Researching breeds and still non the wiser

[Jj2431]

We previously owned a rescue mongrel who sadly was pts 2 years ago. We have since had another baby so not getting another dog right now but doing our research for the future. Would consider another mongrel and rescue of course but failing that we would consider going to a decent breeder to get a puppy to grow up with the kids. Here is the issue.

DH has always wanted a shih tzu and the two he has known have been lovely dogs but I read that they aren't necessarily the lap dogs he thinks they are and the ones I've seen in rescue have always been snappy. Not sure if that's owners treating them like babies though.

I have always wanted a greyhound but maybe they would hate the noise of young children?

Other considerations were labrador, golden retriever and cocker spaniel. Show types. However I'm not sure we could realistically provide the physical exercise as I have a chronic pain condition. Please help us be realistic about what breeds would suit us so we can look into more into them and please send links my way that share the realities of breeds and websites we can trust.

Living arrangements- we live in an average 3 bed house with medium size secure garden.

Exercise- could offer an hour or so walk a day as well as playtime and mental stimulation at home.

Dog would only be left at home for school run, I stay home and we aren't a sociable family at weekends so rarely go out.

We can afford a dog as husband works full time.

Grooming isn't an issue as my other dog needed daily brushing and 6-8 week professional grooms.

Would prefer a dog that didn't bark constantly.

Must be family friendly although I know a lot of this is training rather than breed.

So basically..help me dog lovers..be real with me.

Thank you

Whippet , good compromise between lap dog and greyhound .

Have you considered getting a St Bernard? We get our puppy next week. Not a breed I had considered initially (like yourself, had thought more along the lines of Labrador but I am put off by amount of exercise they ideally require each day) but just by spending time doing some research and meeting a few breeders with their adult dogs made me fall in love with them.

Easily trained, do require grooming if rough coated, and have lovely temperaments around children.

St Bernards do not require a lot of exercise each day. Ideally suited to those who can only manage two 20 to 30 minute walks each day.

@blowinahoolie They look lovely and I know a lady who owns one and the dogs temperament is amazing, just not sure about their size in our house but will definitely have a read into them.

We have a Shih Tzu and we love her. She rarely barks, is great with my DC, calm and easy going. Loves cuddles on the sofa but then potters off to her own area to chill. I walk her each morning. She sleeps in her crate at night. Ours was not a rescue and where I live you will only get a rescue Shih Tzu or other small breed if you personally know the rescue centre owner or manager.

King Charles spaniels are excellent family dogs I've never met a bad I've yet. Very loving and happy to walk as little or often as you are

OP, what you need in your life is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Playful, kind, loyal, lapdog, and can be trained to do tricks if there's food involved.

Love cavaliers @nutmegofconsolation2 but believe it's hard to find one that doesn't have health issues?

@Annasgirl this is good to know. Thank you

Only thing with a rescue is you don't know what has happened to them in the past. as much as it makes sence to rehome my brother had one for years and then she suddenly turned and got my niece on her face , she is okay thank heavens but the dog was destroyed at the scene

I have a shar pei and she's amazing. So laid back and chilled just stays in her own little world unless she wants something. She gets groomed every 2 months and brushed daily with a walk every other day as she doesn't like them much! She isn't a lap dog but she does love a cuddle on a night when kids are in bed. Xx

I'd recommend a whippet too - fantastic with kids, minimal grooming, likes a sprint but also prefers to stay in when the weather isn't great 😂

I had a St Bernard, smooth coat girl. Gorgeous, brilliant temperment for a family dog, but absolutely scatty until age 2.

However, look at www.champdogs.co.uk. Gives a breed description with ideal temperment, history, possible health issues & health screening which parents should have. Puppies listed only by KC registered breeders with parents details, pedigree, health screen results, photos.

Any decent breeder will be happy to answer any questions, whether or not they have puppies available. You will also be questioned when enquiring about a puppy.

Hope this is useful.

I'd say whippet too. That's what I'm getting in a couple of years

I would be careful with choosing a Greyhound. I personally wouldn't. My brother and sister both adopted greyhounds before they started their families. They were both ex-racers. My sister's Greyhound ended up biting my Nephew (my brother's child). He was an extremely gentle dog. My nephew (I think he was about 3 or 4) accidentally tripped on the dog whilst he was asleep. Greyhounds can have what is called a 'startle reflex' which means they lash out in the sleep, when startled. He got my nephew on the face. They are very sensitive dogs.
They have since homes a whippet and she is a much better choice for a family dog. I would definitely choose a whippet or Italian greyhound (my mum has one of these, he is perfect!)

I’ve got a show Cocker Spaniel and have to be honest and say I wouldn’t recommend with small children. I love mine dearly and he has his good points, he’s great in the house, very affectionate and was very easy to house train but he’s very possessive around food, stubborn and can be quite protective of me meaning he can be a bit snappy at times. I wouldn’t have another one.

Correction - it is called sleep startle - sorry

I was worried about those issues and 'cocker rage' as well to be honest @iheartmysmart

Thanks everyone who has replied so far, really helpful and lots to think about x

I think a shih tzu sounds like quite a good match tbh.

I wouldn’t have a cocker or golden because most of the show cockers I’ve met haven’t been very nice, resource guarding is a big problem in cockers and goldens.
Labradors I think are a very boisterous, over the top breed and big and heavy too.

Greyhounds, often need to be muzzled and never let off lead due to the high prey drive.
Ex racers have often never lived in a house, or met children, or met any dog other than a greyhound and I cringe when they keep being recommended as great, easy, first time family dogs.

I have a whippet, brilliant with the kids but very hard work otherwise. Prey drive through the roof and cant go off lead as he chases everything relentlessly. Constant worry he will kill a cat.They are not all like that but do your research as they are not all chilled couch potatoes!

Many shih tzu's around where I live, they all seem really chilled and easy. I think some can be a little yappy but that probably is down to training.

Am getting a rough collie. Picked this because they will exercise but also chill. I couldn't do the hours and hours a spaniel needs. We don't have small children but all the breed stuff says they are very gentle and good with kids. I've met three now and they've all been softies and very calm. My breeder is sending me regular photos and videos so it's all become a reality rather quickly!

Oh, if you are interested in the Rough Collie, go on collielife.com and get in touch with The manager of that site - she is a mine of information!

I think first of all there is a very big difference between owning a small breed dog and owning a large one - in terms of space they take in the car, on the couch, feeding bills etc.

It sounds like your Dh is keener on a smaller breed and from your description of what would suit you, especially if you are doing most of the caring and there may be times you're not well enough, I would err towards a smaller less active breed.

That would rule out gundogs really I think.

Shih-tzu fits that bill. I would also look at some of the small breed crosses like a Shih-poo too.

Yes agree with others that a Cava King Charles spaniel fits the bill too if you can find one properly bred (have a look at some of their crosses too)

Whatever you go for, I hope it's a rescue!

Can't go wrong with a Staffie. I have two who love children and are very well behaved. They never attack other dogs , arnt food aggressive and adore a snuggle.