Can anyone recommend me a nice family dog breed?

[Areyousureted]

We are considering getting a dog. My dc are older (youngest is 8) and I am a sahm. We have garden and I think I would do a great job of looking after a puppy. One of my dc is quite nervous around dogs (but loves them) for this reason I think we need a fairly placid breed. I always liked King Charles spaniels but having researched them I discover they are a breed often with health problems. I also like golden retrievers but I am put off by their size and hair shedding as our house isn’t that big. Also, although I currently am at home with the kids I may like to do a part time job in the future so I am thinking that it would be good to have a dog that can be left at home for say 4 hours at a time. We are an active family though so don’t mind doing regular walks. Thank you in advance if anyone thinks they can help with my decision !

We have a cavalier King Charles spaniel who is just fantastic so don’t rule them out completely. Yes, they do have some predisposed heath conditions but so do a lot of other breeds and as long as you are getting it from a reputable breeder and they have carried out all the checks, you get decent insurance and don’t miss health checks at the vets I don’t think they are too risky. She is a fantastic family dog - we have young children and is the perfect energy level for us. She loves walks (unless it’s raining) and will go as far as we want to but if all she gets on a wet day is a run round the garden playing with a ball then she’s equally content. Plus she loves cuddles - not sure how high that is on your list of priorities! My parents have a golden retriever who is glorious but my god, the hair dropping is out of this world and I don’t think I could cope with it every day.

Another one for a Border Terrier. IME they are very good with children. Not yappy. They have relatively few health problems, not too big. We have two and as long as they get sufficient walks - they can be left alone for 4 hours - they just snooze. They are very affectionate. I can't say they don't shed , but mitigated if they are brushed and have periodic hand stripping .

I would be happy with a cross breed but just need to think about which combination is a good one. I think it’s difficult to get a rescue around here. Very few available and they always say not suitable for children. Border terrier sounds good I will look in to them

There is a really good quiz on the Kennel Club website to help decide. I thought it would be a bit silly but it’s quite thorough (for a quiz!) and goes into garden size, how much time you have etc. It won’t include the cross-breeds, but it might give you a steer as to what breeds would be good when part of a poodle cross

What about a Tibetan Spaniel or Papillon?

I have a Cavalier! She's just perfect with the kids. And the cuddliest ever!

Just off to research papillon

Nb mine is 7 now, no health problems whatsoever. I got her from a very well respected breeder and her parents were tested for health problems especially heart and she was given the all clear.

I vote Poodle!

I've spent years longing for a dog and always thought I'd end up with a cocker spaniel / miniature schnauzer - this year the time was finally right and I started going back through my research, initially looking at the above breeds and then crossbreeds like cockapoos etc (having never considered them before)... whilst doing this I started to look at poodles, and also saw one that had a 'normal haircut'... I fell in love!

I've now got my own miniature poodle who has been with us 4 weeks today and is the best boy ever. Met both mum and dad who had amazing temperaments so I'm very happy with my choice

Anyone any experience with Lhasa apso ?

Another vote for poodle. Attached is a picture of mine. As a PP said you don't have to have the show cuts. Our little man is a family dog, enjoys walks round the woods and snuggling in the evenings. I admit I'm biased!

@OutingMyDog, have you tried giving her things to occupy her mind rather than only trying to wear her out physically? Show cockers descend from the working strain who can be utterly batshit (but delightful) if not kept mentally as well as physically occupied. A bit of gundog work - hunting for balls in long grass, or retrieving, might really help.

Of course, you might have tried this and if so, ignore me!

Look into coton de Tulear. That's the breed we were going to go for until family friends needed a home for an accidental litter. We've now got a 12month old spaniel/terrier Cross who is wonderful in many ways but reactive to loud children and male strangers in the house. He has the sensitivity of a spaniel and quickness to react of a terrier so I real conflict of breeds.

If you want a small-ish dog, then something like a miniature poodle, cairn terrier, border terrier, schnauzer or shih-tzu would be a good choice, I think.

They do all require regular grooming/cuts but you could learn to do it yourself if you wanted to save money. I walk a fantastic little cairn - she's three, has an hours' walk a day and spends the rest of the time upside down on the sofa she wakes up for treats and when they have visitors!

Cocker Spaniel! We have a working cocker, he’s 13 and he’s honestly been the best family pet. We‘ve never had a days problem in his life with him! Lovely temperament with children, so friendly, always wants to play!

Mine doesn't bark much - he went through a stage of barking at cyclists and joggers but we've trained him not to do that now. He doesn't bark when the door bell goes - but does bark when someone goes past the back gate - but that's just him being a good guard dog. I think as a breed that can be 'barky' but you can prevent that with training. He's been so easy, he's super intelligent and has a wonderful nature. So loving and great with kids. Plus NO shedding and no 'doggy' smell ! ( I am very house proud)

He was a bitey pup...but I'd say this is true of all pups, don't think it's a particular 'schnauzer' trait. The bitey stage is very trying - but they grow out of it!

Hope you find a good one.

But if you ever live next door to me and your dog barks for ever I will be on to you!

So many excuses made for barking doggies. That's fine, it is your dog, but keep your neighbours in mind too.

You might actually like a Chinese Crested Powderpuff... they are sweet little dogs and currently very overlooked.
(Don't get distracted by their hairless litter mates!)

Labrador - 100%

Miniature poodle with a "cute cut" (ie NOT shaved + pompoms) = wonderful curly family pet. Playful and fun out and about; cuddly, snoozy and friendly at home. Non shedding (offset is paying for groom every 5 weeks but zero hair shed at home). Definitely look into these guys, they're wonderful. I do find miniature schnauzers and dachshunds I meet can be reactive and bark a lot but obviously not all are. Border terriers seem to be fantastic pets. Retrievers and labs gorgeous but big, shed a lot, eat everything!

Cairn Terriers
They're like teddies and have lots of energy and character!

This is a miniature poodle!

Cockerpoo! Lovely dogs and don't shed any hair! Ours is happy to be left at home whilst I'm at work for a maximum of 4 hrs. Loves her walks and the cats and she is very obedient although sometimes a little hyper! Recently seen them advertised for nearly 3k though! Crazy prices. We rescued her nearly 3 years ago and it was the best thing we ever did!

The point being they needn't look "poodly" if that would put you off.