mine doesn't get a walk he's not fussed as long as he has something comfy to lay on

I agree, this is Wilbur my sons Whippet, he is bigger now (7 months) but a good mix, he likes a walk but is friendly, rarely barks and likes to laze arount too

sorry photo didnt load

Omg he is adorable!!

Collies are able to do whatever you want exercise wise and are super lazy when not "working". Mine sleeps 22 hours a day I swear. Mine rarely barks, unless it's the fox trying to get the chickens again!

I have always had a soft spot for pointy hounds, whippets are beautiful. Are they good with preschoolers?

I’m such a dunce when it comes to other breeds! I know spaniels and labs like the back of my hand, but only ever had gundogs, choosing something else is a bit of a minefield.

I can second a clumber spaniel. Brilliant family dogs.

If you want something like a border terrier but friendlier, and don’t mind a bit smaller, try a Norfolk or a Norwich terrier.

I have always had Labs but DH hates the hair so we did a bit of research and discovered the Spanish Water Dog. Ours is amazing, high energy went out but a right lazy bones at home. Bit of a Velcro dog but not yappy and medium sized. Used for herding and gundogs. Best bit is they don't shed and are hypoallergenic, I'm smitten and won't be going back to the labs even though I love them.

We've got a Kooikerhondje, part of the reason we got her is because we love spaniels but everyone said they were all mad so we looked for a non-mad spaniel and discovered the Kooiker! They're not for the inexperienced dog owner as they require thoughtful handling and lots of early socialisation and training but ours is a lovely dog. They can be active (agility etc) but also chilled out, they're not overly noisy and ours loves a cuddle.

I have a cavalier cross cocker. She's perfect. Lazy and cuddly like a cav but can walk for miles and miles and she's really playful.
Having said that, have a look at Sussex Spaniels. Sounds like that breed could be a brilliant fit x

Miniature poodle.

Terriers are different personalities to spaniels. I'm a terrier person There's a reason they get called terrors.

I've currently got a west highland white terrier (westie) and a cocker spaniel. The cocker was a rehome from work and is a nice enough dog but doesn't have the cheekiness that terriers have (IME). She probably would have been different if I had her from a pup - she didn't know how to play when I got her, which is pretty sad. I was her 4th home before she was 3yo.

Tollers (nova Scotia duck tolling retrievers) are lovely dogs but love chasing balls etc

A friend has tollers and got a Lagotto. That might be an option for you. Slightly smaller weight wise but quite tall.