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

You need to think carefully about the amount of time that you can give to exercise, training and play. If you are considering spaniels then be aware that they are active and intelligent dogs. The best spaniel breed that you might consider could be a Clumber Spaniel. They are regal dogs, playful but maybe less energetic than other spaniels, they enjoy home comforts but you'll still have lots of fun. www.easyspanieltraining.com/are-clumber-spaniels-good-dogs/

My Nan had 2 shi tzu's who were great. One enjoyed walking with my grandad and the other wasn't up for walking much. They didn't bark much. They were pretty sweet and easy. Stank though.

We have a Jack Russell and he's brilliant with the kids, loves a walk and to chase the ball but also loves to sleep and cuddle.

We have a rescue greyhound who doesn't have sleep startle but a PP is correct, it is relatively common amongst greys.

We waited until our DC were 8 and 6 before we got one so there was no "toddler tripping" or anything like that and we monitored the kids exceptionally carefully. There were a few growls from the hound and we went back to basics with the kids about how to read the lip licking, yawning etc. She is however, basically the easiest, laziest dog we could have asked for and she is dearly loved by all.