Best kind of dog for us - advice please

[Survivalofthefittest]

A bit about us:

• live in a city, have a garden, close to a park.
• 2 children aged 8 and 13
• Cat who is 2 years old
• Have never had a dog before (apart from as a child)
• Both dh and I work from home
• Happy to walk daily (obviously) but don't want to have to walk more than one hour per day

That's it I think. Any advice please? I'd been thinking of a cocker spaniel but as lovely as they are think they might be a bit high energy for us...

ETA all my dogs like cats. Staffy was besties with my cat (they died of old age 4 weeks apart). My current two love my parents cats.

Bichon frise ticks all your boxes, OP. Not a lot of walking (most breeds need 2 hours of exercise a day). Not a lot of shedding. They get on well with cats. You don't need to worry about prey drive. They are lovely, lovely dogs. I am a gun dog owner. I know my breeds well. Dad was a habitual rescuer. And mum's family bred greyhounds. So I hope you trust my advice. I've been around a lot of dogs and cats.
I currently have 1 gun dog and 2 cats (an older ginger tabby and a young tuxedo).
Avoid sighthounds, terriers and spaniels.

Are you planning to have the dog from a pup/from a breeder? If so the cat shouldn’t be a problem with correct introductions etc regardless of breed. Sounds like a border terrier might be ok for you, as previously mentioned they are not so ‘terrier-y’ for a terrier! You’re right to steer clear of cockers- they will require more than you’re happy with. Good luck

I would say a Staffordshire bull terrier as they are one of the best dogs with kids, small to medium sized..

I would go against a spaniel, my friend breeds them and doesn't like to home then to families unless they keep the dogs brain active with say agility etc. They are a working intelligent dog and need a lot of stimulation.

We found this points system a good start
dogtime.com/dog-breeds/dandie-dinmont-terrier#/slide/1
I like spaniels but they require loads of work to keep them busy